Gnadenhutten High School baseballers who made their bid against Edon of Williams County depended heavily on the defensive play of infielders Ken Huprich shortstop, Wayne Martin 1st base, Steve Moore 2nd base and Roger Heubner 3rd base. An Indian victory would have pit them against the Nelsonville-Clinton Massie winner on Saturday mornng. (5-25-67)
Shown are outfielders Don Finnicum, Mike Kail and Darrel Laughlin, who in addition to supplying strong defense, pack a lot of power at the plate. (5-25-67)
Mike Kail Gnadenhutten's centerfielder rounds 3rd and scores the tieing run in the 6th inning.
It's always hard to lose a tough one, but sportsmanship prevails as the happy and unhappy get together after the exciting end. Indian players are shown congratulating Edon team members and wishing them well in the finals today against Nelsonville.
Many disheartened fans remain seated long after the game. For them it was hard to believe victory was so close and yet so far away.
COLUMBUS - The Gnadenhutten Indians (10-2) bid for the Class A State Baseball Crown came to an end yesterday when the Indians were edged 2-1 in a heart-breaking extra inning contest by the Edon Bombers (Williams County) on Ohio State University's diamond. It seemed it just had to happen. Although Bill Kohl (8-1), Gnaden's brilliant pitching ace turned in a commendable performance, he was charge with his 1st loss of the season after registering 8 straight wins. Control, which has been Kohl's main asset this season, reared its ugly head in the 1st inning and forced him to walk 4 batters in addition to a double by Edon's shortstop, Frank Long. After surrendering a one run lead in the 1st inning, Kohl gave a harmless single to right fielder Larry Hug in the 2nd and failed to yield another hit until the fateful eighth.
Edon's Frank Long scored the winning run after belting a long triple to right-center and came romping home on pitcher Ron Held's single. The Indians, although playing as through they just wouldn't be beaten, couldn't come up with a hit when they needed it. They missed several scoring opportunities. In the 1st, Mike Kail, who hit Held as though he owned him, singled (9) and stole 2nd, but Wayne Martin popped to Bill Hug at 1st ending the inning. In the 4th, Kail again connected (10), was sacrificed to 2nd by Martin, but Roger Heubner flied out and Kohl fanned to end another threat. Excitement was high in the 6th. Dave Moore reached 1st when 3rd baseman Steve Thiel let his grounder go through his legs. Dan Jinks, in attempting to sacrifice, popped to the pitcher who doubled Moore. Kail lined a double (2) inside the left field foul line and Martin plated him with a sharp single (7) to center and put the Tuscarawas Countians in a 1-1 tie.
Although outhitting their foes 6-4, the Indians' big thorn in their sides was crafty 5-10 Senior Ron Held who kept Gnaden off stride with several changes of speed on his deliveries. He successfully squelched every scoring threat made by the Indians and then calmly stroked the game winning hit for his 13th victory of the season. He struck out 7 and walked none. Kohl fanned 10 and walked 5, with none coming after the 2nd frame. Gnaden's Kail led in the hitting department with 3 for 3, including a double, while Edon's Long had a triple and double. The trip to the State semi-finals marks the best season for Gnadenhutten since it was State runner-up in 1958.
EDON BOMBERS - 2
Steve Theil 4-0-0
Don Mushifield 1-1-0
Frank Long 4-1-2
Mike Hug 4-0-0
Ron Held 3-0-1
Rod Gilbert 3-0-0
Bill Hug 3-0-0
Larry Hug 2-0-1
Steve Held 4-0-0
GNADENHUTTEN INDIANS - 1
Dave Moore 4-0-1
Dan Jinks 4-0-0
Mike Kail 3-1-3
Wayne Martin 2-0-1
Roger Heubner 3-0-0
Bill Kohl 3-0-1
Ken Huprich 3-0-0
Don Finnicum 3-0-0
Darrell Laughlin 3-0-0
Saturday, May 27, 1967
Ed Smith, Sports Editor
The Daily Reporter
Dover, Ohio
TOURNEY SIDENOTES
The baseballers returned home to a heroes' welcome despite the extra-inning loss in the afternoon. A 5-mile caravan of gaily decorated cars met the squad in West Lafayette and with the aid of the sheriff department and village police, was escorted into and throughout the village. Before reaching the school a large throng of enthusiastic fans paid tribute to the young athletes on the village square. Mayor Lester Gregg congratulated the players and short comments were made by Bob Clark of the Booster Club, Ross Virtue assistant superintendent of schools, Principal Ralph Padgitt and Coaches Ted Martin and Jim Lower. Martin praised each player and commented, "All of you did your best. I know you are disappointed, but it is nothing to be ashamed of." He complimented the parents and told of the pressure on players who participate in such an event. "Although disappointment is obvious there is still much to be proud of and we are going to be back there some day," said Martin.
TOURNEY TIDBITS
@Ohio State University's baseball field, site of the State Class A and AA tournaments, was moved to its present site after construction of dormitories began 3 years ago on the old diamond. It is in conjunction with the new football practice fields and was dedicated this spring. The lavish athletic plant, which is now the center for sports, is something to behold. Estimated construction cost is $370,000.
@Opening tourney game, Gnaden versus Edon, was delayed one hour and 45 minutes due to a light rain. The infield was in excellent condition after the tarpaulin was removed, but outfield footing was treacherous for an inning or two.
@Of the estimated 2000 fans it is saf to say at least 1500 were from Gnadenhutten and Tuscarawas County. A veteran policeman, who said he has been "working about a dozen of these tournament," never saw so many fans follow a baseball team. "Usually they don't show so much enthusiasm," he remarked. "You guys must play for keeps down there."
@The Indians got a big sendoff at the high school Thursday when departing for Columbus and ran smack-dab into another one as they passed through Port Washington. The streets were lined with well-wishers and Port's high school band gave them a blast as they passed through. (The Indian Valley spirit seems to be catching on real well.)
@Ted Wern of Marlin Shoes, who wears a "Texas Hat" for good luck at all Gnaden games was on hand and led the Indian cheering section as they took infield positions to start the game.
@Dick Scott, Head Basketball Coach of Denison University who coached the Indians when they were State runners-up in 1958, was on hand as was Bob Leonard, former coach at Newcomerstown.
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