Missouri State University is planning to honor and recognize the 40th anniversary of the 1969 Division II World Series team as well as the 1970 World Series team coached by outgoing Director of Athletics Bill Rowe prior to Missouri State’s May 16 baseball season finale at 2 p.m. at Hammons Field.

    Additionally, Rowe, who coached the baseball Bears from 1964 through 1982 and has been the AD since, will be honored with a video board tribute prior to first pitch. Rowe is stepping down from his AD post in June.

    “Both of these teams are special because they were the first two to advance to the NCAA Tournament,” Rowe stated. “Ironically, we were able to host the World Series at Meador Park, and getting to play at home was very special and is a tribute to all the players on both of those teams.”

    The 1969 squad was the first under Coach Rowe to advance to postseason play, going 3-0 in that year’s Midwest Regional in Mankato, Minn., to earn a spot in the Division II World Series at Meador Park. The Bears finished national runners-up that season with a 27-10 record, losing to Illinois State in the national title game.

    The 1970 club made a repeat appearance at the World Series, this time taking third after beating Cal State Northridge in the opening round before falling to Nicholls State and Northridge at Meador. The Bears went 23-13 that season.