IN MEMORY OF NATE CRUMP
In Memoriam
We mourn the RECENT passing of the following members AND friends of the ABHOf:
Nathaniel "Nate" Crump Inducted as a Player 1992 Died January 26, 2025
William "Bill" Greenblatt ABHOF Photographer Died December 15, 2024
Neil A. Fiala Inducted as a Player 1987 Died October 26, 2024
Jerome "Jerry" Mueller Inducted as a Player 1995 Died September 20, 2024
Brad "Doc" Beckwith Inducted as a Player 2012 Died May 30, 2024
Richard "Ric" Lessmann Inducted as a Coach 1992 Died May 12, 2024
Jerry Kleeschulte Inducted as a Player 2017 Died January 30, 2024
Jerald "Jerry" Vickery Former Board Member Died August 30, 2023
Doug Schaefer Inducted as a Player 2023 Died July 23, 2023
Roy Payne Inducted as a Player 2006 Died July 7, 2023
William "Bill" Becher Inducted as a Coach 2022 Died April 7, 2023
Frank R. Houston Inducted as a Player 2012 Died February 11, 2023
Martin L. Mathews Inducted as a Contributor 1974 Died November 9, 2022
Marvin Stendel Inducted as a Player 1983 Died August 4, 2022
Fred Walton Inducted as a Player 2007 Died February 28, 2022
Norm Ochsner Inducted as a Coach 2019 Died December 1, 2021
Robert Dunard Inducted as a Player 2012 Died June 21, 2021
Lee L. Basso Inducted as a Contributor 1995 Died March 21, 2021
Richard Schuchardt Inducted as a Contributor 1986 Died January 2, 2021
Harry Lemakis Inducted as a Player 2017 Died December 27, 2020
Leonard Wiesner Inducted as a Player 1994 Died December 5, 2020
William "Bill" Volz Inducted as a Contributor 1992 Died November 8, 2020
Ralph H. Stephenson, Jr. Inducted as a Contributor 2001 Died September 22, 2020
Greg Marecek Inducted as a Contributor 2002 Died September 13, 2020
Brian Richardson Inducted as a Player in 2007 Died September 8, 2020
Ed Wheatley Sr. Inducted as a Player in 1989 Died July 8, 2020
Al Grosch Inducted as a Contributor in 1976 Died April 7, 2020
Dennis Strickland Inducted as a Player in 2013 Died February 15, 2020
John McArthur Sr Inducted as an Umpire in 1984 Died February 10, 2020
Walter J. Lembeck Inducted as a Player in 1997 Died September 19, 2019
J. Kim Tucci Advisory Board Member Died March 25, 2019
Ed Barry Inducted as a Player in 1986 Died August 26, 2018
Hank Greifzu Inducted as a Player in 1980 Died May 24, 2018
Jim Brady Inducted as a Player in 2008 Died November 23, 2017
Ernest "Turk" Jacobs Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died October 12, 2017
James R. Muskopf Inducted as a Contributor in 2001 Died July 5, 2017
Mal Murphy Inducted as a Player in 1988 Died April 2, 2017
Richard Meisemann Inducted as a Player in 1993 Died February 11, 2017
Garland Goodwin Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died July 11, 2016
Lloyd G. Rupp Inducted as a Player in 1979 Died August 5, 2015
Dr. Robert E. Ryan Sr. Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died March 30, 2015
William "Bill" Greenblatt ABHOF Photographer Died December 15, 2024
Neil A. Fiala Inducted as a Player 1987 Died October 26, 2024
Jerome "Jerry" Mueller Inducted as a Player 1995 Died September 20, 2024
Brad "Doc" Beckwith Inducted as a Player 2012 Died May 30, 2024
Richard "Ric" Lessmann Inducted as a Coach 1992 Died May 12, 2024
Jerry Kleeschulte Inducted as a Player 2017 Died January 30, 2024
Jerald "Jerry" Vickery Former Board Member Died August 30, 2023
Doug Schaefer Inducted as a Player 2023 Died July 23, 2023
Roy Payne Inducted as a Player 2006 Died July 7, 2023
