Whether patrolling the first base bag, digging into the left hand batters box or glaring in from the mound, Pete Centola carried presence. Must have contributed significantly to the greater good of the FCBL. Jim Melzar, Chiefs YardArt Watertown, the popular outdoor public art exhibition featuring the work of residents, artists and art enthusiasts who live or work in Watertown, returns this year for the entire month of April. Big Bill Foster starred for his brothers Chicago American Giants, winning 26 straight games during the 1926 season -- including both ends of a doubleheader victory over "Bullet" Joe Rogan and the Kansas City Monarchs that clinched the pennant. Harold A Maio, Harold A Maio on Mosesian Center Hosts Heart Truth: Mental Health Stories from the Deaf Community, Hi, Charlie: My husband took a photo from our second story East End window that day of a big armored, Libby Shaw on Share Your Memories of the Shootout & Capture of the Boston Marathon Bombers, I agree with you, Dennis. Most accounts have Browns career win percentage above .700. In 1947, Brown got a brief shot at the Majors with the St. Louis Browns, knocking the first AL homer by an African-American player. Watertown News is an independent, locally owned news website. But thats likely selling him short. 617-458-9561 On Sunday, O'Neil, who rose to fame as a first baseman for the Kansas City Monarchs, will be posthumously inducted into. Baseball is defined by stories of perseverance and triumph. An individual may not nominate themselves for induction. Its teams also play in the Northern Premier League or the Irish Hockey League. JOHN OBRIEN-Augustines As The ball actually didnt clear the fence on the fly but [], 2022 INTERCITY LEAGUE PLAYOFF SCHEDULE & RESULTS PLAY-IN GAME Tuesday, August 2 #4 Melrose Americans 10, #5 Reading Bulldogs 1 SEMI-FINALS (Best of three) Wednesday, August 3 Melrose Americans 7 at Lexington Blue Sox 5 (Americans lead series 1-0) Andre Chiefs 6 at Middlesex Expos 5 (Chiefs lead series 1-0) Thursday, August 4 Lexington Blue [], https://ov14bc.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Hall-of-fame.gif?time=1677484196, https://ov14bc.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/logo_bar.jpg, Hall of Fame/Awards Ceremony Set for June 8, 2023 at Anthonys in Malden, https://ov14bc.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2016/05/Facebook_Share_Logo.jpg?time=1677484196, https://ov14bc.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Middlesex-accepts-trophy-2.jpg?time=1677484196, https://ov14bc.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Les-DeMarco-Championship-Trophy.jpg?time=1677484196, Copyright 2016 - intercityleaguebaseball.com -. Rogan, in the eyes of some contemporary records, was the winningest pitcher of the original Negro National League. Doug Lentz-Wakefield Merchants Built with the Largo WordPress Theme from the Institute for Nonprofit News. Watertown's Peter Centola will be inducted into the Intercity Baseball Hall of Fame. More >. Denny Drinkwater, Merchants Your email address will not be published. The Intercity Baseball League Hall of Fame induction dinner will be held on Saturday, Nov. 11, 2017, at Montvale Plaza in Stoneham. SEAN McELROY-Lexington Blue Sox These days Peter Centola can be seen around Watertowns recreation facilities as the towns Director of Recreation, but in his younger days baseball was his life. Kansas City won six Negro American League pennants and one Negro League World Series title with Smith coming out of the bullpen. If a single was needed against a tough lefty, he'd get the single. JESSE SARZANA- Gately Rams Pro Football Reference has a neat tool called the Hall of Fame Monitor that tracks a player's chances at making the HOF. BRIAN TISBERT-Lexington Blue Sox . WARREN OLSON Medford Mustangs & Andre Chiefs More >, Leonard was the Homestead Grays first baseman for 17 years, making him the longest-tenured player with one team in Negro Leagues history. a great memory for me. Ed Larson- Augustine As Hall of Fame, in full Hall of Fame for Great Americans, monument which honours U.S. citizens who have achieved distinction or fame, standing at the summit of University Heights on the campus of Bronx Community College (originally the uptown campus of New York University). The Hall of Fame committee wrote up the following profile of Centola: Presence is defined as the impressive manner, appearance, bearing or air of a person. His prowess on the diamond has earned him a spot in the Intercity Baseball League Hall of Fame. STEVE HOWE-Hosmer Chiefs & Medford Mustangs Being named to the the Hall of Fame was a thrill and an honor, Centola said. Coaches