| Bill Dewey - Class of 2008 |
| Presenters:
Brian and Mike Dewey
The late Bill Dewey began playing Big Ball in 1977 and played for 14 years. Bill was a talented hitter and a tremendous first basemen playing for Zurn Industries in the 70’s, Ash Street Pub in the early 80’s before retiring from the Zukor Club in 1991. If Bill were still here today, he would most likely say his fondest memories were of the camaraderie and friendship of the guys he played with. Brian and Mike remember their Dad’s “larger than life” presence seeming like he’d hit the ball more than a mile.
In Loving Memory of
Bill Dewey 2008 Big Ball
Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Dan Kindle - Class of 2008 |
| Presenter: Dave Snippert
Dan Kindle's first year in Big Ball was in 1979, where he played for 15 years and was also a part time manager in 1995. Dan learned the game of Big Ball watching his father play. He excelled as one of the best outfielders and hitters to ever play Big Ball in the Erie area. Dan says his years of playing Big Ball were some of the best years of his life with his fondest memory when he played on the same team as the man he looked up to the most, his father. Dan's athletic skills and playing abilities made him a guaranteed lock for the Erie Big Ball Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Dan Kindle
2008 Big Ball Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Dominick DiPaolo - Class of 2008 |
| Presenters: Pete Pallotto & Rich Cariedo
Dominick’s involvement with Big Ball began in 1974, playing with the Slovak Club. In 1977 he started his own team and won the league as the Nuova Aurora Club. In 1980, that team changed sponsors to the Sports Page and continued what’s known as the greatest dynasty in Big Ball history winning 12 league championships in 17 years with an .840 winning percentage. In 1980 he also became league commissioner and instituted the Designated Hitter Rule allowing teams to bat 11 players. In 1993 Dominick ended his run as league commissioner and team manager.
Congratulations Dom DiPaolo
2008 Big Ball Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Jack Canavan - Class of 2008 |
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Presenter: Joe Justka
Jack Canavan’s involvement in Big Ball began 40 years ago in 1968. Jack has played for 21 different teams over the last 40 years primarily as a pitcher. Jack has also managed and been an avid supporter of Erie Big Ball. His greatest accomplishment is being the first pitcher to shutout team Dempsey & Baxter in the City Tournament 1 to nothing. Jack’s love and passion for the game and fans of Big Ball is what inspired the Erie Big Ball Hall of Fame. As Jack loves to say “Big Ball is his league”. Jack truly is the inspirtation for the Erie Big Ball Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Jack Canavan
2008 Big Ball Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Mike Miller - Class of 2008 |
| Presenter: Mark Szymanski
Mike Miller’s reign in Big Ball began in 1982, where he played for Rohr Trucking than On Deck before launching another Big Ball dynasty with the Star Athletic Club. Mike’s sponsorship for over 20 years with Star Athletic Club gave him the excitement as a player and manager of winning six league championships, four city tournaments including three in a row, three 17-1 regular seasons and one MVP award. Mike's support of Erie Big Ball as a manager, player, sponsor and most notably as a fan have been absolutely overwhelming to the game.
Congratulations Mike Miller
2008 Big Ball Hall of Fame Inductee
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| Walt Porter - Class of 2008 |
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Presenter: Bob Osborn
Walter Porter has been involved with Erie Big Ball for over 30 years. Walt still serves as an umpire upon his Big Ball Hall of Fame induction at the age of 76. Walt believes his biggest accomplishments include always treating coaches and players fairly without bias. Big Ball has given him the opportunity to meet people he wouldn’t have and it’s allowed people of all ages and cultures to participate. His umpiring and playing abilities made Walt an honor to the Erie Big Ball Hall of Fame.
Congratulations Walt Porter
2008 Big Ball Hall of Fame Inductee
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