Jess Bolen

There are few people who exhibit as much passion about something as Jess Bolen and his wife, Mary, do about Capahas baseball. And Sunday, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame recognized this passion by inducting the longtime baseball manager into its prestigious group.

Since taking the helm of the Capahas in 1967, Bolen has compiled a 1,384-372 record and led the team to 17 state or regional titles and 29 consecutive National Baseball Congress World Series berths.

Bolen, a former Capahas player as well as longtime manager, was one of 17 individuals inducted Sunday in Springfield, Mo. And his induction class was an impressive one, including Priest Holmes, former running back for the Kansas City Chiefs, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball greats Tom Herr and Mike Matheny.

Bolen has been quick to thank those who have helped make his success with the Capahas possible, both on and off the field. "My wife Mary has had as much to do with this as I have," Bolen said.

Congratulations to both Jess and Mary Bolen. Your dedication to baseball in Southeast Missouri is greatly appreciated. Here's to many more years of watching the boys of summer in Cape Girardeau.