Rocky Mount, N.C. - The North Carolina Wesleyan Department of Athletics, in conjunction with the USA South Athletic Conference, is pleased to announce that the legendary Dr. Raymond “Moe” Bauer has been named to the league’s 2012 Hall of Fame Class. Bauer becomes the fourth member of the Battling Bishop family to garner induction, joining fellow greats Don Scalf, Mike Fox and Roger Taylor. Dr. Bauer's son, Paul, is humbled by his father's recognition.

"Let me first congratulate the other inductees," he said in a statement, then continued, "Our family is honored that my father will be inducted into the USA South Hall of Fame. He, along with several other men, including Don Scalf, Gene Clayton, Don Forsythe, Bev Vaughan and Bill Shellenberger, were instrumental in forming the DIAC (Dixie Intercollegiate Athletic Conference), and it always held a special place in his heart. I am sure my father would take great pride in knowing that the conference he helped form back in the early 1960's has further developed into such a fine group of institutions of higher learning."

Raymond “Moe” Bauer served North Carolina Wesleyan College in many different capacities for over 33 years, enjoying stints as head baseball coach, Director of Athletics, professor of physical education and professor of education. His legacy began in the fall of 1960 when he arrived on campus and quickly made plans to start the storied North Carolina Wesleyan baseball program, which began competition in 1961. Not only did he design and help construct the team’s playing facility, but he also went on to serve as head coach for the first 13 seasons. In 1988, the College honored him by naming Wesleyan’s baseball facility "Bauer Field.” The Bishops, in fact, still play their games there today.

Prior to arriving at N.C. Wesleyan, Bauer was a standout baseball player at his alma mater, Wake Forest University, where he set several ACC records as a left-handed pitcher. He was then drafted by the Chicago Cubs and played professionally for eight seasons.

In addition to his most recent USA South Hall of Fame selection, Bauer was previously honored with inductions into both the Wake Forest University and North Carolina Wesleyan College Athletics Halls of Fame. Dr. Bauer passed away in 2005, leaving an enduring memory of service to the Battling Bishop athletic program.

Joining Bauer in the 2012 USA South Hall of Fame class are two former student-athletes (Averett’s Bren LaFlamme-West and Methodist’s David Holmes), as well as two coaches (CNU’s C.J. Woollum and Ferrum’s Abe Naff). The inductees will be officially honored and recognized during a ceremony on the campus of Ferrum College on Sunday, May 6, 2012.

For full bios on each inductee, please visit http://www.usasouth.net/halloffame/12hofinductees.