Babe Ruth Hall of Fame

What a GREAT night last night was for our family. After working with Babe Ruth Baseball for 50 years in some capacity, be it umpire, league president, tournament chairman, task force personnel or international board member, Dad was inducted in the Babe Ruth National Hall of Fame. Now my Dad is not one for recognition or glory, but I know he was extremely proud of this honor. I am very happy he was awarded this prestigious award while he was still alive. So many times it happens posthumously and I believe it robs the recipient of the thrill of receiving the award.

SO many friends and family members made the drive to Monticello in southeast Arkansas for the presentation. Normally the award is presented at their annual Board Meeting in the fall in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but Dad wanted the ceremony closer to home so that more of his family could be there. All seven of his brothers and sisters were there along with many nieces and nephews and great-niece and nephew, all of his children, his son-in-laws and most of his grandchildren (sorry you had to work, Susie & Jimmy), lots of friends from Pine Bluff and others from around the state that have worked with Dad in some Babe Ruth capacity. The presentation was in-between games at the 13-15 year old Babe Ruth World Series and they asked all of his friends and family to take the field…I swear there were more people on the field than left in the stands!

The HILL family that was in attendance.

Dad introduced me last night to one of his Babe Ruth friends as his "baseball buddy." LOL. I've never heard him say that before, but I guess it's true. I've spent years out at the baseball park with my Dad working in the concession stand, running the scoreboard, keeping the scorebook, doing the announcing, selling t-shirts, taking tickets, working task force when we had a tournament in Pine Bluff and whatever else he wanted me to do, except he never really trusted me with the mower! So yeah…I guess I am his "baseball buddy" and am so Proud of my Dad. Love ya Daddy!

Dad's Brothers & Sisters showing their support with Hog Shirts and
HILL on the back of their shirts!