Southern League Hall of Fame

Last updated
Southern League
Hall of Fame
Southern League HOF.png
Established2013 (2013)
Dissolved2021 (2021)
Type Professional sports hall of fame
Billy Hitchcock, president of the Southern League from 1971 to 1980, was part of the first class of inductees in 2014. Billy Hitchcock 1978.jpg
Billy Hitchcock, president of the Southern League from 1971 to 1980, was part of the first class of inductees in 2014.

The Southern League Hall of Fame was an American baseball hall of fame which honored players, managers, coaches, umpires, owners, executives, and media personnel of the Southern League of Minor League Baseball for their accomplishments and/or contributions to the league and its teams. The Hall of Fame inducted its first class in 2014 and its last in 2020. A total of 45 people were inducted. [1] It had no physical location, but plaques listing each year's inductees were placed in the league's office in Marietta, Georgia. [2]

Contents

In July 2013, the Southern League Board of Directors met to determine the first members of the league's Hall of Fame class. They were to be inducted in 2014 in conjunction with the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the league's foundation in 1964. Former league presidents Billy Hitchcock, Jim Bragan, and Don Mincher were unanimously selected. They and ten others, one chosen by each of the league's ten teams, were recognized as the inaugural Hall of Fame class at the 2014 Southern League All-Star Game in Chattanooga, Tennessee. [3]

Nomination and election methods varied in succeeding years. For the 2015 class, each team nominated up to three individuals for consideration. A 31-person voting committee of Southern League and Minor League Baseball personnel then narrowed the list to ten inductees, selecting one from each organization for induction. [4] A tie vote for the Birmingham Barons' nominees resulted in the election of both Rollie Fingers and Frank Thomas. [5] A Special Consideration Ballot was introduced that year, which allowed teams to nominate anyone who had made significant contributions to teams from the league's predecessors: the original Southern League (1885–1899) and Southern Association (1901–1961). [5] Harmon Killebrew became the first inductee to be elected via the Special Consideration Ballot in 2015. [5] A similar format was assumed in 2016, wherein each team and members of the voting committee submitted nominations but only the top three were chosen for induction by a 30-member voting committee. [6] The size of the voting panel fluctuated from year to year: 20 members in 2017, [7] 23 in 2018, [8] and 34 in 2019. [9] For 2020, the Hall of Fame committee endorsed a special proposal by league president Lori Webb to induct Frances Crockett Ringley, baseball's first female general manager. [10] Following the 2020 season, which was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic before it began, [11] Major League Baseball assumed control of Minor League Baseball. [12] The Hall of Fame has since become dormant.

Sixteen Southern League Hall of Famers have also been inducted in the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum: Sparky Anderson, Rollie Fingers, Tom Glavine, Roy Halladay, Trevor Hoffman, Reggie Jackson, Randy Johnson, Chipper Jones, Harmon Killebrew, Tony La Russa, Edgar Martínez, Willie Mays, Ryne Sandberg, Frank Thomas, Alan Trammell, and Larry Walker. [13]

