VBCA Hall of Fame Class of 2023

RICHMOND, Virginia -- Former Ferrum College Baseball Coach Abe Naff is set for induction into the Virginia Baseball Coaches Association (VBCA) Hall of Fame. The induction ceremony for the VBCA's second Hall of Fame class is set for Friday, December 15, at the Fairfax Marriott at Fair Oaks in Fairfax, Virginia. The Hall of Fame ceremony, set to begin at 7:00 p.m., will be held in conjunction with the VBCA's annual convention.

Naff compiled a career record of 632-237-3 as Ferrum's head baseball coach from 1985-2007, and also served as athletic director from 2004-19. He had 67 players earn Academic All-Conference honors, and 22 of his standouts earned pro contracts. Two of Naff's players eventually made it to the major league: Eric Owens, a Tunstall product who had 126 career steals as an outfielder, and reliever Billy Wagner, a Tazewell graduate, who had 422 saves in the majors.

Naff led Ferrum to USA South baseball titles in 1990, 1992, 1993, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2007, as well as tournament titles in 2005 and 2007. He also led the Panthers to NCAA Division III playoff berths in 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996, 2005 and 2007. Naff was the USA South Coach of the Year in 1989, 1992 and 2003 and 2004, as well as the VaSID Small College Coach of the Year in 1990, 1992, 1996, 2003 and 2007.

Naff is a Hall of Fame member at Ferrum College, University of Lynchburg and the USA South Athletic Conference. He coached 20 All-Americans at Ferrum, and his 2007 team was two outs away from advancing to the NCAA Division III College World Series.

"Coach Naff's dedication to baseball has left a legacy built on molding not just excellent athletes, but champions who become leaders in every aspect of their lives," said Ferrum College President Dr. Mirta Martin. "A true exemplar of Ferrum's athletic legacy, Coach Naff's induction into the Hall of Fame celebrates not only his remarkable achievements on the field, but also his enduring impact in the sport at the College, in this community, and even across the country. He took many young Panther players with raw talent and unmolded potential and made them into fierce competitors on a national stage."

Joining Naff in this year's VBCA Hall of Fame Class of 2023 are former Lebanon High School Coach Charles "Doc" Adams, former Longwood University baseball coach and former United State Army medic Buddy Bolding, former Bridgewater College mentor Ray Heatwole, former Robinson High School Coach Bob Menefee, former Louisa High School Coach Bill Pelot, South Hampton Roads legend Marvin "Towny" Townsend, and former Liberty University Coach Al Worthington. Also, Jeff Petty will be honored with the the inaugural of the VBCA Baseball Impact Award, which recognizes one who impacts the game by more than wins and losses.

The VBCA board of directors began compiling names and soliciting nominations of retired baseball coaches from around the state six years ago. The VBCA envisions recognizing Hall of Fame classes of three to eight coaches each year at its annual convention.

To purchase tickets to the VBCA Hall of Fame ceremony, please contact Tim Merry at (804) 370-3557 or visit Virginia Baseball Coaches Association.