End of an Era
CP-1 Baseball Hall of Fame
Bids Farewell with Final Class
By: Sasha Bush
The Ashland Beacon
The Ashland Baseball Hall of Fame at CP-1 celebrated its final induction ceremony on Saturday, marking the conclusion of a cherished tradition that began in 2015. Central Park Field one (CP-1) was abuzz with excitement as family, friends, and supporters gathered to witness the historic moment that saw the Hall of Fame welcome its 100th and final class of inductees.
The ceremony drew a crowd of baseball enthusiasts, including several past inductees who returned to honor the latest group of legends. Mark Maynard, a key figure in the Hall of Fame’s establishment, addressed the gathering with a heartfelt reflection on the decision to conclude the inductions. “This wasn’t a decision we made lightly,” Maynard stated. “Every individual honored here today truly deserves a place on that wall.”
The final class of inductees boasts a remarkable roster of talent:
Curt Clevenger: Known for his versatility, Clevenger excelled as a switch-hitting shortstop, a powerful pitcher, and a standout player for the Tomcats and Post 76. His college career further highlighted his all-around skill set.
Keith Downs: A formidable slugger for Fairview and Post 76 in the mid-1980s, Downs was renowned for his tape-measure home runs and his role as a key number four hitter.
Greg Gibson: Although his time at CP-1 was brief, Gibson’s career trajectory soared as he transitioned from high school and Legion games to a distinguished 24-season tenure in Major League Baseball, including being behind the plate for Randy Johnson’s perfect game in 2004.
Tim Holbrook: An athletic infielder with Fairview and Post 76 in the late 1970s, Holbrook brought a winning spirit to the field and continued to shine with Stan Musial.
Don Moore: A reliable outfielder for Ashland and Senior Babe Ruth, Moore also contributed significantly off the field with his skills in broadcasting CP-1’s games.
Donnie Payne: A complete player for the Tomcats and Post 76 in the early 1990s, Payne was a versatile ace pitcher, outfielder, and shortstop who continued his baseball career in Illinois.
Chris Queen: An outstanding athlete who played for Fairview High School and Post 76, Queen became known for his craftiness as a left-handed pitcher and his role as a closer at Marshall University.
Steve Smith: A durable catcher for the Tomcats and Post 76 in the 1980s, Smith was noted for his resilience, playing four consecutive games in a single day and later continuing his career at Eastern Kentucky University.
Jeff Stanley: Renowned for his speed and batting prowess, Stanley was a key outfielder for Ashland and Post 76, earning MVP honors at the Fourth of July Tournament before playing at West Virginia University.
Bob Trimble: Starting his baseball journey in Little League, Trimble became a standout hitter and speedy outfielder with Ashland’s Stan Musial teams and set multiple batting records at Morehead State.
The Hall of Fame was founded by Gary Wright and David E. Carter to honor the finest players in CP-1’s history. As the ceremony drew to a close, the committee surprised Mark Maynard with a special plaque, inducting him into the Hall of Fame in recognition of his significant contributions. The gesture was met with applause and admiration from the Hall of Famers that were gathered for the ceremony. Past and present inductees gathered around the tent to tip their hats off to Maynard as a sign of respect and admiration.
The Ashland Baseball Hall of Fame at CP-1 has celebrated many remarkable athletes over the years:
2015: Brandon Webb, Don Gullett, Bill Lynch, Drew Hall, Charlie Reliford, Jody Hamilton, Dykes Potter, Squire Potter, Bob Simpson, Reecie Banks, Jim Host, Gene Bennett.
2016: Bob Lynch, Steve Rolen, “Big” Ed Hughes, Wayne Workman, Bill Workman, Chuck Dickison, Juan Thomas, Ellis Childers, Clyde Chinn, Marvin Hall, Dan Smith.
2017: J.D. Browne, Bo Carter, Joe Conley, Tim Huff, Mike Smith, Steve Hemlepp, John Mullins, Kevin Gothard, Mike Gothard, Dale Griffith, Nard Pergrem, Jim Speaks, John Thomas.
2018: Don Lentz, Fred Leibee, John Sieweke, Dave Staten, Larry Stevens, Mike Tackett, H.F. Dixon, Ernie Daniels, Larry Castle, David Patton, Greg Swift, Don Allen, Rick Reeves, Frank Wagner.
2019: T.R. Wright, Robert Wright, Dick Fillmore, Herb Conley, Ed Joseph, Ed Radjunas, Tobey Tolbert, Mike Johnson, Frank Sloan, Darryl Smith.
2020: No ceremony due to COVID-19.
2021: Wilson Barrow, Scott Crank, Mike Delaney, Bryan Finkbone, Bill Hammond, French Harmon, Jon Hart, Cabot Keesey, Mark Moore, Mike Tussey.
2022: David Cox, Scott Crawford, Steve Hall, Omar Henry, Greg Jackson, Charlie McDowell, Jason Stein, Mark Swift, Herb Wamsley, Rick Wenning.
2023: John Browning, Marvin Childers, Rodney Clark, David “Smooth” Greene, Rick Lambert, Kevin Neill, Richard “Dick” Smoot, Chris Tussey, Jeff Wilcox, Keith Withrow.
Every man inducted into CP-1’s renown hall of fame has left an undeniable mark in the world of local baseball.
As the final chapter of the CP-1 Hall of Fame closes, the legacy of these remarkable players and the enduring spirit of baseball in Ashland will remain a treasured part of the community’s history.
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