Baseball
Culicerto, Hodges, Mundy, Slough & Collins in 2025 Salem-Roanoke HOF
2024-12-06
SALEM, Va. – The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame has recently made a significant announcement regarding its class of 2025 inductees. This prestigious event is set to take place at the Salem Civic Center on February 2nd, where these remarkable individuals will be honored. Among them, Terry Collins is set to serve as the guest speaker for the evening, adding an extra touch of excitement to the occasion.
Unveiling the Stars of the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame
Terry Collins: A Baseball Legend's Journey
Terry Collins, a true baseball icon, was drafted and signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971. His remarkable career spanned an astonishing 53 years in professional baseball. He initially made his mark as an infielder for the Carolina League champion Salem Pirates in 1972. This was just the beginning of his illustrious baseball journey. Collins went on to play 10 seasons in the minor leagues, including six in the AAA. His dedication and talent led him to be hired as the manager for the Lodi Dodgers of the Class A California League in 1981. He managed for 11 years in the minors, working with five different teams, before being recruited by the Pirates as a coach for their Major League team. His influence and expertise have left an indelible mark on the baseball world.Furthermore, Collins' playing days with the Salem Pirates hold a special place in the hearts of baseball enthusiasts. His skills and determination on the field were evident, and he became a role model for aspiring players. His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and hard work in achieving success in the sport.J.D. Mundy: A Versatile Baseball Star
J.D. Mundy, a 2016 graduate of Northside, showcased his exceptional talent from a young age. He was a four-year starter and a three-time All-State player. During his senior year, he hit an impressive.550, earning him the Ray Bellamy Award as the outstanding player in the Hall of Fame area. His achievements continued as he played two years at Virginia Tech and then completed his junior and senior seasons at Radford University. In his junior year, he led the team with 13 home runs and hit.385, receiving VaSID All-State first team honors. J.D. signed as a free agent with the Baltimore Orioles and spent two seasons in their organization, reaching the AA level. His journey in baseball is a testament to his versatility and skill as a player.Casey Hodges: A Baseball Career with Multiple Highlights
Casey Hodges was drafted in the 23rd round of the 2008 Major League draft by the Atlanta Braves. He played four seasons and 100 games in professional baseball, reaching the high Class A level. His baseball career has been filled with various achievements. He has served as an assistant coach at Patrick Henry Community College and as the pitching coach at the University of Charleston in West Virginia. His coaching experience has allowed him to share his knowledge and passion for the game with the next generation of players. His dedication to the sport has made him a respected figure in the baseball community.Slough: A Coaching Legend with a Lasting Impact
Slough dedicated 22 years to coaching high school baseball, amassing a remarkable record of 188-109 as the head coach. He spent 14 years at Franklin County High from 1988 until 2007, leading the Eagles to great success. He won five district championships and a regional championship in 1997. His coaching style and leadership have inspired countless players and have left a lasting impact on the sport. Additionally, he served as the assistant coach of the West Squad for the Commonwealth Games for 18 years, worked at the Baseball Factory for four years, and the Ferrum College Summer Baseball Camp for 10 years. His influence extended far beyond his own team, as he coached over 40 players who went on to play at the college level. His commitment to the development of young baseball players is truly remarkable.