Malone University's 2006 NCCAA (National Christian College Athletic Association) National Championship Team will be inducted into the Greater Stark County Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame when the organization hosts its 82nd Annual Banquet this Saturday (January 16^th).

The Pioneers captured the program's first National Title by winning the NCCAA World Series, an eight-team, double-elimination tournament that was held in Clearwater, Florida.

"The 2006 team was very special," commented head coach Tom Crank.  "The players were young and talented with very big hearts.  We went through a lot of adversity that season and beat a tough Spring Arbor team led by legendary coach Sam Riggleman in the Championship Game."    

Malone concluded the season with an impressive 40-20 overall mark.  Four team records that were broken by the 2006 squad still stand today, including runs scored (411), RBI's (356), bases on balls (241) and stolen bases (138).

Relief pitcher Anthony Barson (Timken H.S.), starting pitcher Adam Boudler (Louisville H.S.), shortstop Scott McIlvain (Marlington H.S.) and outfielder Josh Spencer (Canton Central Catholic H.S.) each collected postseason awards that year and were four of the numerous Stark County natives on the2006 roster.

In addition, Crank, a graduate of East Canton High School, was named the 2006 NCCAA National Coach of the Year.

"It was an incredible run to win a once- in-a-lifetime championship," said Crank.

The nine other members of the 2016 Hall of Fame Class include Dirk Hayhurst, Rick Mulinix, Dan Massarelli, Ryan Hartzell, Kevin Davidson, Kevin Yun, Mike Birkbeck, Tom Kindler and Zach Cirone.

The banquet will be held at McCall's Restaurant and Banquet Center, starting with a social hour at 6:00 p.m., dinner at 7:00 p.m. and the awards ceremony to follow. For information or tickets, contact Rocky Bourquin at 330-705-4456 or rockybourquin@gmail.com.