Inductees The 73-74 Knights had the right combination of muscle, speed, skill, and determination. With a starting lineup of seniors Ray Bailey, Dave Krick, Dave Loyd, junior Chris Williams, and sophomore Dereck Holcolm, this team was programmed to win. The amazing point potential of Williams, along with the strength of the other players, shot the Knights almost immediately to an all-time high state ranking, and a well deserved MS-9 championship. With all starters carrying a double-figured game point average, a "close" game was a rare sight for the Knights. The newspaper raves came in from all around, including a complimentary write-up in the Chicago Tribune. The Knights won the Pekin Holiday Tournament hands down, then went on to win the Mid-State 9 conference title. They captured the regional championship by defeating the Galesburg Silver Streaks. The Knights won their first game in the sectionals, before losing to Peoria Central in a disappointing double overtime defeat. The Knights finished the season with a 27-2 record.
Don Wyss![]() At age 50, Don Wyss concluded a sensational 35-year career in the Sunday Morning League, the nation's oldest semiprofessional baseball league. He began playing in the league at the age of 15 and for the next 35 years he set records which will never be broken: As a Manager he won eight championships; set astounding career statistics as a hitter, attaining a 35-year batting average of .307; led the League in all-time statistics of most hits, doubles, triples, at bats and runs batted in; and as a pitcher won the pitching honors in 1973 with an 11-2 record. In addition, he served as Vice-President and President of the League for many years. |