eligible after ending their active coaching career in FCBL; who have managed or coached for a minimum of 2 seasons in the league. (more), Thanks Libby, Yes, please send it along if you can find it., Charlie Breitrose on Share Your Memories of the Shootout & Capture of the Boston Marathon Bombers, We seem a bit confused, are we against the stigma or against continuing to teach it? John Veneziano Chiefs The Monarchs featured plenty of star power as they claimed six Negro American League pennants in the late 1930s and early 40s, but Home Run Brown -- as he was called by none other than Josh Gibson -- was probably their biggest lineup threat. The following information was provided by YardArt Watertown: Hank Landers, Chiefs INTERCITY & PARK LEAGUE HOLD HALL OF FAME DINNERS Tweet . It was a thrill.. Diamond: 11 members; Obsidian: 457 members; Pearl: 1422 members; Amethyst: 4364 members; Emerald: 9243 members; Ruby: 17021 members; Sapphire: 33792 members; For information on the dinner please contact Dinner Chairman Orazio Azzarello at 617-839-6843. The items within the Archives and Collections come in a variety of shapes and sizes - ranging from large three-dimensional artifacts to photographic slides and everything . The Negro Leagues best shortstop was likely Lloyd, nicknamed The Shovel for the way he would scoop up glovefuls of dirt (along with the ball, of course) in a similar style to Honus Wagner. Hall of Fame manager Connie Mack once said Johnson could write his own price on a Major League contract if he were white. All decisions made by the Hall of Fame Selection Committee are final. Cardinals hire former ASU coach Robert Rodriguez as OLB coach, The best players who never won a Super Bowl, Warriors optimistic Stephen Curry nearing return, Senators acquire Jakob Chychrun from Coyotes, Mike McCarthy details focal point of Cowboys' offensive changes, McIlroy gives insight into proposed PGA Tour no-cut events, Red Wings, Larkin agree to eight-year, $69.6M extension, Morant allegedly went after teens, mall cops in incidents, Ravens GM addresses potential Lamar Jackson signing, Avalanche acquire Lars Eller from Capitals for second-round pick. Centola, a former Massachusetts Bowling Association candlepin champion, is the Director of Recreation in Watertown, where, among other things, he oversees Victory Field, home of the Watertown Reds. The Baseball Hall of. Karens mother, Nana, also shares the Centola home. All rights reserved. A star before the organized Negro National League brought more eyes to African-American baseball, Hill's range and arm were legendary, with tales told often at the turn of the century. His baseball career did not get off to an auspicious start. As president and treasurer, Foster grew the NNL into a force that rivaled Major League Baseball. The Hall of Fame saw its membership grow by six on August 9, 1976 as the induction ceremony had to be moved indoors to a ballroom at the Otesaga Hotel due to rain. The 1976 Watertown Babe Ruth All Stars, including Peter Centola, center, who went on to play and coach in high school and college. He was also fearless, evoking Cobb with his aggressive, win-at-all-costs style of play. Wide receiver A.J. Travel through history via artifacts and documents that highlight the games greatest heroes and teams, exploring how baseball has changed throughout the years. Steve Donovan-Somerville Elms & Melrose Rams Of bravery, tragedy and redemption. STEVE CAPOZZI Melrose Rams Stonehill College | 320 Washington Street | Easton, MA 02357. Fellow stars from the time said Stearnes could hit a ball as far as anyone -- perhaps even Gibson, on the right day -- while also tracking down every ball to the gap. MIKE BROWNE Umpire Fred Campatelli Player (Augustines As) Intercity League Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees, Chuck Andre Chiefs Here youll find household names and overlooked heroes. Pioneers and builders of dynasties. Sammy Greenwood- Hosmer Chiefs IRVING, Texas (AP) Hall of Fame coach Chris Ault of Nevada, Washington athletic director Jennifer Cohen and Miami (Ohio) athletic director David Sayler are joining the College Football Playoff's 13-member selection committee next season. They left their mark, brought fans together, and made dreams come true. Bob DeFelice Player-Manager (Chiefs & Typos) Adams may be a Hall of Famer someday, but Jackson is nowhere near HOF worthy. ARI KOUFOS Augustines As & Andre Chiefs STAN DeMARTINIS-Melrose Rams & Lynnfield White Sox Those who saw him -- from Monte Irvin to Dizzy Dean to Roy Campanella and many more -- argued that Gibson (also a gifted defensive catcher) possessed the most powerful bat of anyone on planet Earth. John