Skip To Main Content
Skip To Main Content
UNLEASH THE GRIZZ

Oakland University Athletics

Scoreboard

HOH

General Jordan Nelson

2024 Hall of Honor Inductee: Matt McClellan

Rochester, Mich. - Matt McClellan has been selected to be inducted to the Hollie L. Lepley Hall of Honor Class of 2024. McClellan made Oakland history as an exceptional dual-sport athlete, dominating on the basketball court and the baseball diamond.

In his two years as lead man on the basketball team, McClellan led the Golden Grizzlies to back-to-back GLIAC Championships in 1995-96 and 1996-97, as well as a NCAA Division II Sweet 16 Tournament appearance in '96-'97. 

McClellan's '96-'97 season remains one of the best in school history. He was named First Team All-GLIAC, First Team All-District, Second Team All-Region, and Honorable Mention All-American, while averaging a league -leading 10.5 rebounds per game and 21.5 points per game. During the season he grabbed 101 offensive rebounds (seventh most in school history) and 206 defensive rebounds (fifth most in school history). His 14 double-doubles in the season ranks sixth all-time at Oakland as well. He also sits fourth in school history with one of the highest Field goal percentages (.579) in the program. 

"My fondest memory at Oakland was winning back-to-back regular season league championships in basketball, while simultaneously experiencing success in baseball. Playing alongside all of my Pioneer teammates, accomplishing so much together, I can't think of a better memory or time", said McClellan.

The Toledo, Oh. had a Hall of Fame worthy baseball career at Oakland as well. The ace threw heat on the mound as a stellar pitcher in his two seasons from 1995 to 1997. In his first and final years, Oakland finished runner-up in the GLIAC. Right away McClellan made an impact, being named runner-up GLIAC Freshman of the Year in 1995, showing early signs of greatness.

McClellan's name is also etched all over the baseball record book, holding the third lowest career ERA (3.38) and sixth lowest single season ERA (2.41, 1995). He was also the leading pitcher for a 1995 team that held the lowest team ERA in program history (3.32).

The extraordinary pitcher was destined for great things at the next level, becoming the third, and highest drafted, player to be drafted into the pros in Oakland History. He was selected in the seventh round of the 1997 MLB Draft to the Toronto Blue Jays. McClellan would play seven seasons in the minor leagues, reaching the Triple-A level. He was invited to three major league spring trainings with Toronto and ranked top five in the Blue Jays farm system in strikeouts and ERA throughout his years.

"Being a student athlete at Oakland really prepared me for my career and life after graduation. As an athlete, I learned how to work with different people in a team environment working towards a common goal.  Being a good teammate was just as critical as being a good athlete," said McClellan. "As a student at Oakland, I developed discipline, drive, and time management.  The professors and curriculum at Oakland was such that it demanded focus and hard work. Learning to balance studies, sports, and free time has paid dividends in the long run".

Post-playing career, McClellan worked for NALCO Chemical for 15 years. He now is at OBR Cooling Towers as the Director of National Service Team. He still retains his love for sports, especially baseball. In 2016 he was inducted to the City of Toledo Hall of Fame, where he has also created a youth baseball organization where over 200 kids from ages eight through 18 can learn and play the game.

McClellan will be honored at halftime during the Men's Basketball game on Saturday,  Feb. 3 at 1 p.m. against Cleveland State. This year's induction ceremony will be held at 6:30 p.m. after the game at the Royal Park Hotel in Rochester, MI. 

Tickets for the ceremony can be purchased for $100 per person by clicking HERE.
Print Friendly Version