Carlton ‘Corky’ Palmer Scholarship Endowment at MCC completed
Carlton “Corky” Palmer built his baseball program on trust, discipline, and accountability. Former players and associates say those same lessons shaped their lives long after they left the field.
Now, they have ensured his influence will continue.
A group of former Meridian Community College baseball players, coaches, and community members has completed the Carlton “Corky” Palmer Scholarship Endowment, funded through the MCC Foundation.
With an overall career coaching record of 946-493 across high school, community college, and Division 1 programs, Palmer was a powerhouse on and off the baseball diamond. Palmer came to MCC to lead the Eagles in 1987, and in his final season at MCC in 1996, he guided his team to the Division I Juco World Series.
Palmer died in August 2022 after a prolonged illness. He was 68 years old.
Bert Stephens, who coached with Palmer in the 1980s, helped organize the endowment funding effort.
“Coach Palmer made such a difference in my life,” Stephens said. “He taught me how to lead, how to treat people, and how to do things the right way.”
Stephens first met Palmer while playing American Legion baseball. They later coached together at Columbia High School before reuniting at MCC when Palmer became head coach of the Eagles. Stephens joined the MCC staff and served in several roles at the college, including director of housing and director of college planning; Stephens and Palmer would coach together at MCC for three seasons.
“He trusted his assistants, myself and Scott Berry at MCC, and then Scott, Lane Burroughs, Mike Federico, and others at USM,” Stephens said. “He gave us responsibility and let us do our jobs. That showed me how to build a team.”
Palmer focused on more than wins. He expected players to work hard in the classroom and represent the college with integrity. “Baseball was important, but he cared about the person first,” Stephens said. “He reminded players that the game would end one day. You have to prepare for what comes next.”
He also held players accountable. Even the most talented athletes faced repercussions if they broke team rules.
“He believed in discipline,” Stephens said. “If you didn’t do right, there were consequences. That was part of building character.”
Former players Mike Reed and Chuck Walker approached Stephens about creating the scholarship to honor Palmer’s legacy and ensure future players understood what the program stood for. The Scaggs Family, longtime friends of Palmer, completed the endowment funding requirement earlier this year, allowing the scholarship to become a reality.
The Carlton “Corky” Palmer Scholarship will be awarded to a returning MCC sophomore baseball player who demonstrates outstanding leadership, a positive attitude, strong character, and a commitment to academics.
“The player who receives this award should understand who they represent,” Stephens said. “It’s not just about talent. It’s about being a good teammate and a good student.”
For nearly three decades, Palmer mentored hundreds of players. Even though Stephens said Palmer never focused on records or recognition.
“He coached because he loved the game and he loved working with young men,” Stephens said.
Stephens now works part-time as a career coach at a local high school, helping students prepare for college and careers. He said many of the lessons he shares trace back to Palmer’s influence.
Dr. Leia Hill, executive director of the MCC Foundation, said the endowment ensures Palmer’s legacy will remain part of the college’s future for generations to come. “Endowments are one of the most meaningful ways to honor someone’s legacy because they create an impact that never expires,” Dr. Hill said. “Coach Palmer invested in young men year after year. This scholarship allows his former players and friends to invest in future Eagles the same way, permanently.”
Although the endowment has reached full funding, additional contributions are still being accepted. Continued gifts will strengthen the fund and increase the scholarship’s impact for this year’s recipient and future players.
To make a gift, visit meridiancc.edu/give and designate your contribution to the Corky Palmer Scholarship Endowment.