University Service Citation Award Recipients Dave Bingham

Bingham’s lifelong support keeps Hornet Baseball thriving

As both a player and coach, Dave Bingham (B.S. ’72, M.S. ’73) devoted nearly two decades to Emporia State University baseball. Under his leadership, the Hornets became a Midwest powerhouse and captured the 1978 national championship. Today, even in retirement, Bingham remains one of the program’s strongest advocates — a lasting symbol of his commitment to the black and gold.

In 1987, Bingham created the David Bingham Baseball Scholarship, which supports Hornet Baseball student-athletes. His generosity didn’t end there. In 2021, the Arizona native helped establish the Rich Alday Baseball Scholarship, providing annual support for a player from Tucson. Alday, who passed away in 2021, was a former Hornet who became a successful coach in Arizona and helped send many players from that state to Emporia. The scholarship keeps that Tucson-to-Emporia connection alive.

In recognition of his dedication, Emporia State has named Bingham a 2025 recipient of the University Service Citation Award, which honors outstanding service by alumni, friends and former employees.

“ESU was part of my life at a young and influential time,” Bingham said, recalling his transfer from the University of Arizona — a move that set the stage for his legendary Hornet coaching career. “It made a difference in my life and felt like the right place at the right time.

“It’s not just about what you learn in school,” he added. “It’s about the people you meet — and there was a vibrant, passionate group at ESU who motivated me to be the same way.”

A 2024 inductee into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame, Bingham posted a 557-270-2 record as the Hornets’ head coach from 1974 to 1987. He went on to win 249 games as the head coach at the University of Kansas, leading the Jayhawks to their first College World Series appearance in 1993, and later served as an assistant coach for six U.S. Olympic baseball teams. He helped coach the silver-medal team in 1984 and the gold-medal squad in 1988.

“This award is a special honor,” he said. “There are a lot of great people who have done so much for Emporia State. It’s flattering to be thought of.”