baberuth

Babe Ruth League Baseball

This is what the Munster High School gym looked like in the summer of 1990. Our 15-year-old all star team had to stay in the gym during the tourney. It didn't hurt them. The team won the Northern State Tournament and advanced to the state finals at Princeton where it was defeated. Munster supplied cots for everyone, but some of the players found more comfortable places to sleep.

This is the second Eagles Braves team I coached in Babe Ruth League in 1964, when the league played at Riverside Park. The team ended 7-7. They are now all in their 50s. Believe that? The team was (front) Don Simpson, Don Densborn, Pete Riggle, Batboy Steve Alberts, Dan Brubaker and Tom Young. (Second) Ron Reynolds, Jeff Sholty, Alan Gleitz, Dick Wells and Howard Depoy. (Back) Coach Dave Apt, Mike Simpson, Tom Spangler, Terry Jones, Pat Sacchini, Rick Lowes and Manager Dave Long. Depoy led the team in hitting with a .371 average. Apt was 15 on my first team in 1963 along with Lee Whittington and Jim Flory. The players in this picture on the front row were 13, the middle were 14 and the back row 15.

Some Babe Ruth Alumni

Coaching a team in Babe Ruth League for 39 years was a tremendous life experience.

I started in 1963 and coached through the 2001 season. I would have coached at least one more, but one lowlife person with other ideas put an end to it.

It was really neat managing the team that I played on when I was in Babe Ruth League. We had many great players, and a lot of tremendous young men. We had a lot of fun. The teams were successful, and more importantly I believe players got a lot out of their playing time not ony on the field but off.

I was able to coach many all star teams. There were some great ones, but none as good as the 1983 and 1985 teams that won state championships and advanced to the Ohio Valley Reginals. The 1983 team was runner-up in the regional, which is the farthest any Logansport team has advanced.

Eagles players are everywhere. I still remember every player who played for me although it's harder to recognize them every year. Seeing someone at 15 and then not again until 20 years later creates a lot of problems. But, it's a problem I enjoy.

People have asked me who was the best player I have ever coached. My answer is not intended to make anyone feel badly, but I've had several great players. The Eagles team has contributed to many programs including high school, college and professional teams.

Aaron Heilman
Chicago Cubs

Joe Ness
Cleveland Indians

I change these pictures often, so check back later if you want to see some additional photographs.

Some Eagles Braves Alumni