Two People with Branson Connections Are a Part of the Spring Missouri Sports Hall of Fame Class

Next week's Spring Sports Missouri Hall of Fame Luncheon will have inductees with connections to the Lakes Region.

Former Branson High School Baseball Coach Steve Lael and Branson Parks and Recreation Tournament Director Jerry Breaux will be among those inducted at the ceremony May 19 at the Wilson Logistics Arena adjacent to the Ozark Empire Fairgrounds in Springfield.

Lael was Branson Head Baseball Coach from 1987-2011 winning 10 Central Ozark Conference and 10 District Titles guiding the Pirates to four Final Four Appearances. Earlier in his career, Lael coached at other schools and led the Hillcrest American Legion Baseball team before helping to restart the Branson Legion Program. Lael's high school coaching record i 444-221 and was inducted into the Missouri State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2004. The opening week High School Baseball Tournament hosted by Branson High School is called "The Lael Lead-off Classic." Lael recently has been the Director of Operations for the Grip N Rip Baseball League out of Springfield. 

Breaux's induction is tied to his over 30-year-career as a College Softball Coach, He coached over 20 years at Evangel leading the program to 640 wins then after a two-year stint in Louisiana, returned to Springfield to coach at Drury University leading the Lady Panthers to 135 wins in six seasons. After retiring from Drury in 2023, Breaux joined the City of Branson's Parks and Recreation Staff as Tournament Director coordinating numerous tournaments at the Branson Rec Plex. Breaux also returned to Evangel as Co-Head Coach in 2025 and earned his 900 career win.