Chatham Coloured All-Stars Could Still Join Baseball Hall of Fame

The Chatham Coloured All-Stars didn’t make it into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame (CBHOF) this time, but there’s still a chance for them to be honored in the future.

This groundbreaking team made history back in 1934 as the first Black team to capture an Ontario Baseball Amateur Association championship.

Scott Crawford, the CBHOF Director of Operations, shared with CK News Today that the team hasn’t reached its final year of eligibility since they have been placed in the Veterans category, which allows them more years to be considered.

The inductees for 2026 were announced on Thursday, but details about the voting results weren’t disclosed.

Crawford mentioned that there are still opportunities for the team to join the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame, though it’s uncertain how many more years they will have.

“They still have eligibility left, which will bring relief and good news to the people who are hoping they’ll be inducted one day,” said Crawford.

Crawford noted that while the Veterans list is extensive and there are limited spots for induction, there’s still a possibility for the Chatham Coloured All-Stars to get in.

“They’re being considered every year; they’re [the committee] not saying they’re falling short. There are lots of people and teams on the Veterans list. They’re being looked at, but with them still having eligibility and available for discussion each year, there’s still a chance in future years,” Crawford explained.

Dom Dinelle, owner of the Chatham-Kent Barnstormers baseball team, expressed his feelings about their continued chances at induction while also sharing his disappointment that they haven’t been recognized yet.

“I think it’s sad, but I’m happy they get another chance to be inducted and I know they’re inducted into the Canadian Sports Hall of Fame,” Dinelle said. “So, why not baseball with everything they’ve done?”

The All-Stars were honored by Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame in 2022. They’re also members of both the Chatham Sports Hall of Fame and the Ontario Baseball Association Hall of Fame.

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