IL1 Syracuse Mets

Chiefs Announce the Return of the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame

Published on June 25, 2016 under International League (IL1)
Syracuse Mets News Release


The Syracuse Chiefs are extremely proud to announce the return of the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame with the induction of this year's class. Five-year Chief Chad Mottola, founding board member Anton "Tony" Kreuzer, long time Chiefs gameday vendor Jim Durkin, and former Chiefs broadcaster and Central New York legend Joel Mareiniss will be inducted as part of an on-field ceremony on Sunday, July 17th when the Chiefs host the Durham Bulls. As part of the festivities, Syracuse Baseball Wall of Famer and Cy Young Award winner Ron Guidry will be at NBT Bank Stadium to sign autographs, welcome the new Wall of Famers, and help celebrate his 1976 Governor's Cup Champion Chiefs team, the last Syracuse team to win the cup.

After a two-year layoff, the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame returns in 2016. It was established in 1998 in conjunction with the 140th anniversary of the first organized baseball team in Syracuse.

Chad Mottola spent five years of his 16-year professional career with the Chiefs, including 2000, 2002, and 2005-2007. Mottola ranks second in Chiefs history in home runs (100) and doubles (138) at the time of his induction. He is also in the Chiefs top ten in games, hits, runs, triples, RBIs, total bases and slugging percentage. Mottola put together one of the best seasons in Chiefs' history in 2000. Named the International League MVP, he slugged a league-leading 33 home runs and drove in 102 with a .309 batting average. Mottola played in 59 Major-League games over five seasons.

Anton "Tony" Kreuzer was an integral part of the Chiefs' return to Syracuse in 1961. Kreuzer served as the first Treasurer of the Community Baseball Club of Syracuse upon its formation in 1961, a role he would have for 50 years until 2011. Kreuzer was also named Vice President of the team's Board of Directors during his tenure. Outside of the Chiefs, Kreuzer worked as Vice President and National Sales Manager for Muench-Kreuzer Candle Company.

The familiar voice of James "Jimmy" Durkin shouting "hey!" has been heard by Chiefs fans for years. An essential part of the Chiefs' gameday experience, Durkin started working for the Chiefs in the 1950s selling popcorn, drinks, ice cream and programs. More than 55 years later, Durkin has returned to the team three separate times after attempting to retire thanks to unprecedented fan support for his enthusiasm and love of the game. Born and raised in Syracuse, Durkin was the recipient of the team's 2006 Jake Meyers Good Guy Award.

Finally, the Chiefs are extremely pleased to posthumously induct broadcasting pioneer and former Voice of the Chiefs Joel Mareiniss (1928-2016). Mareiniss' familiar calls of "he climbed the invisible ladder!" and "he ate the pig!" were heard throughout Syracuse and Central New York on Chiefs games from 1989-2003. Mareiniss also served as the voice of Syracuse University football and basketball through a 46-year sports media career with WSYR. Mareiniss enrolled at Syracuse University in 1946, and served in the United States Army during the Korean War. Mareiniss passed away in March of this year.

Three-time World Champion Ron Guidry will help to welcome the four new members into the Syracuse Baseball Wall of Fame. Inducted in 2007, Guidry spent the 1975 and 1976 seasons with the Chiefs. A World Series champion with the Yankees in 1977, 1978, and 1981, Guidry won the 1978 Cy Young Award with a record of 20-3. Guidry will be on the field for the day's festivities and will sign autographs on the concourse during the game.

Guidry held a 0.68 ERA in 40 innings for the Chiefs' 1976 Governor's Cup Championship team, which will be honored at NBT Bank Stadium. The Chiefs will wear throwback uniforms in honor of the last Syracuse Governor's Cup Champion.

Sunday's game is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. with the Durham Bulls. It is a Family Sunday at NBT Bank Stadium, and kids can stay after the game and run the bases presented by Wegmans. Tickets for children 12 and under are only $2, but must be purchased at the NBT Stadium box office. All other Tickets for Sunday's game, as well as all other Chiefs games, can be purchased by calling 474-7833, or online at syracusechiefs.com.

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