Lanier, Katz to join AA hall of fame

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This article was published 31/05/2024 (819 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Winnipeg Goldeyes president Sam Katz and former longtime manager Hal Lanier will be inducted into the American Association of Professional Baseball’s Hall of Fame later this year.

They join legendary outfielder Reggie Abercrombie and the club’s first manager Doug Simunic as hall of fame inductees with ties to the Goldeyes.

“It’s appropriate that two people who have meant so much to the game of baseball in Winnipeg are entering the Hall of Fame at the same time,” said Goldeyes GM Andrew Collier.

Katz brought professional baseball back to Winnipeg in 1994 after more than two decades. After some promising early returns, he spearheaded a new ballpark — now known as Blue Cross Park — in the city’s downtown, which opened in 1999.

Lanier, a former Major League player and manager, joined the Goldeyes prior to the 1996 season and guided the team to a 472-360 regular season record over ten seasons.

The Hall of Fame luncheon and induction ceremony will take place in Kansas City, Mo., at the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center during the all-star Game festivities on July 23.