2015 MWBL HOF Speeches

Diving into some Boys of Summer Blog writing drafts, I found this in the archives...

Years ago, I wrote a fictional Hall of Fame ceremony for a APBA computer league called the Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL)...  Enjoy!

BARRY BONDS

Barry Lamar Bonds, born in Riverside, California & born with his fathers' ability to have excellent baseball's skills; His father Bobby would play in the Majors from 1968-1981. His father played with the great Willie Mays, who also happens to be Barry's godfather. Barry would make his own mark in Baseball, starting at Arizona State University, which led to him having a storied MLB Baseball Career with the Pittsburgh Pirates & the same franchise that his father & Godfather played for, in the San Francisco Giants. Barry was drafted by the Mohawk Valley Rangers, 6th overall in the Mid-West Baseball League's inaugural 1997 season.

Barry would go on to play for Mohawk Valley until January 2000, when he was traded to the Tempe Tempers. He would win his first World Series ring with the Tempers in 2001. He was traded to the Kentucky Head Hunters after the 2001 season, in which he would return to the World Series for another ring. The Chicago Mobsters would acquire him with Derek Jeter (the MWBL's all-time hits leader) in a monster deal, he would make two more World Series appearances with Chicago in 2005 & 2008.

Bonds was a 8-time MWBL All-Star (6-time starter), winning three Most Valuable Player season awards; twice in the National League in 2002 & 2003 for Kentucky, while winning another MVP award with Chicago in 2005. He would win his lone Gold Glove in 1999.

At the time of his retirement, only one MWBL player had more Home Runs than Barry did, and that was Alex Rodriguez, who by the way, is still playing. Alex was on top with 479 HR after 2008, with Barry trailing by only 21 HR's at 458. Barry would have 6 individual seasons of hitting 40 or more HR's, 50 or more (three times), would hit more than 60 HR's twice (one of only two players to do so, Sammy Sosa the other) -- with 68 and 62. Bonds' 68 HR's ranks only behind Mark McGwire's 73 HR's (in 2000) & Sosa's 70 HR's (in 1999); The 60-HR individual season mark has been accomplished only 7 times.

Barry would finish 5th all-time in HR's (458), averaging a MWBL best 38.2 HR's a season. Barry also finished with 1,225 RBI (19th all-time) - averaging 102.1 per season, leading all retired players with that clip. At short glance, 1,562 career hits does not sound like a lot, but when considering that he only played 12 seasons -- 12 seasons, by the way, where the opposition rather walk him than face his wrath, that is quite an accomplishment. His 1,459 walks, easily ranks at the top, averaging an astounding 121.6 per season (another league record). He has scored 1,421 times (6th all-time), while his 118.4 runs per season is also tops in that department; He had 8 seasons with 100+ runs, 7 of those 8 seasons, with 130-or-more runs. His 192 runs for the Kentucky Head Hunters in 2003 is also a league record.

Barry Bonds finished his brilliant career with a career .297 batting average, and with league records of a .453 On-Base Percentage & .632 Slugging Percentage -- making him the all-time leader with a 1.085 OPS (On-Base + Slugging). He also owns the single-season marks in each category, a .556 OBP with Kentucky (2003) & a .827 SLG & 1.367 OPS in 2005 for Chicago. To put it in perspective, Babe Ruth only had one OPS season bigger than Bonds' 2005 season, and his career best in OBP was .545 in 1923 for the Yankees. Bonds was walked 205 times in 2003, and appears four times in the top 10 single-season walks category.

Bonds was known for his power & getting on base -- but he was also blessed early on in his career with speed on the base paths. Barry would accumulate 173 stolen bases in his career, with an excellent steals success rate of 80%; He also made the "30/30 Club" three consecutive seasons from 1997-1999, all with Mohawk Valley.

Bonds may be, up to this point, the most gifted player to ever put on a MWBL uniform, with no further introduction, ladies & gentleman, Mr. Barry Bonds...  [Clapping].

