RCBL Hall of Fame Class of 2019
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Todd Ashby
Todd Ashby was part of one of the most successful teams in RCBL history. Joining the Bridgewater Reds in 1983, Ashby was a member of 11 pennant-winning teams and nine championship teams.
A native of Churchville and graduate of Buffalo Gap High School, Ashby is already a member of the Buffalo Gap Athletic Hall of Fame. He would go on to play baseball at Longwood University before playing with the Reds. As a control pitcher known for being able to go the distance, Ashby played a key role in the Reds' winning ways. He played with five RCBL Hall of Famers - Tom Bocock, Tim Bocock, Pat Shiflet, Harold Knicely and J.D. McCurdy. Ashby thrived on pitching in crucial games, which is evidenced by the fact that he was the winning pitcher in at least four championship-clinching games. After winning a championship in his second year with the Reds, Ashby closed out his playing days with eight straight championships. He and Tom Bocock made an agreement that they would each come back for one more season in 1995. They went 20-4 that season and won the championship series four games to three against Briery Branch. Ashby again was critical to the Reds success as he shut down the Braves in that game seven, allowing no runs on just three hits and striking out five batters to finish off a standout career. |
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Doug Atkins
Doug Atkins was a dedicated outdoor sportsman, besides the game of baseball, he loved to hunt and fish throughout the seasons. There wasn't a dugout in any ball park in the Shenandoah Valley that didn't know the familiar figure of Umpire Doug Atkins. From the Valley League, Rockingham County Baseball League, Little League, Pony League, High School, College Baseball, American Legion and Soft Ball. He helped organize the Massanutten Baseball League and was on the Board of Directors for the Harrisonburg Turks in the early 1950's. He was a state Softball official and helped organize the Rockingham County Mens' Basketball League. RCBL Hall of Famers Frank Cline, Wilson Showalter, and Fred Hill remember Doug as a pitcher's umpire. Fred Hill recalled the perfect game he pitched in High School when Doug was behind the plate.
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Rick Engle
Rick Engle was known for speed during his 12-year RCBL career. Playing for the Grottoes Cardinals, Linville Patriots, Harrisonburg AC's and Clover Hill Bucks, Engle racked up over 100 stolen bases during his time in the league. A lead-off hitter, he also had great plate discipline as he drew nearly 300 walks in his career. In addition to his offensive abilities, Engle was known for his defense at the hot corner, playing third base for the majority of his playing years. He won four RCBL championships, including the 1971 Championship Series that saw Grottoes defeat Linville four games to two. Engle drove in four runs in the series-clinching sixth game. A multi-sport athlete in high school, Engle went on to play baseball at Ferrum College, where he says he partied and didn't quite focus enough on the game. Despite that, he admits that baseball was a big deal to him, and he ate, drank and slept baseball during his playing career.
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Tommie Martz
Tommie Martz is a former MVP and regular All-Star of the RCBL in the 1970s. He grew up in the Tenth Legion area, attending Broadway High School, where he garnered enough attention to be signed by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960. He went on to play in the minor leagues for eight years with the Pirates and the Yankees, compiling an impressive .302 career professional batting average. He returned to the Valley in 1968, and put together a remarkable baseball resume. In his decade of playing time in the RCBL, Martz had several All-Star appearances, winning the MVP award once on the Twin County squad. He also coached in the Valley League, American Legion, and Broadway Little League during his baseball career.
People who knew Tommie knew that when he was batting, he was going to hit the ball. He always had the ability to get on base, which is what made him a prospect for so long in the minors. Tommie also had a passion for teaching the game to the next generation, taking four or five coaching jobs throughout his career |
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Mark Siciliano
Mark Siciliano played against some of the best players in RCBL history during his time on the field, but perhaps his biggest challenge came off the field. Siciliano followed in the footsteps of longtime Commissioner Karl Olschofka when he stepped down, taking over as the league's top administrator. He had a tough act to follow, but he helped grow the league in numerous ways. Siciliano helped create the RCBL Hall of Fame and Museum and started the web and social media presence for the league.
Prior to his administrative years, he had quite an impressive playing career. Siciliano grew up in Norwalk, Connecticut, but attended James Madison University, where he played basketball and baseball. He began playing in the RCBL while he was in college and ended up playing 12 years for the Linville Patriots. As a shortstop and pitcher, he made the All-Star team every year he was in the league. He won a Playoff MVP award and led the league in home runs and average multiple times, including one year when he batted .435. Siciliano had such an impressive career, his number was retired by the old Linville franchise. Despite not having an official role with the league anymore, Mark still frequents Clover Hill games as his son John is the starting right fielder for the Bucks. Mark did a lot for the league over his years, and it was all rewarding for him. He says he never had more fun or met more fantastic people than when he played in the RCBL. The players he played with weren't just great athletes, they were great people, and he has enjoyed the friendships that followed. |