Volcanoes Considering Hall of Fame

KEIZER, OREGON -- With the 2019 renaissance season of the Salem-Keizer Volcanoes delivering a thrilling Northwest League South Division pennant race, a spike in Volcanoes Stadium attendance and player performances that are garnering attention throughout all Minor League Baseball, it doesn't come as much of a surprise many in Volcanoes Nation are calling for a permanent Volcanoes Hall of Fame. While many steps would be needed, the team has launched an official feasibility study, said Mitche Graf, Volcanoes President. 

"The Salem-Keizer Volcanoes have produced one of the most compelling championship narratives in Pacific Northwest professional baseball the last half-century: More than 10 players directly helping the San Francisco Giants with three World Series, and the Volcanoes winning five (and counting) Northwest League pennants," Graf said. "Couple that with Volcanoes Nation's gratitude and enthusiasm for all that Jerry, Lisa and Mickey Walker have done for the game and the community -- it isn't a surprise our fanbase is asking us to research the feasibility of a permanent Volcanoes Hall of Fame at Volcanoes Stadium."
Because the Volcanoes are deep in a pennant race, any potential Volcanoes Hall of Fame announcement would come after the 2019 NWL Championship Series, Graf noted. The feasibility study will research what a potential HOF would look like celebrating Volcanoes players, coaches, front office, ownership, and even longstanding season ticket holders.
Partnering with Graf is Justin Lacche, who notes that a Volcanoes Hall of Fame could in the future be a potential year-round destination for Pacific Northwest baseball enthusiasts.
"Mitche said it best that the first order of business is fully focusing on six-star service for the 2019 season, but one can also see the power that the Walker family and the Volcanoes brand have already established with so many championships," Lacche said. "We can't say tonight there will definitely be a Volcanoes Hall of Fame, but we can say tonight there certainly are enough championships and heroes to make a Volcanoes Hall of Fame authentic and something very special."
Stay tuned this fall for more updates on the Volcanoes Hall of Fame feasibility study.