Longtime Arkansas baseball coach Dave Van Horn has been selected for the 2027 class of the ABCA Hall of Fame, the organization announced recently. He will be formally inducted on January 8 during the ABCA Convention in Chicago, where a ceremony will celebrate his contributions to the sport.
The Road to the Hall
Van Horn’s career stretches across 38 seasons, encompassing stints at Texarkana Community College, Central Missouri State, Northwestern State, Nebraska and the University of Arkansas. His 974‑494 record at Arkansas places him among the program’s most winningest coaches, and his 1,559‑734 overall tally reflects a longevity that few in college baseball have matched.
The coach’s résumé includes ten trips to the College World Series, regular‑season conference championships at three different institutions, and a 2021 SEC Tournament title that highlighted his work with the Razorbacks. Under his guidance, three Arkansas players have captured the Golden Spikes Award, underscoring his ability to develop talent.
A Legacy of Leadership
Van Horn’s impact extends beyond wins and losses. He has been recognized with multiple national coach of the year honors, earned a place in the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2019, and saw his No. 8 jersey retired by McLennan Community College earlier this year. His induction will mark the sixth hall‑of‑fame honor of his career and the fourth as a coach.
The upcoming ceremony will place Van Horn alongside two other active coaches slated for the 2027 ABCA Hall of Fame, continuing a tradition that began with pioneers such as Norm DeBriyn, the first Arkansas coach to receive the accolade. As the baseball community prepares to celebrate his legacy, the induction serves as a reminder of the enduring influence a dedicated coach can have on the game.