Joey Lee Lawrence
2002 Hall of Fame Inductee

Joey was born in Waynesboro, VA on December 1, 1934, to Ralph and Phyllis Lawrence, and moved to the Peninsula in 1950. His father, nicknamed "Mule" was a legendary baseball player in the Valley League, and Joey was nicknamed "Little Mule" because he was small in stature. He played American Legion baseball for Post 31 where he led them to the District Championship.

He attended Hampton High from 1951-54 where he was a star in baseball, football, basketball and track. He was All-District four straight years in baseball where he played shortstop, second base and pitched. In track he ran the 100, 220, long jump and high jump. In football he played safety, offensive running back and punter. He was a guard on the basketball team. But baseball was where he excelled the most. During his senior year he led the district in hitting and in one game hit three home runs and had nine RBI's.

After high school Joey signed for $1,000 to play for the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in the Pony league at Hornell, NY. In 1955 he hit 317. In 1956 he hit 283 with 20 home runs (two in one inning) and broke the league record for sacrifices with 23 and also had 80 RBI's. He was selected as a league all-star both seasons as the second baseman.

After playing pro ball, Joey returned to the Peninsula in the early 60s and began his fast pitch softball career. He played twelve years with the Fox Hill Softball Team, know as the F&M Bankers. Fox Hill played in four National Fast Pitch championships in 1965, 67, 69 and 73. Joey later became the manager of the F&M Team.

Joey has been called a "good will ambassador" for the Peninsula because his charismic personally and love for the sport has encouraged others to support local athletics and compete.