Sports

'Smuz' Gets Spot in New England Babe Ruth Hall of Fame

Longtime coach and manager, Peabody's Jim Smerczynski was one of three to be inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Peabody's Jim "Smuz" Smerczynski has given a lot to the baseball community over the years, and in recognition of his influence in Babe Ruth baseball, he was inducted into the New England Babe Ruth Hall of Fame earlier this month.

The Salem News reports that Smerczynski was inducted into the Massachusetts Babe Ruth Hall of Fame last year, and the most recent ceremony was held down in Marlborough. He was just one of three people added to the New England hall.

Smerczynski, 76, started his coaching career in Peabody Babe Ruth in 1973 and led his teams to numerous league, state and regional championships as well as helping recruit more teams. He spent many years with Peabody Little League as well.

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He was also inducted in the North Shore Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2004 -- he spent more than 30 years there as a coach, manager or league official, serving as the NSBL Commissioner at one point.

And "Smuz" has served the city in another capacity for many years as well -- it was former Mayor Peter Torigian who first appointed him to the city's Park Commission.

Find out what's happening in Peabodywith free, real-time updates from Patch.

You can find the full story from the Salem News here.


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