Chronicle of a Fan

The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame was originally the vision of Rudy Piekarski, a former player at St. Mary's Grade and High School and also Akron University; player and manager of several AA teams and coach at Revere High and Kenmore High, and has served as commissioner of the Greater Akron AA Baseball League 1981-1992.

In 1981 the organization was started to recognize former players, coaches, managers, sponsors and umpires who had displayed their talents or generosity in an outstanding manner over the many years of the existence of the A, AA and Old Industrial Leagues in Akron. The Organization was called "The Greater Akron Class A-AA Baseball League Hall of Fame."

The dream came true on May 8, 1982, when 98 individuals attended a banquet at Anthe's restaurant on West Market Street to honor a charter group of eight inductees. In the fall of 1982, Piekarski secured the services of Eldon Dice, William "Tiny" DiMenna, Mox Engler, Don Lombardi, Dick Lombardi, George Popp, Dom Saccone, Harold "Bus" Simpson and Dave Young as charter trustee members of the Organization.

In August of 1984, the then presiding committee voted to change the name of the organization to "Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame." This move was made to recognize all levels of baseball in the Akron area.

In 1985, the organization was incorporated as a non-profit corporation under Section 1702 of the Ohio Revised Code as "The Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame, Inc." The articles of incorporation dated and filed on November 10, 1985, and the certificate of incorporation from the Department of State of the state of Ohio dated December 12, 1985 were included as part of the constitution and bylaws of this organization.

On January 19, 1995, the Hall of Fame organization was granted a 501 (c) (3) Tax Exemption from the Federal Internal Revenue Code. It was made retroactive to December 12, 1985 when we were incorporated.

Hall of Fame meetings are held the second Thursday of each month at the Summit County Historical Society's Carriage House at the northeast corner of Copley Road and South Portage Path, or at the H.O.F. Room at Canal Park Stadium, 300 S. Main St., Downtown Akron. Meetings begin at 6 p.m. Call 867-6004 for more information.

On Monday, September 23, 1996 Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic and Akron City Council members: Bruce Bolden, Dave Bryant, John Conti, John Frank, Renee Green, Bruce Kilby, Don Mittiga, Bob Otterman, John Otterman, Dave Portis, Marco Sommerville, John Valle, and Mike Williams unanimously voted to provide the G.A.B.H.O.F. with a room at Canal Park Stadium.

In 2003, the GAHHOF combined with the RADIO/TELEVISION BROADCASTERS HALL OF FAME to display artifacts, memorabilia, and photos of the history of both organizations at the Halls of Fame Room at the Canal Park Stadium. Entrance is on South Main Street at the north end of the stadium. The room is open 90 minutes before any game until the end of the first inning. For tours at any other time or to donate any items for display, call 330-867-6004.

The GABHOF celebrated its 22nd anniversary in 2003 and now has a total of 308 inductees.

Each year a minimum of (8) persons shall be selected for induction by the prevailing committee at the November meeting. 60% of votes cast are needed for selection. In recognition of their achievements, persons duly selected are honored at the annual banquet and their achievements made a matter of public record.