Hosmer Sponsor (Chiefs) People of all backgrounds and experiences. But he is unlikely to gain immortality in the Hall of Fame. Centola played for 10 years in the very competitive adult baseball league for the Arlington-based Grannan Club, which turned into Holovack and Coughlin. Wherever he played, Torriente was a sure bet to clear .300 at the plate and track down almost every ball in center field. In an in-depth look at baseballs beginnings, explore the games evolution, early amateur roots, and transition to professional players and teams. JIM SHANAHAN-Umpire PETER PARR- Wakefield Merchants Green was one of the best receivers in the league during his prime with the Bengals, racking up 65 touchdown catches and 9,430 receiving yards. He is credited with inventing the Pistol offense, with a running back lined up behind the quarterback in a shotgun formation. Manley operated the Newark Eagles, alongside her husband, Abe, for 13 seasons, handling the clubs promotions, travel schedules and contract negotiations in addition to many other behind-the-scenes tasks. Great career and great guy. Pete Frates- Lexington Blue Sox Those talents, along with Hills prolific line drives from the plate, earned him comparisons to Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker. Congratulations Peter! No insults, slights or personal attacks. STEVE LANE- Augustines/Cremone As Tickets are priced at $50 per person or $500 for a table of ten. Being elected into the Hall of Fame is the highest accolade a player can achieve in the BMBL. An all around athlete, Centola, who in 1978 graduated from St. Patricks High School in Watertown having been chosen Herald All- Scholastic in basketball as a senior and the Catholic Suburban League MVP in baseball following both his junior and senior years, also flashed an above average glove at first base, saving numerous infield errors with agility that complemented his 64 target. Joe DiSarcina Player-Manager (Augustines As) Always free! Bob Gibbs Manager-Official (Arlex) Jon Sutherby- Wakefield Merchants, Joe Armstrong, Chiefs If a runner was on third with less than two outs, hed fly deep to the outfield. Bell may well have been the fastest man to ever play baseball, revered for his ability to beat out a two-hopper or bunt his way to extra bases. JOE CACCIATORE-Umpire in Chief I have hope that as a result,. He worked as a teacher's aide in the 1980s while also coaching baseball. Tony Pappalardo, Mustangs When Haverstraw Little League opened its 1973 season the following May, the 550 players on 34 teams in six divisions dedicated the season to the memory of the man who did so much . ROGER UELTZEN-Hosmer Chiefs His imposing size alone was enough to get an opponents attention, but it was his consistent night in night out, year in year out production that rendered him the heart and soul, the presence, in Arlingtons Grannan and Holovak & Coughlin lineups, one of which, the 1986 Grannan Club, Centola led to the Intercity League playoff finals won by the Melrose Rams. That advice was not lost on Centola who time and again would get the job done in a multitude of situations. He threw strikes, got outs, got saves and got wins. Rube Fosters younger half-brother authored a legacy all his own with a golden left arm, mixing a high-octane fastball with a famous ability to change speeds that left hitters flailing. 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Mike Kotarski, Blue Sox In short, stories that connect us all. Dick Rigazio Player-Manager (North Cambridge), Copyright 2016 - intercityleaguebaseball.com -. 2 and 3 team against the Div. Youve accomplished so many things youve never mentioned over the years but thats how you are! Brown was an even bigger legend in Puerto Rico, where he captured a pair of Winter League Triple Crowns. The lifelong Watertown resident is married to Karen. Coaches Participated for multiple seasons and was part of successful teams and is known to have greatly enhanced the players he/she coached. See the bottom of this page for crieria and other information. The outing was not so thrilling for Centola, who started for the Div. Tom Mandile- Hosmer Chiefs & Medford Mustangs Leon Paulino closed out the first inning scoring with a 2-run home run to right. Mndez was the first Cuban star of the pre-Negro Leagues era, rising to fame in 1908 after he tossed 25 consecutive scoreless innings across three exhibition games against the Major Leagues Cincinnati Reds. (https://www.watertownmanews.com/2017/11/03/watertowns-peter-centola-named-to-intercity-baseball-league-hall-of-fame/). Required fields are marked *. Peter Ferrari Blue Sox A well-regarded and well-traveled shortstop, Wells