Baseball group gets nonprofit status

Planning for Hall of Fame and museum

The Badger Amateur Baseball Association was founded in 1946 at a meeting at Clintonville City Hall. Over 150 people attended the meeting and A.N. Brunner was elected commissioner. The association united many local teams into one league with four divisions. Photo courtesy of BABA

Posted Friday, July 10, 2026 10:21 am

MARION – The BABA Hall of Fame & Museum, Inc. announced that it has officially received recognition as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization from the Internal Revenue Service, marking an important milestone in preserving and celebrating the rich history of amateur baseball throughout BABA (Badger Amateur Baseball Association) communities.
Local BABA teams include the Clintonville A’s, the Marion Meisters, the New London Irish, the Plover Pterodactyls, the Scandinavia Vikings, the Shawano Lakers and the WeyMont White Bass.
The new designation allows the organization to accept tax-deductible charitable contributions, pursue grant opportunities, and continue building toward its long-term vision of establishing a permanent Hall of Fame and Museum dedicated to honoring the players, coaches, volunteers, families, and communities that have shaped BABA baseball for generations.
“This is an exciting step forward for our organization,” said President Craig Brei. “The Hall of Fame has always been about preserving our history and recognizing those who made amateur baseball special. Receiving our 501(c)(3) status gives us the tools to ensure that legacy continues for many years to come.”
The organization is now preparing for its annual Hall of Fame Banquet this October, where 12 new inductees will be honored. The event will once again bring together former players, families, supporters, and baseball enthusiasts from across the region to celebrate the traditions and stories that define BABA baseball.

As part of this next chapter, the Hall of Fame is launching several new initiatives, including:
• A Founding Supporter Program, scheduled to launch later this year and continue through December 31, 2027, recognizing the individuals, families, and businesses that help establish the organization during its formative years.
• The creation of a BABA Hall of Fame & Museum Facebook page to share historical content, inductee spotlights, and organizational updates.
Community members interested in becoming Founding Supporters, volunteers, or artifact donors are encouraged to contact the organization at babahalloffame@gmail.com or follow the Hall of Fame on Facebook for future announcements and opportunities to get involved.