Oxford News

Butler County Commissioner Greg Jolivette will hold a noon rally Tuesday, Sept. 2, in Fairfield to encourage county residents to vote for the late Joe Nuxhall and make him a finalist for the 2009 Ford C. Frick Award.

The winner will be recognized in the broadcaster's wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y. The rally, held at the Village Green Amphitheater, 411 Wessel Drive, will feature a special guest to promote the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame pitcher and long-time broadcaster.

"Joe's spirit lives on in the many lives that he touched as a player, a broadcaster and a community volunteer," Jolivette said. "Our record setting effort to help recognize Nuxie in the baseball hall of fame fell a little short last year. This year, it's my hope that another record setting vote for the Ol' Lefthander will secure Joe's place in Cooperstown."

Last year's efforts to get Nuxhall on the finalists list garnered a record breaking 82,300 on-line votes. It was his third time being a finalist.

Cincinnati Reds historian Greg Rhodes is anticipated to speak at the rally addressing Nuxhall's historical significance.

The Frick Award has been presented annually since 1978 to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball," and is named after the late broadcaster, commissioner and Hall of Famer. Nuxhall's long-time broadcast partner Marty Brennaman received the award in 2000.

Results of the online voting will be announced after September, and the 10 finalists will be announced Oct. 6. The winner will be named Dec. 9.

To vote for Nuxhall, go to www.baseballhall.org.

Contact this reporter at (513) 755-5112 or mpitman@coxohio.com.