Former Royal Butler, MU’s Alden to be inducted into Missouri Hall of Fame

Former Royals designated hitter Billy Butler, Missouri athletic director Mike Alden and former Chiefs kicker Nick Lowery are among the 2015 inductees into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame.

Butler, Alden and the rest of next year’s class will be enshrined Jan. 25 at the University Plaza and Convention Center in Springfield, Mo.

“We always try to represent the Cardinals, Royals and Chiefs in every class because they are so much a part of sports in Missouri,” executive director Jerald Andrews said in a statement. “We just happened to be fortunate that this particular inductee was part of this year’s pennant-winning team.”

The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame’s selection committee honors individuals after their Missouri playing days have ended. Butler who recently signed a free-agent contract with the Oakland A’s.

He joins Royals legend George Brett and club founder Ewing Kauffman in the Missouri Sports Hall.

Other 2015 inductees include: former Cardinals pitcher Chris Carpenter; former Pittsburgh Steelers defender Andy Russell; former Southwest Missouri State basketball player Winston Garland; the Farmer family of Jefferson City; basketball-flooring guru Bob Roth of St. Joseph; Central Missouri administrator Kathy Anderson; Missouri State baseball coach Keith Guttin; Central Methodist coach/athletic director Larry Anderson; Springfield Glendale soccer player/coach Ann Cook; former high school football coach Fred Merrell; late fisherman Virgil Ward; the Webb City football program; and the 1969 Missouri Tigers football team.

The Hall of Fame will also honor retired broadcaster Ned Reynolds as its 28th “Missouri Sports Legend,” and present Chris Hamon with its President’s Award and Advertising Plus with its Founder’s Award.

Enshrinement ceremonies start at 11 a.m. Jan. 25, with a reception afterward at the University Plaza Hotel and Convention Center and a banquet immediately following. Tickets are $150 each; call (417) 889-3100 or visit www.mosportshalloffame.com for more details.

This story was originally published December 12, 2014 at 2:40 PM with the headline "Former Royal Butler, MU’s Alden to be inducted into Missouri Hall of Fame."