1970 Waynedale Merchants honored 55 years after national title

Eight members of the 1970 Waynedale Merchants Hot Stove baseball team were honored to ride on a float in Apple Creek’s Johnny Appleseed Parade on July 26.

Now approaching their mid-70s, the men felt like 18-year-olds again. They heard cheers along the parade route and reminisced about a glorious summer more than five decades ago.

“We joked that we set a Guinness Book of World Records mark for the longest wait to celebrate a sports championship: 55 years,” said Rick Rottman, a pitcher and utility player on the team.

Eight of the 10 living members of the 1970 Waynedale Merchants, who were an 18-and-under team, returned to Apple Creek for the parade. They received shirts, ball caps and banners.

The Merchants won the 1970 Hot Stove Class D National Championship in Alliance. They had to win a state tournament, then a regional, before topping teams from Pennsylvania and Maryland to capture the national title.

The living members of the 1970 team have been having lunch together once a month since the 2020 COVID year at Dutch Kitchen in Dalton.

Three Wayne County Sports Hall of Famers were a part of the team: Brad Vincent (shortstop), Gary Jensen (pitcher) and the late Les Saurer (outfielder).

In addition to Saurer, pitcher Dave Marthey also has passed away.

Attending the parade were cousins Brad and Jeff Vincent (third base), Bob Hartsell (second baseman), Randy Kiser (first baseman), Charlie Miller (outfielder), Dale Cramer (outfielder), Larry Burns (pitcher), and Rottman.

Jensen and John Snyder (catcher) were unable to attend the parade.

“Most of the players went to Waynedale,” Rottman said. “I was a Triway guy who they picked up. It was the summer after my freshman year playing basketball at Grove City College. Bill Vincent, Jeff’s dad, was our coach. Most of the players on the team were three-sport athletes. It was a great group of guys.”

Last month all 10 surviving team members got together for lunch.

“We did the parade for fun,” Rottman said. “Everyone is as humble as can be. It meant more to us than anyone there.

“If you have one great buddy from your teens into your 70s, it’s very special. Think of what we have. We won a national title, and 10 of the original dozen are still here and get together monthly. We are very blessed to share a lifelong bond and friendship.”