“It is a great honor,” said Freeman, who splits his time between the Baltimore area and Plantation, Fla. “Anytime you get honored, it?s a big thing because you?re isolated and handpicked.”

To Freeman, though, it?s important to be recognized at home, where it all began.

“It was all fun and games and nobody could project where I could be five or 10 years later,” Freeman said. “It was an outlet for me. ? Athletics was a way for me to burn off energy before coming home, so I wouldn?t get on my mother?s nerves.”

Farr, who pitched 11 years in the major leagues, will be returning to Baltimore from his home in Kitty Hawk, N.C., for tonight?s induction.

“It?s way more than I ever expected in my lifetime,” said Farr, who still has family in Maryland. “Growing up in P.G. County, who would think, no less in the major leagues, that I?d be in the Hall of Fame. I can?t put it into words, honestly.”

STATE ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME INDUCTIONS

Steve Far » Prince George?s County native collected 132 saves in 11 MLB seasons.

Denny Neagle » Arundel High grad won 124 games and made two all-star teams.

Antonio Freeman » Poly grad became Brett Favre?s favorite target in Green Bay.

Tony Greene » U. of Maryland product went on to play for Buffalo Bills.

Vaughn Hebron » Cardinal Gibbons grad played for Super Bowl XXXII champion Broncos.

Greg Schaum » Poly grad went on to play for Michigan State and Dallas Cowboys.

Joe Speca » Highlandtown native among local soccer greats; played for national team.

Dave Smalley » Former Navy athlete, basketball coach and administrator.

Tubby Smith » St. Mary?s native won ?98 NCAA title at Kentucky; now at Minnesota.