Published: November 25, 2009 09:48 pm      

Coaches, players met for 50th Hot Stove reunion

CUMBERLAND — On Saturday, Nov. 7, members of the 1960-61 Hot Stove Baseball League teams met at Lindy’s Restaurant on Bedford Road to honor the four remaining coaches of that era., who range from ages 82 to 90: Lou Marrale, of the Cumberland Optimist; Buck Gephart, B’nai Brith; Pete Deremer, Salvation Army; and John Daum, Lions.

Members of the 1960-61 Hot Stove teams in attendance were Olin Perkins, B’nai Brith; Lee Miller Bedford Road Optimist; Dave Price, Elks; Rock Cioni, Rotary; Terry Deremer, Salvation Army; Tom Stitcher, Kiwanis; and Tom Keyser, Eddie Martin, Howard Reynolds, Dave Lepetite, Larry Zimmerman, Lou Hartung, Dump Wallace, and Ron Llewelyn, Cumberland Optimist.

Plaques of recognition and appreciation were presented to the four coaches by members of their respective teams. A special “Nobel Peace Prize” was given to Marrale, who was the only coach to be ejected from a Hot Stove and Rec League game on the same day.

Shirts embroidered with “50th Hot Stove Reunion” and the name of the Hot Stove League teams were presented to the players from the 1960-61 teams who were in attendance. Many wonderful memories, great stories and testimonials were part of the evening activities. A large ceremonial cake with a baseball diamond was adorned by miniature figurines of an umpire, catcher, pitcher, batter, and first baseman. Baseballs were signed by the players and given to the four coaches.

The major theme of the evening’s testimonials was how the coaches of this generation gave their time, energy, and for the love of the game. Several former players spoke of how their coaches touched their lives in deep and significant ways.

A special salute of appreciation goes to the Sports Shoppe, which designed the plaques; J.R. Screen Printing in Frostburg, for the shirts; Melissa Clark, for the programs, Martin’s Bakery, for the cake; and Lindy’s Restaurant, for being a wonderful and gracious host.