Norway inducts first class into Baseball Hall of Fame
NORWAY, Iowa (KCRG) – Even after winning a Major League World Series, Mike Boddicker will never forget where it all started.
“When they ask where you are from, I am from Norway. I’m not from Cedar Rapids. It’s written Cedar Rapids on my baseball card. I lived in Norway, it was my home, ”Boddicker said.
On Saturday, Boddicker along with 9 other former players, coaches and contributors to the game were honored at the first annual Norwegian Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
“This is not about recognition. It’s more about playing the game, doing it right, and having fun. I think that’s one thing baseball is lacking right now, it’s fun, ”added Boddicker.
Many inductees were in attendance when the high school won its 20 state championships. This is one of the reasons why the city of Norway is often called the “baseball capital of Iowa”.
“Baseball is so important to Norway. Growing up, whenever you walked down the street or cycled around town, there was always someone with a pickup game. It was baseball, baseball, baseball, ”said Annie Volz.
Volz and her sisters traveled from as far as Florida and Arizona to attend their father Dick Emanuel.
“It was our father. You will do everything for him. It was his love and it was our love, ”said Linda Hollingsworth.
He helped with the concessions and maintenance of the diamond.
“He’s had the concession stand for over 30 years,” explained Penny Rowland. “When Jeff Pickart started and Dad took over, he just wanted the boys to play on good ground,” she added.
Throughout the ceremony, many inductees shared fond memories of their time on the diamond in Norway and believe the place where it all began is a great place to come home.
“I remember when I was a kid watching Bruce [Kimm] and Dick McVay play here. I remember seeing the firefighters come over to celebrate every state tournament and I said I wanted to drive that fire truck, I want to be that someday, ”Boddicker said.
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