Ruth League President/CEO Steven Tellefsen said, "John Villar has been involved with our program for over 30 years. He is a very dedicated volunteer and plays a major role in the success the organization enjoys today. It is a proud moment to have a person of his caliber inducted into the Hall of Fame."
Villar retired from his position at the Secretary of State's office in 1976, devoting a majority of his time to Babe Ruth. He was responsible for Kansas being the largest baseball provider of the Midwest states. When Villar was named state commissioner in 1968, the national headquarters was not all that happy about the way things had been going in Kansas. John Villar spent 20 years as Kansas State Commissioner, following his 10 year coaching, district director, and assistant state director involvement with Babe Ruth. By 1981, there were 48 leagues for 13-15 year olds, and 11 for 16-18 year olds. His efforts made the state's organizations become a model for Babe Ruth programs all over the country.
Villar always said he tried to lead by example, and his example was hard work and persistence. His contribution to Babe Ruth Baseball and to the kids in his state, and other states, were nothing short of spectacular. John retired in the fall of 1987.