A Day of Celebration
Hundreds of baseball enthusiasts converged at the Blaine Kunes Memorial Park in Beech Creek for a ceremony that blended nostalgia with anticipation, marking another chapter in the region’s rich baseball tradition.
The gathering was organized to perpetuate the dream of the late Justin Kline, whose vision of a community Hall of Fame took shape years ago and continues to inspire players, families, and fans alike.
Four new members were welcomed into the Clinton & Centre Baseball Hall of Fame, each bringing a distinct chapter to the sport’s local history, from broadcasting milestones to decades‑long on‑field excellence.
Joe Walker, a longtime broadcaster whose voice has chronicled countless games, was recognized for his statistical contributions and dedication to the game, while Kim Kunes, a stalwart of the Howard Hawks for over twenty years, was celebrated for his catching prowess and hitting consistency.
Bob Rathmell, whose brief acceptance speech hinted at gratitude, joins the ranks after a career that shaped many young players, and Wayne Haas, who recounted memories of his early days and thanked his brother for teaching him the fundamentals, was highlighted for his role in integrating the Howard Hawks into the Centre County Baseball League.
The Howard Hawks, champions of the county league last year, faced a setback this season when they fell to the Spike Island Pirates, a narrative that added drama to the ceremony and underscored the competitive spirit of the league.
Pitcher Brian Pelka, noted as the second‑most winningest hurler in the league with 135 victories, was acknowledged for his longevity on the mound, while the broader community reflected on the contributions of figures such as Tyler Barth, Rod Kline, Sally Kline, James Gallagher, Giovanni "Gio" Cej, Nichole Casilio, Mario Cei, Tammy Walker, Gay Hanley Jr., Curt Heverly, Glenda Haas, Trish Haas, Brooke Haas, Gay Hanley Sr., and others who have enriched the sport.
The Hall of Fame museum, housed at the Blaine Kunes Memorial Park, remains open to the public, inviting fans to explore the artifacts and stories that define the region’s baseball heritage, from Mill Hall to Myrtle Beach and beyond.