Jim Peck
2012 Hall of Fame Inductee
Excelsior, MN
Excelsior, MN
Jim Peck's name became synonymous with the Excelsior Post 259 American Legion Baseball program, a legacy built on decades of unwavering dedication. Growing up in Deer River, he played high school baseball and then college basketball at Itasca Junior College. From the ages of 14 to 20, he further honed his skills playing town team baseball.
His volunteer life centered on coaching, particularly within the American Legion ranks. After a decade coaching Babe Ruth baseball in Minnetonka, he transitioned to the Legion program. He spent over 40 years shaping the Excelsior program, retiring from active coaching at the end of the 2003 season. However, his commitment did not waver, and he continued to serve as the Business Manager, a role where his expertise in all aspects of the program, from game arrangements to fundraising, proved invaluable.
Jim Peck's impact extended far beyond local boundaries. He built Excelsior Legion Baseball into one of the most respected and successful programs in the nation. Under his guidance, the team secured two state championships, and over 200 of his players went on to play college baseball.
His contributions to the sport were vast. He also worked with Mickey Mantle, college baseball, and USA Baseball in the Tournament of the Stars. He was instrumental in establishing the Dick Siebert Fall Baseball League for high school players and the Gopher Classic tournament. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in raising funds for the Veteran's Field in Minnetonka.
Jim Peck's dedication was recognized with numerous honors. He was the first coach to receive the "11 Who Care Award" from KARE 11. Excelsior Post 259 retired his jersey number, 39, as a testament to his profound impact. He was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Minnetonka Baseball-Softball Hall of Fame. In 2015, Itasca Community College honored him as their Outstanding Alumni. Notably, he stood as the only youth coach inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Jim Peck's life was a testament to the power of volunteerism and the enduring impact of a dedicated coach. He shaped not only baseball players but also the very fabric of the sport in Minnesota.
His volunteer life centered on coaching, particularly within the American Legion ranks. After a decade coaching Babe Ruth baseball in Minnetonka, he transitioned to the Legion program. He spent over 40 years shaping the Excelsior program, retiring from active coaching at the end of the 2003 season. However, his commitment did not waver, and he continued to serve as the Business Manager, a role where his expertise in all aspects of the program, from game arrangements to fundraising, proved invaluable.
Jim Peck's impact extended far beyond local boundaries. He built Excelsior Legion Baseball into one of the most respected and successful programs in the nation. Under his guidance, the team secured two state championships, and over 200 of his players went on to play college baseball.
His contributions to the sport were vast. He also worked with Mickey Mantle, college baseball, and USA Baseball in the Tournament of the Stars. He was instrumental in establishing the Dick Siebert Fall Baseball League for high school players and the Gopher Classic tournament. Furthermore, he played a crucial role in raising funds for the Veteran's Field in Minnetonka.
Jim Peck's dedication was recognized with numerous honors. He was the first coach to receive the "11 Who Care Award" from KARE 11. Excelsior Post 259 retired his jersey number, 39, as a testament to his profound impact. He was inducted into the Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2012, the Minnesota American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame, and the Minnetonka Baseball-Softball Hall of Fame. In 2015, Itasca Community College honored him as their Outstanding Alumni. Notably, he stood as the only youth coach inducted into the American Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame.
Jim Peck's life was a testament to the power of volunteerism and the enduring impact of a dedicated coach. He shaped not only baseball players but also the very fabric of the sport in Minnesota.