American Association of Professional Baseball

The American Association Hall of Fame celebrates the league’s most influential figures—players, managers, executives, and contributors—whose achievements and dedication have left a lasting mark on the game. Honoring more than just on-field success, the Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose excellence, leadership, and long-term contributions have shaped the legacy of the American Association and elevated the league for generations to come.

Original and current owner of the Lincoln Saltdogs.

Jim Abel

Jim Abel’s vision created a partnership between NEBCO, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and the City of Lincoln that led to the development of Haymarket Park and the establishment of the Saltdogs organization beginning with the 2001 season.

Abel is the Chairman & CEO of NEBCO, Inc., whose businesses span the state of Nebraska with interests in heavy construction and the manufacture of concrete building products as well as real estate development and recreation.

Sioux City Explorers Standout and Eight-Season American Association Veteran.

Nate Samson

Nate Samson was a stalwart in the American Association for a decade. Second in AAPB history with 815 hits, Samson played 10 seasons with Winnipeg (2013), Sioux City (2014, 2016-19, 2021-22), St. Paul (2020) and Lincoln (2022-23). A three-time postseason all-star at shortstop, he led the league with a .340 average in 2018, while his 141 hits that season were a Sioux City club record. Samson’s 318 RBI over seven seasons with the Explorers are also a Sioux City AAPB career record, while his 329 runs scored, 509 games played, 634 hits and 107 doubles are second in Explorers AAPB history.

A durable player, he appeared in 98 or more of his club’s 100 games in four different seasons.

Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks manager and former RedHawks and Major League catcher.

Chris Coste

Chris Coste went from an overlooked Division III baseball player to a Major League talent, lighting the path for many others to follow. The Fargo native hit .323 over four seasons with the Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks, earning post-season all-star honors as a catcher three times and helping to lead the squad to the 1998 league championship.

Coste reached Major League Baseball after 12 years in the minors in 2006 and won a World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2008. As a manager, he led Fargo-Moorhead to the AAPB title and earned Manager of the Year honors in 2022 and guided the RedHawks to the 2023 Baseball Champions League title.

He also authored the book “The 33-Year Old Rookie” about his journey to Major League Baseball.