Middle Tennessee State University Athletics
Hall of Fame
James "Jaybird" Hamblen
- Induction:
- 1991
- Class:
- 1938
A star end in MT football and an attention-getting left-handed first baseman for the Blue Raiders, James "Jaybird" Hamblen is widely credited with attracting Charles "Bubber" Murphy, the school's winningest coach, to MT. Murphy was working in Nashville when Hamblen, a fellow athlete/graduate from Central High School, persuaded him to join classmates at MT where he played football, baseball and basketball.
After graduation, Hamblen and Murphy both signed pro-baseball contracts with the New York Giants. Hamblen went on to play four seasons as a first baseman in the pros. With World War II looming large, Hamblen joined the Navy and served in the Pacific. He returned to coach for two-and-half years at Nashville's Isaac Litton High School.
After graduation, Hamblen and Murphy both signed pro-baseball contracts with the New York Giants. Hamblen went on to play four seasons as a first baseman in the pros. With World War II looming large, Hamblen joined the Navy and served in the Pacific. He returned to coach for two-and-half years at Nashville's Isaac Litton High School.
MTSU Men's Basketball Post Game Press Conference vs Kennesaw State 12/17/25
Wednesday, December 17
Blue Raider Breakdown Postgame Show - December 16th - Women's Basketball
Wednesday, December 17
MT Women's Basketball | Together: Episode Three | It's gotta mean something to you
Tuesday, December 16
MTSU Women's Basketball vs. Auburn Postgame Press Conference on 12/16/25
Tuesday, December 16
