The American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) enshrined legendary former FAMU baseball coach Acosta “Pop” Kittles into its Hall of Fame on January 3rd. The event was a gathering of baseball's elite, all united to honor the remarkable achievements and lasting legacy of Coach Kittles.
Known affectionately as “Costa” by many and simply “Pop” by those closest to him, Kittles was a multi-talented athlete who excelled as both a football player and a baseball catcher at FAMU. His transition from player to coach was seamless, and he quickly established himself as one of the most respected and beloved figures in amateur baseball.
A Legacy of Excellence
Kittles' coaching career at FAMU was nothing short of extraordinary. He took the helm of the Rattlers in 1960 and immediately led them to seven consecutive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. Over his tenure, he amassed an impressive 401-128 record, boasting a remarkable .758 winning percentage. His teams appeared in six NAIA district playoffs and advanced to the 1962 NAIA World Series.
Kittles' coaching career at FAMU was nothing short of extraordinary. He took the helm of the Rattlers in 1960 and immediately led them to seven consecutive Southern Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (SIAC) championships. Over his tenure, he amassed an impressive 401-128 record, boasting a remarkable .758 winning percentage. His teams appeared in six NAIA district playoffs and advanced to the 1962 NAIA World Series.
A Mentor and Visionary
Kittles' impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond. He was a mentor to many, including future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, who credited Kittles for his success. Dawson, during his induction speech at Cooperstown in 2010, expressed his gratitude to Kittles for giving him a chance at FAMU when no other college would due to a knee injury.
Kittles also coached other notable players such as Hal McRae, Vince Coleman, and Bill Lucas, all of whom went on to have successful careers in professional baseball. His ability to recruit and develop talent was unparalleled, and his influence on his players' lives was profound.
Kittles' impact extended far beyond the baseball diamond. He was a mentor to many, including future Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson, who credited Kittles for his success. Dawson, during his induction speech at Cooperstown in 2010, expressed his gratitude to Kittles for giving him a chance at FAMU when no other college would due to a knee injury.
Kittles also coached other notable players such as Hal McRae, Vince Coleman, and Bill Lucas, all of whom went on to have successful careers in professional baseball. His ability to recruit and develop talent was unparalleled, and his influence on his players' lives was profound.
A Community Leader
Kittles' contributions to the community were equally significant. He was deeply involved in the development of young athletes and was a role model for many. His dedication to his players extended to their academic success, ensuring they stayed on track to graduate and excel in life beyond sports.
Kittles' contributions to the community were equally significant. He was deeply involved in the development of young athletes and was a role model for many. His dedication to his players extended to their academic success, ensuring they stayed on track to graduate and excel in life beyond sports.
A Well-Deserved Honor
The ABCA Hall of Fame committee, including member Ron Maestri, expressed immense satisfaction in Kittles' enshrinement. Maestri highlighted Kittles' impressive record, his impact on the community, and the caliber of players he coached, many of whom became great men and leaders.
The ABCA Hall of Fame committee, including member Ron Maestri, expressed immense satisfaction in Kittles' enshrinement. Maestri highlighted Kittles' impressive record, his impact on the community, and the caliber of players he coached, many of whom became great men and leaders.
At the ceremony, Kittles was honored with the reading of his biographical information, a plaque, and a ceremonial ring. Two of his former FAMU players, Stanley Strong and William “Soup” Campbell, traveled to Washington, D.C., to witness their former coach being enshrined. Both Strong and Campbell spoke fondly of Kittles, emphasizing his strategic coaching style and his commitment to their personal and academic development.
A Lasting Legacy
Kittles' legacy at FAMU is monumental, and his influence continues to be felt by those he coached and mentored. His induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the profound impact he had on the sport of baseball and the lives of those he touched.
Kittles' legacy at FAMU is monumental, and his influence continues to be felt by those he coached and mentored. His induction into the ABCA Hall of Fame is a testament to his dedication, talent, and the profound impact he had on the sport of baseball and the lives of those he touched.