LEXINGTON, Ky. ? Former Kentucky baseball coach Keith Madison will be inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame on January 5, the organization announced.

Madison, who began his career as the UK skipper at the young age of 26, retired after 25 seasons as the third-winningest coach (735) in the Southeastern Conference behind only legends Ron Polk (Mississippi State) and Skip Bertman (LSU).

The Brownsville, Ky. native laid a solid foundation for college baseball on the Kentucky campus, establishing the program on solid principles. Madison emphasized academic success, character building, sportsmanship, and integrity as the cornerstones for success and his effect on student-athletes was long-lasting both on the field and in daily life.

Madison, who served as president of the ABCA in 2000, was responsible for raising the money for the building of UK?s Cliff Hagan Stadium at Shively Field, in addition to fundraising for numerous other Kentucky baseball facilities and projects.

Over his 25 seasons, Madison coached 85 players who were either drafted or signed professional contracts, including 14 who reached the major league level. Among those players coached by Madison currently in Major League Baseball include 2006 National League Cy Young winner Brandon Webb and fellow Arizona Diamondback Andy Green.

Madison was well known as an excellent pitching coach but proved to be a solid teacher at the plate as well, with the 1994 Kentucky squad leading the nation with 110 home runs.

Madison joins nine other coaches in the induction ceremony in Orlando, Fla., held during the ABCA national convention.