Thursday, December 12, 2024
The Glen Cove Hall of Fame is actively seeking nominations to honor the city’s standout athletes and sports contributors, inviting the community to recognize those who have significantly impacted Glen Cove’s athletic scene. Established in 1983, the Hall of Fame celebrates individuals who have made remarkable contributions to sports, including athletes, coaches, administrators, and managers. Since its inception, 224 people have been inducted, each of whom exemplifies excellence and dedication to their sport and community. The committee hopes to welcome a new class of inductees for 2025.
The nomination process, led by a committee of 11 dedicated members, emphasizes candidates’ athletic achievements beyond high school and their positive influence within the community. “We’re looking for well-rounded candidates,” said committee member Darcy Belyea. “Just because someone played on a team doesn’t guarantee induction. We really want people who’ve gone on to excel outside the high school realm or made a lasting impact in athletics.” Candidates can come from diverse sports backgrounds—everything from traditional sports like baseball, basketball, and football to race car driving and sports administration.
For treasurer Leslie Baptista, the Glen Cove Hall of Fame is also a family legacy. Her father founded the organization when he served as Glen Cove’s Recreation Supervisor, and today the Hall’s monument stands proudly at the John Maccarone Memorial Stadium, named in his honor. “We don’t have a building or museum,” Baptista explained, “but down at the stadium, there’s a monument listing the names of all the inductees. It’s a tribute to those who have left a lasting mark on Glen Cove athletics.”
Recently, the committee expanded from seven to 11 members to increase community involvement and bring fresh perspectives. “Some of our original members are aging, and we wanted to involve new people who might know younger athletes and community members,” Baptista said. “This way, we can continue honoring the next generation.”
To be eligible for induction, candidates must have lived or worked in Glen Cove for at least five consecutive years, with a minimum of four years since their high school graduation. While candidates cannot nominate themselves, nominations are open to family members, friends, coaches, or colleagues who believe someone deserves recognition. “We want to honor people who’ve continued to excel and contribute to their sport after high school,” Baptista added, noting that the Hall of Fame has previously inducted professional athletes as well as local sports figures who made an impact in college and beyond.
In addition to honoring past achievements, the Hall of Fame committee is committed to supporting young athletes. Each year, they provide $4,000 to $5,000 in scholarships to Glen Cove High School seniors who excel in sports. “It’s something my father started, and we’re proud to continue,” said Baptista. “Every year, we attend the Sports Awards evening in June to present the scholarships, keeping the legacy of Glen Cove athletics alive.”
To nominate a candidate for the Glen Cove Hall of Fame’s 2025 induction class, email glencovehalloffame@gmail.com to request an application. The deadline for submissions is February 1, 2025. Through these inductions, the Glen Cove Hall of Fame celebrates the city’s athletic excellence and inspires future generations to reach new heights.
