DON SUTTON – 2000 MWWL HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Mid-West Winter League Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Don Sutton:
Good afternoon Ladies and Gentlemen,
It’s an immense honor for me, Stray Corrado, your MWWL Commissioner, to stand before you today as we recognize a new addition to the distinguished Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame.
Today, we celebrate a titan of our sport, a player who graced the field with extraordinary talent, determination, and an unyielding love for baseball. I’m talking about none other than Don Sutton.
Don Sutton‘s exceptional career statistics are only a glimpse into his remarkable journey in the world of baseball. With a formidable 243 wins against only 180 losses, Sutton maintained a strong ERA of 2.91 and a WHIP of 1.10 throughout his illustrious career.
But it wasn’t just about the numbers with Don. It was also about the power he brought to every pitch, with a remarkable 2317 strikeouts in his name. It was this sheer skill and command that made him a force to reckon with on the mound.
His brilliant performance didn’t go unnoticed, earning him a spot as a Three-Time All-Star. His prowess, both as a batter and a fielder, won him the Cy Young Award in 1973 and garnered him two Gold Gloves in 1972 and 1986.
These accolades speak volumes about Don’s consistent excellence, delivering awe-inspiring performances again and again.
As we salute his achievements today, we do more than just enshrine a player into the MWWL Hall of Fame. We immortalize the spirit of a champion, who through relentless dedication and hard work, left an indelible mark on the canvas of the Mid-West Winter League.
So, without further ado, let’s give a warm welcome to the newest member of the MWWL Hall of Fame. Ladies and gentlemen, join me in honoring the legendary Don Sutton.
Congratulations, Don.
Your legacy will forever be a part of MWWL history. Welcome to the Hall of Fame!
Ladies and Gentlemen, esteemed members of the Mid-West Winter League, fellow inductees, fans, friends, and family –
As I stand here today, I find myself reflecting on a journey that began more than four decades ago. A journey lined with towering highs and challenging lows, one that has been marked by notable peaks from Old Mill to Valdosta. I am humbled and deeply honored to be standing before you as a Hall of Fame inductee.
They often say that a player is only as good as his team, and to that end, I have been fortunate to play for some of the best teams in MWWL history throughout my career from 1970-1988.
I started with the Old Mill where I learned the true essence of teamwork, grit, and perseverance from 1970 until 1982. Transitioning then to Lauderdale from 1983-1984, my game grew, my skills sharpened and my love for this sport deepened even further.
In 1985, I packed up my gear, and moved to Bethel, where I spent two transformative seasons, from 1985 & 1986. The culmination came when I finally joined Sugar Land in 1987 and later, Valdosta in 1988. Throughout it all, my teammates, loyal fans, and the backroom staff have been instrumental to my success on the field.
When I reflect on the people who made an impact on me during my time in MWWL, I must make mention of Mike Roberts. An early mentor, an encouraging guide, and a great team owner through and through, Mr. Roberts took a chance on me as a young, ambitious player at Old Mill and believed in me every step of the way.
His influence not only shaped my career but also played a significant role in making me the person I am today. His passion for the game was infectious and his unwavering support was a constant source of inspiration. His early and unfortunate death left an irreplaceable void in the world of MWWL and in our hearts.
Today, as we gather in this sacred hall, I want to express my profound gratitude to all those who believed in me, shaped me, pushed me to excel, cheered for me, and shared in every run across home plate.
And finally, to Mike Roberts, thank you for your invaluable guidance, for instilling in me the love for this sport, and for being such an outstanding beacon of integrity and sportsmanship in MWWL. Your legacy lives on and continues to inspire countless players like myself.
Thank you, each one of you, for being part of my journey and for making this evening unforgettable. Here’s to the beautiful game and the unforgettable stories yet to be told on the grounds of the Mid-West Winter League.
God bless you all.