Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame Accepting Nominations

SPRINGFIELD — The Western Massachusetts Baseball Hall of Fame steering committee needs the public’s help.

The committee recently met in preparation for its fourth annual banquet and induction ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, Jan. 26 at La Quinta Inn & Suites, 100 Congress St., Springfield. Inductees will be on hand to be recognized for their contributions to the game and the region.

The committee is seeking input from the public on nominees for the class of 2017. Nominations and biographies should be submitted to Ron Chimelis, longtime sportswriter for the Republican and MassLive, at [email protected], or to Hunter Golden, general manager of the Valley Blue Sox, at [email protected]. The deadline for nominations is Friday, Nov. 11. Categories for nominees include:

• Resident or non-resident professional. A resident professional is a player or coach who resided at least three years in Western Mass. and went on to success in high levels of professional baseball as a player, coach, or manager. A non-resident professional is a player or coach who spent at least one season in Western Mass. and went on to success in high levels of pro baseball as a player, coach, or manager;

• Resident amateur player, which is someone who was successful in youth, high-school, and/or adult baseball in Western Mass. and may have also played in a lower level of minor-league baseball;

• Amateur coach or manager, who must be a Western Mass. native or longtime resident who achieved great success at the local, state, or national level; or

• Non-uniformed person, who must be a Western Mass. native or longtime resident who has achieved great success as a supporter or administrator of baseball at the local, state, or national level.

In its first three years, the committee has selected from a wide range of Western Mass. baseball talent, including former major leaguer Mike Trombley, local sportswriting legend Garry Brown, longtime high-school coach Dan Dulchinos, the team representing American Legion Post 21 for standing up for a teammate against racism in 1934, and others. Special guests have included former Red Sox great Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Red Sox broadcaster Joe Castiglione, and Red Sox beat writer Rob Bradford.

The banquet also has featured a silent auction of baseball memorabilia, including autographed photographs and baseballs, to benefit nonprofit baseball organizations throughout Western Mass.