The New York State Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its Class of 2024 on Sunday, honoring a group of legendary figures in baseball.
Among the inductees were Don Mattingly, Buck Showalter, and the late Yogi Berra.
Mattingly, known as “Donnie Baseball,” will be enshrined in Gloversville, though many feel he deserves a spot in Cooperstown. Mattingly spent his entire 14-year career with the New York Yankees. He was named Major League Baseball’s Most Valuable Player in 1985, earned six All-Star selections, and won nine Gold Gloves at first base. He ended his career with a .307 batting average and more than 2,100 hits.
Mattingly’s return to the Capital Region for the induction was a special moment for him.
“I started off in Oneonta when I signed as an 18-year-old,” Mattingly said. “I always love coming to this area – Syracuse, Buffalo, Upstate; different kinds of Yankee fans. They’re not always at the stadium, but they follow us on TV, and it’s a pleasure to be here.”
Born in Evansville, Indiana, Mattingly didn’t grow up as a Yankees fan. However, reflecting on his career, he is grateful for the opportunity to play for the team.
“Playing in Yankee Stadium and meeting legends like Yogi Berra, Whitey Ford, and Mickey Mantle, you start to realize the significance of where you are,” he added. “It made me proud to be part of that organization.”
Showalter’s managerial career began with the Yankees in 1992, where he spent four seasons. He later managed the New York Mets, leading the team in 2022 and 2023 and winning Manager of the Year in 2022.
Showalter looked back fondly on his time managing the Double-A Albany-Colonie Yankees in 1989, where he had players like Deion Sanders and Bernie Williams on his roster. The team had an impressive 70-20 record at one point.
“We had one of the best teams in Double-A history,” Showalter said. “I just let them play. I spent 19 years with the Yankees, a couple with the Mets, and I feel lucky to have had those opportunities.”
Berra’s son, Larry, accepted the induction on behalf of the Yankee legend. Berra, inducted into the MLB Hall of Fame in 1972, was honored posthumously in the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.
Other notable inductees included Howard Johnson, a key player for the 1986 Mets World Series champions; Jesse Barfield, who played under Showalter in 1992; and Ballston Spa baseball coach Curtis Nobles.
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