PAUL MOLITOR – 2000 MWWL HALL OF FAME SPEECH
Mid-West Winter League Commissioner John “Stray” Corrado’s Introduction Speech for Paul Molitor:
Ladies and Gentlemen, distinguished guests, esteemed players, and fans of the Mid-West Winter League,
I, Stray Corrado, as Commissioner of the MWWL, am honored to introduce our newest Hall of Famer: the incomparable Paul Molitor.
Paul’s impressive career statistics speak louder than any words can. A .297 batting average, a .363 on-base percentage, and a stunning total of 200 home runs with 1217 RBIs. He was truly a force majeure at the plate and an unforgettable sight on the bases with his swift 305 steals.
Versatility? Paul embodied it perfectly. He played every position on the diamond except pitcher and catcher, displaying an exceptional adaptability that is seldom witnessed in the sport. His contribution to the game is enormous, embodying the true spirit of versatility and athleticism.
His tenacity and skill did not go unnoticed by his peers either. Selected as an All-Star a remarkable ten times, Paul proved time and again that he was not just a great player; he was an extraordinary one.
And today, we gather to honor this extraordinary player. Today, the Mid-West Winter League recognizes his contributions and celebrates his achievements.
So, Ladies and Gentlemen, let us welcome the latest addition to the MWWL Hall of Fame. Let us stand together and celebrate the illustrious career of Paul Molitor.
Welcome to the MWWL Hall of Fame, Paul. May your legacies continue to inspire the new generations of ballplayers!
Thank you.
Good evening ladies and gentlemen,
I stand before you today humbled and grateful, in the hallowed halls of the Mid-West Winter League, where so many greats have stood before me. My name is Paul Molitor, and it’s an honor to be recognized among some of the best athletes who’ve ever graced this league.
My journey started with the Old Mill Legends back in ’78. Under the discerning eye and passionate ownership of Mike Roberts, I was given a chance to prove myself. Mike was more than just an owner, he was a mentor; his passion for the game was infectious. We lost him too soon, but his legacy lives on every time we step onto that field. It was an absolute honor to play for him and the Legend family for those formative years. From 1978-1987, Old Mill was my home, and it groomed me into the player I became.
Post Old Mill, I had the privilege to play for Traverse City from 1988-1990. The city and the team hold special memories for me, and they contributed greatly to my career. Following that stint, I spent a brief period in Flossmoor in 1991 – a brief season, yet immensely impactful.
In the summer of 1991, my journey took me to sunny California, where I played until 1996. California taught me resilience and determination, shaping my character both on and off the field. I am exceedingly grateful for my time with such a remarkable team.
Finally, as all great stories come to an end, so did my playing days with my last stop at Blarney Drive from 1997-1998. Despite the short spell, Blarney Drive was equally instrumental in my journey. Every club, and every city I played for made its unique contribution to my career and has left indelible prints on my heart.
Looking back now, it feels like a dream. Standing here today, I feel so incredibly fortunate to have lived that dream. I’ve been lucky to share the field with countless legends of the game and it’s an honor that I can now stand among them in the MWWL Hall of Fame.
Thank you to my teams, coaches, teammates, and all of you wonderful fans who fueled my drive and passion for this beautiful game we all love so much.
Lastly, I’d like to dedicate this induction to Mike Roberts. Thank you for believing in me, for guiding me, and most importantly, for showing us all what it truly means to be a Legend. This one is for you, Mike.
Thank you, everybody. Here’s to the great game of baseball.