Tuesday, October 11, 2011

A long overdue honor for Punkin Miller

FROM KEITH GROLLER

If you know Punkin Miller, you know he doesn't like to be complimented. He'd rather have his team, his players be saluted, honored, recognized, etc. But if there's anyone who should be in the Blue Mountain League Baseball Hall of Fame, it's him. And finally, he will be inducted on Nov. 3.

Miller, who is one of most well-known personalities in local sports, will be inducted into the BML Hall of Fame along with Tom George, Jeff Merlet and Andy Simock at the Holy Family Sick & Relief Hall in Nazareth. Cocktails are at 5:45 p.m., dinner at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets, which cost $30, are available via a variety of people: O.R. Pacchioli, 610-253-1401; Bob Schuster, 610-691-0200; John Bisco, 610-258-1599; Jack Kinney, 610-691-1245; Mike Mihalik, 610-799-0636; George Pitsilos, 610-868-7177; Tim Schwarz, 484-264-1403; Tom Stoudt, Sr., 610-697-0041 or Paul Zellner at 610-419-1973.

George, Merlet and Simock were all major contributors to the league and talented ballplayers.

They all deserve their kudos and bows.

But I am most excited about Punkin Miller's selection because, let's face it, this league probably doesn't exist without him.

He has been a manager in the league for 43 years and won championships in 1976, 1977, 1985, 1987, 1988, 2004 and 2006. Even when his teams didn't win it all, they are always in contention.

Through the years, Punkin has had dozens of former high school and college players who would not have had an opportunity to continue playing a game they love without his team and the BML.

His late wife, Sharon, who served the league as a scorekeeper and league official, was inducted into the Hall of Fame several years ago.

I don't know if Punkin will attend. His health sometimes doesn't allow him to attend everything he'd like to attend. I hope he can make it that night.

Regardless, he has to be in the BML Hall of Fame. Him not being in there would be like not having Babe Ruth or Willie Mays in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Miller's 1985 Stroh's Orioles team, which went 30-5, will also be honored that night. It's something new the BML Hall of Fame is doing, honoring special teams in league history.

http://blogs.mcall.com/groller/

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