David Stapleton - 1990

David is the son of Mr. and Mrs. James D. Stapleton of Loxley, Alabama.  He graduated from Robertsdale high School in the spring of 1971. While attending Robertsdale, he quarterbacked the golden Bears to the 3A State Championship in 1970.  His classmates recognized his leadership ability by electing him president of his senior class. 

After graduating from Robertsdale, David attended Faulkner State College.  During his two years at Faulkner, he was Alabama’s Junior College Most Valuable player in Baseball for 1973; he was Faulkner State’s first Junior College All American in Baseball.  As a Faulkner State Red Eagle he had a batting average of .424. 

David transferred to the University of South Alabama in 1973; and in 1975, he received the Bachelor of Physical Education degree.  He set the school record for the University of South Alabama in the doubles category. 

During the summer of 1975, David was signed by the Boston Red Sox and was sent to Winter Haven, Florida to play minor league baseball.  For the next five years he set quite a record for himself; 1976 – He led team hitting with a .288 average.  1977 – He moved to AA baseball in the Eastern League of the Red Sox, Bristol Connecticut; he hit .306.  1978-79 - He moved to AAA baseball in the International League in Pawtucket, Rhode Island; hitting .306, he was named Co-Most Valuable Player. 

The spring of 1980 saw David in the major league team of the Red Sox in Winter Haven.  David was on the Big League Roster and again he led team hitting with a .486.  Replacing an injured second baseman later that season, David was the team top hitter with a .321.  For his efforts he received the Tenth Player Award – 1980, an award given by the Boston Red Sox fan and organization to the team member who achieved beyond player expectations.  David also received a new car with this award.  In addition to the Tenth Player Award, he was a runner-up for the Rookie of the Year for 1980.  His alma mater, Faulkner State recognized his abilities by naming him Outstanding Alumnus – 1980. 

David continued to play for the Boston Red Sox until 1986.  He assisted the team in defeating California for the Championship in the American League playoffs.  Further, he played in the 1986 World Series against the New York Mets.