2005 Hall of Fame

Bernie Kosinski:   Bernie was a World War II era Anchorage All-Star and one of the prime movers in the formation of the Anchorage Glacier Pilot’s Baseball Club Inc. in 1969.  His spirit is kept alive through the annual presentation the Most Valluable Player award that bears his name. Before the unforgiving Hawaiian surf claimed Bernie in the mid-1970s, he had fashioned a highly successful management career with the Anchorage Times and was seen as one of Anchorage's truly visionary leaders. Those who knew Bernie well, however, remember him best for his unyielding devotion to the institution of baseball and to the young athletes of Anchorage. Each year, the Anchorage Glacier Pilots honor the player who best exemplifies the true spirit of Bernie both on and off the field. It is a tribute to the young athlete's incredible desire to excel.

George 'Lefty' Van Brunt:   Lefty has been a household baseball name to hundreds of our youth and now adults in Anchorage, and all over the world. His spirit is kept alive through the annual presentation of an award that bears his name.  Many know him as the smiling gentleman who tosses Tootsie Roll Pops to the fans in the stands, but long-time fans know that he has coached the “boys of summer” from the first-base side of the plate since the Glacier Pilots organized in 1969. Lefty’s career with the Pilots started when the Anchorage community wanted a semi-professional team 40 years ago. That year was the beginning one of the best collegiate baseball programs in the country, and Lefty has been a bedrock of that success. Lefty still enjoys watching and coaching new hopefuls, and it has brought him into contact with some of the best in the game of baseball. Over 150 Pilots’ players have made it to the Majors. Such names as Chris Chambliss, Randy Jones, Randy Johnson and Mark McGuire came under Lefty’s watchful eye. Lefty got his nickname while growing up in California. He said that he was the only left-handed kid in his neighborhood in San Francisco. Back then, teachers forced left-handers to use their right hands, and today he can write and eat with either. In 1949, he signed with the New York Giants’ organization at the age of 16 to play for the Class C Diamonds as a pitcher/outfielder in Pittsburgh, California. His manager at the time was Vince DiMaggio, one of the lesser known of the famous DiMaggio brothers, and with a Lefty 5’11’ and 150 pound teenager, he questioned if Lefty was right for the job. He quickly proved his worth with two quick victories. The Korean War put an end to Lefty’s promising career. He was shipped to Alaska in 1951 and decided to make Anchorage his home when he was discharged four years later. During the 1960’s, Lefty became a one-man baseball machine, serving as player/manager for the Anchorage Merchants, president of the Adult League, Manager of the American Legion Camp, and yes, getting the Glacier Pilots off the ground. His love of the game and dedication to helping youth baseball has helped the Pilots win 5 National Championships at the National Baseball Congress World Series, in 1969, 1971, 1986, 1991 and 2001. The pitching award is a tribute to Lefty and all of the pitchers who have benefited from his concern for improving their skills, and will be given annually to outstanding pitchers during the summer season.  *With appreciation to Laurel Bill, staff writer for The Anchorage Chronicle, June 17, 2004.

Jack O'Toole:   Jack was a legend! He offered a touch of stability to the Sons of Summer and found the Alaska League to be a revolving door for top-notch ball-players. His spirit is kept alive through the annual presentation of an award that bears his name. The combination of O'Toole and the Pilots worked well. It began in the summer of 1969 when the local beverage distributor and nightclub drummer, a former second baseman, and baseball enthusiast teamed up with the upstart summer amateur baseball club - the Anchorage Glacier Pilots for a National Championship. He had an incredible knowledge of the game of baseball and was passionate in helping young men improve and realize their full potential. He served for years as scout for the Montreal Expos.  He possessed an entertainer's heart and had a way of using humor to challenge talented young players to relax. He spent years at the first base coach's box and will always hold the Alaska Baseball League record for being thrown out of the most games.  Jersey #17 will forever live in the hearts of the Anchorage Glacier Pilot's coaches, players, and fans. His unique spirit and baseball wisdom will continue to guide the Pilots organization for years to come.  After Jack's death on March 17, 2002, the O'Toole family decided to present an annual O'Toole Award in his memory.  The players vote on the 'Inspiration' Award’ to a team member who: exhibits a good knowledge of the game; is fun-loving; demonstrates a relaxed spirit; goes the extra mile on and off the field; and, is a passionate leader.

1969 Team