FAYETTEVILLE, Ala. – Saturday, March 21 marked a special day for Fayetteville baseball. The Wolves hosted the Childersburg Tigers on a day that was perfect for baseball and returned to the win column with a 15-2 victory. While the result on the field was impressive, the day carried even greater meaning for the program and its community.
Fayetteville honored legendary former state championship coach Phillip Landers by officially naming the field “Landers Field.” The ceremony brought together former players, coaches, and supporters to recognize a man who helped shape the identity of Fayetteville baseball.
Coach Landers led the Wolves for 16 years, finishing with more than 200 wins during his time with the program. His teams reached the playoffs 11 times and captured the 1987 state championship, which remains the only state title in school history. Fayetteville also finished as state runner up in 1989 and made several deep postseason runs, including a final four appearance and multiple trips to the quarterfinals.
Beyond the wins and accomplishments, Coach Landers built a foundation that continues to influence the program today. His commitment to discipline, effort, and pride in representing Fayetteville helped establish a tradition that today’s players still carry forward.
Current head coach Matt Collier spoke about the impact, saying, “Coach Landers is a legend in Fayetteville, and we are very honored to still have his influence today. Naming the field after him is something that has been long overdue. His record, his accomplishments, and the 1987 state championship still motivate our players. It is special to see his name as a reminder every time someone looks at our scoreboard.”
With both a strong performance on the field and a meaningful tribute off of it, Saturday served as a reminder of the past, present, and future of Fayetteville baseball.
