The Citizen Tribune Morristown Parks and Recreation Hall of Fame Banquet is returning this July with a Major League Baseball legend filling the role of guest speaker.

The event, sponsored by Eastman Credit Union, honors those who have committed their time and passion to youth sports in Morristown. Helping to induct the 47th class of honorees will be MLB legend Marquis Grissom, a key member of the Atlanta Braves’ 1995 World Series championship team.

“We are honored to have such a prestigious guest join us for our Hall of Fame induction ceremony,” said Lakeway Publishers Inc President R. Michael Fishman. “And we are thrilled that he will be here to help us induct another class into the Hall of Fame. As a Major Leaguer who got into youth sports coaching after his career, Mr. Grissom understands better than most the importance having a mentor who teaches, supports and instills the love of the game.

“This is our 47th Hall of Fame class, meaning for nearly 50 years we have come together as a community to thank these men and women who give so much to the youth of our community.”

In addition to the Hall of Fame class, the Parks and Recreation Department will recognize a number of other award winners as well.

Grissom broke into the big leagues as a centerfielder with the Montreal Expos at the tail end of 1989, playing in 26 games.

Having led the league in steals in 1991 and 1992, he was named to the All-Star team in 1993 and 1994, earning a Gold Glove in both seasons. He ended his career with earning four Gold Gloves for his outstanding defensive play.

In strike-shortened 1994 season, Grissom’s Expos were primed for a World Series run. When the season was stopped, Grissom and his Expos had the best record in the Majors at 74-40, six games ahead of their rival Braves.

When play resumed in 1995, Grissom found himself in the outfield in Atlanta. He was a member of the Braves’ lineup. In the series against Cleveland, Grissom hit .360 with a .407 OBP He was even better in the 1996 season, hitting .308 in the regular season and a smoking hot .444 in a World Series loss to the Yankees.

He returned to the series in 1997, this time having left Atlanta for Cleveland, hitting .360 in the seven-game series loss to the Marlins.

In his three World Series appearances, he hit .390 with 12 runs score, four doubles, 8 RBI and four steals.

After his single season in Cleveland, he spent three years with the Brewers, two with the Dodgers and three more with the Giants, wrapping up his 17-season MLB career at the age of 38.

After retiring from baseball, he founded the Marquis Grissom Baseball Association, a youth development organization. His son, Marquis Grissom Jr. is a pitcher in the Washington Nationals organization.

The event will be at the Morristown Landing on July 8 and is free for Hall of Fame members and a guest.

The cost is $20 for all others who wish to attend.

Space is limited. To assure seating, please RSVP by calling 423-581-5630.