Harkey, Martin, Robertson, and Smalley are the newest members
The National Baseball Congress announced the 2023 NBC Hall of Fame class, adding four new members to the prestigious group representing those with a lasting impact or contribution to the National Baseball Congress. The new inductees will be recognized on August 12th at Eck Stadium in Wichita, Kansas.
The 2023 National Baseball Congress Hall of Fame inductees are:
Mike Harkey
Mike Harkey was a two-time All-American in the 1985 and 1986 World Series. In 1985, Mike Harkey was the NBC World Series Leading Pitcher with the Eureka, CA Humboldt Crabs. He pitched 17 innings and gave up only one earned run, with 16 strikeouts and three walks. Harkey had another great season in 1986 with the Fairbanks, AK Goldpanners, pitching 15 innings, giving up six earned runs and striking out 12, leading to being named an All-American for the tournament. In 1987, he was drafted 4th overall by the Chicago Cubs. He played 8 seasons in the Majors, finishing his career with 36 wins. Currently, he is the Bullpen Coach for the New York Yankees, and previously served as the Bullpen Coach for the Netherlands national team during the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Joe Martin
Joe Martin became manager of the Bellingham Bells in 1942, and in 35 years as manager of the team led the Bells to 20 NBC state championships and participated in the National tournament more than a dozen times, finishing third in 1940 and 1964. The National Baseball Congress named him “Sportsman of the Decade” for the 1950’s, and he served as the Washington State NBC Commissioner in the 1950’s, as well. Martin was named NBC Manager of the Year in 1970. Joe also brought pro baseball to Bellingham, WA in the 1970’s with the Los Angeles Dodgers farm team, and then the Bellingham Mariners. The City of Bellingham, Washington named the baseball complex Joe Martin Field before he died in 1981, and Joe Martin Field is the current home of the Bellingham Bells, who play in the West Coast College League.
Josh Robertson
Josh Robertson played in eight NBC World Series for the Wichita Jets, Wichita Twins (Derby), Sluggers, Park City Cowboys, Wichita Titans, Haysville Angels, and the San Diego Stars. As a coach, he led the Wichita Twins to three consecutive appearances in the NBC World Series during the late 90’s. From 1999 – 2018, he served as Operations Manager, Stadium and Baseball Operations Manager, Tournament Director, Assistant General Manager, General Manager, President, and Consultant for the NBC World Series. Robertson also served on the Board for Hap Dumont Youth Baseball and USA Baseball. During that same period, he served as the Assistant GM and Co-GM for the Wichita Wranglers and President/GM for the Wichita Wingnuts.
Roy Smalley III
Roy Smalley was a two-time All-American at shortstop with the Anchorage Glacier Pilots (1972) and Boulder Collegians (1973). In 1971, he was named to the National Tournament Honor Roll and appeared in 6 games to help the Boulder Collegians finish 4th. In 1972, he played in 8 games, going 11-for-25 with 8 runs scored and was again named to the National Tournament Honor Roll as the Glacier Pilots finished second overall. Smalley returned to the World Series in 1973 with Boulder, leading the tournament in both extra base hits and homeruns. The Collegians were the best offensive team in 73’ as they finished 4th led by Smalley’s bat. After his NBC career, he went on to play for 13 seasons in the Major Leagues, with Texas, New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox and retired with the Minnesota Twins. He was selected as a shortstop for the American League All-Stars in 1979. His father, Roy Smalley II, played 10 years in the Majors, and his uncle was Gene Mauch.
The 2023 NBC Hall of Fame induction ceremony will take place preceding the Championship game of the 89th NBC World Series, powered by Evergy, on August 12th at 6:15pm at Eck Stadium in Wichita. More information on the tournament and tickets can be found at nbcbaseball.com.
About the NBC World Series:
First played in 1935, the NBC World Series is one of the oldest continuously held sporting events in the United States, and the National Baseball Congress has produced more than 800 future Major League Baseball players. Since 2020, the tournament is owned and operated by the Wichita Sports Commission. To learn more visit www.nbcbaseball.com
