About Inductee

Gerald Dupree graduated from Monrovia High School in 1956, where he played both baseball and basketball, making All-County in basketball five times. At Monrovia he was Class President, basketball team captain and a representative to Boy's State. From 1956 - 1960 Gerald attended Jacksonville State University on an athletic scholarship, playing both basketball and baseball. He was captain of the basketball team for the 1959-60 season and graduated seventh in his class with a degree in Business Administration. In 1958 he signed a professional baseball contract with the Kansas City Athletics and played one year before returning to Jacksonville and getting married to Sarah Yeager. While at JSU, Gerald was ROTC Captain and received a Regular Army Commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. He served with the 101st Airborne Division and played shortstop on their team that won the 1961 3rd Army Championship. While in service, he also coached the 24th Infantry Division baseball team which won the 7th Army championship in 1964. After his military service, he returned to Huntsville and worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, twice receiving the highest civilian award given by the Corp of Engineers. In 2004, JSU named its Baseball Coaches Office in honor of Gerald. He attributes his athletic and life's success to many people and one thing. He singled out five people. He says, "My mom, Zuba, taught me never to give up. Troy Hinton, my high school coach, taught me how to win, not only on the athletic field but also in life. My wife taught me about love, support, respect, believing in myself and she has given me constant encouragement throughout our 48 years of marriage. My college coach, Tom Roberson, believed that a skinny kid from a small rural high school could significantly contribute to the life of a university. My close friends Charles Clark and Jimmy Green have taught me that friendship, respect and integrity will carry one far on athletic fields as well as in life." Gerald went on to say that everything that he has accomplished he credits to God, who has been his guiding light. Growing up in Monrovia, being associated with God and loving people who care, encourage and support; has been a blessing beyond comparison. Gerald and Sarah have one son, Ron, one daughter, Elizabeth Cobb, and six wonderful grandchildren.