was known as The Devil, a moniker he picked up in Mexico (El Diablo) after the competition learned to stop hitting the ball his way. KEVIN LOFTUS-Peter Fuller, Lynnfield & Gately Rams He was also one of its best hitters, finishing with a career average of roughly .340 and a slugging percentage around .525. DAVE TALLENT-Hosmer Chiefs The CFP on Wednesday announced the three new members that would be replacing Wyoming AD Tim Burman, Colorado AD Rick George and former Penn State and NFL player John Urschel on the panel that chooses the four teams that play for the national championship. But Foster had loftier goals in mind. Few pitchers won more decisions over the first two decades of Negro League play than Lefty Cooper, a fixture of the Detroit Stars' and Kansas City Monarchs rotations. are equally impressive and deserving recognition. Here are the 2022 ICL Award Winners. "It was a thrill.". Second base was just the beginning for the lanky Cuban native, who would master every position on the diamond save catcher as he filled out his frame. He was a consistent .300 hitter, too, known for spraying the ball to all fields and driving in runs in the clutch. The following information was provided by the Watertown Community Foundation: He did not give up and would play with the other River Rats at the park along the Charles River near Charles River Road. Jackie Robinson was the first Negro Leaguer to break the color barrier, but Irvin was the top choice of Negro League executives -- and he may have been the best player to cross over. Wells was also a pioneer: Many believe he was the first to wear a batting helmet after he was constantly thrown at by opposing pitchers. 2023 inductees Eric Jacobsen, Joe Jackson, Brittany Kouandjio, Bryce Perkins and Karen Self at the 2023 Chandler Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Saturday, February 18, 2023, in Chandler . 2 and 3 team against the Div. DON McGILLICUDDY- Reading Town Team & Wilmington Seven Negro League Hall of Famers, including Cool Papa Bell and Satchel Paige, played for Wilkinsons Monarchs, as did future Major League stars Jackie Robinson and Ernie Banks. Watertowns Peter Centola Named to Intercity Baseball League Hall of Fame. All champions of baseball. Commenters must sign full real names. Listed below in alphabetical order by last name are the current members of the BMBL Hall of Fame. Here he is seen playing for Stonehill College. More >, Gibsons exclusion from the Major Leagues evokes as many what ifs as any Negro League star. He fielded 11 separate Hall of Fame players on his roster at various points, aggressively assembling top-end clubs year-in and year-out. They are the parents of 22 year-old daughter, Torey Boyle, 14 year-old son, Philip, and 12 year-old daughter, Leanne. Smith often played Robin to Satchel Paiges Batman, spelling Paige in relief for the Monarchs. Kevin Giannino-Augustine As . Centola hit well over .300 every year. (more). The AFA has been in operation for 43 years and is not affiliated with any other national semi-pro/minor league organization. But early Negro League fans were already familiar with Torrientes remarkable five-tool ability from his play stateside -- first with the Cuban Stars and then the Chicago American Giants, whom he helped to three straight Negro National League pennants. Steve Ring- Malden Merchants He came to Watertown High School to coach in the early 1990s and was a volunteer coach for the Harvard junior varsity while also serving as assistant athletic director at Mount Ida College. All rights reserved. He started a club baseball team at the college. The materials in the Baseball Hall of Fame collection evoke awe, reflection, and no shortage of emotion. Included are the late Adam Keenan and Bill Terlecky, the first three league alumni to play Major League Baseball, as well as our "Founding Fathers" in former Commissioner Chris Hall and original owners and operators of Futures League teams. A gift in any amount helps us continue to bring you the news. Fowler has been acknowledged as the first Black professional baseball player, according to the Hall of Fame. In December 2009, when former Recreation Director Tom Sullivan retired Centola struggled with whether to go for the job, but decided to go for it because it was best for his family. The Boston Metro Baseball League (BMBL) honors those elite players who have exceeded expectations on the baseball field while also making a substantial impact on our league. https://www.tiktok.com/@baseballhall?lang=en. PETER CENTOLA-Grannan Club & Holovak & Coughlin He founded the dominant Chicago American Giants franchise and then spearheaded the creation of the Negro