Barry Bond's speech: Thank you, Commissioner Corrado, and thank you to the fans that drove the distance for this big day. I don't even know where to start really, it's a bit overwhelming. It seems like yesterday, when I was just a kid in the backyard, and my father was throwing a Wiffle Ball, under-hand to me. I loved the game the moment I knew what Baseball was, and I remember seeing my dad being in a big league uniform, watching him on TV, or in the stands, or myself, being out on the field as a youngster with other Major League players that were playing with my father at the time -- and it was there, that I said to myself... This is what I want to do for a living, it don't get better than this.

I played the game with the same intensity my whole career, as a high school player, my days as a Sun Devil, and I carried that intensity & dedication into my MWBL career. I feel that maybe due to the intensity that I brought onto the field, that sometimes I may have not known how to turn off that intensity towards the reporters in the locker room, and for that, I will apologize that you took it the wrong way, but I will not apologize for the intensity that I brought to the diamond. I do thank all the writers, and owners that have voted me in today -- it is truly a great honor.

I want to take this time to thank the four organizations that I have played for in the Mid-West Baseball League. First to the Mohawk Valley Rangers, by making me the 6th overall pick, I'm sure the five organizations that passed me up, had me in their nightmares for many nights [laughter, pause]... It was such a fun time, to put on that new MWBL uniform for the very first time, I was young, excited, and was thankful that they gave me that start to my career; Of course, when I think of my time in Mohawk Valley, my three consecutive 30/30 club seasons come straight to mind -- boy, do I wish I can run like that again [some laughter]...

I still miss the game [Bonds showing emotions now]

To the Tempe Tempers for acquiring me in January of 2000, where Chris Douglas told me that day, he would make me a champion, and we accomplished that in the 2001 MWBL World Series, by overcoming a 2-0 series deficit to the Severn Express -- I only wished that I played better in both those series for Tempe, especially that first series against Severn in 2000.

Most players don't get the chance to play in three consecutive World Series, and some players never get a chance to even play in a World Series, I happened to play in three straight World Series, my third consecutive season was now as a Kentucky Head Hunter. The 2003 MWBL Season, may be my most well-rounded season in my entire MWBL career, I still can't believe that I crossed that plate 192 times [shaking head in disbelief]... and that I was walked 205 times. Did I enjoy getting walked? No, who does? With all those walks, I still managed to collect 180 something hits, and 52 HR's, all while hitting .371 -- I am proud of that season, and our 2002 World Championship, that's how I'll remember Kentucky.

A week before Christmas 2004, I was in shock when I was traded to Chicago, packaged together with Derek Jeter of all people as well. Let me tell you, it was a great honor to be a teammate with Derek from 2002 to the end of my career, Derek had a nice calming effect on me, he played well above his years, his professionalism is off the charts... I can't wait until the day that he is inducted into this great collection of all-time greats, that the MWBL Hall of Fame has put together, I'll be waiting here for you, buddy.

I do wish that I played better with the Mobsters, I am proud to have reached 62 home runs at the age of 41, despite what the nay-sayers want to say how I was to accomplish it. 2005 was probably my last great hurrah in the MWBL, and to get a couple more shots at a World Series ring certainly didn't hurt. Stray built a winning tradition in Chicago, and I was really happy to wear a Mobsters uniform at some point in my career, even if it was at the twilight of my career.

I am thankful to be inducted with a great group of names in Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson & Steve Cutler, thanks to all of my family that has been supportive through my ups & downs. Thanks to my dad that shared this great game with me, I know you are excited up there -- I miss you.... And thanks to everyone for this amazing day, Thank you!

