Jerry Gruss Tribute Baseball Game

Recent graduate of Lakewood High School Eric Converse created a marathon baseball game in honor of his former coach, Head Coach Jerry Gruss. The event lasted 8 hours and drew players young and old.

Coach Jerry Gruss stopped by to say his thanks and to catch a glimpse of this great event. He also watched his football team scrimmage for about an hour.

All the proceeds will go towards a brand new scoreboard. Check the next issue of the Observer for a total dollar amount that Eric and everyone involved has raised.

(click photo to enlarge)

  • prizes and gift baskets of all kinds were donated and available for the raffle!
  • Emily Stasko, the step-daughter of Coach Jerry Gruss, throws out the ceremonial first pitch
  • Mayor Tom George and Denise Hennberry chat at the beginning of Saturday's fundraising event.
  • Coach Martin, who drove all the way from Pennsylvania to be here for the event, argues balls and strikes with the umpire. He was the second batter of the game.
  • LHS Alumni and former second baseman Ricky Hiles bats in the bottom of the first inning.
  • Coach Lauren pauses for a photo opportunity
  • Sarah Mooney bats
  • Voted "Most Athletic" by the Class of 2007, Kayla Kovach and Rob Pecl pose for a mean photo between innings.
  • Tim Labar and Jordan Kraus score the first runs of the game. Kayla Kovach gets two RBI.
  • Alex Botsch prepares to bat
  • Photo by Alex Botsch; Ivor Karabatkovic puts his camera down and takes a few  (embarassing) swings in the batters box
  • Kelly Stasko, the step-daughter of Coach Jerry Gruss takes the field in the shortstop position.
  • Eric Converse, who with the help of friends and parents created this great event and raised significant funds towards a new scoreboard for our Multi-Million dollar field.