Lloyd McClendon always has said baseball is a giving game and good things happen with hard work and dedication.

On Monday, the Gary native got a payback of sorts when he joined former Region stars Hal Morris (Munster) and Ron Kittle (Wirt) as the Indiana High School Baseball Coaches' 2009 Hall of Fame selections.

"It's pretty interesting," McClendon said. "I'm surprised that Ron and Hal weren't in there a lot earlier. Both those guys were pretty darn good. I'm not sure if I'm in their class. I'm obviously shocked."

The Roosevelt and Valparaiso University grad played and managed in the major leagues and currently is the Detroit Tigers' hitting coach.

"It certainly is an honor, and I'm quite blessed and thrilled that this has come about," McClendon said.

The awards banquet is scheduled Jan. 22 in Jasper, but McClendon won't be able to attend because of prior commitments.

"We have a big kickoff for the season in Detroit at that time. I'm probably going to be on the caravan in Michigan," McClendon said. "It's an entire week of events for us and it's about as big as it gets -- like the Cubs' caravan."

Kittle began his MLB career with the White Sox, was the American League Rookie of the Year in 1983, and still serves as an ambassador for the franchise.

"I'm from Indiana, so I think it's pretty cool," Kittle said of his induction. "You don't do anything in life looking for awards or honors, but this is kinda special."

There are currently 139 inductees in the categories of pro players, coach-manager (high school, college, pro), contributor and veteran. Among the well-known Hoosier players are Scott Rolen and Don Mattingly.

"I think they just ran out (of selections) and they had to pick me one year," Kittle said jokingly. "I didn't expect this. You know what? I didn't even expect the rookie of the year award when they made that phone call.

"I just played the game, had fun, and tried to enjoy life."

Morris helped lead the Cincinnati Reds to the 1990 World Series title and currently covers northern California as an amateur scout for the Pirates' organization.

"When you look at the coaches and the executives and the players who've gone in there, it's a real honor to be mentioned with them," Morris said. "Former teammates of mine -- Don Mattingly, Tommy John -- my former high school coach Mike Niksic and now to be going in with two other guys from the Region is a real thrill.

"It certainly is unexpected and I have to thank (Munster coach) Bob Shinkan for nominating me. I am humbled."

PREP BASEBALL

2009 IHSBCA Hall of Fame Class

HAL MORRIS -- The 1983 Munster grad and former University of Michigan all-American first baseman was a .304 career hitter in 13 major league seasons with the Yankees, Reds, Royals and Tigers. He helped the Reds win a World Series in 1990 by hitting a career-high ,340 and currently scouts for the Pirates.

RON KITTLE -- A 1976 grad of Wirt High School, Kittle went on to star for the White Sox as American League Rookie of the Year in 1983 with 35 homers and 100 RBIs, and remains one of their most popular players. His MLB career spanned 10 seasons with the Sox, Yankees, Indians and Orioles.

LLOYD McCLENDON -- The 1977 Roosevelt grad was first noticed during the 1971 Little League World Series when he homered in five consecutive at-bats. Played professional ball for 16 seasons, including eight with the Reds, Cubs and Pirates. Was Pittsburgh's manager from 2000-05 and currently is the Detroit Tigers' hitting coach.

JOHN FROEDGE -- Head coach at Crawfordsville High School for 28 seasons has won 560 games, including 2008 state championship.

BARRY JONES -- A 1981 graduate of Centerville High School, the former Indiana University standout pitcher was drafted by the Pirates in 1984, made his MLB debut in 1986, and played for eight seasons.

Note: For more information, contact Ray Howard at (812) 482-2262 or go to wwwindbaseballhalloffame.org.