Ken Muhlbeier Bill Dirkes claims the distinction of being “the oldest kid to ever play tee-ball. We didn’t have any baseball in Federal Way, Washington, so when we moved to Claremont, California, I had no skills and had to start at the lowest level.” This start led to his father going to the store to…
Ken Muhlbeier Lori Aitken got her first ball glove when she was 10 years old. “My dad loved playing catch with me in the backyard. He loved sports and had two daughters. He encouraged and helped my sister and me to learn to play all sports. I remember playing on blacktop playgrounds. Boy, did that…
Ken Muhlbeier Being raised in a family that included four sisters, Jim Duran had to endure the unenviable treatment of nail polish, makeup, and being dressed like a girl. Fortunately, Jim grew up “all boy” and enjoyed stellar athletic success that now includes senior softball at Robson Ranch. Jim’s ability to throw and catch was…
Ken Muhlbeier Because his father was a prolific boxer and had no love for team sports, Allie Woodcock was first encouraged and instructed in the pugilistic arts. Soon, other boys in their Norfolk, Va., neighborhood were showing up for instructions and sparring sessions. When neighborhood mothers became aware of what their youngsters were dabbling in,…
Ken Muhlbeier Mark Mindrum was born in Hamilton, Ohio, near Cincinnati, and lists players such as Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, and Joe Morgan as his favorite players growing up. He also says his mom was his biggest baseball influence. “She would play catch with me and throw batting practice,” x Mark says. “The Reds were her team…
Ken Muhlbeier Born in Appleton, Wis., Keith Uhlenbrauch lost his father at an early age, but there was no lack of discipline, as his mother enrolled him in a Catholic grade school. “The nuns had us toe the line,” says Keith. “I can remember getting hit by the ruler more than once.” Keith first started…