Inductees

Key
YearThe year of induction
Position(s)The inductee's primary playing position or role
Team(s)The team(s) for which the inductee was recognized
MethodElection method
BODBoard of Directors
SCBSpecial Consideration Ballot or special proposal
VCVoting committee
†Inductee is a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum [13]
Inductees
YearNamePosition(s)Team(s)CareerMethodRef(s).
2020 Sparky Anderson † Manager Asheville Tourists 1968VC [10] [14]
2018Curt Bloom Broadcaster Huntsville Stars/Birmingham Barons [a] 1991–2024VC [8] [15]
2014 Jim Bragan League president Southern League 1981–1994BOD [3] [16]
2016Peter Bragan Jr.Team president/owner Jacksonville Suns 1985–2015VC [6]
2014Peter Bragan Sr.Team president/owner Jacksonville Suns 1984–2012VC [3] [17]
2015 Scott Brosius Second baseman Huntsville Stars 1989–1990VC [5] [18]
2014J. Frank Burke General manager/owner Chattanooga Lookouts 1995–2014VC [3] [19]
2014 Mike Darr Outfielder Mobile BayBears 1998VC [3] [20]
2015 Carlos Delgado Catcher Knoxville Smokies 1993VC [5] [21]
2019 Joe Engel Team president Chattanooga Lookouts 1929–1965SCB [9] [22]
2015 Rollie Fingers † Pitcher Birmingham A's 1967–1968VC [5] [23]
2018 Terry Francona Outfielder/manager Memphis Chicks/Birmingham Barons [b] 1980–1981, 1993–1995VC [8] [24]
2018 Andrés Galarraga First baseman Jacksonville Suns 1984VC [8] [25]
2017 Tom Glavine † Pitcher Greenville Braves 1986VC [7] [26]
2019 Roy Halladay † Pitcher Knoxville/Tennessee Smokies 1997, 2001VC [9] [27]
2014 Billy Hitchcock League president Southern League 1971–1980BOD [3] [28]
2015 Trevor Hoffman † Pitcher Chattanooga Lookouts 1991–1992VC [5] [29]
2014Rosemary HovatterTeam executive Huntsville Stars 1985–2014VC [3]
2014 Bo Jackson Outfielder Memphis Chicks 1986VC [3] [30]
2014 Reggie Jackson † Outfielder Birmingham A's 1967VC [3] [31]
2015 Randy Johnson † Pitcher Jacksonville Expos 1987VC [5] [32]
2015 Chipper Jones † Shortstop Greenville Braves 1992VC [5] [33]
2017 Gabe Kapler Outfielder Jacksonville Suns 1998VC [7] [34]
2015 Jason Kendall Catcher Carolina Mudcats 1994–1995VC [5] [35]
2015 Harmon Killebrew † Third baseman Chattanooga Lookouts 1957–1958SCB [5] [36]
2017 Tony La Russa † Second baseman/manager Birmingham A's/Barons/Mobile A's/Knoxville Sox [c] 1965–1967, 1978VC [7] [37]
2020 Edgar Martínez † Third baseman Chattanooga Lookouts 1985–1986VC [10] [38]
2018 Willie Mays † Outfielder Birmingham Black Barons [d] 1948–1950SCB [8] [39]
2014 Don Mincher General manager/owner/league president Huntsville Stars/Southern League [e] 1985–2011BOD [3] [40]
2014 Dale Murphy Catcher Savannah Braves 1976VC [3] [41]
2019Sal Rende First baseman/manager Chattanooga Lookouts/Memphis Chicks [f] 1978–1982, 1987–1988VC [9] [42]
2020Frances Crockett Ringley General manager/owner Charlotte O's 1976–1987SCB [10]
2014 Ryne Sandberg † Manager Tennessee Smokies 2009VC [3] [43]
2016 Larry Schmittou Team president/owner Nashville Sounds 1978–1984SCB [6]
2015 Razor Shines First baseman/manager Memphis Chicks/Birmingham Barons/Chattanooga Lookouts [g] 1981–1983, 2004–2005, 2014VC [5] [44]
2016 John Shoemaker Manager Jacksonville Suns 2001, 2005–2008VC [6] [45]
2020 Brian Snitker Manager Greenville/Mississippi Braves [h] 2002–2005VC [10] [46]
2015 Frank Thomas † First baseman Birmingham Barons 1990VC [5] [47]
2014 Alan Trammell † Shortstop Montgomery Rebels 1976–1977VC [3] [48]
2020Wade Vadakin Batboy Mobile BayBears 1998–2019SCB [10]
2014 Tim Wakefield Pitcher Carolina Mudcats 1991, 1993VC [3] [49]
2019 Larry Walker † Outfielder Jacksonville Expos 1987VC [9] [50]
2016Larry Ward Broadcaster Chattanooga Lookouts 1989–presentVC [6] [51]
2015 Turner Ward Manager Mobile BayBears 2011–2012VC [5] [52]
2015 Lou Whitaker Second baseman Montgomery Rebels 1977VC [5] [53]

Notes

  1. ↑ Curt Bloom was broadcaster for the Huntsville Stars in 1991 and the Birmingham Barons from 1992 to 2014. [8] [15]
  2. ↑ Terry Francona played for the Memphis Chicks from 1980 to 1981. He managed the Birmingham Barons from 1993 to 1995. [24]
  3. ↑ Tony La Russa played for the Birmingham A's in 1965, the Mobile A's in 1966, and the Birmingham Barons in 1967. He managed the Knoxville Sox in 1978. [37]
  4. ↑ Willie Mayes was nominated by the Birmingham Barons. [8]
  5. ↑ Don Mincher was general manager of the Huntsville Stars from 1985 to 2000 and part owner from 1994 to 2000. He was league president from 2000 to 2011. [28] [40]
  6. ↑ Sal Rende played for the Chattanooga Lookouts from 1978 to 1982. He managed Chattanooga in 1987 and the Memphis Chicks in 1988. [42]
  7. ↑ Razor Shines played for the Memphis Chicks from 1981 to 1983. He managed the Birmingham Barons from 2004 to 2005 and the Chattanooga Lookouts in 2014. [44]
  8. ↑ Brian Snitker managed the Greenville Braves from 2002 to 2004 and the Mississippi Braves in 2005. [46]

