| George Abbott - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: George Abbott Jr.
George Abbott was involved in Big Ball for nearly 25 years beginning in 1967. He played for the Jokers from 1967 until 1976, then the Sports Page from 1977 to 1992. He mostly played short fielder and often batted first. His proudest moments in Big Ball were winning the City Rec League almost every year he played, winning the National Tournament twice and won MVP a couple of times. George loves the uniqueness of baseball without a glove and will always cherish the opportunity he had to play with many great people his age and older.
Congratulations George Abbott
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Jack Benedict - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: Jeff Benedict
Jack’s first year in Big Ball was 1971 and continued through 1995. He played for a number of teams during this time, including Forester’s and Huzar’s clubs, Erie County Wineries, Ricardo’s and Landmark Tavern, all as a third baseman, and for Klick’s Suzuki and Moser’s Vending as a pitcher. Big Ball was a lifestyle for Jack and he played every week all summer long. He made a lot of friends through Big Ball and is fondly remembered for being an intense and smart player. Jack was considered one of the biggest Big Ball fans ever as he never stopped coming to the fields until he passed away in 2008.
In Loving Memory of Jack Benedict
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall Of Fame Inductee
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| Jim Cipalla - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: Dominick DiPaolo
Jim CiPalla played Big Ball from 1965 through 1980. He played the Industrial League with Kaiser Aluminum, and City Rec with Foresters, Billy Jean King and Glory Days of the Sports Page as a 1st baseman. Jim notes that one of the best opportunities Big Ball offers is the chance to compete with other players near your own age group. Jim’s greatest accomplishment in Big Ball was that he was the only right handed hitter at the time to hit the ball out of 11th and Hess over the left field fence. Jim considers Big Ball to be a wonderful sport and grateful for all of the friends he has made playing the game.
Congratulations Jim CiPalla
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Mario DePalma - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: Jim Casey
In the early 60s, Mario DePalma began his leadership role in baseball as the President of Boys Baseball of Erie. Later in 1965, Mario began organizing slo-pitch games at 13th in Lincoln and in 1968 at 11th and Hess. He was also the Westside modified softball Commissioner during this time. Continuing throughout the 70s, Mario organized and ran the weekend slo-pitch tournaments including this weekend’s Annual City Tournament for over 25 years. Mario is known for his hard work organizing these tournaments and enlisting his kids to help him with all of the set up. He had a special talent for settling arguments in a very diplomatic way. During Mario’s time in slo-pitch, it was obvious to all that the enjoyment and respect for the others involved is what was the most rewarding part of the game to him.
In Loving Memory of Mario DePalma
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Paul Foust - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: Dick Eglend
Paul began Big Ball in 1962 and played until 1991. During those 30 years, he won numerous championships and tournaments with his teams, Hoover Construction, Taylor Rental, Erie Co. Wineries, Curtze Steel and the Jokers. Paul is thankful that Big Ball gave him the opportunity to play until he was 62 years old. Paul now enjoys watching his kids and grandchildren play baseball and softball. Paul has forged many lifelong friendships through Big Ball which he has treasured all of his life. His fondest memory playing Big Ball was hitting a home run to help his team win the Nuova Tournament at 11th and Hess.
Congratulations Paul Foust
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Jack Jensen - Class of 2010 |
| Presenter: Dominick DiPaolo
Jack Jensen was involved in Big Ball for 15 years, from 1973 to 1988. He helped his teams win 2 Whitford Park Harborcreek Tournament Championships, 3 Union City Tournament Championships and 4 City Rec Tournament Championships. He played 2nd base for Oakwood Café, Miller’s South Erie Beer, Warsaw Cage, and the Sports Page. He was also a sponsor for On Deck Tavern from 1989 to 1993. His greatest accomplishment playing the game was winning his first City Rec League Championship and a City Tournament. Jack met most of his current friends while playing Big Ball and enjoyed the good, clean fun he had with many ballplayers and people involved in the game.
Congratulations Jack Jensen
2010 Erie Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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