JACKSON, Miss. – The life-long involvement and support of sports in the state of Mississippi by Millsaps College graduate Mr. Con Maloney has earned him the 2021 Michael Rubenstein Award, the Board of Directors of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum announced. The award will be presented during the annual Hall of Fame Induction banquet presented by Sanderson Farms inside the Jackson Convention Complex on Saturday, July 31.

Affectionally dubbed the "Rube Award," the honor is named after the first Executive Director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame, Michael Rubenstein. The award is earned by an individual who has been involved with improving sports in the Magnolia State. The "Rube Award" goes hand-in-hand with Rubenstein's work in starting the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum and in honoring the state's athletic achievements and athletes. Michael's brother, Ted will present this year's award.

A graduate of St. Joseph High School in Madison, Maloney would go on to attend Wyoming (1958), Hinds Community College (1959) and Millsaps College (1960-61). At Millsaps, he majored in Political Science. Maloney put his degree to good use as he served as a Mississippi State Senator for 16 years (1971-87).

He was also instrumental in helping bring professional baseball to Jackson as an owner of several teams and was a member of several related committees. He also oversaw the creation, construction and operation of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum alongside Rubenstein and others.

Additionally, Maloney's ties to Millsaps extend to the Cowboy Maloney Series which has pitted the Majors against local rivals Belhaven and Mississippi College on the baseball field. The competition began in 2002 and was created to honor his father.

Maloney has served on the Board of Directors for the hall of fame since it formed and is currently one of five Millsaps College Life Trustees. He was inducted into the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame in 2011 and his full list of accomplishments can be found on the hall of fame's website here.

Maloney will join a decorated list of past winners of the "Rube Award," including Dave "Boo" Ferriss, Ben Puckett, Archie Manning, George Bryan, Gov. William Winter, Ron Polk, Tyrone Keys and Hu Meena. The 2020 and 2021 Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Induction classes will also be honored on July 31.

About The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame
The Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame exists to promote, preserve and protect Mississippi's rich sports heritage for this and generations to come. The Museum serves as a destination where sports legends come to live forever through interactive displays and exhibits where visitors can play, live and dream. The 501(C)(3) organization recognizes excellence in athletics and contributions to sports. For more information about the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame & Museum, visit msfame.com or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/mssportshofandmuseum or on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mssportshof.
 
 
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