Southeastern Oklahoma State University Athletics

Baseball (1977-79)

Brett Morgan Butler was born on June 15, 1957 in Los Angeles, California. He attended elementary school in Fremont, California and later moved to Libertyville, Illinois where he participated in high school football, baseball, and wrestling.

He enrolled at Arizona State University his freshman year and played junior varsity baseball. Brett transferred to Southeastern State the following year and had a sparkling three year career with Coach Don Parham’s Savage baseball teams. The speedy outfielder played on championship teams all three years and helped the Savages to a national runner-up finish in 1977. He was twice named to the NAIA All-America Baseball Team.

Butler rewrote the record book at Southeastern. He was the Savage’s first .400 hitter with a .439 average in 1977. He set career records in home runs (31), runs (209), triples (15), hits (220), walks (162), and career batting average (.394). He was equally outstanding defensively, possessing a strong arm and great speed.

Following graduation he was drafted by the Atlanta Braves. After two strong years at the Class A level, Brett jumped to Richmond (AAA) in 1981 and before the season was over he had become the Braves Centerfielder. In 1983, Brett hit .281 for the Braves and led the major leagues with 13 triples. Traded to Cleveland in 1984, he finished high in the American League in stolen bases (52), runs (108), triples (10), and walks (86). He was firmly established as a major league regular.

Brett Butler was a great collegiate baseball player. His outstanding abilities, coupled with a fierce competitive spirit, carried him to the level about which most young American boys dream---major league baseball. He has brought great honor to his alma mater. On February 2, 1985 he was honored by the university with his induction in the Southeastern Athletic Hall of Fame.