2001 HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE | A.R. RHEA
A.R. Rhea played baseball at Milligan College from 1987 to 1990 and was drafted and signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 1990. A pitcher and outfielder, Rhea holds Milligan records for most career wins (31), most innings pitched (307 2/3), most career strikeouts (294), lowest career ERA (1.79), most strikeouts in a season (98 in 1990) and is tied for most wins in a season (10 in 1990).
Rhea is the only Milligan baseball player to be named to the NAIA All-American first team (1990) and was a four-time All-Conference selection. Rhea won the conference MVP back to back in 1989 and 1990 and was also a two-time team MVP. In 1989, he was named Player of the Year in the state of Tennessee.
In Rhea’s junior season, he was second in the nation with a 0.63 ERA.
Rhea was also an honor student, making NCCAA Academic All-American status in 1988.
In his career, Rhea struck out 294 hitters while walking only 95. His win-loss record was 31-8. Rhea was a successful hitter as well, posting a .358 career average with 14 doubles, four triples and 20 home runs. He batted in 87 runs while scoring 74 times.
Rhea graduated from Science Hill High School in 1986 and from Milligan in 1990. He later went on to University of Tennessee- Memphis for an advanced degree in physical therapy. He graduated there in 1995.
A.R. is married to Kelly Rhea, and they have two children, Caroline and Jackson. Currently, Rhea coaches both T-ball and youth soccer, and his family is active at Central Baptist Church in Johnson City. Rhea has worked with Johnson City Medical Center for six years, assisting athletes with rehabilitation of sports injuries.
Like many former ballplayers, Rhea has a newfound love for the game of golf.