William "Bill" Becher Inducted as a Coach 2022 Died April 7, 2023
Frank R. Houston Inducted as a Player 2012 Died February 11, 2023
Martin L. Mathews Inducted as a Contributor 1974 Died November 9, 2022
Marvin Stendel Inducted as a Player 1983 Died August 4, 2022
Fred Walton Inducted as a Player 2007 Died February 28, 2022
Norm Ochsner Inducted as a Coach 2019 Died December 1, 2021
Robert Dunard Inducted as a Player 2012 Died June 21, 2021
Lee L. Basso Inducted as a Contributor 1995 Died March 21, 2021
Richard Schuchardt Inducted as a Contributor 1986 Died January 2, 2021
Harry Lemakis Inducted as a Player 2017 Died December 27, 2020
Leonard Wiesner Inducted as a Player 1994 Died December 5, 2020
William "Bill" Volz Inducted as a Contributor 1992 Died November 8, 2020
Ralph H. Stephenson, Jr. Inducted as a Contributor 2001 Died September 22, 2020
Greg Marecek Inducted as a Contributor 2002 Died September 13, 2020
Brian Richardson Inducted as a Player in 2007 Died September 8, 2020
Ed Wheatley Sr. Inducted as a Player in 1989 Died July 8, 2020
Al Grosch Inducted as a Contributor in 1976 Died April 7, 2020
Dennis Strickland Inducted as a Player in 2013 Died February 15, 2020
John McArthur Sr Inducted as an Umpire in 1984 Died February 10, 2020
Walter J. Lembeck Inducted as a Player in 1997 Died September 19, 2019
J. Kim Tucci Advisory Board Member Died March 25, 2019
Ed Barry Inducted as a Player in 1986 Died August 26, 2018
Hank Greifzu Inducted as a Player in 1980 Died May 24, 2018
Jim Brady Inducted as a Player in 2008 Died November 23, 2017
Ernest "Turk" Jacobs Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died October 12, 2017
James R. Muskopf Inducted as a Contributor in 2001 Died July 5, 2017
Mal Murphy Inducted as a Player in 1988 Died April 2, 2017
Richard Meisemann Inducted as a Player in 1993 Died February 11, 2017
Garland Goodwin Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died July 11, 2016
Lloyd G. Rupp Inducted as a Player in 1979 Died August 5, 2015
Dr. Robert E. Ryan Sr. Inducted as a Player in 1996 Died March 30, 2015
IN MEMORY OF NATHANIEL "NATE" CRUMP
July 18, 1920 - January 26, 2025
The Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame has lost a good friend and colleague. Nate Crump, a dedicated member of the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame Board of Directors for 30 years, passed away on January 26, 2025, at the tender age of 104. He was a beloved board member, always smiling and always imparting words of wisdom to the board. A native of North St. Louis, Nate was a standout outfielder in the St. Louis Tandy League from 1946-1951. His skill on the diamond earned him a spot in an exhibition game for the Kansas City Monarchs in 1948. Following that exhibition, he was offered a spot on the team. But he chose to pursue his dream of becoming an engineer instead over the hard life of a Negro League ballplayer. After earning a chemistry degree from Lincoln University, Nate worked at McDonnell Aircraft, contributing to the Mercury and Gemini space programs. He was an important part of the team that built the capsule flown and made famous by John Glenn in 1962. He was recognized by Congress for his space program work before retiring in 1987. Even in his seventies, Nate excelled as an active athlete. He was an exceptional at golf and bowling. A St. Louis treasure, Nate's remarkable life and accomplishments will be deeply missed.
