Cove Players Recognized at Semi-Pro Hall of Fame

On Sunday November 17, The National Semi-Pro Baseball Hall of Fame held its Third Annual Mid-Atlantic Region Hall of Fame Induction Banquet at the Blair County Convention Center.

Several players who are originally from the Cove or played for a team from the area were inducted.

Twin brothers Brandon and Ryan Ickes from Claysburg along with team members from Thomas Chevrolet were inducted.

The Thomas teammates were John Brouse, Duke Neatrour, Scooter Ronan and Chad Swogger.

Ryan Ickes started playing baseball in high school alongside his twin brother Brandon.

“We started playing in 1998. We would have probably been sixteen at the time,” Brandon said.

Ryan said that he was kind of surprised at his HOF Induction.

“We played because we loved the game,” he said. “We didn’t play for notoriety or some sort of reward. We played just to play. It was so much fun, playing against people who thought the same way as we did.”

Ryan said that it was a great honor to be inducted.

“A lot of those guys who played that were inducted, it was nice for them to be given some credit,” he said. “A lot of them have given back to their communities. A lot of them coach. To be inducted, it shows that you must have done something right.”

Ryan’s brother Brandon pretty much agrees with him.

“I feel blessed. Most of the guys my age, we play because we love the game,” he said “We’re very blessed to play as long as we can. We don’t play for rewards. We just play because we enjoy it. I’ve enjoyed it since I was a kid. I am blessed to be nominated and inducted into the Hall of Fame. I love sports. That is probably the most important thing.”

Brandon said that he is thankful to all of the coaches and his parents,brothers, teammates and of course God.

Chad Swogger played for Thomas Chevrolet when he started at seventeen.

He said that it was a pleasant surprise when he learned of his induction.

“We had a lot of fun when we played. It was an honor,” Swogger said.”I think that it is more about the camaraderie, not so much about the numbers.”

“Everybody has a dream. Dream big. Try your best. Give it your all. Have no regrets,” Brandon said.