Clarinda A’s held their 34^th annual Baseball Hall of Fame Banquet Saturday, January 10, 2009 at the Clarinda Academy Activities center.

            Headlining the event were four former A’s players Ozzie Smith, Von Hayes, Darrell Miller and Andrew Cashner. Smith is a National Hall of Fame player who was with the San Diego Padres and St. Louis Cardinals during his professional career. Hayes first signed with the Cleveland Indians and played most of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Miller was a catcher for the Angels and is currently director of Major Leagues Urban Youth Academy in Compton, Ca.  Cashner was the first round draft choice this past season for the Chicago Cubs. Other notables in attendance included Bill Clark (former professional scout) and his wife from Columbia, Mo; Jerry Taylor, NBC tournament director, Wichita, KS; and Bob Steinkamp, manager of the Beatrice Bruins, also a professional scout.

            In conjunction with the banquet, an autograph session was held to open the event, a silent auction of sports memorabilia was held and a question/answer session with the guest celebrities followed the dinner. As always, it was a lively and informative exchange.

            Clarinda A’s press box announcer Darrell Murphy served as Master of Ceremonies, with Clarinda mayor Gordon Kokenge presenting the awards to the new Hall of Fame members. A’s board president Gary Ulmer gave the welcome, GM Merl Eberly thanked the community and alumnus for their aid following the bus fire this past season and encouraged the local attendees to get involved in the program. Team manager Ryan Eberly also thanked the community, spoke about last season’s team the adversity they had overcome to finish the season, win the regional and go on the the NBC World Series. Youth traveling teams and the High School team were also recognized with Coach Dave Kettwick of the 5^th & 6^th grade team and High School coach Rod Eberly telling about their seasons.

            Clarinda’s Baseball Hall of Fame recognizes not only players, but also those vital to keeping amateur baseball alive in our community.  This year’s selections included two recognized for their service to baseball in Clarinda and four players.

            Spencer Black was with the team for five years as a pitcher and then player/coach in the early 2000’s. During those seasons he helped the team to a M.I.N.K League title in 2000 and again in 2004 and finishing in the top 10 at the NBC World Series two years. Spencer also exemplified a true love of the game and dedication to the A’s program.

            Ryan Fox, an outfielder from University of Arkansas, was with the team in 2001 when a broken collarbone cut his season short and again in 2002. He led the team in offense during those seasons as well as being very aggressive defensively. Since that time he has been playing minor league ball, is married and lives in Rogers, Arkansas.

            Jeff Livin was an outstanding pitcher for the A’s in 1982 and l983 and is now the head coach at Angelina College in Texas.  He played his college ball at Southwestern University and after being drafted in 1984 he played four seasons with the Houston Astros organization.  In 2005 he was honored as Region XIV North Coach of the Year. During his coaching career he continues to support the A’s program by sending his best players here for the summer. He and his wife have three children and live in Lufkin, TX.

            A local boy who went on to become mayor of his hometown, Frank Snyder has been a strong supporter of the A’s program not only as a city official but also as a local business owner. He has helped out financially through the years and also shown interest in the growth of the program and facilities at Municipal Stadium during his tenure. Without this kind of support the A’s would not have survived over 50 years.

            Following a family tradition, Ken Whitmore has continued to support the A’s financially and with interest in the program. He and his wife have also opened their home to the “boys of summer” in years past. His late father Floyd was an early benefactor to the A’s and could always be counted on for sound advice. He was inducted into the Hall in 1989.

            Gavin Wright originally came to Clarinda from Blinn Community College and was an outstanding outfielder that gave it his all each game. Not only was he good defensively, he had great speed on the bases. Hitting .352, he was part of the 1998 team that finished fourth at the NBC World Series. He, his wife and children still live in Austin, Texas and he travels as a sports agent.

            Spencer was unable to attend the banquet as he and his wife were snowed in at O’Hare airport in Chicago. Gavin also was not here for the banquet as he had some unexpected business meetings he had to attend. Both expressed their regrets and have indicated they will be here for the event next year to pick up their plaques in person.