Freshman pitcher represents third generation of legendary Lipscomb baseball family
Lipscomb baseball roots run deep in the Dugan family as Will Dugan takes the mound for the Bisons this season.
Kim Chaudoin |
Will Dugan follows in the footsteps of his father and grandfather as the third generation to play baseball for the Bisons.
In the inimitable words of Yankees legend Yogi Berra, “This is like deja vu all over again."
When Will Dugan laces up his cleats and dons a No. 20 Lipscomb baseball jersey this spring, those words will no doubt be on the minds of the Bison faithful. You see, the Dugan name is synonymous with Bison baseball and the Lipscomb jersey has been worn by three generations of Dugans. So, Lipscomb fans have been here before.
His grandfather, legend Ken Dugan, who played for the Bisons from 1954-1957 setting school records with his .456 batting average and .824 slugging percentage and who coached the Bisons to two NAIA national championships and compiled a record of 1137-460 over his 37-year career, was the first to wear the No. 20 Lipscomb jersey. His father, Mike, was a catcher for the Bisons from 1986-1989, and his uncle, Kurt, an outfielder for Lipscomb from 1991-1996. Both were coached by their dad, and they each wore No. 44 as Bisons.
In April 1991, Lipscomb opened its newest baseball facility, naming it Dugan Field in honor of Ken Dugan. (Prior to that, in 1982, Lipscomb’s home field, Onion Dell, was renamed in his honor.) At that time the number was officially “permanently assigned” to Coach Dugan for him to wear as long as he coached at Lipscomb, but no one else would have the honor of wearing number 20. That is, until Will came along.
Will Dugan is no stranger to Dugan Field and visited often with his dad, Mike, as a youngster.
When Will signed as a pitcher with Lipscomb, current Bison head coach Jeff Forehand approached the family earlier this year about “unretiring” No. 20 so that grandson Will could wear Coach Dugan’s number. And this season he will carry on the family tradition.
"We went to Will's grandmother to ask permission to bring No. 20 out of retirement so Will could wear it," explains Forehand. "It's really special that he can wear his grandfather's number. As soon as Will is finished playing for the Bisons, we will re-retire No. 20 again."
Lipscomb has been an ever-present part of Will’s life as he attended Lipscomb Academy from kindergarten through high school, and was a standout for the Mustang baseball team.
“I’ve been around Lipscomb my whole life, and specifically the baseball program. Being able to be a part of it means a lot to me and I know it means a lot to my family as well,” says Will. “I’m very blessed to continue that line here, and I’m really looking forward to what is to come of it.”
Three generations of Dugans, from left to right, Will, Mike and Ken.
Although Will proudly wears the number of his grandfather, who is credited with “putting Lipscomb’s name on the map” and building the program into national prominence, he never had an opportunity to meet him. Coach Dugan retired in 1996 due to health problems and died in February 2000 at the age of 64 of complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Will was born in 2004.
“I was never able to meet my grandfather, but I am able to hear about his life and the impact he had on people through stories and from what people tell me,” explains Will. “His legacy is a huge motivator in my path and something I think about often.”
He says it is especially meaningful to be able to play on a field named for his grandfather and to carry on the family legacy.
Ken Dugan addresses the media after his team returns home as NAIA National Champions in 1977.
“I am definitely looking forward to being on the field playing,” he says. “Everyday we go out for practice and I see his name out on the wall, and it is a great reminder of his legacy and what this university means to my family.”
“With both my dad and uncle playing here,” Will continues, “I have been able to hear so much about their experiences at Lipscomb and how much they enjoyed it. It means a lot to me to continue that, and it will be special to be able to play in front of my family.”
Mike Dugan says Lipscomb Baseball has been a big part of his life since the day he was born.
“For 37 years, my family watched Dad give everything he had to the program. He loved the game of baseball and Lipscomb University and he would be so proud of Coach Forehand and his staff and for what the program has become today,” he says. “To now have Will playing for Jeff on Ken Dugan Field would be Dad’s dream come true. As parents, we could not be more proud of Will and all the hard work it took to get here. We are very thankful for Coach Forehand and this amazing opportunity.”
Will practicing his form on the Dugan Field mound as a young pitcher.
Like the Dugans who have come before, Will loves the game of baseball.
“I love being out on the field competing with the team. I really enjoy being a part of something that is greater than just myself,” he says. “I also enjoy the development aspect of it, and working to be a greater version of myself. For me the game of baseball is what I enjoy working at.”
While Will credits a number of coaches, including high school coach and former Bison coach Brad Coon, with helping him get to where he is today, he says his dad, Mike, has been his biggest influence. “He has made so many sacrifices along my journey,” says Will, “to help me achieve my goals and support me.”
The Bisons open the 2023 season at Dugan Field on Feb. 17 against Notre Dame. Find the complete 2023 schedule here.