Rosenfield, Verdi Inducted Into Hall Of Fame
Published on January 29, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
NORFOLK, VA - The International League announced today that Tides' General Manager Dave Rosenfield and former Tides' manager Frank Verdi are part of a 27-member class that will be inducted into the circuit's Hall of Fame as members of the Class of 2008.
The IL Hall, dormant since 1964, welcomed former General Managers and League Presidents Harold Cooper, Jr. and George Sisler, Jr. last August in a special enshrinement ceremony. This year the formal revival of the International League Hall of Fame will be highlighted by the largest induction class in history.
"I'm extremely flattered to be given this honor by the International League" said Rosenfield. "To be listed alongside so many great baseball people is very humbling, and I feel very fortunate to have been a part of the success of baseball in Hampton Roads."
"It's something that makes you feel real good" said Verdi. "I spent about 20 years in the minor leagues, and to be recognized among so many great guys that I played and managed against is a tremendous honor. Being inducted with Dave, who has been such a good friend over the years, makes it even more special."
Dave Rosenfield first came to the Tides in 1962, and he's served as the General Manager of the team since 1963. He led the Tides' ascent to Triple-A status in 1969, and in 1975 he won the first of four IL Executive of the Year Awards. The Tides organization also won the National Association's top honor in 1993, the John H. Johnson President's Trophy, and Rosenfield accepted the Baseball America Triple-A Bob Freitas Award on behalf of the Tides in 1994. In 2004 he was honored as the "King of Baseball" for his longtime dedication and service to the game, and he remains the only General Manager the Tides have ever had. The 2008 season will mark the 53rd consecutive year he has operated a professional baseball club.
Frank Verdi played for three different International League clubs and later managed five clubs between 1961-1985. In his 15 years as an IL manager, he led his teams to six playoff appearances and three Governors' Cup championships. He guided Syracuse to back-to-back crowns in 1969-70, earning Manager of the Year honors in 1970, and in 1981 he guided Columbus to the postseason title. Verdi managed the Tides from 1977-1980, compiling a record of 282-277.
Rosenfield and Verdi will be enshrined into the Hall of Fame in a special ceremony at Harbor Park during the 2008 season.
Recognition of the 27 inductees highlights a year-long celebration of the International League's 125th Anniversary in all 14 ballparks. Commemorative memorabilia, historical features, and a regular season game held at Cooperstown's Doubleday Field are also on tap for the 2008 campaign.
A full list of the 27 members of the International League Hall of Fame Class of 2008, along with more detailed biographies, can be found at www.ILBaseball.com. Also available are the IL Hall of Fame Policies, Procedures, and Guidelines adopted in 2007, which give more information on eligibility, selection criteria, and future inductions.
International League Stories from January 29, 2008
- Chiefs to hold Induction Weekend - Syracuse Mets
- Easter, Tucker Among Five Bisons to be Inducted to IL Hall of Fame - Buffalo Bisons
- Former Tribe MVP inducted into IL Hall of Fame - Indianapolis Indians
- Cook and Gilhooley Named IL Hall of Famers - Toledo Mud Hens
- Rosenfield, Verdi Inducted Into Hall Of Fame - Norfolk Tides
- International League Announces 2008 Hall Of Fame Class - IL1
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
