Ron Hodges, played for the Turks in 1970 from Applachian State University, was drafted by the New York Mets in 1972, and made his MLB debut in 1973. Hodges played his entire MLB career with the Mets. This was Hodges fourth Hall of Fame that he has been inducted into.

 

Ron passed away November 24, 2023.

 

Henry “Turtle” Thomas joined Hodges Sunday evening in the VBL Hall of Fame. Thomas was the Turks Head Coach in 1981. Thomas returned to the VBL from 1983 – 1985 as the Head Coach of the Staunton Braves.

 

After the Valley League coaching days would end, Thomas became one of the top assistant coaches in college baseball. He was in charge of recruiting at Clemson, Georgia Tech, Miami, Louisiana State, and Arizona State. Florida International University hired Thomas as their Head Coach in 2007. In 1999 Miami won the NCAA College Baseball World Series. In 2000 Thomas was hired as an assistant coach at LSU. The Tigers won the 2000 NCAA College Baseball World Series.

 

During his college career Thomas recruited 19 classes ranked in the Top 10, including four teams that were ranked number one. He would also send players to the Valley League every year while he was a college coach.

 

After college Thomas worked for The Texas Rangers as a minor league catcher coach and as a scout.

 

Congratulations to Ron and Turtle!

 

Joining the VBL 2024 Hall of Fame class include:

Todd Thompson, President, Winchester Royals

Tommy Garten, President, Covington Lumberjacks

Tom Brookens, Player, Mansfield University, Shenandoah Indians

Al Holland, Player, North Carolina A&T, Charlottesville Hornets

Mike Caldwell, Player, North Carolina State. Charlottesville Hornets

Wayne Tolleson, Player, Western Carolina, Staunton Braves

Wayne Britton, Player, East Carolina, Staunton Braves

Billy Mitchell, Player & Coach, Madison Blue Jays

Jim Moller, Coach, General Manager, Madison Blue Jays

Butch Barnes, Coach Strasburg Express

Don Lemish, VBL, President

 

Congratulations to everyone who was inducted.