Fort Wayne's Greatest Sports Legends with Dean Jackson

Bill Wambsganss, the son of a Lutheran minister attended what was then Concordia College in Fort Wayne. But, it wasn't long before his father encouraged him to follow another calling - baseball.

He spent 13 years in the game with Cleveland, the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Athletics. While in Cleveland he played alongside Ray Chapman. They were considered one of the best double play combos in the game, until Chapman was killed by a pitch in 1920.

Later that season, October 20, 1920, Wambsganss recorded the only unassisted triple play in baseball history against the Brooklyn Robins. The Indians went on to win the series.

Later he returned to Fort Wayne to manage the Daises of the AAGPBL. The gym at Concordia Seminary is named for him. 

No one played more games for the Komets then Guy  (1045) and holds virtually every Komet defenseman record and is a Komet Hall of Famer. He was known for his hardwork and community service.  He talks about how Fort Wayne embraced him.

Tincaps President Mike Nutter talks about the perfect storm of bring Parkview Field in downtown Fort Wayne.

The Northrop product talks about returning to his roots at Wichita State, the 1983 state title, legendary coach Chris Stavreti and what makes Fort Wayne so special to him.

This is the audio of a eulogy I wrote for the Bryan, Ohio Times - Ned's hometown newspaper in March 2, 2017

Ned spent 14 years in the major leagues, including a magical 20 win season in 1951.  He grew up in Ney, Ohio and returned there when his career ended.

This was delivered September 7, 2018 for the funeral of Leland Etzler. It was humbling and stunning to be asked. I still cry when I think of his impact on lives in East Allen County. 

Billy Sunday was considered one of the fast men in baseball. He played nearly 500 games for teams in Chicago, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia. But he walked away from it to become a Christian evangelist and ministry leader.