1964 championship baseball team recognized

Members of the 1964 championship baseball team were the guests of honor at the April 11 Pioneer baseball game to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their memorable season.

Team members and their families enjoyed a reunion in one of the suites in Pioneer Stadium prior to the game and enjoyed the game from the suite.  The team members and family representatives were recognized on the field just prior to the game.

The 1964 baseball team was the Volunteer State Athletic Conference champion, the first time that a baseball team from Tusculum had topped the conference. The Pioneers won the title in a thriller with Carson-Newman College that went into extra innings. The game ended in the 12th after the Pioneers had loaded the bases and a single by Bill Gardner allowed Ed Rogers and Bob Lapsley to score.

Members of the baseball team applaud as Jim Rich is introduced to the crowd during the on-field recognition. At the far left is Steve Alexander, son of Dale Alexander, who coached the 1964 team. Joining Brenda Jeffers on the field were her grandson, Mathew Waybright. Alexander's grandon Stevie Alexander is at far right.

 

Visiting in the suite prior to the game are Joe Sipos '68, Jim Brown '66, Jim Rich '67 and Ray Collins '65.

Taking time to pose for a group shot are Collins, Brown, Sipos, Bill Gardner '69 and Brenda Jeffers, representing her late husband, Ed Jeffers '64. Gardner's letterman sweater and Sipos' cap are from 1964.

Dr. Nancy B. Moody, Tusculum's president, visited with the team members are their families, including Joe Sipos and his wife, Edie '68, who traveled from Delaware for the reunion. Sipos is wearing a letterman jacket that was made for him in 1964.

1964 team members and their family members greet the Pioneer baseball team prior to the game.