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Hall of Fame Class of 2009 Inducted

11/24/2009 3:43 PM

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HYANNIS, Mass.—The Cape Cod Baseball League inducted ten new members to the Hall of Fame on November 13th and 14th, with special celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of the Hall of Fame, the league’s 125th year, and Arnold Mycock’s 60th year volunteering with the CCBL.

HoF_GregVaughn2518.jpg
 Hall of Fame Inductee Greg Vaughn
 with his co-presenters Dan Duquette and Sue Pina
SportsPix 2009

     The festivities included the unveiling of the plaques for the Class of 2009 at the Hall of Fame, located in the basement of the JFK museum in Hyannis. Art Quirk, Joe Magrane, Bill Schroeder, Harold “Pie” Traynor, Zane Carlson, John Awdycki, Lou Lamoriello, Greg Vaughn, Joe “Skip” Lewis, and Mark Angelo were recognized for their efforts and achievements in the league. Magrane’s daughter, Shannon, awed the audience with her version of the Star Spangled Banner. 

     Chatham Bars Inn, a perennial sponsor for the league, hosted the brunch on the morning of the 14th, at which the ten members were officially inducted. Bobby Valentine returned to the Cape for the first time since his days playing in the league, 43 years ago, to talk before the ceremonies began.

     “Everyone that comes through here is changed,” he said, echoing the sentiments of the inductees and touching on the heart of what makes the league more than just about baseball.

     Vaughn, who went on to play professionally for the Brewers, said that the league gave him the confidence that he did belong with some of the best players in the country, and that, like with so many others, it was an important step in his professional career. 

     Each of the inductees recounted stories of their time on the Cape, from getting their first taste of the wooden bat, to remembering the volunteers, host families, and friendships, to stories about falling asleep on bags of coffee in a stock room at a summer job. Many of the memories brought laughter from those in attendance.

     Before the inductions began, a video slideshow composed of pictures and video clips of each of the inductees was shown, beginning with the speech Congressman Bill Delahunt gave on the floor of Congress this past summer, celebrating the American spirit inherent in the Cape League.

     “This is truly America’s League,” Delahunt said.

     A special presentation was made to Arnold Mycock, who has been with the league for 60 years, and has influenced hundreds of people, including Joe Girardi, who gave his sincere gratitude via video. Sol Yas was presented the Dick Sullivan award, and Phil Edwards’ widow, Donna, received a standing ovation for her husband’s Fred Ebbett’s lifetime achievement award.

     For the players, volunteers, and managers who come through the league, the heartfelt memories mark a special time in their lives. As one person noted, there was a life before the league, and a life after the league.

     “The great thing about this league is it never leaves you,” said sports writer and long time CCBL fan Peter Gammons, who was in attendance. “It always stays with you.”