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Hall of Fame Inducts Four Players in Inaugural Class
Okura Ito, Brady Murdy, Paul Hooks and Neil Guerin Get the Nod

BALMORAL, August 9, 1947 (BP) – Their time in the United Leagues may have been brief, but their impact on the young, fledgling enterprise will be felt for a long, long time. That is the consensus reached by the 48 members comprising the newly formed Baseball Reporters Association of Braeland (BRAB) as well as the six-member Braeland Hall of Fame panel. The resulting class of four is comprised of two outstanding starting pitchers in Kingston’s Brady Murdy and Cambria’s Neil Guerin; as well as two of the finest position players in the ULB’s early years: Kingston’s Okura Ito and Embro’s Paul Hooks.

The official ceremony inducting the first members into the Braeland Hall of Fame was held on the grounds of Gilbert Hall, at the King Hugh University in Balmoral. Gilbert Hall will serve as the home of the Hall of Fame and Museum until a permanent facility is constructed, which is expected to be built within the next few years.

One Hall of Fame Member Remains Unaccounted For

The weather cooperated for the outdoor ceremony. The storm clouds of the previous day gave way to bright sunshine, albeit with cool temperatures. But the overall festive atmosphere of the proceedings was dampened somewhat by the knowledge that one of the inductees was not on hand to accept his honour. Okura Ito, who played for the Kingston Pelicans for their first four seasons, was notably absent. In fact, his current whereabouts and fate are unknown. Ito returned to his native Japan back in July 1941, when Braeland severed diplomatic relations with the Empire of Japan. It is believed he resettled in his hometown of Kasakake and was ultimately compelled to join the Imperial Japanese Army during the height of the Second World War. But little is known of his life after that. Efforts by the Commissioner’s Office as well as those of the Kingston Pelicans to determine his current status have so far borne little fruit.

United Leagues Commissioner Sir David Westfall stated that the League has made a “feverish attempt” over the past number of months to ascertain his whereabouts or at least determine his current fate.

“We have been assisted tremendously by the Department of External Affairs in making enquiries to the military government occupying Japan, but such efforts have yet to yield results,” stated the Commissioner, speaking to reporters prior to the ceremony. “We have also been unable to contact any of Okura’s known relatives who might know of his fate. Obviously, we would have loved to have welcomed him back in person, or even see him return as an active player in the United Leagues, but simply knowing his current status at this time would have been much more preferable over not knowing what be-came of him. But we will continue our efforts in ascertaining his fate. We would love to communicate to him how much we appreciate his contributions to the United Leagues. Or should our worst fears be realized, honour him in an appropriate manner.”

Highlights of the Player Inductions

Commissioner Westfall began the Induction ceremony by noting how the uncertainty of the United Leagues’ future back in 1937 paralleled the Nation’s continued search for stability.

“10 years ago, in the face of a great depression and the collective struggle we as citizens were involved in to reaffirm democracy in this country, the United Leagues were born. That struggle and determination to finally put behind us the troubled past of our Nation, well reflects the determination the United Leagues has had in facing and overcoming formidable odds.

Besides the economic challenges, we as a League and as a Nation, have faced a world war head on and prevailed. As a result, we face the future stronger and more hopeful than ever. How fitting then that we take the time to mark this achievement and celebrate those players who thrilled us with their excellence and grace, both on and off the field.”

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Notable Achievements:

Player of the Week: 12
Batter of the Month: 4
United Cup MVP: 1
All-Star Selections: 4
All-Braeland Teams: 3
Highest career batting AVG: .348
Most total bases in a season: 361 total bases in 1938-39
Most hits in a post-season: 23 in 1938
Led Western League in Hits 4 straight years (Led ULB in hits 3 times)
Led Western League in Total Bases 3 straight years (Led ULB in total base twice)

The first player honoured was Okura Ito, whose current welfare was a concern for all in attendance. Former teammate Fergus Chitty, who currently plays with the Stratford Barons, accepted the honour on Ito’s behalf and spoke to the crowd of about 9,000 regarding his former colleague:

“You see this likeness of Okura on his plaque and it captures well the demeanour he had when he was on the field. There was no fiercer competitor. That drive is what made him one of the very best. But what it doesn’t capture is the playful side of ‘Okee’; the practical jokester that terrorized the clubhouse; the sheer joy he got from spiking jelly donuts with hot mustard and watching the results. Yeah, he thought that was hilarious. But it kept us loose in the clubhouse. That, as much as anything, is why those Pelican teams were so successful. So ‘Okee’, wherever you are, we miss you, man. You will always have a special place in our hearts. And now, you will have a special place in the Hall of Fame as well.”

