TRENTON, NJ…The Babe Ruth International Board of Directors at their annual meeting in FortLauderdale, Florida, unanimously elected Bill Smith of Chickasha, Oklahoma, into its Hall of Fame.
Babe Ruth League President/CEO Steve Tellefsen said, “Bill was involved in Babe Ruth League, Inc. for 52 years. He proved on numerous occasions to be one of the most formidable forces that kept Babe Ruth League, Inc. on the cutting edge of the youth sports arena.”
Smith’s affiliation as a volunteer with the Babe Ruth program began in 1955, when he became the founder of his local league and served in all dimensions for five years. He then went on to serve as Oklahoma State Commissioner from 1960 to 1966. From 1966 to 1973, Smith held the position of Southwest Regional Director. In 1973, he was elected as an At-Large Member of the Board of Babe Ruth League, Inc., a position he held until being elected as Chairman of the Board in 1983.
Smith recently retired from the Board in early 2007. In addition, Bill served as a World Series Director for many years. Smith is a retired Vice President from the University of Arts and Sciences of Oklahoma. During his professional career, he also served as President of the Oklahoma Secondary School Principals, District
Governor of Rotary, and President of the Chickasha United Way. Smith received his professional degree in Education from Oklahoma University, his Bachelor’s Degree from Midwestern University in Texas, and his Master’s Degree from Kansas State in Pittsburg. At Midwestern, he also lettered in football, basketball and baseball. From 1943 to 1945, Smith served with the U.S. Marines.
Smith resides in Chickasha with his wife, Pat. They have two married daughters and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Bill Smith joins more than 150 individuals and organizations who have earned the distinction of beinginducted into the Babe Ruth Hall of Fame.
