A very proud day for me personally, and professionally, as I announce members of the National Semi Pro Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2015, includes five former Tradewater Pirates, who led the way to semi-pro baseball respectability for many years for the Pirates. These players, and many others around our nation, will be inducted into the National Semi Pro Baseball Hall of Fame in Evansville, Indiana in early October of this year. They are: (as selected by NSPBA directors) Chad Crick- Chad was an original Pirate, who was fearless in the field, on the base paths, and at the plate. Many pitchers will remember Chad as a very tough out, and one of the best runners going from home to second when he had the chance. (Hopkins County) Marc Hendrickson- An original Pirate, the Mule was a stalwart leader for the Pirates for 2 1/2 seasons, leading infielders in fielding percentage, along with a career .321 batting average and OBP percentage of .583. A personal favorite of mine, I might add! (Clay County, Indiana) Nick Utley- Many fans will remember Nick as a high schooler who, quite frankly, passed early for a ball boy at first glance, but the talented infielder and gifted pitcher played for the Pirates for years, and struck fear in the hearts of hitters and runners alike. Rarely would a ball get by the rangy shortstop, and his collection of pitches befuddled many would-be hitters. Nick went to college and professional baseball venues after his time with Tradewater. (Hopkins County) Jeremy King- The crafty lefty would be remembered as the second best lefty pitcher of all time for Tradewater, right behind the legendary Brian Wilburn, already a member of the NSPBA. King was nearly automatic for a win, and his grit and determination led the Pirates to success and respect. (McCracken County) Sean Watts- What can you say about someone who was first to the field and the last to go home, for many years? Mr. Pirate, Sean Watts could do it all, and he did- in the field, behind the plate, at the plate, and on the bases. Steady, quiet and dependable, Sean also did some coaching for the Pirates. He is the role model for youngsters who aspire to be the consumate baseball player. (Hopkins County)
Posted on: Wed, 14 Jan 2015 18:58:03 +0000
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