The Frontier League has announced its 2017 Hall of Fame class. The Joliet Slammers presented by ATI Physical Therapy are hosting the Frontier League Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on Wednesday, July 12 at the Grand Ballroom at Joliet Union Station.
The 2017 Hall of Fame Class includes: Chase Burch, Travis Garcia, Gator McBride, Pete Pirman, and a Frontier League Special Contributor, Steve Sturgill.
Chase Burch was with the Traverse City Beach Bums from 2010-13. Burch was a post-season All-Star first baseman who finished his Frontier League career with .283 batting average, 68 home runs, and 235 RBI. Chase helped the Beach Bums to the 2010 Frontier League Championship Series.
Travis Garcia was with the Ohio Valley Redcoats in 2005 and the Chillicothe Paints 2006-2008. Garcia was named the Most Valuable Player and was a 2005, 2006, and 2007 post-season All-Star as a shortstop and third baseman. Garcia finished his time in the Frontier League with a .304 batting average, 57 home runs, and 275 RBI and led Chillicothe to the 2006 Championship Series.
Gator McBride was with the Chillicothe Paints 1998-99. He was a 1998 post-season All-Star outfield who led the Paints to the Championship Series. McBride hit .423 with 27 home runs and 111 RBI in 108 career games before signing with the Boston Red Sox.
Pete Pirman spent time with the Evansville Otters in 2002, Richmond Roosters in 2003, and Kalamazoo Kings from 2004-06. In 2005 he earned Most Valuable Player who led Kalamazoo to their only Frontier League title. Pirman is tied for the single season record with 100 RBI in 2005 and posted a .300 batting average with 47 home runs and 247 RBI in his Frontier League tenure.
Steve Sturgill (Special Contributor) was the first president of the Frontier League and one of the original league owners. Sturgill ran the Portsmouth Explorers in 1993 and 1994, later serving as the City Council President/Mayor of Portsmouth. Aside from Bill Lee, Steve is the only person to have his signature stamped on the Frontier League baseball.
All five hall of fame inductees will be recognized at the induction ceremony luncheon beginning at 11:30 am on July 12. Former Chicago Cub Bobby Dernier will be the guest speaker and will sign autographs following the luncheon. The 2017 All-Star Game will follow that evening at 7:05 pm at the Slammers Stadium.