Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame

Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame class announced
The News Journal
Posted Thursday, May 24, 2007 at 1:03 pm

The Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame will induct longtime local player and coach Grover "Jugs" Elliott, Delaware Semi-Pro League manager Max Beheler, longtime youth coach, umpire and administrator Joe Mascelli and Blue Rocks general manager Chris Kemple this year.They will be honored June 7 at the Blue-Gold All-Star baseball game at Frawley Stadium.

Mascelli played at Brandywine High and began coaching Little League in 1967. He remains active in Naamans Little League, where he coached the all-star team to the 2003 Little League World Series at Williamsport, Pa., the first Delaware team to accomplish that feat.

Tonight was a great night for baseball. I was honored to attend the induction of my brother into the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame. Standing there tonight watching him receive his award brought back a flood of memories. I can remember as a ten year old playing for my fathers team watching father and son square off in a coaching duel. Pop beat my brother that afternoon and the rivalry began. I eventually played for my brother for a year or two then on to senior league where I was paired with dad again. If anyone reading this played for their father they will understand the treatment.
I know my father has been gone nine years this past April but I would bet the house he was one proud dad tonight. I wish he could have physically been there to watch my brother take his team to Williamsport in 2003 and to see him accept this induction into the HOF this evening. I know in my heart he was out there on the field in spirit nodding his approval.

Congrats Joe! For teaching the game of baseball, the code, sportsmanship and helping young chldren become young men. You are a teacher, mentor, best friend and role model. I am proud to coach with you and honored to be there to watch your induction tonight.