NOMAR GARCIAPARRA SPEECH
Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Nomar Garciaparra:
Born July 23rd, 1973, in Whittier California, United States of America
Played 14 seasons (1997-2010)
1997-2006 Virginia Sluggers; 2007 Chicago Mobsters; 2008 Buffalo Braves; Brooklyn Ave. Rascals; 2009-10
Career Stats: 5,222 AB, 1446 Games, .306 Avg., .357 OBP, .509 SLG, .866 OPS, 1598 Hits, 865 Runs, 201 HR, 965 RBI, 372 Doubles, 2267 TB, 399 BB, 611 K, 59 SB, .979 Fielding %, 3681 Assists, 3378 PO, 885 DP
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed members of the Mid-West Baseball League, and fans across the globe,
Today, it is with immense pride and a profound sense of history that we gather to celebrate one of the game’s most illustrious careers. We are here to welcome a player into the hallowed halls of the MWBL Hall of Fame, a player whose dedication and talent have left an indelible mark on our beloved sport.
Nomar Garciaparra is a name that resonates with excellence, determination, and an unwavering love for baseball. From the moment he stepped onto the field as the 1997 American League Rookie of the Year, Nomar captured our hearts and imagination. His remarkable .306 lifetime batting average and the impressive .979 career fielding percentage speak volumes about his consistency and prowess on the diamond.
As a 4-time American League All-Star Starter and a 2-time All-Star Reserve, Nomar’s contributions were not only felt in the regular season but also on the grand stage where the best of the best come together. His powerful swing led to over 200 career home runs, and his 965 RBIs were a testament to his ability to perform when it mattered most.
Nomar’s journey through the MWBL saw him don the jerseys of the Virginia Sluggers, where he became a legend from 1997 to 2006, the Chicago Mobsters in 2007, the Buffalo Braves in 2008, and finally, the Brooklyn Ave Rascals from 2009 to 2010. In each team, he left a legacy of greatness and a collection of memories that will be cherished by fans for generations to come.
As the Commissioner of the Mid-West Baseball League, it is my honor and privilege to welcome Nomar Garciaparra into the MWBL Hall of Fame. Nomar, your achievements have earned you a place among the legends of this game, and your induction is a celebration of a career that has been nothing short of extraordinary.
Congratulations, Nomar. Welcome to the MWBL Hall of Fame, where your legacy will be forever enshrined in the annals of baseball history.
Nomar Garciaparra Speech:
Mr. Commissioner, folks watching on TV at home, my baseball brothers, all the incredible Hall of Famers sitting behind me, plus every single fan here today. Wow, I’m just floored. I stand here today, a couple of days before my 51st, birthday and here I am, about to join a brotherhood of the Mid-West Baseball Leagues greats, and it’s all thanks to the MWBL Hall of Fame Veterans Committee for seeing something in me. I’m beyond grateful, truly. Plus, I had a little help from my friend.
Back when this league was just kicking off in ’97, Paul Roe from Virginia saw something in me, picking me in that fourth round. Paul, your belief in me set the stage for what was an unforgettable decade with Virginia. We chased that World Series dream twice, and even though we didn’t snag the title, we sure made memories. Paul, your relentless push to see me here standing here today, now a member of the Mid-West Baseball League Hall of Fame, it’s something I hold near & dear to my heart. I truly cannot thank you enough sir.
I then had that wonderful year in Chicago. Stray Corrado, you let me be part of a legendary squad, even though for only one year, I’m thankful for that shot playing for your Mobsters.
Then there was Buffalo, with Mr. Wally Walczak at the helm, giving me the nod to prove I still had game. And I can’t forget Mr. Tom McDuffie in Brooklyn, letting me wrap up my career hitting over .300. It was a blast, even in those final limited moments.
I’ve got to give a huge shout-out to my family, my rock-solid foundation. My Dad – Ramon – whom I am named after – backward of course, you coached me into the player I became. My wife Mia, our children, Grace, Ava, and Garrett, your love carried me through every inning of my career.
To wrap this up, just know this honor is something I’ll treasure forever. For 14 years, baseball was my life, and what a life it was, filled with top-notch players and teams. Without Commissioner Corrado and the Mid-West Baseball League, who knows where I’d be? This recognition is something I’ll never forget. A million thanks to all of you.