(Phoenix, AZ) One of the greatest two-sport athletes in Sun Devil Athletics history will earn one of its rarest honors as Paul Ray Powell will have his number (#4) unveiled on Sun Devil Baseball’s Wall of Honor on Saturday evening at Phoenix Municipal Stadium prior to the team’s series finale against BYU, scheduled for 6:30 p.m. AZT.
Powell will become the 18th player to have their number recognized by the program, joining legendary coaches Bobby Winkles (#1) and Jim Brock (#33).
He will be the first player to be honored since the 2016 season when the Sun Devils placed Andre Ethier and Dustin Pedroia over the left center field wall. He joins former players Oddibe McDowell (#0), Pedroia (#2), Bob Horner (#5), Sal Bando (#6), Alan Bannister (#7), Hubie Brooks (#7), Alvin Davis (#9), Kevin Romine (#12), Ethier (#14), Larry Gura (#14), Paul Lo Duca (#16), Floyd Bannister (#19), Eddie Bane (#21), Barry Bonds (#24), Mike Kelly (#24), Rick Monday (#27) and Reggie Jackson (#44).
A pregame ceremony on the field will include the unveiling of the wall placard as well as the presentation of a framed jersey to Powell, who was inducted into the Arizona State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1978. Powell will also take a few moments to say some words for the occasion. Fans are encouraged to be in their seats by 6:00 p.m.
“Paul Ray Powell is one of the most outstanding all-around athletes in the history of Sun Devil Athletics,” said ASU Athletics Director Graham Rossini. “He’s a national champion, a player of the year, and a hometown hero from nearby Eloy. More than that, he truly represents what it means to be a Sun Devil through his lasting connection to ASU. I’m excited to see him celebrated with this well-earned honor.”
“I speak from my own experience when I say how much it means to wear the Maroon and Gold and Paul Ray did this long before I did,” said head coach Willie Bloomquist. “He was a trailblazer for this program and set the stage for guys like me decades later to have a chance to come here and represent the Sun Devils. I am very happy for him and look forward to an exciting night at the ballpark.”
Powell was the star center fielder on Sun Devil Baseball’s 1969 College World Series team and was selected to the College World Series First Team. He also held several football and baseball school and national records. He was named to the Second Team All Western Athletic Conference and Third Team All American in football, where he was the NCAA kick-scoring champion in 1968 with 77 points.
He was an All-American and 1969 Sporting News Player of the Year in baseball. He graduated in 1974 with a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education. Paul Ray was drafted in the first round of the 1969 baseball draft by the Minnesota Twins and made his Major League Debut in 1971. He played with the Twins and the Los Angeles Dodgers, spending 10 years in professional baseball, from 1969-79.
This weekend, the Sun Devils will celebrate Valley Night at Phoenix Municipal Stadium. The first 1,000 fans in attendance will receive an exclusive 2025 baseball card team set – a pack that will include a card to commemorate Powell’s induction. Additionally, fans can enjoy $1 pretzels as the Sun Devils conclude their Big 12 series against the Cougars.
Press Release courtesy of Sun Devil Athletics – Jeremy Hawkes
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