The Red Devil Diamond Club Hall of Fame welcomed its newest class on Saturday night with an evening full of laughter and emotion.
Four new members, including former student activities coordinator Becky Nilges, former Red Devil third-baseman Brent Bartlett, former Red Devil shortstop Rob Smith, and former Red Devil pitcher Dave Harden were inducted in ceremonies at the Allen County Country Club.
Nilges, an Iola native, was the student activities coordinator for 17 years at the school.
“When you get people together that you have experience with, all those emotions come back,” Nilges commented. “Everybody enjoys themselves and has a good time ribbing people about memories and the special memories tug at your heart.”
Nilges is one of only two members of the Hall of Fame to be inducted for their work off the field.
“It’s been a long time since I’ve been in Allen so to have them remember me at this point in life means a lot.”
Bartlett, the third baseman for the 1987 and 1988 teams was drafted by the New York Mets in the 37th round, but returned to Allen. Bartlett, like the other inductees, was joined by his family in celebration.
“It’s a privilege. I feel God blessed me to play baseball here and it’s an honor,” Bartlett said, reflecting on his induction. “It’s an honor to be recognized for the accomplishments you had while you were in college. It was a special night, to have my family here.”
Smith, the shortstop on the 1989 team ranks among Allen’s leaders in runs, runs batted in, and home runs. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 10th round of the 1990 Major League Baseball draft, Smith drove in 27 runs over his three years in the Indians farm system.
“The best way to put tonight would be that it’s very humbling,” Smith said after his induction. “As I mentioned in my speech, there are so many things to be thankful for. I just feel blessed and super privileged to have this honor.”
Smith founded and coaches at the Smith Baseball Academy in Topeka, helping the next crop of potential major leaguers learn the game he loves.
“It’s very rewarding,” Smith said of giving back via his academy. “It’s even more rewarding as a coach to impact young athletes that are just trying to do something special. I enjoy coaching high schoolers, connecting with college coaches, and getting these kids to move along.”
Harden, a pitcher for the 1995 and 1996 teams, was drafted by the White Sox twice. Once in the 29th round of the 1994 draft straight out of high school, and again in the 44th round of the 1995 draft, out of Allen.
“Tonight is kind of like a dream,” Harden remarked. “I’m very excited and honored. It’s been a long time since I came to Allen County and it’s one of those things that you just don’t know how awesome it is until it happens.”
Harden was very emotional, and was given a drink by his son Davin during his speech to help him relax a little bit.
“He knew I was thirsty,” Harden said while laughing.
