Gillis Enters Scouts Hall Of Fame In Fort Myers
Click here to view a video of the induction ceremony.
FORT MYERS, FL (March 14, 2011) -The Fort Myers Miracle welcomed Colorado Rockies scout Jack Gillis into the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame during ceremonies Monday, March 14. The club also announced that Killebrew Root Beer is the official sponsor of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame Wall at Hammond Stadium. The PBSHOF was established in 2008 by the Goldklang Group.
This unique honor is given to those who exist at the very foundation of player development for the Major Leagues. The inductees are commemorated with bronze plaques, designed by the acclaimed US Bronze, and placed on display at the four minor league clubs operated by the Goldklang Group (Charleston RiverDogs, Ft. Myers Miracle, Hudson Valley Renegades, and St. Paul Saints).
Gillis, who has nearly 30 years of scouting experience, has worked as a professional scout for Colorado for the past eight years, and has also been an integral part of the Rockies' scouting in Latin America. Prior to joining the Rockies, the 60-year-old Florida-based scout worked for New York Yankees, Tampa Bay and Toronto.
He joins Past Hall of Famers Terry Ryan (Minnesota), Dave Yoakum (Chicago White Sox), Al Goldis (long time scout), John Barr (San Francisco), Tom Kotchman (Los Angeles Angels) and Rudy Santin (San Francisco Giants) on the PBSHOF Wall in Fort Myers.
The 2011 induction ceremony also showcased Killebrew Beverages involvement with PBSHOF. Killebrew Root Beer and Cream Soda is named after legendary Minnesota Twins Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew, who was signed by Washington Senators Farm Director Ossie Bluege.
The Killebrew Beverage Company is based in Burnsville, Minnesota. Started in 1995 by Ken Killebrew, the original recipe was developed by Harmon's grandfather by brewing the root beer at home.
"First of all from a baseball fan stand point, it is a privilege to have this opportunity to be associated with the Miracle and baseball in Ft. Myers. The Scout Hall of Fame at Hammond Stadium is very unique way to build the recognition for the professional scouts who work to find the talent for the pro teams. The Killebrew Root Beer and Cream Soda is also very unique - with the flavor, the packaging, and connection to the game of baseball and it appears to be a good fit," said RJM Distributing President Jim Lundeen.
The current version has been adjusted for current production needs, but the recipe still calls for added sweetness by using Minnesota Honey with the brew. The product is available at Target Field in Minnesota and Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers.
"We are very proud to welcome Killebrew Root Beer as the presenting sponsor of the Professional Baseball Scouts Hall Of Fame here in Fort Myers", said Miracle EVP/GM Steve Gliner. "The Scout Wall at Hammond Stadium has become a place where fans can gather and learn about the careers of the scouts we have honored since 2008. We are excited about partnering with Killebrew Root Beer to honor Jack Gillis and his long and prestigious career as a professional baseball scout."
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