Connecticut Tri-State Baseball League

Northwest Connecticut’s Premiere Amateur Wooden Bat League

Tri-State Baseball League Hall of Fame

"To permanently honor, document, and preserve contributions to the heritage of the Tri-State Baseball League."

· Tri-State Board of Directors is the Nominating Committee.

· Credentials:

                               A. The individual must have gained prominence or recognition as a player, coach, or umpire for                                             the Tri-State Baseball League.

                                       B. The individual must be ‘retired’ as a player (or 40 years old) and have played in the Tri-State                                             Baseball League for a minimum of 5 seasons.

                                       C. In the event of a serious illness or death an individual will be eligible immediately.

                                       D. Any sponsor, sportswriter, broadcaster, administrator or any other special category selected                                             by the Board of Directors may be included if such individual has made a noteworthy                                                             contribution to the Tri-State Baseball League.

 

Class of 2007

 

George Cantadore

Well-known baseball umpire and basketball official for over 40 years, southpaw Cantadore, known as Lefty, played for the Torrington High School baseball team class of 1939 that went on to become state champions. George then entered the Navy during WWII and played for the Navy all-star team that traveled from base to base. He was later signed to a minor league contract with the Boston Braves. Upon his release, he continued his baseball career playing in the old Torrington Twi-light league and the Twi-Met league.

 

Marc Damelio

A 5-foot-8, 170-pounder with Popeye forearms, Marc Damelio hammered baseballs with ferocity. First at Holy Cross, then at Mattatuck Community College, where he was a two-time All-New England pick and a junior college All-American. In 1993, he earned NEC Player of the Year honors playing for Sacred Heart University . From there, it was Modern Motors in the Twi-Met League and the Bethlehem Plowboys in the Tri-State League. Marc was a two-time Tri-State baseball league MVP who was regarded as one of the best players to come out of Waterbury . As a school teacher, his students respected him and loved being with him. One of the sentiments expressed was about how Marc's baseball friends never had any idea what a great teacher he was and how his teaching friends never knew what a good baseball player he was. Maybe so. But they all knew what a great guy he was. Marc Damelio will never be forgotten.

 

Eddie Freimuth

Pitched for the Litchfield Cowboys for over 25 years and led the cowboys to the tri-state league championship series in 1990. Known for baffling the oppostion with a tenacious curveball, Eddie is remembered by his former teammates as a class act, great teammate, and great competitor on the mound.

 

Bud Kniffen

For over 25 years Bud was a strong influence on both the Amenia Monarchs and the Tri-State Baseball League. He worked behind the scenes raising funds to support the Monarchs and the Tri-State league. Bud was a league officer for over 20 years, starting out as the league secretary for 4 years before becoming league president from 1980-1995 overseeing the league activities. Bud can still be found at a Monarchs game these days and is still a supporter of all the team's functions.

 

Mike Kohut

Catcher for the Amenia Monarchs with a reputation of being tough as nails. Mike was a fierce competitor who was respected by his teammates and oppenents for his work ethic. Known as an outstanding defensive catcher who called his own game, he retired at the age of 57, still as the starting catcher for Amenia. A 5-time team MVP of the champion Monarchs during their historic run in the 80's and was league MVP in 1983. A lifetime .300 hitter who occupied the six spot in the lineup with a countless number of RBI's. As a high school baseball coach, he has a record holding 334 wins against 142 losses with 10 league championships at Pine Plains High School. In 1991, his team was the New York state southeast regional champions.

 

Bill Neller

Co-founder of the Litchfield Cowboys baseball team, Bill led the team in hitting during thier expansion season in 1973 and was an important member of the board of directors who helped keep the league alive through the 70's and 80's. Bill has financially sponsored the Stan Musial tournament over the past 3 seasons which has allowed the Tri-State league to host the tourney.

Hall of Fame Information