West Allis NATIONALS Baseball

The West Allis Nationals Board of Directors and Veterans Committee met earlier this year to vote upon Hall of Fame candidates.

In 2004, Two new members will be honored. BILL BERES and BRAD STERLING will become the tenth and eleventh inductees to Hall, founded in 1995.

BILL played for the Nationals (nee Lewie's) in 1979 and 1980-86. Described by one Hall of Famer as having "the quickest glove to hand transfer," Beres was known as a slick fielding shortstop. He was no slouch at the plate, either. Though playing in a dead bat era, Beres compiled a solid .294 career batting average with 3 HR's and 69 RBI's. His 10 career triples rank among the all time leaders. It was clear to all at last season's Old Timers' Game that Beres' skills haven't left him.

BRAD played 13 seasons with Nationals (1988-2000) and will be remembered as one of team's finest hitters ever. His lifetime .345 average understates his value. Brad's value to the lineup was significantly greater. Those who hit in front of him saw more fastballs and those behind him benefitted from his lifetime on-base percentage of well over .500. Brad is the all time team leader in HR's (11) Doubles (41) and among the leaders in runs scored and RBI's. Brad's firey and playful personality made him a team favorite and leader. Always quick to prod the opposition, umpire, or teammate with snappy banter, Sterling's wit was ever present. Sterling's dedication behind the dish donning the tools of ignorance took its toll on his body, however. Multiple knee surgeries left Brad in permanent pain and led to his early retirement.

Bill Beres and Brad Sterling join Jeff Lewiston (1997), Jeff Neibauer (1998), Harvey Kuenn (1998) Jim Kaebisch (1999)  Dave Kuhnke (2000)  Dave Glaser (2000) Robert Kleinschmidt (2001)  Gary Meyer (2002) and Steve Hluchnik (2003) in the team's Hall of Fame.

For complete career records of Brad and Bill check out the team's web site at www.eteamz.com/westallisnationals/.