National League -- an unprecedented African-American baseball organization for the times -- in 1920. New members will serve three-year terms on the committee. The Lexington Blue Sox were honored for their Champion Season, Pete . For information on the dinner please contact Dinner Chairman Orazio Azzarello at 617-839-6843. As player-manager, Brown led the Monarchs to pennants in 1937, 39 and 40. Every one a Hall of Famer. He has been the commissioner of the Watertown Mens Summer Basketball League for 33 years. Harry Mehos- Augustine As She was the Negro Leagues champion for team compensation once players began jumping to the Majors, and she argued for Negro Leaguers' inclusion in the Hall of Fame in her later years. DICK KELLIHER-Wakefield Merchants LUKE BEGLEY-Medford Mustangs & Watertown Reds He and his famous brothers, Candy Jim, Steel Arm Johnny and C.I., raised the Indianapolis Stars to prominence in the 1910s, with Ben serving as big bopper from the cleanup spot. Watertown News Cranberry League Hall of Fame Member; Career Batting: 343 Games, .279 Avg., 218 Hits, 152 RBIs, 137 Runs, 5 Doubles, 3 Triples; John O'Brien. The outing was not so thrilling for Centola, who started for the Div. Atlantic City Labor Day Tournament . Then he became athletic director at Newbury College, where he restarted baseball as a club sport and later became a varsity team. With Centola, batting and fielding credentials tell two-thirds of the story. The Negro Leagues and African-American baseball at large often rivaled the Major Leagues, both at the gates and in the national consciousness, in the first half of the 20th century. He teamed up with Gibson to form the equivalent of the Yankees Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, leading the Grays to nine Negro National League pennants and five Negro League World Series appearances. We are proud of you! Theres no substitute for experiencing it first hand. A situational hitter, Centola knew what his job was from at bat to at bat. Now sit back and enjoy the acknowledgement of others. No foul language. Both players were listed on Pro Football Talk Mike Florio's top 10 receivers of the 2010s decade. A situational hitter, Centola knew what his job was from at bat to at bat. GORDIE LEWIS- Hosmer Chiefs His first position was as freshman coach at Belmont High School in 1983, then moved to Mass Bay Community College the next year before going to UMass-Boston, where he coached from 1985-91. Tom Cassell Player-Manager-Official (Cassell Club) RUSSELL WARD- Somerville Red Sox & Watertown Hibos Green is comparable to Demaryius Thomas, the former Broncos star. Peter Centola is now the Director of the Watertown Recreation Department. More. One story states that he was timed going around the bases in just 12 seconds. Denver, Colorado - July 1-3, 2023. As good as Lloyd was with the leather, he was just as impressive with the bat: He retired with an average north of .330 (per most contemporary accounts) over a 27-year career, and he reached .400 on several occasions. A senior captain and four year starter as both a pitcher and first baseman, he was named All-New England and All-Northeast as a sophomore pitcher and was chosen to start the University and College All-Star Game at Fenway Park. BRIAN COUGHLIN- Holovak & Coughlin After college, Centola began playing in the Intercity League, and began coaching. Arizona Cardinals wide receiver A.J. Arthur Hartung, Merchants They made it to Cooperstown. He put his career on pause to serve in World War II, but he came back in 1946 to no-hit the Philadelphia Stars in his first game back on the mound. Thats why I say dont give up on a players, Centola said. MIKE MARTELLO- Wakefield Merchants Players Season Award Winners, significant contributor to successful teams, went on to a professional career. Support provided by Market New York through I LOVE NY/ New York States Division of Tourism as a part of the Regional Economic Development Council awards. Players eligible five years after their final FCBL season. He was flashy, known for calling his shots years before Babe Ruth did, and his combination of skill and showmanship made him one of the early drawing cards in African-American baseball. Cooperstown, NY - July 1 -3, 2023. Green was always a goodplayer but never a great player. BUTCH MARTEL- Melrose Rams Day trip or a week-long adventure. Original works of artpaintings, sculptures and renderingscelebrate the game. 0. The inductees are listed in chronological order, beginning with Satchel Paige's landmark election to the Class of 1971. Often called upon to take the mound, it wasnt overpowering velocity that got batters out, it was location and guile.