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Notable Achievements:

Player of the Week: 1
Pitcher of the Month: 7
Satchel Paige Awards: 3
All-Star Selections: 5
All-Braeland Teams: 2
First Triple Crown Winner: 1938-39 (23-8, 2.17 ERA, 159 K)
Lowest WHIP in a season: 1.01 in 1938-39
Lowest OPP OBP in a season: .254 in 1938-39
Led Western League in Wins 3 straight years (Led ULB in W twice)
Led Western League in Strikeouts 3 straight years (Led ULB in K twice)
Led Western League in Complete games 4 straight years (Led ULB in CG 3 times)

The next honouree was another of Ito’s teammates – Brady Murdy, who brought along a full entourage to witness this special day. His seven children, along with his wife Gloria, were on hand to cheer on their dad. But the man who was said to have pitched with ice water in his veins and tear the confidence of batters to shreds was himself the picture of timorousness on this day, his voice quivering at times with emotion.

“Looking back on my youth playing baseball with my school chums on the sandlots in our neighborhood, I never dreamt for a moment that I would actually get to play this beautiful game for a living. Then, to not only play for my hometown Pelicans but to make it to the Hall of Fame as well – it’s unbelievable. I will never forget this day for the rest of my life. Thank you so much!”

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Notable Achievements:

Player of the Week: 3
Batter of the Month: 4
Babe Ruth Award: 1
All-Star Selections: 4
All-Braeland Teams: 2
Holds career records for SLG (.555) and OPS (.973)
Led Eastern League in SLG 3 times (Led ULB in SLG once)
Led Eastern League in OPS 3 times (Led ULB in OPS once)

The Eastern League was represented by Paul Hooks on this day, the “Awesome Aussie” who powered the Embro Suns’ almost single-handedly in the early years, until joined by Terence Durney and a young Jim Friend in the lineup. Hooks returned from his native Australia to attend the ceremony and reflected on how his baseball career in Braeland began on a dare from friends.

“Those who know me can tell you what a stubborn streak I have. Just tell me I can’t do something, and I’ll go and do it, just to prove you wrong. So, when we learned that Braeland was starting up a new baseball league and offering tryouts to anyone who would come here, my friends scoffed at me, telling me I wouldn’t make it. That’s all I needed. I thought making the team was the greatest achievement of my life, but to have gotten the call telling me I was being inducted into the Hall of Fame – there are no words to describe my emotions. I am so grateful to the Embro Suns and the United Leagues for giving this kid a chance to play the game he loves. Thank you.”

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Notable Achievements:

Pitcher of the Month: 3
Satchel Paige Awards: 1
All-Star Selections: 5
All-Braeland Teams: 1
Led Western League in WHIP twice (Led ULB in WHIP once)

The final inductee of the day was Neil Guerin, the ace of the Cambria Cannons’ early teams, and the current field manager of the Pulberry Trolleys. The good-natured Guerin was a popular pitcher who made friends with practically everyone he met in the League – until they had to face him upon stepping into the batter’s box. That good nature was on display after Paul Hooks jokingly placed a step in front of the podium for the 5’-7” Guerin just as he was making his way to the stage. Guerin did not miss a beat and used the step throughout his induction speech.

“Being short does have its advantages. That’s how I was able to sneak into the Hall of Fame unnoticed,” he quipped. “When I got the call telling me I had been inducted, I nearly fell out of my chair. Fortunately, it wasn’t far to the ground.
“But all kidding aside, what a remarkable, remarkable day. I never expected this day to come quite frankly, having spent just a relatively short time in the League as a player. You look around the United Leagues right now, and you see so many young, talented players who will easily eclipse what I, Paul, Brady and Okura were only able to do in the short time we had. But I am truly humbled by this honour and to be considered a pioneer in the early days of the Leagues. I thank the Cambria Cannons, my family and all of you, for giving me this opportunity to pursue my dream.”