The 2024 Frontier League Hall of Fame Class

Bill Lee

Lee began his job as the first Commissioner of the League on June 1, 1994. 

Lee on his induction: “I am deeply honored to join the Hall of Fame with many wonderful individuals that have helped to shape the Frontier League into what it is today. I cherish the memories I have of my 27 years as Commissioner. It is wonderful to reflect on the memorable moments, players, coaches, managers, umpires, owners, staffs, and fans that I have met throughout the League. I have been blessed to have had a job that I loved."

The 2023 Frontier League Hall of Fame Class

C.J. Beatty

C.J. played three seasons with the Washington Wild Things from 2013-2015. C.J. was a two-time Post-Season All-Star, in 2013 as a second baseman and in 2014 as the designated hitter. He possessed the rare combination of speed and power. In 216 games in the Frontier League, C.J. had 221 hits, which included 49 doubles and 38 home runs. He also spent parts of 2014 and 2015 with the Chicago White Sox Class A team in Winston-Salem, N.C.

Keith Habig

A hard-hitting shortstop with the Richmond Roosters in 1997 and 1998, Keith had amazing numbers in his two years in the League. He was a model of consistency. He won the League batting title in 1997 with a .353 average and 104 hits, while in 1998 he hit .356 with 103 hits, including 25 homers. Keith played 152 games in the Frontier League and amassed 140 RBI with an OPS of 1.067. He was a 2-time Post Season All-Star at shortstop.

Darin Kinsolving

Following his college career at Southeast Missouri State, Darin was signed by the River City Rascals in 2000. He was traded soon after to the Chillicothe Paints where he would make his mark in the League as an outfielder and first baseman. In three years with the Paints, Darin played all but nine games and hit for a .319 average. 2003 was his best year as he hit .336 with 15 homers and 76 RBI. He was named the post-season All-Star first baseman and finished runner-up in the MVP voting that year.  Following his playing career, Darin spent several seasons as Hitting Coach for the Gateway Grizzlies.

Wes Long

Wes spent three seasons in the Oakland A’s organization prior to becoming the starting shortstop for Windy City in 2007 and 2008. Those two seasons were magical for the ThunderBolts, as they won back-to-back Frontier League Championships. In two seasons with the ‘Bolts, he played in all but one game (191), amassed 240 hits and compiled a .332 average with a .909 OPS. Defensively, he shined with a .936 fielding percentage. Wes was named the 2008 Post-Season All-Star shortstop.

Steve Marino

Steve was a third baseman with the Evansville Otters from 2012-2013 and the Southern Illinois Miners from 2014-2016. Steve played in 431 games in his Frontier League career. In those games, he compiled 418 hits with 82 doubles and 44 home runs. His best season was 2016 when he hit .288 with 16 homers and 79 RBI. His efforts earned him the third baseman position on the Post-Season All-Star Team. Steve was a leader on and off the field and following his playing days served as hitting coach with the Miners.

Joe Ronca

Joe was an outfielder with the Springfield Capitals in 1997-1998. In 153 games with the Capitals, he had 209 hits and established himself as one of the elite hitters in the Frontier League. His Frontier League career average was .343, which included 44 doubles, 33 homers, 149 RBI, and a 1.005 OPS. Joe earned Post Season All-Star honors in 2007 as an outfielder. He also helped to lead the Capitals to the 1998 Frontier League Championship.

The 2022 Frontier League Hall of Fame Class

Tom Crowley

Tom played 3 seasons in the Frontier League. He was the true leader of the Zanesville Greys. He led the team to the inaugural FL Championship in 1993, with a 7-1 record and a 2.05 ERA. He garnered the Pitcher of the Year award for his efforts. Throughout his career, he proved his versatility. Besides pitching, he played every position other than 1B and catcher.

Perry Cunningham

Perry Cunningham was a workhorse for the Chillicothe Paints for 4 seasons from 2004-2007. Perry led the Paints to the 2005 and 2006 Championship Series. His statistics in that period place him among the career League leaders in Wins (37), Games Started (78), and Innings Pitched (497.2). He also had 7 complete games and posted a career ERA of 3.56. Perry was selected for the 2006 All-Star Game.

Jacob Dempsey

Dempsey was one of the most feared hitters in the Frontier League during his career. He was a tremendous run producer of the Washington Wild Things from 2008-2010. In his 257 games played, he had 221 RBI. Almost half of his 264 hits went for extra bases. He was named to the Frontier League Post-Season All-Star team as the Designated Hitter in both 2008 and 2009.

Aaron Dudley

Dudley spent 5 seasons with the Normal CornBelters from 2013-2017. Throughout his career with the club, he was the anchor at 1B and the clean-up spot in the order. His 120 doubles, 57 homers, 290 RBI, and OPS of .951 are all Normal team records. He was named to the Frontier League Post-Season All-Star Team at 1B in 2015 and 2016.

Patrick McKenna

Patrick McKenna was a standout Shortstop with the Normal CornBelters from 2012-2015. He was a slick fielder and compiled a .962 fielding percentage while in Normal. At the plate, he produced great numbers as well. His 59 home runs is a team record. During his career, he played as high as AAA with the Padres. He was a Post-Season All-Star shortstop in 2013 and 2015.

Steve Ruckman

Ruckman was the most dominant 3B of his era in the Frontier League. He played for Newark in 1994 and Richmond in 1995 and 1997. He was a consistent hitter that produced a career .316 average. He also was a tremendous defender compiling a career .940 fielding percentage. He was twice named to the Frontier League Post-Season All-Star Team at 3B.

Special Moment – 25th anniversary of the first no-hitter in league history

It took until the Frontier League’s fourth season for the first no-hitter. 2022 marks the 25th anniversary of Christian Hess’ performance. Hess, pitching for the Richmond Roosters, held the Kalamazoo Kodiaks hitless during the June 8, 1997, game at Mayor’s Riverfront Park in Kalamazoo. His Richmond teammates that game included Frontier League Hall of Famers Morgan Burkhart, Joe Pass, and Steve Ruckman. Hess tied for the team lead in wins with Evansville in 1996 before moving to Richmond for the 1997 season.