Joe Renner finished his WCABL Hall Of Fame career in 2008 playing for Englund’s Apparel, the team he started with over 20 years earlier, with 563 career hits.  He led the WCABL in hits two times, at bats three times, singles three times, runs scored twice, and was a two time member of the 40+ hits in a season club.        

Joe graduated Great Valley High school in 1983, where he was 1st Team All-Ches-Mont as a shortstop.  He continued his playing career at Temple University from 1985 – 1987. When he was not playing for Temple, Joe could be found playing the middle infield and leading off for Englund’s Apparel.  He made an immediate impact as a table setter helping Englund’s Apparel win the 1983 Regular Season and Playoff Championships with his fellow Great Valley graduates Larry Beebe, Bob Stackhouse, Marty Friel, and Brian Miller. He continued his stellar defense and table setting for the 1991 Anstey & Associates Regular Season Championship team with his long time player / manager Bob Ludwick.  He made the move to join the Red Men winning the 1999 regular season championship and 1997, 1999, and 2000 playoff championships.

Ed “The Big Cat” Kovatch finished his illustrious 21 year WCABL career in 2009 playing for the Red Men organization as a two-time batting champion, 13 time All-Star, 468 career hits, and 100 career home runs.

Ed Kovatch had an excellent career as an athlete at Coatesville High.  He was a two-way starter on the football team – quarterback and defensive end for the undefeated Ches-Mont Champions in 1981.  Baseball was Ed’s best sport, recording  25 wins on the mound for the Coatesville Area Senior High School baseball squad, striking and more than 150 batters in his four-year varsity career tossing two no-hitters as a sophomore and leading the Ches- Mont league home runs in 1981.

Ed Kovatch graduated of Coatesville High in 1982 earning a full scholarship to Temple University where he was a four-year starting pitcher. In college, Ed’s pitching record was 21–10 and he was named to the ALL A-10 conference team in 1984 and 1985, while winning the A-10 1983, 1984 and 1985 Championships.  Ed competed in the NCAA regional tournaments in 1983 and 1984 leading the Atlantic 10 in wins and strikeouts in his senior season.

After his senior season, Ed was drafted by the Chicago White Sox in June 1986 and played minor league baseball, finishing his professional career with a 5-2 record and a 1.99 earned run average.  Ed returned home in 1987 and played amateur baseball in the West Chester Adult Baseball League for the next 21 years.  Ed earned the nickname “The Big Cat” for being an athletic defensive infielder for his size.  Ed was part of the formidable Red Men lineups with his good friends Chris Rosefelder and Steve Stanko.  They combine for 1,512 Career Hits and 341 Career Home Runs between the three of them.

Ed was part of three Regular Season WCABL Championship teams and 6 WCABL Playoff Championships all with the Red Men.  Ed currently lives in Glenmoore, PA with his lovely wife Randee, sons Clay and Greyson, and daughter McKenna.

ED CAUFIELD

Outfielder, First Baseman: 1981-2005

Clutch performer and fierce competitor who was the heart and soul of the Rathskeller A’s juggernaut. First baseman/outfielder whose career spanned from 1981-2005 with St. Anthony’s A’s, Rathskeller A’s, West Chester A’s and Square Bar. For career, finished in Top 10 in hits (479), home runs (62) and RBI (359). Hit .300 12 times, finishing in Top 10 hitters four times, including career best .404 in 1995. Top 10 in RBI seven times and top 10 in home runs five times. Playoff MVP 1987, 1995. Seven-time all-star. Played on 11 regular-season championship and seven playoff championship teams. Inducted 2009.

TOM WALSH

General Manager, Manager, League Official: 1957-1961, 1965-1974, 1978-1999

After brief career as a player with Moose and the Red Men from 1957-1961, he started the Trans-Materials team in 1965 with $300 and used uniforms. Served first as manager and then as general manager for the Big Green’s duration in the league, winning three regular-season and five playoff championships. Biggest strengths were recruiting young talent and securing quality managers. Spearheaded the drive to return to wooden bats in 1999. Served as league director in 1978. Inducted 2005.

