Thomas H. Graves

 

Special Recognition

 

Inducted 1991

 

Tommy Graves was one of those keen and enthusiastic individuals that made softball a big part of his life.  He gave a lot to the game and deserved special recognition.  Special recognition is a category where an individual must have contributed and participated in the game of softball.  Tommy did both.  He was involved in softball for a total of twenty-six years from 1962 through 1987.  He started as a coach with the highly successful women’s team, The Travelers.  The Travelers won numerous league titles and Metro tournaments.  In addition, they played in three Central Atlantic Regional tournaments and seven National tournaments.  When The Travelers’ manager retired after 1985, Tommy took over the team as manager.  In 1986 and 1987, he managed both The Travelers and the YNOT co-ed team.  His YNOT team won the Metro title both years.  His assistant coach was his daughter, Linda Maynard, who was also inducted in the Hall of Fame in 1991.  It was an honor to have Tommy Graves inducted on the same night with his daughter to make this an historic and special event for our Tidewater area.