The Kennett Old Timers Baseball Association hosted several hundred guests at the Kennett Fire Company Red Clay Room on Saturday night as a new class of local baseball standouts was inducted into the organization's Hall of Fame.

In addition to welcoming the 10 former local baseball players into their Hall of Fame ranks, they honored former Kennett Consolidated School District Superintendent Larry Bosley with this year's Special Recognition Award for his efforts advancing baseball in the community.

The guest speaker for the evening was former Phillies pitcher Tommy Greene, who was making his second appearance at the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Association banquet, having first appeared at the 2012 event. Greene is a pre-game and post-game analyst for NBC Sports Philadelphia. He was an integral part of the 1993 Philadelphia Phillies team that is still beloved by fans for the improbable run to the World Series that year. Greene posted a 16-4 record in 1993, his best season during his eight-year Major League career.

Greene answered questions from the audience. Many people in attendance were interested in knowing what Greene thought about the possibility of the Phillies acquiring either Bryce Harper or Manny Machado, the top two free agents who are still available. Both players are viewed as difference-makers and potential future MLB Hall of Famers. Greene was optimistic that the Phillies would end up signing one of the two superstars.

Greene expressed optimism about the Phillies in 2019 because of trades and free agent signings that they've already made this off-season. Specifically, the additions of outfielder Andrew McCutchen and shortstop Jean Segura will improve the team's hitting and defense.

The highlight of each banquet is the induction of a new group of local baseball standouts. This year's inductees included Stephen Burton, Jim DeCorso, Jock Hannum, Ed Kovatch, Steve “Monk” Melton, John Riccardo, Jr., David Senecal, Guy “Opie” Taylor, Bob Warren and Jeff Wolf.

This was the 39th banquet that the Kennett Old Timers Baseball Association has held since it was founded in 1974 to honor top local baseball players. Burton’s Barber Shop is the home of the organization, where pictures, plaques and baseball memorabilia are on display. The organization is led by Bob Burton and Prissy Roberts.