Theodore "Boots" Kirby was one of the founding members of the Belmont athletics program. From 1957 to 1960, Kirby was a fixture on the baseball diamond while also seeing time on the hardwood as a basketball player. As a freshman in 1957, the outfielder hit a robust .426 from his leadoff spot, leading the three-year-old program in batting. For his career, Boots would hit .375 with 49 runs scored and 10 doubles.

After graduating Belmont, Kirby pursued a sales career. He and his wife, Lynn, have two children: Mark and Karen Goodall, a graduate of Belmont, as well as three grandchildren.

"Eager. Fired up. Competitive. Always ready to play. That is Boots Kirby. His leadership and enthusiasm was always contagious to his teammates. He loved to win and he loved to compete. No challenge was too big for Boots; it was just an opportunity. His loyalty to friends, coaches and fellow players made Boots one of Belmont's most popular athletes ever."

Ron Bargatze