[Bonds walks away with arm in the air, Applause]

ROGER CLEMENS

William Roger Clemens, a.k.a. "The Rocket", was born in Dayton, Ohio. He is the first of two pitchers today to be inducted in the MWBL Hall of Fame, both of them [Randy Johnson to be inducted afterwards] are both known for their fierce competitive nature and hard-throwing style. Clemens lived in Vandalia, OH until 1977, and then lived most of his high school years in Houston, Texas; It was there in high school, his senior year where he was drawing attention from scouts of the Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins of MLB -- he opted to go to college, first at San Jacinto College North & then the University of Texas at Austin.

Clemens started his MWBL career with the Laredo Lightning, a team that departed from the Iowa Baseball Confederacy (APBA Baseball League). His MWBL career made him a "gun for hire" in his 12 seasons in the MWBL, playing for 8 different franchises, most of his success would be in a Tempe Tempers uniform (playing 5+ seasons with that franchise). He was acquired for his first stint with Tempe in late 1998 for their World Championship push, winning his first ring at the end of the season, he would win another ring with Tempe in their repeat in 1999.

Clemens has an amazing career record of 216-73 (4th all-time in wins), while his .747 winning percentage is the best in MWBL history. Clemens' career ERA of 2.92, ranks 4th among retired MWBL players, while his 2,255 strikeouts ranks 6th all-time -- Clemens recorded 301 K's in 1999 for Tempe, which would be the 6th best individual strikeout season ever. From his 216 wins, Clemens reached 20+ victories in 5 different seasons, and 28+ wins in two different seasons, that included a perfect 30-0 season in his 2nd stint with Tempe in 2006; During his 30-0 season in 2006, Clemens also had 206 K's with a 1.24 ERA.

He was the very definition of "workhorse" averaging 203.4 innings per season, which not to many in the history of this league can say they averaged over 200 innings a season. Some can argue that he is also the very definition of "winner", nearly reaching the playoffs every year of his career; Roger would capture 4 World Championships (all with Tempe, 98'-99', 2001 & 2006), and three other league pennants with Tempe (2000 & 2007) and the Chicago Mobsters (2005) -- That's 7 World Series appearances in 12 MWBL Seasons. His World Series record is 6-2, 2.41 ERA with 89 K's in 82.1 innings (a .935 WHIP).

Clemens, also was a 7-time All-Star (3-time starter, starting all for Tempe), including an All-Star bid as a member of Laredo (1997) & Chicago (2005). Won the N.L. Cy Young twice with Tempe in 1998 & 2006 (2006, happened at 44 years of age) -- the season he went a perfect 30-0. Clemens also won the World Series MVP Award (twice), both in 1998 & 1999 for Tempe.

Ladies & Gentleman, "The Rocket"...

[Clapping]

Roger Clemens' speech: Thank you, John. Thank you everyone for making it out here today. When you include my time in the IBC, plus my time with the Mid-West Baseball League, all I can say is that it's been a long, incredible trip. When I was young, I just threw two pitches, a 98 mile-per-hour fastball, and a hard breaking ball, I simply reared back and through the ball past everyone, it was like catch me, if you can. Then I got a little wiser, and developed "Mr. Splitty" [some chuckles from crowd, with sly grin by Clemens]... a devastating off-speed split-fingered fastball -- that pitch alone, made my career go the distance. By the end of my career, I had two different fastballs, including a four-seam fastball that would clock 94, a slider in the 80's, and an occasional curve.

When I look back at my career, I believe that durability stands out, I idolized the great Nolan Ryan when I was younger, and pretty much took note of everything he did to help prepare myself against the competition. Barry talked about intensity earlier, I brought that to the table every time, for some it came off as brash or arrogant, whatever, I will take that, if it means becoming one of the best ever, I will be brash & arrogant all the time, however you want to paint it. I just loved going out there and pitching, blowing it right past you every time. Nothing in the world can match that feeling, coming up with the big strike out, and making that batter look foolish.

By the way, I just need to mention that I had to chuckle under my breath, when Barry mentioned he was overwhelmed earlier, [Clemens looking over at Bonds sitting], now you know how I felt when I had to face you pal [Laughter from crowd, Bonds laughing]... I am just fortunate to have you as a teammate for a few years there.

