Historical September 1985 report or notice. Original dates, prices and contacts describe the source period; current availability has not been established.
Contrary to popular belief, there really is a St. Roch’s Softball Team that on any given Friday can be found in parks all over South St. Louis.
The Battlin’ Beagles were founded in 1973 by Steve Vossmeyer and our present manager and team guru, Brad Weir.
This early conglomeration consisted of such notables as Cal (Stump) Stuart, Brad (Wheels) Weir, Vince Pre-politicsSchoemehl, Tom (Stretch) McPherron, Ed Stout, and others gone but not forgotten. Having been rejected by the American League in an attempt to establish a franchise, they chose to enter the Muny League noted for its brazen play and total abstention on the field.
This latter note did not sit well as it affected the Beagles ability to win (they never could play sober).
Two years of mounting losses lead team leader Weir to seek greener pastures and rumors of an over 30 Catholic League led Weir to a barroom meeting with aspiring league officials Ed Schmiedeke and Buck Minzer.
The 30 year cutoff was created to meet that special need for those semicompetitive enthusiasts and tradition continues with this-sometimes staunch rule.
There were eight original teams and through popular demand, the league expanded to ten teams. Early on it was difficult to field a complete team every game and it has only been the last two seasons that neighborhood participation has peaked.
This season, spring began early for player/coach Weir in April with a pre-season elbowwarming party that was filled with optimistic hopes and strategic talks.
The opening game was in early May after two weeks of two-a-day practices (if you believe that one—you’d better stop here).
After a tough opening loss to perennial power—St. Margaret’s of Scotland, the team went on a three game winning streak featuring some last minute heroics by Al (Sticks) Mense and fine pitching by Brent Clark.
Another tough loss was followed by another solid victory due to a rain out.
There followed two disheartening losses which left manager Weir wondering if the American League were still available.
The middle of the season featured a fourgame winning streak with great offence and defense from such notables as: Roy Bell, Jay Brennan, Floyd Browley, John Christie, Jerry Klein, Tom Klevorn, Barry Kozloff, Paul Kurtz, Jerry Lawrenz, Steve Littlejohn, Richard Lowenstein, Marv Nodiff, Larry O’Neil, Hitch Powell, Paul Repetto, and Ed Stout.
Our winning streak was halted with two tough losses to St. James and Epiphany followed by a stellar performance against St. Margaret’s. Late in the season, we had a new recruit —Father Terry who came from Christ the King parish in University City. Terry will amply fill the shoes of the now departed Allan Mense who played out his option and has signed with Reagans Raiders. Playing on muddy Churchill Downs, the Beagles’ stallions were halted in a heartbreaker loss to St. James, but bounced back August 23 with a grand performance by Marv Nodiff whose late game triple scored noted speedster Brad Weir from first base.
The Beagles now take their 10-7 standing into the final game against archrival Immaculate Heart August 30.
The team has appreciated the support of its loyal fans, generous sponsors, and all those people who purchase the fuel that keeps the team running.
We would like to mention that next year’s tryouts will be in April 1986 and interested prospects should contact manager Weir this winter.
Original photograph caption
Drawing by Tyrone Stoval (age 15) of 6100 Washington. The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1985, page 1.
Originally published in The Times of Skinker-DeBaliviere, September 1985.
Read this article in the original newspaper issue.
Original source: SD_Times1985_09.pdf, printed page(s) 1; PDF page(s) 1.
