The Australian Baseball Hall of Fame has inducted some of the most influential figures in the history of Australian Baseball, bestowing them with the highest playing or coaching honor an individual in our sport can receive. This year is no exception, as Baseball Australia announces the Class of 2016, and inducts four new members in the Australian Baseball Hall of Fame.
The Baseball Australia Hall of Fame, established in 2005, recognises excellence in the categories of:
1. Playing
2. Managing /Coaching.
Inductees must have had a prolonged impact on the game of baseball at the highest level available at their time, they must be of good character and not be deemed to have brought baseball into disrepute, and statistical information is taken into consideration.
There are seven eras of classification:
· Pre 1900, 1900 to 1918 (when the game expanded rapidly after regular interstate competition)
· 1919 to 1946 (the start of the Claxton Shield and American Influence)
· 1947 to 1967 (post war American influence)
· 1968 to 1988 (Asia influence)
· 1989 to 1999 (first Australian Baseball League)
· 2000 to date
· There is also a Special Classification for players who have had outstanding International careers and made contributions to the game primarily outside of Australia.
The Class of 2016 will be honored during an on field ceremony at the upcoming Australian Baseball League Championship Series, February 6 at Holloway Field, the home of the Brisbane Bandits.
The class of 2016 includes:
· Philip Clifton Brideoake (dec), South Australia
Category - Playing 1947-1967
· Ernie George Bolton, Victoria
Category - Playing 1947-1967
· Peter "Yowie" Vogler, Queensland
Category - Playing 1989 -1999
· Micheal Nakamura, Victoria
Category - Playing - Outstanding International Career
Baseball Australia extends our congratulations to Philip, Ernie, Peter and Micheal, you join the ranks of Australian Baseball greats.
Australian Baseball Hall of Fame Honor Roll