References

  1. ↑ "Southern League Hall of Fame". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  2. ↑ "Southern League Creates Hall of Fame". Minor League Baseball. July 24, 2013. Archived from the original on April 6, 2025. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Southern League Announces Hall Inductees". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. May 20, 2014. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  4. ↑ Hill, Benjamin (February 6, 2015). "Southern League Joins Hall of Fame Fray". Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on April 5, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 "Southern League Names 12 New Inductees Into Hall of Fame". The Chattanoogan. March 6, 2015. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  6. 1 2 3 4 5 "Southern League Announces 2016 Hall Class". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. February 16, 2016. Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  7. 1 2 3 4 "Southern League Announces 2017 Hall of Fame Class". Ballpark Digest. February 16, 2017. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved April 4, 2025.
  8. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "Southern League 2018 HOF Class". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. March 5, 2018. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  9. 1 2 3 4 5 "Southern League Unveils 2019 Hall of Fame Class". Ballpark Digest. February 11, 2019. Archived from the original on December 6, 2024. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Southern League Unveils 2020 Hall of Fame Class". Ballpark Digest. February 7, 2020. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  11. ↑ "2020 Minor League Baseball Season Shelved". Minor League Baseball. June 30, 2020. Archived from the original on January 12, 2021. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  12. ↑ Mayo, Jonathan (February 12, 2021). "MLB Announces New Minors Teams, Leagues". Major League Baseball. Archived from the original on March 6, 2021. Retrieved February 12, 2021.
  13. 1 2 "National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Archived from the original on March 16, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  14. ↑ "Sparky Anderson Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  15. 1 2 Goffin, Isaac (February 25, 2025). "Curt Bloom Leaving Booth After 30 Years as the Voice of the Birmingham Barons". CBS 42. Nexstar Media. Archived from the original on March 24, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  16. ↑ "Peters 2014 Southern League Jimmy Bragan Executive of the Year". Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp. Minor League Baseball. September 4, 2014. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  17. ↑ Reichard, Kevin (July 9, 2012). "In Memoriam: Peter Bragan Sr". Ballpark Digest. Archived from the original on January 26, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  18. ↑ "Scott Brosius Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  19. ↑ "$13 Million Lookouts Sale "a Relief" to Frank Burke". Chattanooga Times Free Press. December 11, 2014. Archived from the original on February 13, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  20. ↑ "Mike Darr Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  21. ↑ "Carlos Delgado Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  22. ↑ Haman, Ansley (April 1, 2012). "Joe Engel's Legacy as Big as Engel Stadium". Chattanooga Times Free Press. Archived from the original on April 5, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  23. ↑ "Rollie Fingers Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  24. 1 2 "Terry Francona Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  25. ↑ "Andrés Galarraga Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  26. ↑ "Tom Glavine Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  27. ↑ "Roy Halladay Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  28. 1 2 "Southern League History". Southern League. Minor League Baseball. Archived from the original on February 4, 2022. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  29. ↑ "Trevor Hoffman Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  30. ↑ "Bo Jackson Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  31. ↑ "Reggie Jackson Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  32. ↑ "Randy Johnson Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  33. ↑ "Chipper Jones Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  34. ↑ "Gabe Kapler Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  35. ↑ "Jason Kendall Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  36. ↑ "Harmon Killebrew Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  37. 1 2 "Tony La Russa Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  38. ↑ "Edgar Martínez Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  39. ↑ "Willie Mays Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  40. 1 2 Hill, Benjamin (March 5, 2012). "Baseball Mourns Huntsville's Mincher". Minor League Baseball. Retrieved April 6, 2025.
  41. ↑ "Dale Murphy Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  42. 1 2 "Sal Rende Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  43. ↑ "Ryne Sandberg Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  44. 1 2 "Razor Shines Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  45. ↑ "John Shoemaker Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  46. 1 2 "Brian Snitker Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  47. ↑ "Frank Thomas Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  48. ↑ "Alan Trammell Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  49. ↑ "Tim Wakefield Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  50. ↑ "Larry Walker Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  51. ↑ "Mocs to Honor Radio Broadcaster Larry Ward on Saturday". Chattanoogan. March 1, 2025. Archived from the original on April 5, 2025. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  52. ↑ "Turner Ward Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.
  53. ↑ "Lou Whitaker Minor Leagues Statistics". Baseball-Reference. Sports Reference. Retrieved April 5, 2025.


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