FRONTIER LEAGUE ANNOUNCES HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2025

AVON, OH – The Frontier League of Professional Baseball is proud to announce its Hall of Fame inductees for 2025. The class of 2025 includes seven members who will be enshrined; those members are Phil Hawke, Jason Lowey, Josh Lowey, Mike Cervenak, Chris Carter, Rick Nadeau, and Robert Ford.

Frontier League Commissioner Steve Tahsler celebrated this outstanding group for their contributions to their respective teams and the League, saying, "We are excited to honor another set of standout players from our 33-year history. Mike, Rick, Chris, and Phil were all feared sluggers who led their clubs to the postseason. Jason and Josh are the best brother duo to have appeared in the Frontier League and were a major part of multiple playoff teams including, the 2010 championship River City club."

The 2025 Frontier League Hall of Fame inductees’ stories are as follows:

Phil Hawke – The 2008 Frontier League Most Valuable Player, Phil Hawke is an independent baseball legend in the South Suburbs of Chicago. In both of his seasons with the Windy City ThunderBolts (2007-2008), he was a Frontier League All-Star and champion; he was also named a Frontier League Postseason All-Star and a member of the All-Independent League Second Team in 2008. The 2007 Windy City ThunderBolts remain one of the most memorable teams in the history of the Frontier League, winning a record 68 regular season games on their way to capturing the league championship. Hawke was a key contributor to that team, leading the offense with his team-high 78 RBIs. His MVP campaign in ’08 was the most impressive year of his career, posting a .309 batting average to go along with 22 home runs and 73 RBIs. Hawke collected 200 hits and drove in over 140 runs during his time in Crestwood. He also owns the second-best all-time career on-base percentage in Windy City history.

Former Windy City Manager Mike Kashirsky gave the following statement regarding Phil: “I had the honor to have been asked for a quote for Phil's Hall of Fame announcement. [I’m] not sure I can even express his impact on me personally, our team, and the Frontier League. He's one of the greatest players to play in our great league. His numbers speak [for themselves]: MVP, All Star, etc. What makes him elite is the person, teammate and leader that he is. Never cut corners, never stopped working and to call him selfless is an understatement. He was one of the best players and would put everything for him aside -- the Thunderbolts always came first. You can't even make a player on a video game with his talent and character. He was a manager/coach's dream and made everybody around him better daily. It was a true privilege to wear the same uniform as a Frontier League Hall of Famer. Well deserved, and congratulations to one of the best on and off the field!”

Rick Nadeau – Rick Nadeau began his professional baseball career in the Frontier League in 1999 with the London Werewolves. In his rookie season, Nadeau was a catalyst for the Werewolves’ number one ranked offense by driving in 82 runs and leading the league with a .348 batting average. The Frontier League’s first-ever international team would go on to win the East Division title that season, sweeping both playoff opponents to win the 1999 championship. Their star rookie outfielder was named a Postseason All-Star. Nadeau would once again lead his team to the postseason in 2000 behind a career-high 19 home runs and another season hitting in the mid-.300s; he was named the Most Valuable Player, a Postseason All-Star, and the Star of Stars award winner in recognition for his career year. Rick would eventually move on to the Boston Red Sox organization, reaching Double-A before calling it a career in 2002.

When asked about his former player, former London Werewolves and current Evansville Otters Manager Andy McCauley said “Rick was a dynamic player for me in 1999 and 2000. He was a big reason we won the 1999 Frontier League championship and made the playoffs in 2000. Rick had incredible bat-to-ball skills with a vicious swing, matched with a cannon of a right field arm. As good as he was as a player, he was an even better teammate and person. It was my absolute pleasure getting to know and manage Rick Nadeau.”

Chris Carter – Chris Carter was a force to be reckoned with in his four seasons in the Frontier League with both the Kalamazoo Kings and the Washington Wild Things. In his four seasons (2003-2004, 2005-2006), Carter hit .318 and drove in over 180 runs while being named a Postseason All-Star twice (’03, ’06). His play with the Kings gave his gave him the opportunity to play affiliated ball with the Baltimore Orioles organization. After returning from a stint in the minor league system, Chris was a part of an era of great success with the Washington Wild Things. In his two seasons with the club, Washington won more than 120 games, including a then-league record with 63 wins in 2005. Carter was a master of contact, tallying 364 hits in his Frontier League career, including a career-high 103 with the Wild Things in 2005. He was named a Frontier League Postseason All-Star in 2006 as an outfielder.

Chris’s former manager, John Massarelli, said about his former player: “Chris was a five-tool player: he could hit, hit for power, run, play all three outfield positions, and [he] had a strong arm. His best attribute, however, was his ability to lead in the clubhouse and be the ultimate teammate. [He is] one of my favorite players in my coaching career.”

