VALDOSTA — Valdosta State University recently enshrined Bryant Hayman posthumously into the VSU Athletic Hall of Fame with the Class of 2026.
Hayman went to be with the Lord December 20, 2023, at the age of 31 after a courageous battle with cancer leaving behind his wife, Morgan Thomas Hayman, and a son, Charlie.
He was the son of John and Heather Hayman, the son-in-law of Albert and Angie Thomas, the brother of Ashley Wilson (husband Tanner), and uncle to Sara Kate.
“He (Hayman) was one of the finest players I every coached,” said former Ware County head coach James Conoy, who directed the Gators’ baseball program for over 30 years. “He had as much bat speed as any player I’ve ever coached. But above all, he was a young man of fine character. He did all the right things ... he was very coachable. He was a leader on the field, and the guys respected him.
“He was a strong Christian young man. He worked with the youth in his church and was a young man everybody looked up to. He lived a full life for such a short time. We all miss him at this time, but he is deserving of the honor of the Hall of Fame class in 2026 at Valdosta State University. We’re all extremely proud of him, and we do miss him.”
Hayman was a four-time All-Gulf South Conference (GSC) selection. He was tabbed the 2012 conference Freshman of the Year. Hayman started 183 of the 185 games he played at Valdosta State.
During his career, Hayman scored 142 runs, drew 78 walks, laced 46 doubles, four triples, blasted 39 homers and drove in 187 runs. He slugged .599 and had a .434 on base average.
Hayman recorded 20 steals. He was credited with 101 assists making just 16 errors finishing with a .984 field percentage.
Hayman earned NCBWA (National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association) all-Region as a sophomore and GSC all-Tournament accolades as a junior. As a senior, he earned all-region honors after hitting 13 homers and driving in 52 runs.
Hayman was named Fellowship Christian Athlete’s Male Student-Athlete of the Year in 2015.
Additionally, he earned the prestigious honor of being named the Gulf South Conference All-Decade team.
Undrafted out of college, Hayman signed a free agent contract with the Minnesota Twins. A knee injury in his second season ended his career prematurely.
Before attending VSU, Hayman was a two-sport athlete at Ware County High School from 2008-11, excelling in both football and baseball. He played varsity football for three years and varsity baseball for four years.
He was named to the all-Region football team after helping the Gators win the 2011 region championship.
While Bryant’s achievements on the football field were remarkable, they pale in comparison to the legacy he left on the baseball diamond.
An elite baseball player, he showcased incredible talent both at the plate and behind it whether hitting, catching or pitching. A versatile and dominant player, Bryant set and then tied the school home run record twice, each time with 11 home runs during both his junior and senior campaigns.
He also threw two nohitters during his career. Known for his power at the plate and his ability to throw heat from the mound, he developed into one of the best catchers in the state and one of the most accomplished players in Ware County history.
Bryant earned all-Region honors during his 10th, 11th, and 12th grade years, as well as All-State recognition as a senior. A proud member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes throughout high school, Bryant carried his commitment to excellence and faith beyond the field.
After his career-ending injury, Bryant earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Resources Management from Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College (ABAC) in 2022 and began working as a Project Forest Manager.
He remained dedicated to baseball by offering hitting and fielding lessons to young athletes. His passion for the game and desire to share his love of baseball with the next generation made a lasting impact on countless youngsters. In 2022, he became a community coach at Brantley County High School.
