South Atlantic League Announces Selection of Hall of Fame Class of 2005
Published on June 14, 2005 under South Atlantic League (SAL1) News Release
Bobby Bonds
Played with the Lexington Giants Club in 1965 and scored a Western Carolina League-Leading 103 runs, on his way to being selected as the WCL's Most Outstanding Prospect. During his 14 year career, he played for eight major league clubs, and cracked the 30 home run, 30 stolen base plateau five times. Made his debut in 1968 with the San Francisco Giants, and bashed a grand slam in his third at-bat. Additionally, he was a three time All-Star (1971, '73, '75) and a three time Gold Glove Winner (1971, '73, '74).
Drew Coble
A true student of the game of baseball, his umpiring career began in 1975 and called the Western Carolina League All- Star Game in his first year in the league. He spent an additional year working the plate in the WCL, and diligently worked his way up to the Majors. Starting as an American League Umpire in 1982, he worked his way up to Crew Chief by 1991, and played a part in many of the game's finest moments. He served on crews of six American League Championship Series, as well as 3 Divisional Series, 2 All-Star Games, and, in 1991, worked the classic World Series between the Braves and Twins. Mr. Coble retired from umpiring in 1999.
Bob Hager
He was the first-ever broadcaster of the Western Carolina League's Lexington Giants. Over 35 years, he told stories the whole world watched. Called by former NBC Nightly News Anchor Tom Brokaw, he was "the Cal Ripken of correspondents." As a general assignment reporter for NBC, he spanned the globe in his news coverage, from the Vietnam War, to political unrest in Panama, and helped set the standard for hurricane and airline disaster coverage. He retired from NBC News in November of 2004.
Jack Farnsworth
He was one of the mainstay owners during the lean times of the Western Carolina League, and helped carry the WCL and the South Atlantic League into the illustrious regard that it enjoys today. From 1978 to 1988, he was the Owner- Operator of the Gastonia Club, and also served as Vice President of the WCL/SAL. During his time as Vice President, he served as Chairman of the league's Finance Committee, where he assisted in developing markets for clubs to relocate.
Alan Stein
He currently serves as President and CEO of Lexington Professional Baseball Company and the Lexington Legends as well as Chief Operating Officer for Ivy Walls Management Company, LLC, a national company who owns multiple minor league baseball and other sports teams. He realized a lifelong dream when he brought minor league baseball to Central Kentucky, and set a baseball standard with the completion of Applebee's Park in 2001. His business success with the Legends made him a national leader in the sports industry, joining his additional achievements in real estate development, and the radio and communications industries.
Marcus Holland
Marcus has served as the scorekeeper for nearly every Savannah professional baseball game since the sport's return to the city in 1968. He's been the scorekeeper of record for Savannah's South Atlantic League entries in 1968-1972 and 1984-present, and for Savannah's Southern League teams from 1973-1983. In addition, Marcus spent more than 50 years as a copy boy, sports reporter, sports editor and editor with the Savannah Morning News and Savannah Union Press. As a reporter in the 1950s and 1960s he covered the Savannah Indians, Redlegs, Parrots and White Sox of the old SAL. In August 2004, the Savannah Sand Gnats named the press box at Historic Grayson Stadium in honor of Marcus for his many contributions to the prosperity of Savannah baseball.
South Atlantic League Stories from June 14, 2005
- BlueClaws avoid Power sweep - Charleston Dirty Birds
- GreenJackets Edge RiverDogs, 8-7, in 11 Innings - Charleston RiverDogs
- Happ, BlueClaws Out-Pitch Power for Win - Jersey Shore BlueClaws
- Rome Wins Fifth Straight - Rome Emperors
- Suns Inch Closer After Ending Patton's Streak - Lexington Legends
- Suns solve Patton, top Legends - Hagerstown Suns
- Gnats lose, 6-4, split series with Greensboro - Savannah Sand Gnats
- Fransz' Seventh Innning Blast Not Enough, Captains Win 9-5 - Delmarva Shorebirds
- Columbus Catfish Fall to Kannapolis 6-2 in Series Finale - Columbus Catfish
- A dog-gone good time at Suns' Thursday game - Hagerstown Suns
- Nowicki Activated After Three-Day Suspension - Greensboro Grasshoppers
- South Atlantic League Announces Selection of Hall of Fame Class of 2005 - SAL1
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.
