10th Annual Sixteen Inch Hall of Fame Induction Dinner

1964 - 1979 Era L-R Mark Strappa, Geno Petramale & Jim Fuller

Next came the 1950 through 1963 era of sixteen-inch softball with three inductees. First up was Robert McCormack a clutch fielding shortstop that sported a .600 plus life time batting average said, "This is a great day for me and my family getting inducted into the Hall of Fame. But, what is really special is to have all of your friends come out and make it a special day! ... I just want you to know this is a day that I will never forget. Thank you."
The second 1950 through 1963 Era player to be inducted was Peter Rocco the hard hitting third baseman with more than 800 home runs and over 4000 RBI to his credit during his career said, "I'd like to thank everyone for making this night possible for me. I want to thank all of my family for being here. … Thank you."
The last 1950 through 1963 Era player to be inducted this evening was Jack Salovitch an imposing right handed hitting first baseman who could not attend the dinner as Bliss accepted his award on his behalf.
The 1964 through 1979 Era was next with three more inductees. Jim Fuller was a powerful hitting first baseman who played for the Dwarfs, Lyons 45s and American Rivet. In accepting his award he said, "Through all the years, of playing this game to have so many people to thank, and your teammates and all your family for their support. No one can pay this game by themselves. No one can accomplish the things we accomplished by themselves. I played on many, many championship teams, too many to remember. If I would have known forty years ago that they were going to tell me that I was going to be in the Hall of Fame and make a speech, I'd of kept a diary."
Next to be inducted was Geno Petramale was a leadoff hitter who played second base and could also play center field for the Doctor Carlucci's Bobcats. While accepting his place in the hall of Fame said, "Thanks everybody! I want to thank the committee that put all this here together and the people that voted for me. I also want to thank my family and my friends out there."
The last inductee from the 1964 through 1979 era was Tony Strappa who played with the Whips Moaners ball club was a power hitter who could spray the ball to all fields but was known for his defense. He passed away in 1995 so his award was accepted by his son Mark Strappa who said, "My sisters, Sharon, Mary Kay and I are grateful for this award. Sports were a great part of my dad's life. He would have been honored to accept this award and I am certainly honored to accept it for him. I appreciate that many of dad's friends and many his fellow teammates from the Whips came tonight."
Three more players were inducted next from the 1980 through 1992 Era of sixteen inch softball with Mike Clifford who played for the Blues and Meadows to name a few of his teams. He was a left handed hitting first baseman who perfected the dump and batting over .700 with four 1st Team All-American and two 2nd Team All-American honors to his name. Clifford said, "Softball has allowed me to make many friends over the years." He went on to recognize some of the outstanding managers that he had the opportunity to play for saying this about Hall of Fame Manager Dick Cooper, "It is his values and sportsmanship that I try to emulate when coaching my kids." He closed by thanking his wife, Joanne by saying, "Who understood my love for the sport and never gave me hard time about playing ball.

1980 - 1992 Era (L-R) Larry 'LaLa' Washington, Andrew 'Buddy' Doroskin & Mike Clifford

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