ROB GILL

Catcher, Manager 1979-2009

Finished 25th season as manager in 2009, all with the Red Men. First in regular-season wins (456); only manager with 400 career wins. His teams have won two regular-season titles and a league record eight playoff crowns. A catcher during playing days, his full-time career spanned 1979-1987. Five-time .300 hitter. Career: 194 hits, 31 home runs. Tireless advocate for the betterment of the league and its facilities. Five-time all-star. Inducted 2004.

MIKE PLUNKETT

Catcher 1968, 1970-1971 Umpire 1976-2000, 2002

Well respected umpire known for his decisive calls, booming strike call and ability to take charge of the game. Considered one of the best to ever umpire in league. Celebrated his 25th season as an umpire in the WCABL in 2002. Prior to that he was a catcher for three years with the West Chester Legion, Red Men and Parkway Cleaners. Inducted 2003.

STEVE STANKO

First baseman, Third baseman 1980-1997

Big, strapping power hitter is the WCABL’s all-time home run leader (130). Career totals: 476 hits, 445 RBI and .349 batting average. Regular-season MVP 1981 with T-M (.347, 12 HR, 37 RBI). Playoff MVP with Red Men 1990. Batted .400 three times; hit 10 or more home runs six times, including personal best 12 twice. Led league in home runs four times and in RBI four times. Led WCABL in doubles (9) 1992. Named to 14 all-star teams. Inducted 2001.

AL ROTH

Catcher, Infielder, Outfielder, Coach: 1968-1971, 1973-1982, 1997; League Official 1984-1989, 1998-2009

A natural catcher, he was a versatile player who was scrappy enough to play any position. Top 10 hitter in 1968 (.410), 1970 (.321) and 1975 (.366). Finished Top 10 in RBI twice, and was named to four all-star teams. As a board member, his focus has been on seeing that Farley Field and Flagg Field be maintained to the highest caliber playing standards. Inducted 2000.

NICK DIBONA

Infielder, Outfielder 1980-82, 1985-1996

Clutch performer who accumulated 373 hits and 52 home runs in 15-year career. Hit .440 with 12 home runs, 40 RBI in 1988; .427 with six home runs, 32 RBI in 1990; and .400 with seven home runs, 21 RBI in 1991. Hit .300 six other times. Led league in doubles (9) in 1990, and in RBI in 1990 (32) and 1996 (27). Top 10 hitter five times; Top 10 in RBI six times. Named 1986 Playoff MVP with The Charlies. Selected to five all-star teams. Inducted 2000.

Jim Freeman - Ratskeller A’s, West Chester A’s, Chester County Crawdads: 1993-2008 Jim Freeman was one of the most feared hitters and slick infielders to ever play in the West Chester Adult Baseball League. Jim was a core players on the championship teams of the 1990’s with Ratskeller A’s and 2000’s with the Chester County Crawdads. Jim could often be found leading off or batting in the 3 hole, terrorizing opposing pitchers with multi hit games, and playing shortstop. Jim has over 300 career hits, with multiple All-Star selections, and MVP Awards. Jim played collegiately with Temple University and Widner University. He later played professionally with the Philadelphia Phillies. 2010 Hall Of Fame

Wes Link - League Board Member: 1994-2010. Wes Link volunteered for 16 years as the West Chester Adult Baseball League Treasurer. He could often be found behind home plate watching a game or shagging foul balls just because he loved being around the game of baseball. Wes helped increase and managed the league operating budget every year, while overseeing capital improvements to Hoopes Park. 2010 Hall Of Fame.

BILL BANNAN Manager, Umpire, League Official 1956-1972 Manager of Briggs Sporting Goods in 1956. Later worked as an umpire and stepped in as league director during the 1959 season. Became vice president in 1961 when league set up its own governing board. Was league president when he died in 1972. Inducted 1980.

FRANK FARLEY League Official 1956-1974 Assisted WCABL founder Charlie Fryer in early days. Took over as director in mid-season 1960 and guided league to stability over the next 14 years. In that capacity, he also served as official scorer, league statistician and umpire assigner. During his tenure, he donated his yearly director’s stipend from the borough back to the league. Field at Hoopes Park was named in his honor in 1994. Inducted 1980.

