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Centennial Souvenir Program, 1954 The O'Fallon Youth Baseball Program was begun in the summer of 1944 and has been in operation ever since. The origin of the program is quite interesting. Two young lads, Robert Seipp and James Rohr, now living in Carlyle, appealed to Ardell (Buck) Vogel to help them with their baseball team. After several evenings with the boys, Vogel realized the necessity of forming additional teams so that more boys might be accommodated. Accordingly, he organized the O'Fallon Junior City Twilight league which consisted of four teams comprised of boys from 12 to 17 years of age. At the outspet [sic] the boys themselves financed the program by paying 15 cents each week to the Treasurer, Jack White. From this small fund a few bats and balls were purchased. During the winter of 1944-45 an appeal was made to the people of the town for financial help and enough money was secured to buy softball shirts and caps for the boys in the Twilight League and baseball uniforms for the All-Star team entered in the American Youth Baseball League in which teams from East St. Louis, Belleville, Collinsville, Cahokia, and O'Fallon participated. In 1946 a second playing field was made available in the Community Park. In 1947 enough money was raised to buy 60 complete baseball uniforms and all playing equipment necessary for the season. In 1949 the program expanded to include Girls' softball and to form another league known as the Junior "B" League for boys between 10 and 14 years of age. In 1949 the original "A" League was supervised by Charles Niblock, then basketball coach at the High School and recreation supervisor employed during the summer months by the Community Park Board. In 1950 the "A" League disbanded and the "B" League expanded to six teams to take in the Fairview Phils and the Fairview Cubs and the league name was changed to O'Fallon-Fairview Community Junior Baseball League. In 1952 the league again expanded to permit the entry of a Trenton team--the Trenton Giants who proceeded to win the championship. The League name was changed to the Twin-Counties Junior Baseball League. In 1953 complete uniforms were purchased for 60 players. In October the Rotary Club sponsored a baseball banquet at which trophies provided by the Rotary Club, Kiwanis Club and an anonymous donor were presented to the teams finishing first, second, and third for the season. Championship teams for the various years together with their managers and captains were as follows: "A" League
1944 -- O'Fallon Tigers -- Robert Poignee and Sam Carroll. "B" League
1949 -- O'Fallon Cardinals -- Ardell (Buck) Vogel. Several boys and one girl have gone from this program to professional baseball: Roy Hawes reported in 1954 to the Washington Senators of the American League; Jack Feltman to play in 1954 with Broger, Texas in the West Texas-New Mexico League and William Barth, Rogers Meyers, Don Donato, Jr., and Wayne Beckman went from minor league ball into the Armed Services. Barbara Hoffman who played on the 1948 O'Fallon Girls' softball team has been playing professional baseball several years with Sounth [sic] Bend, Indiana in the All-American Girls' League. This program has also been instrumental in giving early valuable training to boys who later became the main stay of the fine High School baseball teams we have had at O'Fallon Township High School. It is estimated that approximately 1,000 boys and girls have taken part in this program over the span of years the program has been in existence. At the present time the Community Park provides four playing fields. The Girls' softball team known as the O'Fallon Jets, managed by Clarence Klucker, has been provided with regular baseball uniforms and a playing field of its own. The following persons have throughout the years given generously of their time, ability and money to keep the baseball program going: John Seipp, Roland Stratman, Billie Warma, Dick Diekroetger, Clifford Becherer, Jack Thompson, Don Donato, Sr., Howard White, John Miller, Ernest Biggerstaff, R. P. Hinkle, Lee Cavins, Maurice Cocker, Dave Vogel, Mayor Henry Hesse, Don Bastendorf, Oscar Cox, Don Kirsch, Ronnie Hillen, Burt Maxfield, Wilmer Knewitz, Don Schimdt [sic], Ralph Trinckel, Laverne Anderson, Arthur Stein, Orin Wessel, Leroy Howser, James Lautz, Delbert Corbier, Adolph Ohlendorf, Wally Schmidt, Clifford Corbier, Francis Swope, Ardell Smith, Robert Sharp, Ralph Battoe, Pete Neff, Gus Neff, Barney Maibes, Maurice Helen, Dr. Charles Zeigler, Herbert Whitehead, Sr., Leroy White, Billy Magee, Don Donato, Jr., Bill Feltman, the late Arthur Funcke, Bill Votrain, the late Clifford Corbier, Sr., Merle Hesse, Bob Miller and the late L. R. Cartier. Much credit is due "Buck" Vogel who has worked unceasingly and untiringly to promote this program. He has given unstintingly of his time and ability to continue this successful project. That his efforts have been appreciated is evidenced by awards given to him by the Kiwanis and Rotary Clubs and a radio given by parents of the boys participating in the baseball program. On behalf of the people of O'Fallon in appeciation of a fine job we say, "Well done, Buck, you have provided a healthful outlet for youthful energy. Thanks a million." ---56-57---
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