Jason Lowey – Jason Lowey was no stranger to the postseason during his time in the Frontier League. He began his career by pitching more than 60 innings in relief for the 2008 Champion Windy City ThunderBolts. He, joined by his brother Josh, then went to the River City Rascals and helped lead them to the Frontier League Championship Series in 2009. After striking out 56 batters in 42 innings out of the bullpen that season, Lowey was named a Postseason All-Star. Jason’s continued success in the 2010 season was noticed by Major League Baseball scouts, eventually leading to his contract being purchased by the Atlanta Braves. His time with the Braves’ Single-A affiliate saw him strike out 27 hitters in 16 innings over two seasons.

Josh Lowey – Success seemed to follow Josh Lowey everywhere he went during his time in the Frontier League. His career began in 2008, appearing in seven games for the eventual champion Windy City ThunderBolts. Jason came into his own, however, with the River City Rascals the following season, accumulating a 9-2 record with a 2.94 ERA in 101 innings pitched (14 starts). He became the ace of the staff for the Rascals, leading them to back-to-back Frontier League Championship Series appearances in 2009 and 2010. Josh was named the 2010 Championship Series MVP after he threw a complete game (that was spread out over two days due to rain). That performance included retiring all 15 batters that he faced after the game restarted. The 2011 season was the best of Josh’s career: across 20 starts, Lowey was 11-2 with a 2.44 ERA, earning him Postseason All-Star honors and the prestigious Brian Tolberg Pitcher of the Year award.

Former Rascals and current Gateway Grizzlies Manager Steve Brook expressed his ultimate respect for the Lowey brothers, saying “Josh and Jason Lowey propelled their independent and professional careers with impressive seasons in the Frontier League with the River City Rascals. Josh and Jason were one of the most dominant pitching duos that I've had the luxury of managing over the years. Both individuals are extremely deserving of this recognition, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to be a part of their journeys.

Mike Cervenak – Mike Cervenak began his professional baseball career with the Chillicothe Paints in 1999. In his rookie season in southern Ohio, he hit .306 with 17 doubles in 68 games. He followed up in 2000 by showcasing his newfound power, blasting 12 home runs on in addition to a .357 batting average. His contract was then purchased by the New York Yankees 40 games into the 2000 season, beginning his extensive career in affiliated baseball. Cervenak eventually made his Major League Baseball debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008, becoming the 16th player in Frontier League history to appear in an MLB game. His record 14 seasons in affiliated ball is the most ever by a Frontier League Player.

Former Frontier League Commissioner Bill Lee remembered Cervanek’s career fondly and celebrated his accomplishments: “Mike was a special player and a special person. He signed with the Yankees in 2000 and made his MLB debut with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. His 14 years of playing affiliated are more than any other Frontier League player."

Robert Ford – Robert Ford was the voice of the Kalamazoo Kings during his time in the Frontier League (2003-2004). He was named Frontier League Broadcaster of the Year after both seasons. Ford then pursued his career in minor league baseball. In 2013, he was named the official voice of the Houston Astros, becoming the first Frontier League voice to be hired by an MLB franchise in a full-time broadcasting capacity. Ford was also the first member of the Frontier League to call the final out of the World Series in 2017 and is the first African American radio broadcaster in the history of the Houston franchise.

When asked about Ford’s time in the Frontier League, Lee said “From the first time I heard Robert call a Kalamazoo Kings game, I knew he was a special talent. He worked very hard and was always prepared for his broadcasts. Robert has always remembered his Frontier League roots."

The Broadcaster of the Year award in the Frontier League is named after Robert, with Davide Disipio of the Ottawa Titans being the most recent recipient. Although the Kings are no longer a part of the Frontier League, Ford’s legacy with the league will continue to live on as this year’s Special Addition to the Hall of Fame.

The ceremonies for the inductees with take part pregame during on the following dates:

Saturday, July 19 in Windy City (6:05 PM game) - Phil Hawke, Mike Cervenak

Friday, July 25 in Washington (7:05 PM game) - Chris Carter

Friday, August 1 in Gateway (6:30 PM game) - Jason Lowey, Josh Lowey, Rick Nadeau, Robert Ford (virtually)

To be eligible for the Frontier League Hall of Fame, a player must have been out of the Frontier League for three full seasons plus retired from professional baseball for a full year. Frontier League Rules specify that there will be at least two players elected that played in each of three eras: 1993-1999, 2000-2010, 2011-2020. Also inducted will be either a Special Moment in League History or a Special Contributor to the growth of the League.

About the Frontier League

The Frontier League is the largest and longest-running independent baseball league in the United States and is a proud Partner League of Major League Baseball. Founded in 1993, the league has provided a platform for top-tier talent, with hundreds of alumni advancing to MLB-affiliated organizations. With 18 teams spanning the US and Canada, the Frontier League is committed to providing high-quality baseball entertainment to fans across North America. For more information, visit www.frontierleague.com.