RON HERR

      Ron Herr began is softball career in 1948 when he was 12 years of age, playing for South End in the Lancaster Playground League.

      In high school, Ron played in the Lancaster YMCA Church League for St. Paul Methodist.

      Upon his discharge from the service in May of 1956 he began playing for Dap Hutton’s South End team.  In 1958 South End entered the Conestoga Valley League where Ron batted 346 for the season.

      The next season found South End participating in the Pequea Valley League with several games being played in weekend tournaments in Allentown and York.   Ron’s batting average that year was 342. 

      In 1963 South End was the host for the ASA of PA State Class “A” Fast Pitch Tournament at Conlin Field in Lancaster, PA.  Ron hit a walk off home run in the ninth inning to win the third game of the tournament.  South End went on to win the tournament with a 3-2 tenth inning win in the championship final.  Ron won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player Award.

       1964 found South End defending their state championship under a new sponsor, Olde Glory Inn, falling short losing to Greenville, PA in the final series for a runner-up finish.  Ron batted 364 in the tournament and 465 in the regular season.

       One of Ron’s most memorable softball moments occurred when the Millersville Merchants picked up Ron for the Central Atlantic Regional Tournament in Maryland.  In their first game of the tournament Ron got a game winning hit in the bottom of the 7^th inning to defeat Reading and world renowned pitcher, Ty Stofflet 1-0.

       After the South End team disbanded Ron began playing for the Millersville Merchants where he enjoyed continued success.  Ron has been selected to numerous All Star teams over this career.  He won a Home Run Derby held by the Lancaster Recreation League in 1972.

       Ron Herr continues to play actively in the 60 & Over Lancaster Old Timers League winning several championships.