Hall of Fame

Wilbert Ellis

  • Class
  • Induction
    2011
  • Sport(s)
    Administration, Baseball
  • Grambling State
Background & Early Career
  • Ellis is a native of Ruston, Louisiana.
  • He served for many years at Grambling before becoming head coach: he was an assistant coach for 17 years under R.W.E. Jones (who was head coach & president of GSU) before taking over the head coaching position in 1977.
Coaching at Grambling State
  • Ellis became head coach at GSU in 1977 upon Jones’ retirement.
  • He served as head coach for 26 seasons, retiring in 2003.
  • Overall head-coach record (various sources):
    • Around 701-478-2 in 26 seasons as head coach.
    • Other figures: approximately 745-462 at one point.
  • Championships & Achievements:
    • Led GSU to 3 SWAC Championships.
    • Multiple divisional championships (eight divisional titles in one source).
    • His players: nearly 50 signed major league contracts according to one report.
  • Recognition at GSU:
    • GSU retired his jersey (No. 31) in March 2023.
    • His influence was described as being a “trusted advisor for generations” at the university.
Impact & Beyond Coaching
  • Community Involvement: Ellis has been very active off the field:
    • He runs youth baseball clinics emphasizing not just skills but life-skills & ethics.
    • He held leadership roles in his community (Ruston/Lincoln Parish, etc.) e.g., Board Director positions, church leadership.
  • Legacy and Honors:
    • Inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
    • Set to be inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame (Class of 2024) and will receive the Louisiana Sports Ambassador Award.
    • Set to be inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame (Class of 2025).