Sports Media Report
The Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame (IABHOF) is re-launching after a two-year hiatus. The “Irish Hall” will be operated under the banner of the Irish American Baseball Society – a 3,000-member non-profit organization with ties to Ireland and the Irish American community.
“The Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame is now part of the Irish American Baseball Society,” explains IABHOF founder Shaun Clancy. “I’m excited about this new chapter and looking forward to seeing some old friends at our 2023 induction ceremony.”
The IABHOF recognizes the accomplishments of people with a connection to the global Irish community who have distinguished themselves in the game of baseball while exhibiting integrity, sportsmanship, and character, on and off the field.
The iconic baseball institution, founded by Clancy in 2008, was located inside Foley’s NY Pub and Restaurant on West 33rd Street in New York City. Foley’s NY closed in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leaving Clancy without a restaurant and the Irish Hall without a home.
“Closing Foley’s was one of the hardest things I ever had to do,” explains Clancy. “I miss the people who made it what it was. But the Irish Hall will continue and I hope those same great people from Foley’s will help us make new memories.”
Clancy, who will assume the title of Founder and President Emeritus of the IABHOF, will head up a new Steering Committee that will oversee operations. One of the committee’s first tasks is overseeing nominations and voting on the 2023 induction class.
“Members of the Irish American Baseball Society will nominate and vote for the inductees.” explained Clancy. “That includes myself and all previous inductees, who are members of the Irish American Baseball Society.”
Previous inductees include former Major League Baseball players Steve Garvey, Sean Casey, and Nolan Ryan; Braves manager Brian Snitker; Yankees GM Brian Cashman; the late Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully and “Field of Dreams” and “Bull Durham” star Kevin Costner.
Membership in the Irish American Baseball Society is open to anyone regardless of their ancestry. Baseball fans, players, and coaches are encouraged to join if they have an interest in baseball and Ireland.
Nominations for the Class of 2023 will be open from October 15 to November 15, 2022. Inductees will be announced in January 2023. An induction ceremony will be held later in the year.
