Olympic Baseball - Team USA

BunchOBull

Ok, I need a brief history lesson.

Was it in the 1968 Summer Olympics that Team USA, and the world in general, first competed in baseball? Also, does anyone know how to find a roster for the first Olympic USA baseball team?

Thanks in advance.

Ross

prscott933

looks like 1904 was the unofficial debut.

Olympic Baseball

prscott933

1936 Roster

1956 Roster

1964 Info

BunchOBull

Ok, so, according to what I'm reading, 1968 was the first time they played a complete series in the Olympics. Years past were all single game exhibitions. Thanks for the info.

edited to add: Strike that...not quite correct...hmmm...more to read.

I'm just curious because I vaguely remember being told one of my high school coaches was on the 1968 team, won a gold medal, but that the medal didn't count towards the official standings because it was a "trial" year. I was trying to find the validity to the story.

I tore out my ACL, MCL, and PCL one year, had some major surgery, and hobbled around campus for awhile. Anyway, Coach Bell took one of his business cards and on the back wrote "Please excuse for lateness" and signed his last name. He told me to keep the card and whenever I was late, to brandish it and I'd get out of a tardy.

Long story short, I, for some reason, still have this card and ran across it today. I've decided not to throw it away in case I can validate the story I heard about him. It's potentially an Olympic autograph. Time to read some more.

Again, thanks for the help.

BunchOBull

Ok, so I can't find a 1964 Roster. That might be the key to this whole thing. I believe the story may be a little off, but may have some truth to it.

The gentleman's name is Gus Bell. I'm trying to find his name on a Team USA baseball Roster, most likely from 1964 if I'm going to find any truth in the story.

Thanks.

Ross

prscott933

read the comments section...

1968 Olympic Baseball

BunchOBull

Geez, if he was on this team, no wonder he didn't want to talk about it, they're not even recognized.

from website above:

<<I received this email from Gary:

"For some reason documentation of the 1968 Mexico Olympic demonstration event of baseball is hard, maybe impossible to find! I know that it occurred because I was a member of the tournament winning US team. Danny Litwhiller (University of Michigan) and Frank Sancet (University of Arizona) headed up our coaching staff. Both were legends in the college ranks. We beat Cuba twice during the tournament. I'm very proud to say that with two out in the bottom of the ninth I had a walk off the field base hit to win the first one. The second game against Cuba was really something. We were beating the Cuban handily when many of their players stormed the stands. The entire stadium erupted in a melee in no time. As you probably know, the 1968 games were very violent and our tournament was no exception.">>

jimq112

there was a gus bell who played for the reds, his son buddy bell I think played for the indians in the 70s?

BunchOBull

I remember thinking that as a kid, but it's a different Bell. To my knowledge, Coach Bell never played in the big leagues, though he was a scout for the Tigers I think.

Unfortunately, I don't know his full name. He was always "Coach" to me, and his business card just says "Gus Bell."

DeutscherGeist

Try contacting your former high school to find out your coach's full legal name. That is a start. If you received an email from Gary who was on the 1968 team, could he not provide you more information??? Maybe I misunderstood your post.

Its a nice story about keeping something so simple for over 40 years. I am sure that business card with his signature has sentimental value to you either way.

BunchOBull

Well, that message from "Gary" was on a website, I just copied and pasted it. I've had the business card for a little over a decade. This was 1997 when I received it. He played ball much earlier and was in his 50s at this point.

However, I may be able to find out who this Gary is. Didn't think of that, could be a lead.

Thanks.

Ross

DeutscherGeist

Ok, the story is clearer now. You had the sig for a little over 10 years.

I am surprised the coach retired as he could have still been at it today. I take it his leave or retirement must have happened in the last 10 years, so that is not long ago. Many other faculty members at the high school may know where he is now. I work as a substitute teacher at my local high school, so I know what kinds of things can go on in that setting. Faculty definately know what happened to their colleagues or at least know where to find out. One of the teachers or administrators may even be able to tell you which year your coach competed in the Olympics.

Finding "Gary" at this point might be more difficult than just paying the old alma mater a visit.