IN MEMORY OF JERRY MUELLER
October 20, 1943 - September 20, 2024
The Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of one of its own in Jerome "Jerry" Mueller who passed away on September 20, 2024. Jerry was a faithful board member for 26 years. Always willing to go the extra mile for the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. An accomplished athlete and public servant, Jerry was a retired career firefighter for the City of St. Louis and an amazing athlete. Jerry was a professional soccer player who spent time with the Houston Stars and the St. Louis Stars of the North American Soccer League. His baseball resume was also impressive. He led the Anheuser-Busch Post 299 to the American Legion national championship in 1962. He tossed a four-hitter to defeat Honolulu in championship game. He was a scholarship player at Nicholls State University where he was named team MVP his freshman season. He was inducted into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995. He is also a member of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Softball Hall of Fame and was honored on the Cleveland High School Wall of Fame in 2016. Jerry will be remembered as an amazing athlete, family man and friend.
IN MEMORY OF RIC LESSMANN
October 13, 1937 - May 12, 2024
The Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns Coach Ric Lessmann a St. Louis baseball legend who passed away on May 12, 2024, at the age of 87. Ric was signed by the New York Yankees and pitched one season in the Midwest League in 1955 and threw a professional no-hitter for his club that year. An arm injury ended his young pitching career. He went on to coach and manage at Harris Teachers College, Meramec Community College and Washington University in St. Louis. He won over 1,300 collegiate baseball games over his head coaching career including an NJCAA National Championship for Meramec CC in 1974. He's a member of four Halls of Fame including the NJCAA Baseball Hall of Fame, the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame along with the 1974 National Championship St. Louis Community College Meramec Baseball Team and he was a 1992 inductee into the Greater St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame. He coached eight players that made it to the big leagues and helped 250 players earn baseball scholarships to four-year colleges. He was considered one of the most successful coaches in the history of NJCAA baseball. He could talk for hours about his love of baseball, and he often did. He will be greatly missed.
IN MEMORY OF JERRY KLEESCHULTE
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of board member and 2017 inductee Jerry Kleeschulte who passed away on January 30, 2024, after a long illness, he was 81. Jerry joined the board in 2014 representing amateur baseball in St. Charles. His enthusiasm for amateur baseball and our hall of fame was unmatched. He was heavily involved in youth baseball in St. Charles serving on the board of the St. Charles Junior Baseball League and the Duchesne High School Men's Club Athletic Association where he served in several positions including President of the organization. Jerry was an all-star in the East MO Baseball Association playing for Dardenne and C&H during his 10 years in the league. He was an all-star player at Duchesne High School and for St. Charles American Legion Post 312. Jerry's sound judgement and knowledge of the game made him a great hall of fame board member. Jerry was a wonderful family man who cherished his wife (Mary Lou) and his children, grand-children and great-grand-children. We join Jerry's family and friends in celebrating Jerry's life and his many contributions to amateur baseball.
IN MEMORY OF JERRY VICKERY
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the passing of Jerald L. "Jerry" Vickery on August 30, 2023, at the age of 65 after a long battle with cancer. Jerry was a former board member of our Hall of Fame from 1994-2000 and a great supporter of our organization. He provided great insight and passion to our Hall of Fame and was a loyal board member. He was a former curator for the St. Louis Cardinal Hall of Fame; the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, an author and historian, and did design work for several universities. No one was a bigger Cardinal fan than Jerry. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
IN MEMORY OF Doug Schaefer
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame is mourning the loss of Doug Schaefer. Schaefer was inducted into our Hall of Fame in April of this year and passed suddenly at the age of 69 at his home in Phoenix, AZ on July 23, 2023. Doug was a great player at Lindbergh High School, the University of Oklahoma and in the San Francisco Giants organization where he made it to the AAA level prior to retiring from professional baseball. An excellent right-handed pitcher who also coached for several youth teams in the St. Louis area prior to moving to Phoenix and coached in the Phoenix area after his relocation. The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame sends sincere condolences to the Schaefer Family.
IN MEMORY OF MARTIN L. MATHEWS
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame has lost a cherished member in Martin L. Mathews who died on November 9, 2022, at the age of 97. Mathews was an inaugural member of the Hall of Fame in 1974 and longtime board member and advisor. His contributions to the St. Louis community are immeasurable. Praised by U.S. Presidents, civic leaders and community service members, Mathews was an iconic figure on the St. Louis landscape. The Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club stands as one of the most successful youth outreach facilities in St. Louis history. Founded in 1960 with his friend Hubert "Dickey" Ballentine, the Boys and Girls Club continues to serve hundreds of families each year. A regular fixture at the Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame induction ceremonies each year, he could always be counted on to provide encouragement and wisdom to the hall of fame family. Martin Mathews was a true legend. He will be greatly missed in St. Louis, but his legacy will most certainly live on. The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame sends sincere condolences to the Mathews family.
