8 new members join Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame

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 the game of baseball. He was 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, Knupp complete Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame Class of 2024

"It's such an honor and a privilege," said Knupp. "I don't deserve it. I love the game. I loved playing the game. I love my coaches and teammates. I love officiating and umpiring and that's because all of the positive experiences I've had. I just wanted to give back. Being a mentor of the youngest PIAA junior official in the state for baseball and basketball, I just want the love of the game to continue for the next generation."

Old-Timers Hall of Fame President Hank Sembower was honored for his service over the years with a lifetime achievement award. Sembower is one of many people who help continue to bring together the former standouts of the county.

Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Landis, Seibert, Swank entering 2024 Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame

"I'm very privileged to be with a group of men that have distinguished themselves either in athletics, academics or their work force," Sembower said. "We work as a team. I've spent a lot of years in coaching and in the military. When you're successful, it's not because of the work you've done, but because of the people you surrounded yourself by. We have a great committee. They have a lot of thoughts to promote baseball. I have a great passion for this."

Sembower was recognized by Hall of Fame member Jack Dickey, who presented the award.

"I really appreciate Jack presenting me this award," Sembower said. "He has this award, too. His legacy in Somerset County is tops. He is well known, and I am very privileged to have him as my presenter."

Hall of Fame Class of 2024 Trio of former Somerset County standouts headed to 2024 Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame

Awards were also presented to high school players and coaches that excelled on the diamond this past season, including the Stanley “Chief” Thomas Coach of the Year Award to North Star's Jake Klukaszewski and Conemaugh Township's Sam Zambanini.

Klukaszewski led the Cougars to a District 5 Class 2A title and a PIAA semifinal appearance. Meanwhile, Zambanini guided Conemaugh Township to a District 5-1A championship in his final season at the helm.

The Nathan J. Codispoti MVP Award was presented to North Star's Cayden Turner, who received the honor for the second straight season.

The William "Bill" Love Spirit of the Game Award went to North Star's Connor Yoder, and the Walter “Gutch” Bodziak Award went to Turkeyfoot Valley's Luke Bowers.

Adam Ripple is the Daily American sports editor. He can be reached at 814-444-5926. Follow him on X @ARipple_DAsport. Follow Daily American Sports on Facebook and @dailyamericanmedia on Instagram.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: 8 new members join Somerset County Baseball Old-Timers Hall of Fame