Wayne Wirz cherishes his role in overseeing Highland American Legion baseball program
For the first time since World War II, America will have no Major League Baseball All-Star Game this year..
Also, the Highland American Legion Post 439 baseball program did not have a season after a history of 55 years of continuous playing.
Korean Conflict veteran Wayne Wirz, like many others, is greatly disappointed, especially since he organized the local program in 1955. Coronavirus, however, has brought sports to a screeching halt across the country.
Wayne was born April 12, 1933, in Highland as an only child to Melvin and Esther Wirz. Wayne said it would have been a lonely childhood were it not for his numerous cousins, as his mother had 12 siblings who lived nearby. As a result, Wayne’s interest and participation in playing baseball on a regular basis was his favorite activity.
He has cherished memories of his mother’s homemade noodles and her doting nature for her only youngster. His dad assumed the role of disciplinarian and made certain Wayne did not become spoiled as an only child. The small family often went on fishing trips to Florida.
While Esther kept the home fires burning, Melvin was part owner of Tibbets & Co., with Roland Harris and Orvil Koch. The business served the community as a furniture store, funeral home and a heating and air conditioning service. Early on Wayne could be found with his dad at work assisting wherever needed.
While attending Highland High School, Wayne excelled in math and public relations. He served as president of the student council and the Spanish class. Graduating in 1951, Wayne attended Southern Illinois University Carbondale for one year before entering the U.S. Army.
After basic training at Fort Riley, Kansas, Wayne attended finance classes at Fort Benjamin Harrison, Indiana, for a four-month course before being deployed to Pusan in South Korea. His job was to pay the troops, though no currency was used. His memories of Korea include the vast poverty he witnessed and unclean living conditions.
After 14 months overseas, he returned state-side and attended Washington University in St. Louis and studied administration while working for his father. In 1959, Wayne became a member of Highland’s American Legion. After Wayne graduated in 1960, he became employed by Tri-City Grocery in Granite City as an accountant. His next stop was with Mays Department Store — which later became Macy’s — in their employee benefits department.
Family life, embarking on Legion career
After about four years at Mays, his friend and coworker had a secretary he wanted to introduce to Wayne. Her name was Donna and Wayne said he was attracted to her intelligence and the positive way she interacted with others. After more than a one-year courtship, they married May 11, 1974.
The couple had two children — a daughter, Allison, and a son, Christopher. Tragically, young Christopher passed away of leukemia at age 4.
“I think about him all the time,” said Wayne, who retired in 1995.
About five years after Wayne became involved in the Legion, he organized the baseball team, became manager, and he has been overseeing it since 1965.
“But it hasn’t been without great parents, great kids and a great community,” emphasized Wayne. “We couldn’t have done it without the community support, fundraisers and enthusiasm.”
American Legion baseball casts a wide net
American Legion baseball has been a key part of the journey to adulthood for millions of young men since 1925. Some have gone on to play the sport professionally such as Kris Bryant, Bryce Harper, Albert Pujols, Johnny Bench, Mark McGwire Bob Gibson, Gaylord Perry, Madison Bumgarner and Justin Verlander.
With nearly 4,000 teams from all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico, American Legion baseball is the only program of its kind. It is noted for having taught teamwork, development of self-confidence and self-esteem, good sportsmanship and physical fitness to generations of young men, along with promoting citizenship in their communities.
Wayne agrees the program can be credited with enabling participants to “make their mark in business, politics and other ventures. In short, American legion baseball alumni are proud contributing members of society and are often among the most successful people in their careers.”
In 1971, Wayne was contacted by the superintendent of East St. Louis schools making inquiry as to what was necessary to form a team. Wayne let him know “they had to have uniforms and a solid person to run it.” Taken under advisement, a team was formed, which is still active today.
Proud of the players, teaching life lessons
Wayne said he considers it an opportunity to work with and watch the development of these young men who are age 16-19 years.
“The thought of seeing the growth of these young men in all facets of their life, religious and physical, and then to go on to play in the big leagues has been very rewarding. But even if they choose to be a truck driver, I’m still proud of them for the good work ethics they have formed,” said Wayne.
Acknowledging some of the young men throughout the years may not have had positive male role models in their lives, Wayne gives accolades to his “outstanding coaches.” Wayne recalls one boy who had broken the rule of no drug use and was given a verbal warning. After having an additional violation, Wayne said he had to “kick him off the team. Years later that same kid, now a grown man, returned and thanked me.”
Thanks to COVID-19, the 2020 American Legion season was canceled. But hopefully, 2021 will be better. One thing is for certain. The enthusiasm of Wayne Wirz is alive and well and he is ready to play ball.
His and Donna’s family include two daughters, Nancy and Allison; one grandson, Brett; and one great-grandson, Clayton.