Ninth Annual Bison Baseball Alumni Weekend

53 Bison Baseball alumni converged at the Lawrence Twp Rec Park to participate in the ninth annual Bison Baseball reunion. The weekend began on Friday evening with a batting practice session and a social hour where old team mates had the opportunity to get together and share memories and stories. (a few of which were actually true!)

Saturday’s festivities began at 10:30 AM with registration and the distribution of shirts and caps to be worn during the game. Photographer Ron Lizotte began taking group and individual shots soon after the arrival of the alumni. He was able to capture several father, son, and brother combinations. (the Danvers –brothers Buck and Tom with son Derek; the Peacocks – Larry and sons Chris, Matt, and Randy; the Dunlaps – Merrill and son Scott for the ninth straight year; the Lykens brothers Brent and Kevin; and the Moyers – Jim and son Michael)

After several large group photos were taken, the annual Homerun Derby got underway, with 22 alumni participating. 2009 grad Corey Bookhamer won the event with Adam Jury(07) finishing a close second. Others who did well were Brent Lykens (‘91), Dave Richards (03), Chris Peacock (‘91), Derek Danver (‘11), and Tanner Ogden (’12). Proceeds from the contest were donated to the Central Pa Autism Academy.

The players, divided into Red and Black teams, then lined up on the foul lines and treated to a beautiful rendition of our National Anthem by the Liptak sisters, Sara and Megan. The nine inning game finally began at 12:15 and proved to be a close, competitive contest. The announcer, Donnie Shimmel (’84), provided some interesting background info (along with a few sarcastic comments) about each player as he came to the plate. The Black team prevailed, 6-4, coming from behind with 3 runs in the 8th inning. After the game MVP awards were presented to Scott Dunlap (’81) (two homers) and newcomer Dave Richards (’03) (double and single). Gold Glove awards went to Brandon Billotte (’98) and Brent Lykens . The seven first year players (“Rookies”) were recognized and presented with a Bison cap: Richards, Matt Peacock (’94), Kevin Wain (’85), Tanner Ogden (’12), Jarrett Fulmer (’11), and Eddie Howell (’66).

The alumni committee was especially pleased to have Eddie Howell make his first appearance at the game. He is one of just a handful of Clearfield grads to have played professional baseball, having signed with the Chicago Cubs back in 1966. Actually the oldest “rookie” to attend this year was ’54 graduate Tom Ball. Tom was unable to attend the game, but participated in Friday night’s activities.

Other players who did well in the game were Jason Walker (’89) with two hits for the black team and Derek Danver with a solo homer also for the black team. Sam Timchak served as the official scorekeeper and statistician, with Jeff Kavelak (’87) and son Izaak (’17) registering the players, distributing hats and shirts and selling 50-50s. Bill Bacharach and Mark Michelucci did the umpiring.

As always, the alumni committee did an outstanding job of organizing the event. (Ed Yeager (’75), Chris Peacock, Donnie Shimmel, Brandon Billotte, and Merle Lansberry (’64) ).

Special thanks go to sponsors Bob Boobs Garage, Bender Automotive, Pete Hess Construction, Aaron Rowles, and Jims Sports Center.

Next year’s event will be held on Sept 12th and 13th. We will be celebrating our tenth anniversary! Make plans now to attend!