GEORGE BRETT – 1996 MWWL HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Mid-West Winter League Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for George Brett:
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and loyal fans of the Mid-West Winter League, welcome! Today is a day that resonates deeply within the annals of our beloved sport—a day when we gather to honor one of the greats who graced our fields, a living legend whose name is etched in the very fabric of baseball history.
With great honor and a sense of immense pride, it is my distinct pleasure to stand before you and induct a luminary, a beacon of excellence, into the esteemed ranks of the Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame. George Brett, a name synonymous with greatness, steps into our hallowed halls, joining an elite pantheon of baseball immortals.
George Brett’s legacy isn’t just etched in the statistics, though they indeed dazzle the senses. With a career spanning decades, encompassing moments that resonate through the ages, it’s undeniable that Brett left an indelible mark on our sport. His .291 batting average is a testament to his incredible consistency, and the .362 on-base percentage, is a testament to his disciplined eye at the plate—these numbers merely scratch the surface of his brilliance.
But let us delve deeper into the fabric of this baseball titan—a man whose 272 home runs and 1426 RBIs were not merely statistics but expressions of his innate talent and unwavering dedication to the game. Nine All-Star appearances, a feat achieved by the select few who exemplify the pinnacle of skill and mastery. A Gold Glove adorned his trophy cabinet in 1975, signifying not only his prowess with the bat but also his defensive acumen.
And oh, that batting stance—slightly hunched over, a unique posture that struck fear into the hearts of opposing pitchers. It became iconic, a signature stance that defined an era and inspired countless aspiring ballplayers.
Let us not forget the moments that transcend the box scores—the MVP honor in 1985, a year when Brett’s leadership and skill lifted his team to ultimate glory, cementing his status as a legend. The 1976 All-Star Game MVP—another shining moment in a constellation of achievements that defined a career rich in accomplishments.
George Brett’s impact goes beyond mere statistics. His influence stretched far beyond the confines of the diamond, reaching the hearts of fans, inspiring generations, and solidifying his place as a paragon of sportsmanship and integrity.
So, on this auspicious day, we bestow upon George Brett the highest honor our league can offer—a place among the immortals, the Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame. George, your journey has been a symphony of triumphs, a testament to your dedication, skill, and passion for our beloved sport. It is with great pleasure that we welcome you into the MWWL Hall of Fame, where your legacy will forever shine brightly, guiding and inspiring future generations of ballplayers. Congratulations!
[Applause fills the room as Commissioner Stray Corrado extends his hand to welcome George Brett to the stage, where a beaming Brett receives the accolades of the crowd, a fitting tribute to a career that will forever stand as a cornerstone of baseball history.]
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and fellow lovers of the game,
I stand before you today, utterly humbled and filled with an overwhelming sense of gratitude. To be inducted into the Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame is a moment that transcends words—a pinnacle I could only dream of reaching during those early days in Sandusky County, where my journey in this beautiful game began.
Reflecting on my time in the league brings forth a whirlwind of memories—the camaraderie shared with teammates, the exhilaration of the game-winning hits, and, yes, even a few moments that might elicit a chuckle or two. My years spanning across teams—Sandusky County from ’73 to ’76, a jaunt to Texas from ’77 to ’78, a brief stop in Sykesville in ’79, Washington from ’80 to ’86, a stint in California from ’87 to ’88, a short spell in Chicago from ’88 to ’92, and finally, my swansong in Michigan in ’93—each chapter added depth and color to the canvas of my career.
The statistics and accolades, do tell a story—a .305 lifetime batting average, 3,154 hits, 317 homers, and 1,596 RBIs. Accolades like the three batting titles, the 1980 MVP honor, and those 13 All-Star selections—they’re moments frozen in time, snippets of a journey I was fortunate to undertake.
But let’s be honest here folks. For all those home runs and clutch hits, I have to admit, the famous incidents with the pine tar or hemorrhoids probably sealed my fate in the halls of baseball lore. Hey, a little bit of controversy & humor adds spice to the career, right?
Beyond the statistics and on-field heroics, what truly lingers in my heart are the friendships forged, the unwavering support of fans who became family, and the privilege of playing a child’s game for a living—a dream realized each time I stepped onto that field.
To my teammates, coaches, and everyone who played a part in my journey—thank you. You were the wind beneath my wings, the ones who helped turn the ordinary into something extraordinary.
And to the fans—your unwavering support, cheers, and even the occasional good-natured jeers—fueled my passion and love for this game. You made every swing of the bat, every play in the field, worth it.
So, as I stand here, a grateful and somewhat incredulous man, joining the ranks of the Mid-West Winter League Hall of Fame, I do so with a heart brimming with appreciation. To be mentioned in the same breath as the legends who came before me is a distinction I’ll forever cherish.
Thank you, Mid-West Winter League, for this incredible honor. I am eternally grateful, and I proudly accept this induction into the hallowed halls of our beloved sport’s history.
Thank you all.
[With a heartfelt smile and a tip of his cap, George Brett acknowledges the thunderous applause from the audience, his speech encapsulating a journey that will forever be etched in the annals of baseball greatness.]