The Miami Lakes Sports Hall of Fame Committee convened on July 29, 2025, to discuss the selection of nominees for this year’s induction. The meeting, which began promptly at 5:09 PM, saw all but one member present, allowing for a smooth transition into the main agenda item: the nomination process.
The committee decided to prioritize the selection of nominees, moving this discussion to the forefront of the meeting. With the nomination window closing on August 1, members were keen to finalize their choices. The committee typically aims to induct four to five individuals, and this year’s discussions centered around both new nominees and carryovers from the previous year.
Among the nominees discussed were Joe Weber and Rivers Denbigh, both of whom were nominated last year and are being considered again. Weber, a long-time resident of Miami Lakes and a highly regarded baseball coach at Columbus High School, has a record of over 600 wins and has contributed significantly to local youth sports. Denbigh, at 90 years old, is recognized for his foundational role in establishing the Optimist Club in Miami Lakes and has remained active in the community.
Additionally, three new nominees were introduced: Don Bailey Jr., a former football player and community advocate, and Rob Mirovitz, a long-serving coach at HML with a notable record in baseball. The committee acknowledged the importance of recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to local sports and community development.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to finalize the nominees by the end of the week, ensuring that the selections reflect the committee's standards and the community's values. As the nomination deadline approaches, the committee remains focused on honoring those who have positively impacted Miami Lakes through sports.