Position: Pitcher

Phil Gannon

Inaugural Class of 2009

Pitcher, Utility

Lafayette Braves 1955-60; Lafayette Generals 1961-64; Lafayette Indians 1965-74

Known as “The Little Lefty”, Gannon effectively used a straight over the top, windmill style delivery to become one of the winningest southpaws in league history.

Playing his entire 20-year career in the baseball hot bed of Lafayette, the bespectacled Gannon was the go to workhorse in the “one game a week” era of league play.

The pinnacle of his pitching prowess came in 1961, when he paced the league with 118 innings pitched, 10 wins, 2 shutouts, and a 2.06 ERA.  1961 also saw him whiff 140 batters.  He had previously K’d over 100 in 1957 with 148 in 108 innings and in 1959 when his tally of 118 sit-downs in 98.1 IP led the league.  Gannon’s sub-100 total of 76 K’s in 1956 was his other league leading effort in that category.

From 1956 to 1963, he averaged 93 innings pitched, with his career high coming in that 1961 season.  Led the league in innings pitched three times, doing so in 1959 with 98.1 IP, 1961 with 118 IP, and in 1962 with 86.1 IP.  Also led the league with a 2.19 ERA in 1962.  Tied for the league lead in shutouts with 2 in 1959 and 1 in 1960.  Co-holder of the single game mark for innings pitched with 16, doing so against the Lake Hallie Lakers while striking out 15 in a 7-5 Braves’ win in 1959.

A regular in Lafayette line-ups, Phil molded a notable offensive career.  In total, he collected 251 hits, 41 doubles, 15 homeruns, 149 RBI’s, 167 runs scored, 160 walks, and 349 total bases in 952 at-bats.  His best offensive season also came in his standout 1961 campaign, when he hit .351 (13 for 37), with league high totals in stolen bases (10) and walks (13).  Tied for the league lead in triples with 2 in 1963.  Led the league with 21 RBI’s in 1971.

Gannon’s stalwart 1961 effort boosted the 10 and 1 Generals to an Eastern Division Crown, a WBA birth, and a spot in the Final 8.  In 1963, his 10 and 4 record accounted for each of the Generals’ decisions, as the crew from Lafayette duplicated their team achievements of 1961.

Provided a veteran presence and a solid stick for the upstart Indians when they won the East Division in 1966, as well as for the Indians’ WBA qualifiers of 1966, 1971, 1972, 1973, and 1974.  Participated in nine consecutive All-Star games (1955 to 1963).  A memorable performer, Gannon played the first 17 years of his career prior to the annual tradition of All-CRBL awards.

Jeff Couey

Inaugural Class of 2009

1st Basemen, Pitcher

Cadott Red Sox 1972-73, 78-83

Often recalled as the “Babe Ruth” of CRBL play, Jeff Couey was an imposing left-handed masher and a shut-down right-handed closer during his eight seasons for the Cadott Red Sox.

His first two years in the league were of modest beginnings, as he hit a combined .287 (25 for 87) with 1 homerun and 18 RBI’s.  As a pitcher in 1972 he threw only 6 innings, but in 1973 he emerged as a #1, going 4 and 0 with a 2.80 ERA in 35.1 innings and striking out 52 of the opposition.

In Cadott‘s 5-4 championship game win vs. the Jim Falls Sturgeons in 1973, Couey hit a key two-run double and struck out 15 in a complete game effort that should have served as a warning shot for what was to come.

After spending several seasons with the Eau Claire Cavaliers, Couey returned in 1978 to wreak havoc on league competition.  At the plate, he won the triple crown (.483 AVG, 6 HR, 26 RBI) and from the hill he was the ERA champ with a mark of 1.43 (5 ER/31.2 IP) while winning 4 games and losing 1.  In 1979, Couey became the first person in league history to win two triple crowns — and still is the only batter to claim them back to back — leading hitters with a .420 AVG, 8 HR, and 31 RBI.  He went on to lead the league in homeruns and RBI’s the next three years — 8 HR’s and a since broken league record of 38 RBI’s in 1980, 5 HR’s and 26 RBI’s in 1981, and 6 HR’s (tied) and 37 RBI’s in 1982.  Out of this five season rampage, Couey set league marks for most seasons as a home run leader (5), RBI leader (5), and most consecutive seasons leading in each category (5).

Also led the league in hits with 29 in 1979, and runs scored twice with 24 in 1978 and 25 in 1979.  The respect he was shown as a hitter was evident in that he led the league in walks four times — 18 in 1978, 20 in 1979, 18 (tied) in 1981, and 16 in 1982.  Received over one walk per game in his career.  Reportedly, he was once intentionally walked with the bases loaded.

