The International League announced today that inductees into the circuit’s Hall of Fame will be presented with a special memento to honor their designation among the League’s immortals. The International League’s 125th Anniversary Committee has commissioned the creation of a statue presented to members of the IL Hall of Fame upon their formal induction. The statue, a replica of a player tipping his cap to the fans, is symbolic of having been recognized for a job well done.The International League announced today that inductees into the circuit’s Hall of Fame will be presented with a special memento to honor their designation among the League’s immortals. The International League’s 125th Anniversary Committee has commissioned the creation of a statue presented to members of the IL Hall of Fame upon their formal induction. The statue, a replica of a player tipping his cap to the fans, is symbolic of having been recognized for a job well done.
The Committee began the project in 2007 in preparation for the formal revival of the International League Hall of Fame in 2008. The goal was to create an award that was both unique and distinguished to appropriately recognize the contributions made to the League by its Hall of Famers. Working in conjunction with American Awards in Grove City, Ohio and West Art Custom Sculptures in Salford, Pennsylvania, the Committee was aiming for something different than other awards and honors commonly given for special achievements, in an effort to fully acknowledge the rare and exceptional contributions that only a Hall of Famer can make.
The name of the sculpture, “The Curtain Call,” is engraved across the bottom of the award just below the player himself. The design is that of a veteran ballplayer tipping his cap, an appropriate gesture during the moment he is being recognized by the entire League for his achievements and contributions – symbolizing in fact the ultimate "Curtain Call." The player, metallic mahogany in color, wears a vintage uniform with "IL" on the chest, the number one on the back, and stands 16-inches tall on top of a 2-inch wood base.
International League President Randy Mobley, on behalf of the IL’s 125th Anniversary Committee and the entire League, will make the first public presentation of "The Curtain Call" on Friday, April 18 in Durham, North Carolina. At the first of several IL Hall of Fame inductions to take place around the League in 2008, Mobley will posthumously induct Hobart "Rabbit" Whitman (11 seasons – 7 teams – lifetime .326 BA) at a pre-game ceremony at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The Class of 2008 marks the formal revival of the International League Hall of Fame, dormant since 1964. The list of scheduled inductions taking place around the League is below. Details on each Hall of Famer can be found by visiting www.ILBaseball.com.
International League HoF Class of 2008/Scheduled Inductions
April 18, Durham Bulls Athletic Park: Hobart "Rabbit" Whitman
July 20, McCoy Stadium. Pawtucket: Ben Mondor, Joe Morgan, Jim Rice
June 7, Louisville Slugger Field: Dale Alexander, Bobby Tiefenauer
June 28, Coca Cola Park, Lehigh Valley: Robert "Lefty" Grove
June 28, Frontier Field, Rochester: Joe Altobelli, Russ Derry, Morrie Silver
June 20, Victory Field, Indianapolis: Don Buford
June 30, Cooper Stadium, Columbus: Frank "Pancho" Herrera
July 30, Norfolk: Dave Rosenfield, Frank Verdi
August 3, Dunn Tire Park, Buffalo: Luke Easter
August 15, Alliance Bank Stadium, Syracuse: Hank Sauer, Anthony "Tex" Simone
August 23, Fifth Third Field, Toledo: Gene Cook, Frank Gilhooley Sr.
August 31, The Diamond, Richmond: Tommie Aaron, Ralph Garr, Ollie Tucker