When I run into fans on the street, if they are not bringing up the World Championships, they are often bringing up the perfect 30-0 season. It's an amazing feeling to hear fans talk of the perfect season, and how much that season [2006] meant to them, it was possibly my biggest accomplishment in my baseball career, and to do that at 44 years of age, may never be duplicated, by anyone. Not to sound cocky, but I couldn't duplicate that again if you sent myself back in time -- Without words, I can't explain how flawless that season felt. I would imagine it had to be on the lines of Bob Gibson in 1968 -- he must have felt invincible, I felt everything just fell into place for me that season.

I have been blessed to have played in such an amazing league, to have the privilege to play in 7 World Series, including four World Titles for the most decorated franchise in league history, the Tempe Tempers -- to be part of their rich history was everything I imagined it would be.

I want to thank my family for the constant support, my loving wife Debra, and my wonderful kids, Koby, Kory, Kacy, and Kody. I want to thank my mother for making sure my baseball dreams come true, and to my late father Woody, I know you are smiling down on me, I want to thank my fans, the IBC, all of the organizations I played for, and last, but not least, John "Stray" Corrado & the Mid-West Baseball League, and the owners & writers for my induction into the MWBL Hall of Fame, to be listed among the most talented players that ever have played the game, is absolute pleasure. Thanks you!

[Clemens leaves podium, to applause]

RANDY JOHNSON

Randall David "Randy" Johnson, was born in Walnut Creek, California. By the time that he entered Livermore High School, Randy was both a baseball and basketball star. In 1982, as a senior, he struck out 121 batters in 66 innings, and threw a perfect game in his last high school start. He was drafted by the Atlanta Braves in 1982, but the 6'10" southpaw opted to pitch for the University of Southern California instead, in which he was teammates with Mark McGwire.

In his early baseball career, Randy struggled with control problems, but one thing was for sure, he knew how to intimidate the batter in the box -- just ask John Kruk [laughter]. He was among the most feared pitchers due to his pitching arsenal (fastball, slider) to go along with his tall presence, long-haired mullet and mustache -- his wildness & lack of control early on didn't help batters feel at ease.

By the time, the MWBL Draft came along in the inaugural 1997 season, Johnson cemented that he was one of the best starting pitchers in the Majors, his control problems were a thing of the past. The Philadelphia Boo Birds got Johnson on a steal of a draft pick at 92nd overall (6th Round), largely due to the fact that in the  MLB, Johnson suffered an injury-shortened 1996 season of 61.1 innings pitched (8 starts, 14 games). It's amazing to think that 91 players were drafted before "The Big Unit".

It's not a surprise with Tempe's love for big name players, that they landed Johnson in a deal from Philadelphia for Rick Reed & Mike Jackson, during the 1998 season. The same season, Tempe landed earlier Hall of Fame Inductee Roger Clemens -- which resulted in a first World Championship for both players. With brief stints with the Camarillo Quest (1999) & the Santa Fe Devils (2000). Johnson found his way back to the Tempers for another World Series ring in 2001. The New River Road Runners would draft Randy in the Remodification Draft prior to the 2002 MWBL Season, that would be the closest thing to long-term for Randy, with 4 seasons in New River. Johnson logged a 70-35 record during his time with the Road Runners. Johnson spent the remainder of his career with Midwest Mud Hens, Tijuana Bottle Rockets, Jersey Nor'Easters & Bethesda Bandicoots.

He is a 2-time N.L. Cy Young Award Winner, 5-time All-Star selection (starting once for New River), and winning the All-Star Game MVP as a Temper in 2001.

From 2000-2001, largely due to his 31-1 season with Tempe in 2001, Randy compiled a 54-7 record that amounted 577 K's; Counting 2002, he was 71-16 during that stretch of 2000-2002. Johnson compiled 22+ victories (4 times).

