1972 VARSITY BASEBALL

Front row:  Eric Mast, Steve Eberly, Jeff Beaston, Bob Sudak, Brad McClimans, Dennis Shambaugh;  2^nd row:  Tom Brown, Steve Banks, Randy Foose, Jim Hutchison, Bob Ruth, Don Hershman, Tim Walton;  3^rd row:  Coach Derr, Jeff Fair, Dave Davies, Dave Reitz, Ian Hamilton, Dave Vogelsong, Bob Smith, Mike King, Ron Lowe, Alan Stewart, mgr., Coach Shirley

            With a lack of returning lettermen, the baseball team had a rough 1972 season compiling a record of four wins and six losses.  The team's determination, however, was shown by the fact that they lost three of their games by only one run, including an exciting game against C.V. that was lost in the last inning and two on the last day of the season against Susquehanna.  The display of team spirit was a credit to both the members of the team and Coach Shirley.

                The baseball team entered this year's season under a coach fresh from intercollegiate baseball.  Full of new strategies, Coach Shirley led the team into a new league, the CAC, with confidence, insight, and a good chance of a competitive team.  After this first year of experience, future years promise for Mechanicsburg the championship teams we are accustomed to.

(The 1972 Artisan)

Spring Sports Roundup

After seven games, Mechanicsburg's baseball team compiled a record of four wins and three losses, with one game rained out.  In their first game against Palmyra, the team shut down the Cougars 8-2.  The hitting power was supplied by winning pitcher Dave Reitz, who had one run, two hits, and four RBI's.  Runs were also scored by Eric Mast, Dave Davies, Don Hershman, Brad McClimans, and Steve Eberly. 

                The Cats shut out East Pennsboro behind pitcher Craig Hill's winning effort.  Eight hits were recorded, with Bob Ruth, Jim Hutchison, Tim Walton, Bob Smith, Steve Eberly, Randy Foose, Dave Davies, and Craig Hill crossing the plate.

                A tough loss was recorded against Cumberland Valley when, with two outs in the seventh inning, C.V. scored a tie-breaking run.  The final score was 5-4 in favor of C.V.

                Red Land dealt M-burg its second loss of the season, 5-3.  Tim Walton, Mike King and Bob Smith each had one hit.  Scoring for the Wildcats were Bob Ruth, Tim Walton, and Steve Eberly.

                Starting the second half of the season against Palmyra, the Wildcats belted out nine hits and seven runs, to win 7-6.  Brad McClimans was the winning pitcher.  In the second outing against East Penn, the Cats came out victorious, 6-4, behind the strong hitting of Tim Walton, Dave Davies, and Steve Eberly.  Pitcher Brad McClimans picked up his second win of the season giving him a 2-0 record.  Cumberland Valley dumped Mechanicsburg 5-1 in their second meeting.  M-burg could get only one hit and one run both from Tim Walton.

(May 19, 1972 Torch)

VARSITY RECORD - 1972

Leading hitters: 

                Batting average:  Dave Davies - .323; Mike King - .320

                Doubles :  Davies – 2

Triples: King – 1

Home runs:  Davies – 1

RBI’s:  Tim Walton and King – 6

Team batting average:  .217

Leading pitchers:

Wins:  Brad McClimans – 2

Innings pitched:  Dave Reitz – 34.6

ERA:  Craig Hill – 2.25

Ks:  Reitz – 34

Yearbook Pictures:

Don’t swing for the fences, Bob!”

         Eric and Whitey model the latest in sideburns.               Eb stretches for another bad throw!