News Summary
Charleston hosted a memorable ceremony to induct four new members into the local Baseball Hall of Fame at Riley Park. The event, held on Father’s Day, honored Marv Goldklang, Steve Arrington, Michael Kohn, and Chris McGuiness for their remarkable contributions to baseball. The day also featured a doubleheader between the RiverDogs and the GreenJackets, creating a festive atmosphere filled with engaging activities and family celebrations, emphasizing the connection between baseball and family legacies.
Charleston Inducts New Members into Baseball Hall of Fame
Charleston celebrated a significant moment in local sports history during a ceremony on June 15, 2025, at Riley Park, where four new members were inducted into the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame. The inductees included Marv Goldklang, Steve Arrington, Michael Kohn, and Chris McGuiness, who were recognized for their exceptional contributions to baseball.
This memorable event coincided with a doubleheader between the Charleston RiverDogs and the Augusta GreenJackets, drawing an enthusiastic crowd. Attendees enjoyed engaging activities and lively performances, including a family seen celebrating by dancing during the RiverDogs game, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Induction Ceremony Highlights
The ceremony was particularly meaningful as it took place on Father’s Day, prompting heartfelt reflections from the inductees about their family legacies in baseball. Chris McGuiness, in particular, acknowledged the influence of his late father while standing in a spot reminiscent of where his father used to watch him play. This was McGuiness’s first visit to Riley Park in over a decade, a location where he previously competed as a player for The Citadel from 2007 to 2009.
Throughout his college career at The Citadel, McGuiness achieved notable success with a batting average of .308, hitting 27 home runs and achieving 123 RBIs over 510 at-bats in 154 games. His final season in 2009 culminated in a remarkable .367 batting average, along with 15 home runs and 59 RBIs in just 59 games.
Profile of Inductees
Michael Kohn was also celebrated as one of the best two-way players in the history of the College of Charleston, maintaining a 5-6 record with a 3.52 ERA during his four-season Major League Baseball career. He was a key player alongside notable names like Brett Gardner and Lee Curtis during his college years.
Marv Goldklang has been a minority owner of the New York Yankees since 1979 and previously held the position of majority owner for both the Pittsfield Suns and Fort Myers Miracle. Goldklang is well-regarded as a pioneer in independent baseball, founding the Northern League in 1993.
Steve Arrington, a native of Hanahan, made his mark as an outfielder and pitcher, securing the title of Southern Conference baseball player of the year in 1973. He is remembered for his impressive records in strikeouts, home runs, and RBIs at his college, as well as for setting the standard with total strikeouts, complete games, and shutouts.
Voting and Selection Process
The path to induction involved a rigorous voting process where baseball fans participated in an online ballot that closed on May 10, resulting in Kohn and McGuiness being selected from eight candidates. The selection committee chose Arrington and Goldklang for their proven legacies in baseball.
Cultural Significance
This year’s induction ceremony carried not only a celebratory tone but also a reflective one, emphasizing the deep connection between baseball and family, particularly on a day dedicated to fathers. As members of the Charleston RiverDogs continue to honor the rich history of baseball in the region, the Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame serves as a reminder of the achievements and contributions made by local players and personnel.
The Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame, managed by the RiverDogs organization, aims to celebrate and preserve the history and achievements of baseball within Charleston, fostering a growing appreciation for the sport among fans.
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Additional Resources
- Post and Courier: Charleston Baseball Hall of Fame
- Gamecocks Online: Baseball Defeats College of Charleston
- Dartmouth Sports: Big Green Drop Pitchers Duel at College of Charleston
- Google Search: Charleston Baseball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Baseball Hall of Fame
Author: STAFF HERE CHARLESTON
CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER The CHARLESTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREcharleston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charleston, Charleston County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spoleto Festival USA, Charleston Wine + Food Festival, and the MOJA Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Charleston Museum, plus leading businesses in tourism and maritime industries that power the local economy such as South Carolina Ports Authority and the Charleston Visitor Center. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaiken.com, HEREbeaufort.com, HEREchapin.com, HEREcharleston.com, HEREclinton.com, HEREcolumbia.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, HEREgreenwood.com, HEREgreenville.com, HEREhiltonhead.com, HEREirmo.com, HEREmyrtlebeach.com, HEREnewberry.com, HERErockhill.com, HEREspartanburg.com, HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