From the bullpen, Couey acted as the late-inning hammer for the championship Cadott Red Sox teams.  In addition to winning the ERA title in 1978, Couey did the same in 1982 at 1.02 (9 ER/26.2 IP).  From his closing role, Jeff tied for the league lead in saves with 2 in 1979 and 1 in 1980, before setting a yet to be broken league record of 7 lockdowns in 1981.

During that 1978 to 1982 run, the Couey fueled Cadott Red Sox went an accumulative 81 and 9 in CRBL play, won four South Division crowns, three league championships, qualified for the WBA each year, and made the Final 8 in 1981.  His legend began to grow when he clubbed 3 homers and knocked in 5 runs during Cadott’s 8-2 South Division playoff win against the Lafayette Lakers in 1979 .  In Cadott’s 8-5 title loss vs. Tilden that year, he was walked 4 times, twice intentionally.  He hit 2 bombs against the Lafayette Lakers in Cadott’s 5-3 Southern Divison playoff victory in 1980, propelling the Sox to their first of three consecutive championships.  In five total championship games, he went 6 for 12 with a double, 2 homeruns, 10 base on balls, and 5 RBI’s while earning a save, a win, and whiffing 31 men in 18 innings of work with an ERA of 1.16.

Elected All-CRBL from 1978 to 1982.  Participated in three All-Star games (1973, 1980, 1981).  A full-time player in six of his eight league seasons, a longer stay would have enabled Couey to make even more immovable marks on the record books.  As it stands, his 37 homeruns rank him tied for 10th all-time while his save total of 12 puts him alone in 5th place.  Whatever his numbers may be, Jeff Couey indisputably etched his name as one of the more memorable players to ever don a uniform in the CRBL.

Dave Hepfler

Inaugural Class of 2009

Pitcher, 3rd Baseman

Jim Falls Sturgeons 1967-74, 76-78, 89; Hallie Eagles 1979-80, 84, 86-88, 96

During a league career that touched four decades, Hepfler was known from start to finish as a powerful, hard-throwing righty who possessed an electric curveball to compliment a hissing fastball.

In 1968 — his second year in the league — Hepfler became the fourth pitcher in league history to win the pitching triple crown, leading the league with 9 wins, 144 strikeouts, and an ERA of 1.38 in a league high 85 innings pitched.  In the 1968 All-Star game, Hepfler’s Sturgeons whipped the League All-Stars 10-2, as he was named MVP for his 3-hit complete game performance in which he notched 14 K’s and retired 21 of the first 22 batters in the game.  At the plate, Dave was 2-for-4 with 2 doubles and 3 RBI’s.

From 1967 to 1969, Hepfler went a combined 18 and 2 with 287 strikeouts in 165 innings and an ERA of 1.59.  Then from 1986 to 1989 — in a testament to his longevity — he went 9 and 0 with 102 strikeouts in 73.2 innings and an ERA of 2.08.  Within this qualitative span, the righty grabbed an ERA title in 1988 with a 1.57 mark and then led the league in saves with 3 in 1989.

In 1987, hurled the league’s 24th no-hitter, a five-inning 15-0 win vs. the Lafayette Lakers.  Led the league in saves with 3 in 1989.  Came out of retirement in 1996 to help the Hallie Eagles win the CRBL title game over Tilden, pitching two innings of scoreless relief.

Possessed power at the plate as well, driving out 31 homeruns and driving in 168 runs during league career.  Attained season high of 5 homeruns twice (1979 and 1987) and 18 RBI’s twice (1971 and 1979).  Hit over .300 in seven of his 18 league seasons, with a high of .390 (16 for 41) in 1969.  Led the league with 20 RBI’s in 1971.

The dual threat that Hepfler provided helped his teams claim seven division titles, two league championships, qualify for 10 WBA tournaments, and survive to play three Final 8’s.

Elected All-CRBL four times (1972, 1979, 1988, 1989) and appeared in five All-Star games (1968, 1970, 1971, 1980, 1984).

Upon induction, his highest rankings as a pitcher include being 2nd all-time in strikeouts per 9 innings, tied for 10th in saves, 11th in total strikeouts, and tied for 13th in wins.  Offensively, his highest level is in homeruns where he is tied for 15th all-time.

Tom Dachel

Inaugural Class of 2009

Pitcher, Outfielder

Tilden Tigers 1969-80,82

During his 13-year career, Tom Dachel was without question the winningest and most dominant pitcher of his time.  A closer look at his career shows that he may have been the most dominant pitcher in CRBL history.

