Year Inducted – 2004

Chuck Holland was a longtime supporter of youth baseball leagues throughout northeast Ohio and particularly in the Greater Akron area. Beginning in the mid-1960’s, Chuck sponsored more than 100 local teams from T-ball to teens and travel teams. He also sponsored adult teams when presented with the opportunity. Despite his love for the game, Chuck never had an opportunity to play organized ball, instead playing stick ball in the middle of Howard Street after finishing his paper route. The closet he came to organized ball was in 1988 when he threw out the first pitch for a Cleveland Indians game at Municipal Stadium. Still, Chuck saw baseball and other organized sports as a way to instill values and build character in lives of area young people. He became an active and regular sponsor of local teams throughout his life. In doing so, he touched the lives of thousands of boys and girls and promoted the love of baseball all though the Akron area. The Holland Oil Company, which Chuck founded in 1954, continues in his tradition.