The 2020 Baseball Manitoba Hall of Fame induction ceremony was finally able to take place after a two-year wait.

The event saw seven individuals and six teams be honoured last weekend, including the 1991 Portage Athletics Midget team. Chair of the Board of Directors for the Manitoba Baseball Hall of Fame, Dan Giesbrecht says the event was definitely a success.

"It was a long wait, but I think it was worth it in the end. I think everybody seemed to enjoy it," says Giesbrecht. "Everybody got recognition in the way they should have for their athletic achievements. It was a celebration that we're proud of. It was a success, our numbers were down from previous years but we expected that."

The individuals recognized were Ron Arnst, Les Charles, Blaine Fortin, Andrew Halpenny, John Kroeker, Morris Mott and Kalam Paull. 

The team inductions included the 1994-95 Carman Goldeyes Midget teams and the Goldeyes 1997-2000 Junior teams, along with the Elmwood Giants Junior teams from 2002-2007. The 1971-75 Cardale Cougars Bantam, Midget & Bisons teams and the 1991 Portage Athletics Midget team were also recognized.

Giesbrecht says everyone in attendance seemed to enjoy themselves.

"We had good responses from all of the teams. I know it's tough to get people together after being a team and then not seeing each other for 20 years," Giesbrecht explains. "Overall, we had a good response and some excellent speeches."

Giesbrecht says with COVID-19 starting to be on the back burner, they are looking at ways to get out in the community and generate interest in their Hall of Fame Museum.

"You have to be out there and visible all the way through the year. You can't just have one event and expect the public to know that," Giesbrecht continues. "I think this is the first step forward and we want to keep going with the annual induction dinners."

The chair of the board notes they already have their selections for the 2023 Hall of Fame class selected but adds they won't be releasing it until early next year.

Related Stories