Hall of Fame
William Jennings Buckner, or “Billy” as many know him, was recognized early on for his baseball abilities. By the time he graduated from Salem High School in his hometown of Conyers, he had been named to the All-Region and All-State teams.
Following high school, Billy decided to bring his right-handed talent to the mountains. He won 22 games on the mound for the Mountain Lions and is the College’s all-time leader in strikeouts with 264 and innings pitched with 208. His 13 victories in 2002 are the most in one season by a Mountain Lions pitcher. He helped the Mountain Lions to one regional and two conference championships. He was named to the National Junior College Athletic Association All-America Second Team in 2002 and was selected to the NJCAA All-District XVII team a year later.
It was Billy’s ability to throw a pitch that made him a prospect for the Major League Baseball draft after his sophomore year. He was drafted during the 9th round by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays but opted to play at the University of South Carolina instead.
His time at USC was just as successful as his two years at YHC. Billy tied the University’s single-game strikeout record and helped lead the Gamecocks to the 2004 College World Series. Following his successful junior year, Billy was drafted in the second round as 55th overall pick by the Kansas City Royals in 2004.
His time playing for the Kansas City Royals was nothing but a home run. USA Today recognized Billy as the Royals Minor League Player of the Year, and he was presented as the Kansas City Omaha Pitcher of the Year in 2007. After his stint with the Royals, Billy went on to play for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he collected a career high eight strikeouts against the Padres, and was named the Arizona Minor League Pitcher of the Year.
Billy now resides in Locust Grove with his wife, Hayley, and son, Beckett, and still plays baseball at a professional level for the Long Island Ducks. He hasn’t forgotten about his time spent playing in the Enchanted Valley and annually visits the baseball team—throwing a bullpen with them.