Johnson finished his MWBL Career, as the MWBL's All-Time Strikeout King with 2,870 strikeouts - He is 6th all-time in victories (209-95 record), posting a .688 winning percentage (4th among MWBL retirees) & 3.01 ERA (ranked 5th among retired players). His 9.44 strikeouts per nine innings is only second all-time to 2014 MWBL Hall of Fame Inductee Pedro Martinez, while Randy's 205 K's per season is a league's best. His 336 K's in 2002 for New River is the 3rd best single-season mark; Johnson owns 5 of the top 15 seasons for single-season strikeouts in MWBL history (336, 297, 289, 288 & 280).

Ladies & Gentleman, Randy Johnson

[Clapping]

Randy Johnson's speech: Thanks, Commish. Thanks everyone, wow... the MWBL Hall of Fame, with all the talent that has been witnessed in this wonderful baseball league & now to be part of something really special, leaves me speechless. You couldn't have asked for better weather, and I couldn't have asked to be inducted with a better group of guys, I was teammates with both Roger and Barry in 2001. It took me a little longer than Roger to figure pitching all out, I certainly had the velocity and pitching power, but obviously was erratic earlier in my baseball career, thankfully by the time the Mid-West Baseball League came along, I was a much stronger pitcher, with complete control of my mechanics, with much more knowledge of the game.

Roger mentioned the great Nolan Ryan as someone he idolized, I had the wonderful privilege to work a pitching session in with Nolan in late 1992, he mentioned that he appreciated my talent and did not want to see me take as long as he did to figure it all out -- that session would make an incredible impact on my career, and helped me make that step to the next level. He suggested that I tweak my delivery, instead of landing on the heel of my foot, which I would finish off-line -- He wanted me to land on the ball part of my foot instead;  Almost immediately, I discovered the difference. I think that's the beauty of this game, to become one of the best, you need to learn from the best, for him to do that just shows what an amazing man he is -- I mean, I was his competition, and for him to take the time, I will always be thankful for. I would like to say, I kind of felt guilty, just a little, that I would later strikeout 18 of his teammates in a later 8-Inning game during that season -- I believe I read that I threw 160 pitches that game, a mark that has not been reached in the MLB since.

To stand alone, at the top of the MWBL rankings in all-time strikeouts, I still have to take a moment and pinch myself -- 2,870 K's is a lot of strikeouts, and the competitive part in me kicks in... even now, when I think how much I would have loved to get that career ERA just under 3.00, I was this close [using his fingers, displaying a inch]. I guess 3.01 is not that bad [smiles].

I would have loved to have pitched better in the MWBL post-season than I did, and I can only be happy with the accomplishments that helped my teams get to the playoffs. I want to thank the Tempe Tempers for acquiring me in 1998 & once again in 2001, for both of my World Series rings, to be part of a championship team in the MWBL is an amazing thing -- everyone on the team plays a part, one cohesive group, a band of brothers.  I want to thank the New River Road Runners, although the franchise is no more, they gave me a home for five seasons, in where I spent the bulk of my well-traveled career. I want to thank the Philadelphia Boo Birds, another defunct franchise, for drafting me in 1997 & believing that I wasn't damaged goods, due to my injury, and giving me my start to my MWBL career. I want to thank the other teams at the end that employed me for their services, and to all the teammates that I got to play with, and got to know through the years -- thankful for the times with their families, our times working with local charities. Plenty of wonderful memories that I will always treasure.

I want to thank my wonderful family, my wife Lisa, who has stuck by me to let me keep playing the game that I love as long as I possibly can, to my wonderful kids -- I love you guys. I want to thank the good lord above, who blessed me with the ability to pitch the way that I do, it was your guidance that kept me on the right path through life and baseball, I'm forever grateful. Last, but definitely not least, the wonderful fans of the Mid-West Baseball League, that kept coming to the ballparks to watch grown men simply play the games that they loved since being kids -- Thank you, thank you, thank you... God bless everyone.

[Applause / End of players' portion]