Baseball Coaches introduce new hall of fame here
One more Hall of Fame to preserve our local sporting tradition has been launched here. Credit the Northern Kentucky Baseball Coaches Association for getting this one going with the introduction of the Ninth Region Baseball Hall of Fame.
“Long overdue,” they say, “but as an association we are proud to create the Ninth Region Hall of Fame . . . proud to launch a new tradition that honors the rich history, remarkable talent and lasting legacy of baseball in our community.”
The plan is “to recognize the players, coaches, and umpires whose impact on the game has shaped generations. From dominant athletes and championship‑winning coaches to respected officials who upheld the integrity of the sport, the Ninth Region has been home to countless individuals who elevated baseball in Northern Kentucky. Their stories deserve to be remembered, shared, and celebrated.”
The first class “reflects the depth of that legacy,” they say with these 15 being honored between the Ninth Region semifinal games May 26 (5:30 and 8:30 games) at Thomas More Stadium. Those to be honored in this inaugural class:
1. Tom Ries – Newport
2. Stan Arnzen – Newport
3. Jim Connor – Newport / NewCath
4. Frank Pangallo – NewCath
5. Bob Barton – Holmes
6. Gary Sargent – Holmes
7. Jim Caldwell – NewCath
8. Leo Groeschen – NewCath
9. Jim Cutter – Newport
10. Chris Hook – Lloyd
11. Brandon Berger – Beechwood
12. Ray Brown – Newport
13. Grady Brown – Newport
14. Leo Foster – Holmes
15. Chris Curley – Beechwood
16. Bill Krumpelbeck – Covington Catholic
Beechwood baseball coach Kevin Gray (kevin.gray@beechwood.kyschools.us) has been the spokesman for the coaches and his final word is this: “We will continue to celebrate not just baseball accomplishments, but the people who built the foundation of the sport in the Ninth Region. Their dedication, passion, and excellence continue to inspire the players who take the field today. Welcome to the beginning of a new tradition. Welcome to the Ninth Region Baseball Hall of Fame.”
Florence Y’alls announce promos all over the place
You want promos, the Florence Y’alls have them for you. Time to mark your calendars for the 2026 regular season. Single-game tickets, season tickets and group packages are available now at florenceyalls.com.
On opening night May 12 at Thomas More Stadium against the Mississippi Mud Monsters, fans will receive special clear bags courtesy of Thomas More University. On May 15, Red, White, and Y’alls Night, presented by Dial One Security, celebrates America’s 250th birthday. Two more promotions round out May: Wizards & Wands Night May 29 and Grateful Dead Night May 30.
June promos: Superhero Night, June 26, with fans collecting a Florence Y’alls Shersey, and Margaritaville Night, June 27, Y’alls sunglasses giveaway.
July All-Star Game: Northern Kentucky hosts the Frontier League Y’all-Star Game, presented by meetNKY, July 13-15. Home Run Derby is July 14, the All-Star Game July 15, at Thomas More Stadium.
July-August-September: Star Wars Night, July 17; Christmas in July on the 18th. And the fourth mystery Bluegrass Blowout July 31, presented by Recreations Outlet. August features Country Night, presented by TANK, Aug. 1, with fans getting a TANK bus keychain and Pirates & Princesses Aug. 14, presented by Dean Dorton, when fans receive a Y’all Star Toothbrush Holder and September with Fan Appreciation Night, presented by Kroger, Sept. 4 and a new Oktoberfest Night promotion Sept. 5.
Daily promotions: will include $2 Tuesday, Wrestling Wednesday, Thirsty Thursday, Fireworks Friday, Rockin’ Saturday and Family Funday Sunday throughout the season.
March NKSHOF inductees honored Wednesday
This Wednesday, March 18, at 1 p.m. at The Gardens in Park Hills, the March class of five new inductees into the Northern Kentucky Sports Hall of Fame will be honored. The public is invited. There is no charge.
Here are the new Hall of Famers: Bellevue’s Joe “Bones” Egan, a former basketball player and longtime booster and mentor of Tiger football; Dixie Heights’ Graham Taylor, a basketball-baseball star who went on to a college and pro baseball career; Highlands’ alum Ken Lehkamp, who went on to a baseball career at UK and as basketball manager for Adolph Rupp before returning to coach both Campbell County and Highlands; Kristen Noakes Bayles, a four-sport athlete at Dixie Heights before starring at NKU and then a marathon runner; and Newport Central Catholic’s Mike Nolan, also a four-sport athlete who won a pair of wrestling state championships in Kentucky.
Contact Dan Weber at dweber3440@aol.com. Follow him on X @dweber3440.