With the right-handed Dachel as their ace, the Tilden Tigers were able to win eight North Division championships, seven CRBL championships, qualify for the WBA in all but one (1969) of Dachel’s seasons, and make the Final 8 five times.  In 10 championship game appearances, Dachel sported a record 6 and 3 with 1 shutout, 67 strikeouts, 66.2 innings pitched, and an ERA of 2.70.  No pitcher in league history has more wins, strikeouts, or innings pitched in championship game play.

Led the league in wins seven times and tied for that lead another year, winning 8 or more games eight times, with a high of 13 in 1972.  Won the pitching triple crown in 1977 (9 wins, 94 K’s, 2.67 ERA) and again in 1980 (9 wins, 72 strikeouts, 1.34 ERA).  Led the league in ERA a total of three times (1975,1977,1980), crafting seven seasons of sub-3.00 ERA twirling, along with three seasons below the 2.00 ERA mark (1.35 in 1975, 1.85 in 1978, and 1.34 in 1980).

Had two seasons of over 100 strikeouts (109 in 1972 and 107 in 1974), leading the league in that category four times (1974,1977,1979,1980).  Led the league or tied for the lead in shutouts seven times, doing so six years in a row (1973-1978).  His career high of 4 shutouts in 1974 is tied for the single season league mark.

Exceeded 100 innings three times, with a peak of 125.1 in 1972.  Led the league in innings thrown five times (1974,1975, 1977, 1979,1980).

Dachel’s sterling pitching is that much more remarkable when one considers that a large percentage of it was accomplished facing metal wielding hitters within the offensively conducive confines of Tilden’s home park.

Tom had his highlights as a hitter.  Led the league in doubles with 7 in 1972 and 6 in 1982.  Also led the league in at-bats with 71 in in 1982.  Hit over .300 twice, doing so at .351 in 1972 (20 for 57) and .310 in 1982 (22 for 71).

With All-CRBL becoming an annual award in 1978, he was recognized as such in 1978 and 1980.  Appeared in two All-Star games (1972 and 1973).  Retired in 1982 as the all-time leader in ERA, wins, and shutouts.  Still has all-time rankings of 2nd in wins, 3rd in winning percentage, 3rd in innings pitched, 6th in strikeouts, and 2nd in shutouts.

Ron Cronin

Inaugural Class of 2009

Pitcher, 1st Basemen

Bloomer Pines 1954-55,58-59,61-64,66; Tilden Tigers 1960; Lafayette Indians 1965

Frequently described as “The Big Right-Hander”, Cronin used an unusual side-arm delivery to magnify a blazing fastball in forever making his mark as one of the premier strikeout pitchers in league history.

Racking up a remarkable 1,042 strikeouts in 764.1 innings, he was the “K King” when he retired, and his total still ranks 2nd all-time some 45 years after his last game.  Averaged over 12 strikeouts (12.27) per nine innings, the 3rd all-time highest mark.

Topped the 100 strikeout barrier in a season a league record six times, doing so in 1958 (144 K in 97.1 IP), 1960 (102 K in 96.1 IP), 1961 (143 K in 89.1 IP), 1962 (116 K in 85 IP), 1963 (153 K in 115.1 IP), and 1964 (108 K in 77.1 IP).  Led the Chippewa Valley League in punch-outs four of those years (1958, 1961-1963).  His streak of 5 seasons in a row (1960-1964) with over 100 strikeouts has never and may never matched.   Won 7 or more games six times, leading the league in that category three times (1960, 1962, 1963), with a high of 11 wins in 1963.  His career total of 59 wins still ranks 8th all-time.  Led the then Chippewa Valley League in innings pitched in 1960 and 1963.  Tied for the league lead in shutouts with 1 in 1955 and led the league with 2 in 1962.

Always a long-ball threat during his era, Cronin hit 2 homeruns in a season twice, leading the league with that total in 1963.  That same year, he also led the league with 13 RBI’s.

Played a major role on 4 division winners, helping to turn the tide for Bloomer (1958, 1961, 1963) and Tilden (1960).

Played in eight All-Star games (1955, 1958-1964).  Co-shares the single game league record for innings pitched with 16, doing so in a complete game, 4-1 loss to the Chippewa Falls Triangle Sports in 1958 during which he K’d 22 batters.

