Boys Home students posed with Paul’s Daughter and Grandson – Ephy Morris, Josh Eng, Beverley Siple Ellis, Billy Siple, Sage Custalow and Justus Dostal (left/right)
On February 4, 2024, the Salem-Roanoke Baseball Hall of Fame inducted its 2024 class. One of the four recipients was former Boys Home assistant director, coach and mentor Paul Siple. The event featured a great guest speaker, fellow Hall of Famer and Major League Baseball pitcher Billy Wagner. Billy offered an emotional speech to the crowd about his humble beginnings and the journey that landed him among the elites. He stated, “Size has nothing to do with heart. I was told so many times that I wouldn’t make it because I was too small. No matter what, go win the game.”
Mark Pifer, Paul Siple’s stepson, accepted the award on his behalf. Paul passed away in 2015 at age 93. Also in attendance was Paul’s daughter Beverely Ellis and grandson Billy Siple. Mark stated, “Paul was very competitive. When he was watching baseball, it was better to be silent and let him think. He had a true love for Boys Home. I am happy to see a table here tonight of Boys Home students and staff. I know that would have made Paul happy.”
Paul was a 1938 graduate of Clifton Forge High School. Additionally, he graduated from Bridgewater College in 1942, where he was a four-year letter winner in baseball as the shortstop and team captain. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Virginia in 1957.
His career at Boys Home began in 1960 and would continue through 1992. He was initially hired as a coach and recreation director and led the 1962-1963 baseball team to a near-perfect season with a record of 17-1. Perhaps out of all the titles Paul Siple held at Boys Home, mentor is the most fitting for his impact on and off the field. He embodied the Boys Home mission of developing each young man we serve physically, mentally, socially and emotionally to become successful men who positively impact their communities.