James “Jimmy” Verdeck (2015) – Community volunteer who maintained American Legion Field in its earliest days, helping to make the park one of the finest in the state. Whether shagging balls for the baseball teams, working the concession stand, or laying sod to cover the old track that ran through Legion Field’s outfield, Jimmy was always there and vital in making Marshall baseball what it is today. |
James “Jim” Muchlinski (2015) – Started his coaching career at Holdingford High School in 1956. After one year he moved to Marshall and was the head coach at Marshall Central Catholic High School for 10 years before moving to Marshall High School in 1958. Jim became the head coach there in 1974 and served in that position for 24 years, through the 1997 season. In 34 seasons as head coach, Jim�s teams compiled a record of 380 wins and 206 losses, a .648 winning percentage. His teams won five Southwest Conference championships and his 1976 team placed second in the State Tournament. Jim was also the Marshall American Legion coach for 15 years, 1965 through 1979, and won 242 games against just 77 losses. Jim received the Dick Siebert Award in 1997 and the Jim Dimick Retired Coach Award in 2008. Jim was also inducted into the Minnesota State High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2000. He retired from coaching in 1997 and from education in 1999 after 42 years of teaching, 41 of them at Marshall Schools. Jim was inducted into the Minnesota State High School Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2009. |
Jerry Krause (2015) – First A’s manager. Instrumental in restarting the A’s team after it had previously folded. Jerry was a respected, trusted, and well-liked businessman in downtown Marshall and had a connection to a number of baseball supporters. It was through those many contacts that would help in the revitalization of not only amateur baseball, but baseball all the way from little league up through high school – building the foundation for many fine young men that played baseball for Marshall and area teams. Jerry’s love for the game was reflected in the many supporters he had connections with. In the early days he was the contact with the community, lining up the many supporters that served on the board, helped with the fundraisers, laid the sod, and helped build the foundation of Marshall A’s baseball. |
Lawrence “Larry” Knigge (2015) – Longtime umpire and secretary/treasurer of the Southwest Umpires Association. Served as manager of Ghent baseball team from 1956-60 and then as president of the Southwest Minny League for 20 years. Umpired 13 state tournaments and was inducted into Minnesota Amateur Baseball Hall of Fame in 1974. Commonly referred to as “Marshall’s Mr. Baseball”, Larry dedicated more than 70 years of his life to the game and played a big role in bringing two state tournaments to Marshall during the 1980’s.