Larry Bowe

Inaugural Class of 2009

Pitcher, 1st Baseman

Lafayette Generals 1964; Lafayette Indians 1964-66, 68; Cadott Red Sox 1969-85

Rarely mentioned as one of the league’s great pitchers, the right-handed throwing Bowe burst on to the league scene with the Lafayette Indians during the 1960’s, later turning into a consistent workhorse and veteran presence for the powerhouse Cadott teams of the 1970’s and early 1980’s.

After a modest but winning start to his career, 1969 saw Bowe blow up for 176 strikeouts in 129 innings, despite a 7 and 8 record to go along with a 3.07 ERA.

Larry jumped to the Cadott Red Sox in 1970, where he went 7 and 3 with a 2.70 ERA, 97 strikeouts, and 80 innings pitched while tying for the league lead in saves with 1 and shutouts with 2.  For the Sox in 1971, he racked up 140 K’s in 111.2 innings pitched while going 8 and 5 with a 3.22 ERA.

From 1968 to 1977, Bowe’s yearly averages were that of 6 wins, 74.1 innings pitched, 85 strikeouts, and an ERA of 2.94.  The righty had an ERA under 3.00 seven times, with a low of 2.25 (4 ER/16 IP) in 1978.  Led the league or tied for the lead in saves four times, with a high of 2 in 1978.

Was a member of eight division winners, five league championship teams, sixteen WBA qualifiers, and three Final 8 teams while on the Cadott Red Sox.  Also won a division title and played in the WBA for the 1966 Lafayette Indians.  Individual highlight in these team accomplishments came in 1975 when he threw a complete game six-hitter in Cadott’s 5-2 championship game win vs. Tilden.

Upon induction, ranked 4th all-time in wins with 73, 4th all-time in innings pitched with 881.1, 3rd all-time in strikeouts with 987, and tied for 6th all-time in shutouts with 7.  Twirled the league’s 15th no-hitter in 1976 vs. Tilden, a 8-0 victory that marked the first time Tilden had been no-hit in their long, storied existence.

A full time player for 15 of his 21 years in the league, Larry gradually built up the offensive career totals of 221 hits, 149 RBI’s, and 175 runs scored in 939 at-bats.

Appearing in five All-Star games (1968,1970-1973), Bowe was named co-MVP of the 1973 contest in which he started and pitched 3 scoreless innings for the South in their 6 to 4 loss at Bloomer.  He was elected All-CRBL in 1972 and 1974, the only years in which that honor was awarded prior to it becoming a yearly tradition in 1978.

Frank Atkinson

Inaugural Class of 2009

Shortstop, Pitcher

Jim Falls Nosal 1958; Jim Falls Dairymen 1960; Jim Falls Cadets 1961-64; Jim Falls Sturgeons 1965-69, 71-77;

Jim Falls Mobile 1970

A standout shortstop and a reliable relief pitcher, Atkinson spent his entire 19-year league career playing for five different teams in Jim Falls.

The bulk of his time and greatest success came with the Sturgeons, as he helped them win division crowns in 1967 and 1973, and qualify for the WBA in 1967, 1968, 1972, 1973, and 1975.

Hit .300 or better in 10 seasons, doing so consecutively in his last seven years of play, during which he averaged 20 hits a year and hit an accumulative .374. Won back to back batting titles in 1975 at .462 (24 for 52) and 1976 at .438 (21 for 48).  Led the league in hits with 24 in 1975, doubles with 5 in 1974, and tied for the league lead in triples with 2 three times (1963,1967,1975).  Still tied for 2nd all-time in triples with 11.

Led the league in runs scored with 16 in 1974 and 14 in 1975, stolen bases with 10 in 1968, and tied for the league lead or led the league in walks three times (1969,1971,1975) with a high of 19 free passes in 1971.  Ranks 5th all-time in stolen bases with 77, leading the league with 10 bags in 1968.  Topped the 20 hit mark a total of five times.

From the slab, knuckleballing Atkinson led the league with a career high 4 saves in 1975, tying for the league lead in that category five times previously.  Captured an ERA title in 1965 with a mark of 2.22 (7 ER in 28.1 IP) and again in 1973 with a miniscule 0.52 ERA (1 ER in 17.1 IP).  His career total of 15 saves currently ranks 3rd all-time.

A participant in 10 All-Star games (1961,1963-1968,1971-1973), Frank was named the game’s MVP in 1965 when he went 2-for-2 with a double, RBI, and some flashy defensive plays in the East’s 4-0 win over the West.  Playing in the era before yearly All-CRBL teams, the right-handed swinging Atkinson was the first league player to collect over 300 hits and compile over 200 innings pitched. Undoubtedly, Frank will be remembered as one of the best players to ever represent Jim Falls in league competition.