Southern Arkansas University Athletics

David Kirkpatrick, a native of Magnolia, played baseball at Southern Arkansas from 1967-1969. An opposing 6-foot 2 left-handed hitting catcher, Kirkpatrick played at SAU before a right field fence was erected around the baseball field. Without the fence there, it is said that opposing right fielders would play Kirkpatrick deeper than where the current fence stands today, and yet Kirkpatrick would still hit the ball over their heads.

In his time at SAU, Kirkpatrick would become a perennial All-AIC honoree as he received the conference honor three consecutive years starting in 1967.
 
Also regarded as one of the top defensive catchers in SAU baseball history, Kirkpatrick would work out with the Arkansas Travelers after his college career, but he did not play professionally.