There are Hall of Fame athletes and Hall of Fame teams. More distinct is a Hall of Fame life. A political science professor at Whittier since 1969, Mike McBride was recognized for just such a life when he was inducted into the Purple & Gold Hall of Fame with the class of 2024. Having brought the Poets softball program to life in 1979 (along with Professors Bob Giomi and Warren Hanson), McBride has been a presence on or near the diamond for more than four decades, including the 1987 SCIAC championship season for which the entire team was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
“I was a little surprised,” McBride said. “A few years ago, we inducted Bob Whitaker. He was the ultra Whittier College sports fan. He showed up at every athletic event he could. I kind of saw it along those lines. I’ve been around a long time. I have the softball program, and I did a lot of stuff with the men’s lacrosse team in its early years. I’m pretty faithful about attending home football and basketball games.”
McBride has baseball in his blood. His dad loved the sport, and McBride taught “Baseball in Literature and Film” at Whittier for many years. The father of two daughters, he had an early passion for making sure girls grew up with the same opportunities on a diamond that boys had enjoyed for generations. As the Whittier softball program grew, he saw the rewards of that passion.
Among his points of emphasis over the years has been perspective. Softball can be a cruel sport, but when players get down, McBride offers light. “You should enjoy this; have fun. It’s an opportunity a lot of people don’t have in other parts of the world.”
Taking his place among former Poet softball players in the Hall of Fame, McBride applauds the number of Whittier alumni who have become coaches themselves. “They’re creating opportunity for other young women on their way up.”
McBride mentions the number of Whittier alumni events when asked about a connecting thread for Poet athletics. “They’ve all had a common experience,” he said. “Coaches are close to their players.” It’s a bond that carries beyond graduation day, and one Mike McBride will personify as a new member of the Purple & Gold Hall of Fame.
2024 Inductees
Sharon and David Herzberger
Honorary
Mike McBride
Honorary
Michele Callaway
Cross-Country, Track & Field
Class of 2012
Antonio “Tony” Fimbres
Baseball
Class of 1993
Ron Klepfer
Baseball
Class of 1959
Mary (Pacheco) Walthers
Softball
Class of 2010