ATHLETICS
Goode’s Love of Baseball Leads
to Major Gift to Joe Lee Griffin Baseball Field ByWilliam Nunnelley
Joe Goode has been a baseball fan ever since his days as a second baseman on his regimental team while serving in the Army. Over the years he has followed the fortunes of his alma mater, the Samford Bulldogs, providing his financial support along the way. Now, Goode's generosity will become apparent in a spectacular manner. Goode has provided the lead gift of $165,000 that will enable Samford to install a new videoboard, scoreboard and audio system, dramatic additions to Joe Lee Griffin Baseball Field, the home of Samford baseball. "This will be the first videoboard for our baseball program, which will enhance the fan experience and create additional opportunities to generate revenue," said Martin Newton, Samford’s director of athletics. "We are committed to providing our student-athletes and fans with first class facilities and a game day atmosphere that is second to none in the Southern Conference." A member of Samford’s class of 1952, Goode received his bachelor’s degree in business administration and economics. Following graduation, he served in the U.S. Army as a member of the Special Forces Airborne. He stayed in touch with the university over the years and supported it along the way. After serving in the military, Goode entered the financial planning profession with Prudential Financial. Among his clients over the years was Bellmark Records, who represented the hip-hop duo Tag Team for a time. The duo is best known for their 1993 single “Whoomp!” (There It Is).” It has recently experienced a rebirth in a popular Geico commercial. A Birmingham native, Goode was one of 10 children born to his parents. His father pastored several Baptist churches in the Birmingham area, so it was natural for Goode to attend
“I think the new videoboard will be
an exciting addition to the ballpark for Samford players and fans.” –Joe Goode
26 • Seasons • Fall 2021
Goode
then-Howard College in nearby East Lake. "I worked two jobs and lived in the Hash House, a boarding house next to the campus," he recalled. Besides baseball, another one of Goode's lifelong interests was flying. He earned his pilot's license in 1967 and continued the avocation until 2015. Currently a resident of Columbia, Tennessee, Goode keeps up with the Bulldogs. "Although I cannot follow the team in person as much as I once did, I still enjoy following Samford baseball by watching them on ESPN Plus," he said. "I think the new videoboard will be an exciting addition to the ballpark for Samford players and fans.” Thanks to Goode’s generosity, the new videoboard is scheduled to be in place by the start of the 2022 season. ◗
