ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Wednesday, December 4, 1996 TAG: 9612040029
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: STAFF REPORT
THE ROANOKE-SALEM group chooses five people to be inducted Feb. 2 at the Salem Civic Center.
The Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame will induct five members Feb.2 at its sixth annual banquet.
This year's class includes former major-leaguer Ed Ott, former Carolina League manager Steve Demeter, former minor-league pitcher Shannon Hardwick, longtime youth league supporter Alvin Hall and local American Legion coaching legend and Hall of Fame co-founder Posey Oyler.
Ott, who was a catcher in an eight-year big-league career, played outfield and hit .304 for the Salem Pirates in 1972. He now resides near Smith Mountain Lake.
Demeter was a popular figure in three stints as a Salem manager, guiding the Buccaneers to the 1987 Carolina League championship. His overall record as manager was 280-272.
Hardwick was born in Craig County and grew up in Salem. In 1946, he won 19 consecutive Appalachian League decisions and finished with a 24-3 record.
Hall organized the first little league in Rocky Mount in 1957 and has volunteered his coaching services at the youth and collegiate levels.
Oyler is the only president in the six-year history of the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame. A longtime American Legion coach in Roanoke, Oyler has been a force in amateur baseball in the Roanoke Valley for nearly three decades.
The five inductees will be honored during the banquet Feb.2 at the Salem Civic Center. Former big-leaguer and baseball humorist Jay Johnstone will be the guest speaker.
For tickets, call (540) 774-4768.
LENGTH: Short : 41 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshot) Demeterby CNB