The New York State Baseball Hall of Fame inducted a 17-member Class at the Hilton Hotel of Troy. Several players and coaches with local ties to Brooklyn and Queens were enshrined.

Three-time All-Star and 15-year MLB veteran Frank Viola, a product of St. John’s University, Jamaica, was honored this year.

Fan-favorite Lee Mazzilli was also among the inductees. A Brooklyn boy, Mazzilli starred for the New York in the late 1970s.

Inductee Joe Russo coached for 22 years at St. John’s, including two berths to the College World Series. He coached Viola and Mets legend John Franco. He posted a career record of 612-310 for the Johnnies.