Different eras shine in Old Timer's contest at Bill Nixon Field

PLYMOUTH - Plymouth's first "Alumni Week" started off with a home run as players from nearly every era of Plymouth Baseball gathered at Bill Nixon Field in Plymouth for an Old Timer's Game sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association.

The seventies teams that began Hall of Fame Head Coach Bill Nixon's career at Plymouth were well represented. The very first Plymouth Player to play in the annual North/South All Star Classic was Center Fielder Tom Jung from the class of 1976 was in attendance on Sunday to see the talent that has come after him.

Jung not only played in that All Star Classic, he was it's MVP. He currently resides in Texas and makes the yearly trip to Plymouth to visit friends and play in the Art Thomas Open which will take place later this week.

Greg Renz and Jeff Badell of the class of 1976 were in attendance as was 1978 standout shortstop Ed Kelso who is the head coach of the PHS Softball program.

Plymouth's newest All Star had a family reunion of sorts with 2011 North team member Damon Howe playing in the game with his father Dave a member of Nixon's 1986 team.

The 90's made their presence known in the game with 1997 grad Dan Winkle making those in attendance question if maybe he was played out of position for his four year career at Plymouth. An all NLC catcher in his playing days, Winkle showed he had great range in the outfield and even turned in solid work at second base.

A senior on the 1992 final eight team Seth Gilmer set the tone for the game with a sparkling back handed play at second in the games first inning.

The Tony Plothow era was in full force with Landon Lauber (2002), Josh Dietz and Chris Hostetler (2003), Cody Bucher and Jay Badell (2009), Kevin Garrity and Damon Allen (2010) along with Howe.

The game was the first in a week long series of events designed to celebrate the Plymouth Community and the Plymouth Schools.

Tuesday night is Family Game Night at Mancino's beginning at 6 p.m. Bring the family and your favorite board games, grab some pizza and enjoy an evening of family fun.

Wednesday August 3 is a night long celebration of volleyball. Beginning at 6 p.m. at Lincoln Jr. High will be Alumni game number two of the week. This is shaping up to be a battle of the 80's stars versus the 90's. . If you want to play contact Janis Holiday at 574-936-1858, 574-780-2725 or email jmholiday@embarqmail.com.

Later on Wednesday night Make sure to stick around for community Night Volleyball in the sand at Centennial Park sponsored by the Plymouth Alumni Association and the Plymouth Park Department.

Still like to shoot hoops? If you played high school basketball at Plymouth come show your stuff August 4 at Lincoln Jr. High in our Old Timers Basketball game starting at 7p.m. To play contact Jody Birk at jodyheatherbirk@yahoo.com, search Jody Birk on Facebook or call 574-952-4444.

The PAA is a non-profit organization that works to connect and inform Plymouth graduates. All funds collected by the organization go to support extra and co-curricular programs at the Plymouth schools such as art, music, theatre and sports. The annual Ladies Big Red Open takes place during the day Thursday, Aug. 4 raising money for the women's athletics programs at PHS, and the Art Thomas Big Red Open has its 21st outing Friday, Aug. 5 to support the PHS athletic department.

There will be an all-class social at Swan Lake Friday, Aug. 5. Reunions for the classes of 1976 at The Office and 1986 at the Brass Rail will be on the agenda for Saturday night.