WILLMAR, MN – The Kandiyohi County Historical Society announced today that they have partnered with the Willmar Stingers to begin a West Central Baseball Hall of Fame. The Historical Society strives to “discover, preserve, and share” our local heritage and hopes that the inaugural West Central Baseball Hall of Fame can be a lasting part of those efforts.
Baseball has a deep tradition in West Central Minnesota and the Stingers are proud to be a part of celebrating the game of baseball. “The West Central Baseball Hall of Fame is a tremendous way to honor those individuals who have given so much to the game and celebrate the history of baseball in the area. We are very proud to partner with the historical society and their efforts to highlight baseball in West Central Minnesota,” said Stingers Co-Owner Ryan Voz.
The West Central Baseball Hall of Fame will cover a 45-mile radius of Willmar which will include communities such as Glenwood, Montevideo, Redwood Falls and Dassel-Cokato (see attached map). The Historical Society has begun forming a selection committee to vote on the inaugural members of the West Central Baseball Hall of Fame. In order to be considered for the West Central Baseball Hall of Fame, nominees must fall within the 45-mile radius of Willmar and be featured in one of the following categories:
Professional
Player or manager who resided in West Central Minnesota and went on to success in high levels of professional baseball as a player, coach, or manager.
Amateur
An amateur player, coach, or manager who was successful as a player in youth, high school, and/or adult amateur baseball.
Community Involvement
A longtime resident of West Central Minnesota who has achieved great success as a supporter of baseball and has made significant contributions to baseball.
The Historical Society will begin accepting nominations immediately to be reviewed by the selection committee. If you wish to submit a nomination, a form has been created to submit potential candidates to the Historical Society. The form can be found on the Stingers website, www.willmarstingers.com, or can be obtained by calling Jill Wohnoutka at the Historical Society at 320-235-1881. Nominations must be submitted to the Historical Society by Monday, December 16, 2013 in order to be considered for the inaugural class.
The inaugural inductions to the West Central Baseball Hall of Fame will be held on to-be determined date in January in conjunction with the Stingers Winter Barbeque event located at the Willmar Conference Center The annual Hall of Fame Banquet & Winter Barbeque will feature a keynote speaker, formal inductions of inaugural candidates, a barbeque style meal and a sports memorabilia silent auction to benefit youth baseball and softball in West Central Minnesota. For tickets for the event or more information visit Willmarstingers.com or call 320-222-2010.
