Alfred A. McKethan Stadium Namesake
Alfred A. McKethan (1908-2002)
A native Floridian, Mr. Alfred A. McKethan distinguished himself in his profession and service to the state of Florida. He served as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Sun Bank and Trust Company (formerly Hernando State Bank) from 1942-94, at which time he retired. At the age of 38, McKethan became the youngest president of the Florida Bankers Association. Along with his brother, John W. McKethan, he established the Brooksville Rock Company, which later became known as the Florida Mining and Materials Corporation.
McKethan was also a citrus grower, serving as the Director and Chairman of the Brooksville Citrus Growers Association for 40 years, and as Director of the Florida Citrus Exchange for 15 years. He was a board member and Chairman for the Florida State Road Department and was the first Chairman of the Southwest Florida Water Management District. In addition, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge across Tampa Bay was due in part from the works of McKethan, as well as the initial planning of the Florida Turnpike.
He received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Florida as an honors graduate in 1931, and maintained close ties as an alumnus. In 1981, it was McKethan who became the first eminent scholar under a new law that provided matching funds from the state to create chairs at Florida universities if the private sector donated $600,000. He later made his donation to UF's College of Business Administration. Also active on campus, McKethan was a member of the President's Council, a long-time Bull Gator and had been an instrumental and active member of Gator Boosters.
A Distinguished Director of Gator Boosters, he was a major benefactor to the University of Florida in many ways over the years. An avid baseball fan, McKethan attended games whenever possible each Gator season. The original 1988 stadium construction and refurbishment was made possible through his generous $2.4-million contribution. In 1996, college baseball's fanciest and most luxurious press box was rebuilt with the aid of an additional gift of $300,000 from McKethan.
"When you talk of Gator spirit and love for the University," said former Florida football coach Steve Spurrier, "Alfred McKethan embodies what that is all about."
McKethan passed away in April of 2002 at the age of 93 and the Gator players and coaching staff honored him by wearing black A.A.M. patches on their hats. His initials were also put above the scoreboard at the stadium bearing his name.
Origin of Perry Field
Perry Field is named for Carl E. "Tootie" Perry, a two-way offensive and defensive lineman for the Gator football team in 1916 and from 1919-21. A two-time All-Southern selection in 1920 & 1921, he served as the team's captain in 1921. A Gainesville product, his family owned the land where the current baseball stadium and track are located. They donated to the University with the stipulation that the field be named for their son. Upon graduation, Perry became the official "Waterboy" for the team and faithfully attended numerous Gator games.