IN MEMORY OF LEE BASSO
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of a great amateur baseball advocate and contributor with the passing of Lee L. Basso. Lee passed away on Sunday, March 21 at the age of 98. Lee was a long time baseball coach and contributor in the St. Louis area. He was inducted in 1995 as a contributor at the age of 72. His induction bio read:
A sandlotter from Staunton, IL, where high school ball was not played, he played third base for Illinois College until 1943. At age 35, he moved into team organizing and managing, including Pine Lawn - Normandy Legion Team. His T. A. McGuires, named for an ardent supporter, made the Legion playoffs 11 of 13 years. Won six American Legion league titles and seven in Khoury League competition, helping players get college scholarships.
He served his country in World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the William-Owen-McGuire American Legion Post 161 for 47 years. He was a tireless worker as a member of the board of directors for the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame for 15 years. Lee was a remarkable man and a great friend.
A sandlotter from Staunton, IL, where high school ball was not played, he played third base for Illinois College until 1943. At age 35, he moved into team organizing and managing, including Pine Lawn - Normandy Legion Team. His T. A. McGuires, named for an ardent supporter, made the Legion playoffs 11 of 13 years. Won six American Legion league titles and seven in Khoury League competition, helping players get college scholarships.
He served his country in World War II as a lieutenant in the U.S. Navy and was a member of the William-Owen-McGuire American Legion Post 161 for 47 years. He was a tireless worker as a member of the board of directors for the Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame for 15 years. Lee was a remarkable man and a great friend.
IN MEMORY OF BRIAN RICHARDSON
BRIAN RICHARDSON, SR.
(1948-2020)
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame lost one of its best players on Tuesday, September 8, 2020. Brian Richardson, treasurer and member of the executive committee of the board of directors was fatally injured in a highway accident while on vacation in Wyoming. He was 71. Brian joined the board of directors in 2010 and was named Treasurer in 2014. He was a proud member of the Hall of Fame, inducted in 2007 after an outstanding career as a pitcher and coach in the St. Louis area. He was a crafty right-hander at Southwest High School, Meramec Community College, Mizzou and the St. Louis County Summer League. He also served as head baseball coach at Harris-Stowe State College and managed several outstanding players who followed him into the Hall of Fame. Quite simply, he loved baseball. No one worked harder to keep the heritage and tradition of amateur baseball alive in St. Louis.
He was a passionate and tireless supporter of our Hall of Fame. He was our friend and teammate. He will be dearly missed.
He was a passionate and tireless supporter of our Hall of Fame. He was our friend and teammate. He will be dearly missed.
IN MEMORY OF FRED WALTON
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame mourns the loss of a great hurler in Fred Walton who threw his last pitch on February 28, 2022 at the age of 84.
Fred was a hardworking, successful business owner for 50+ years. He was a professional baseball player who had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1956. He was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. An outstanding pitcher for many years on the St. Louis amateur baseball circuit. He also coached, was a referee, and umpired various amateur sports. He loved his family, his church, and enjoyed spending time with friends.
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame honors the great career of Fred Walton. Our condolences to Fred's family, friends and teammates.
Fred was a hardworking, successful business owner for 50+ years. He was a professional baseball player who had a brief stint with the Brooklyn Dodgers organization in 1956. He was inducted into the St. Louis Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 2007. An outstanding pitcher for many years on the St. Louis amateur baseball circuit. He also coached, was a referee, and umpired various amateur sports. He loved his family, his church, and enjoyed spending time with friends.
The Greater STL Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame honors the great career of Fred Walton. Our condolences to Fred's family, friends and teammates.
