SOMERSET – The Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers inducted eight new members into the Hall of Fame Class of 2024 on Saturday at the Stoystown American Legion.
The class included Jack Boyer, Bob Christner, David Jodon Sr., Bill Knapp, Craig Knupp, Barry Landis, James Seibert and Terry Swank.
Knupp has done just about everything in baseball. He has been a player, coach, and is currently a PIAA umpire and basketball official. The humble Knupp is proud to join an elite group.
Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Christner and Knupp complete the Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame class of 2024
“It’s such an honor and privilege,” Knupp said. “I don’t deserve it. I love the game. I loved playing the game. I love my coaches and teammates. I love being an umpire and it’s because of all the positive experiences I’ve had. I just wanted to give back. As a mentor to the youngest PIAA junior umpire in the state for baseball and basketball, I just want the love of the game to be passed on to the next generation.”
Old-Timers Hall of Fame President Hank Sembower was honored with a lifetime achievement award for his years of service. Sembower is one of many people who help continue to bring the county’s former standouts together.
Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Landis, Seibert and Swank will be inducted into the Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame in 2024
“I feel very privileged to be around a group of men who have excelled in sports, academics or professional life,” Sembower said. “We work as a team. I spent many years as a coach and in the military. When you’re successful, it’s not because of the work you’ve done, it’s because of the people you surround yourself with. We have a great committee. They have a lot of ideas to grow baseball. I’m very passionate about it.”
Sembower was honored by Hall of Fame member Jack Dickey, who presented the award.
“I’m really grateful to Jack for presenting me with this award,” Sembower said. “He has this award, too. His legacy in Somerset County is great. He is well known and I’m very honored to have him as my presenter.”
Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Trio of former top players from Somerset County on their way to the Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame in 2024
Awards were also given to high school players and coaches who demonstrated outstanding performance on the field during the past season, with North Star’s Jake Klukaszewski and Conemaugh Township’s Sam Zambanini both receiving the Stanley “Chief” Thomas Coach of the Year Award.
Klukaszewski led the Cougars to a District 5 Class 2A title and a PIAA semifinal appearance. Meanwhile, Zambanini led Conemaugh Township to a District 5-1A championship in his final season at the helm.
The Nathan J. Codispoti MVP Award was presented to Cayden Turner of North Star, who received the award for the second consecutive year.
The William “Bill” Love Spirit of the Game Award went to Connor Yoder of North Star and the Walter “Gutch” Bodziak Award went to Luke Bowers of Turkeyfoot Valley.
Adam Ripple is the Daily American’s sports editor. Reach him at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.