CHARLIE FRYER League Founder/Official, Manager 1956-1965 After four-year absence of adult baseball in West Chester, he spearheaded drive to start the WCABL in 1956. Served as league’s first director. In 1965, managed the Italian Social Club to 22-1 (.957) record, the league’s best single-season mark, and regular-season championship. Also managed The (Parkway) All-Stars. Inducted 1980.

DAVE COX Pitcher, Outfielder, Manager 1957-1977 Double threat as a pitcher and a hitter. Compiled 79 career pitching wins, leading the league three times — 1963 (8-0), 1964 (6-1) and 1973 (9-0). Led WCABL in ERA in 1973 (1.22). Won back-to-back batting titles in 1965 (.429) and 1966 (.486). Led league in home runs three times and in hits three times. Threw no-hitter vs. Terrizzi Beverage June 2, 1958. Managed Red Men to league championship in 1966. Given award in 1975 for being the outstanding player of the league’s first 20 years. Inducted 1981.

ELLSY CHANDLER

Catcher, Manager, Coach: 1948-50, 1955-80, 1982-99, 2003-09

Seven-decade player who has appeared in games in more than 40 WCABL seasons. A durable backstopper who caught league record five career no-hitters with the Red Men. Pesky hitter with a great eye who finished in Top 10 in 1961 (.361) and 1962 (.342). Managed Red Men to regular-season title in 1964. Inducted 1982.

EV GIL

Infielder, Pitcher, Manager 1941-1962, 1983

Top-notch third sacker who began career with Sunnyside A.C. in West Chester Community League in 1941. Top 10 WCABL hitter in 1958 (.317) and 1962 (.390). Managed Red Men 1948-1954, winning one Community League and two Delco Valley League championships; also guided the Tribe to WCABL titles in 1957 and 1962. Inducted 1983.

FRED VESER

Shortstop, Manager 1939-1966

Earned "Mr. Shortstop" label for his smooth defensive play. Spent his entire career with the Red Men, beginning in the West Chester Community League and anchoring the infield for 28 years. Managed Red Men to Delco Valley League regular-season crown in 1955 and WCABL regular-season title in 1959. Inducted 1983.

HARVEY ROOP

First Baseman, Pitcher, Manager 1951-1962

Top 10 hitter in 1957 (.406), 1958 (.400) and 1960 (.388). Led WCABL in home runs in 1957 (5). Career pitching record 18-6. Led league in wins in 1960 (6). Threw WCABL’s first no-hitter vs. McCardell’s May 29, 1957. Managed Red Men to 1961 regular-season championship. Inducted 1984.

HAL YOUNG

Infielder 1962-1978

Powerful, left-handed hitter who totaled 349 hits and 60 home runs in 17-year career with the Red Men. Won four home run crowns, three in succession (1967-1969). Top 10 in RBI three times, leading league in 1971 (23). Led WCABL in hits in 1967 (32) and 1972 (31). Won batting title in 1967 (.405). Top 10 hitter eight times — 1966 (.319), 1967, 1968 (.417), 1969 (.400), 1970 (.324), 1971 (.345), 1972 (.356) and 1976 (.370). Inducted 1984.

ED SHANNON

Catcher, Outfielder, Manager 1959-1980; League Official 1990-2001

Four-decade player with Briggs Sporting Goods, Red Men and Rubinstein’s. Top 10 hitter in 1964 (.382). Managed Rubinstein’s 1967-1974. Won regular-season and playoff crowns in 1974, setting then regular-season record for wins (25). Won 152 games as manager. Served as league’s executive director 1990-1995, and served on board of directors 1996-2001. Inducted 1985.

DOM D’ARCANGELO

League Official 1967-1983

Big supporter of the WCABL who kept the financial books and paid the bills in his role as league treasurer for 17 years. Inducted 1985.

HERM GALLIMORE

Outfielder 1943-1966

Fleet centerfielder known for his defensive prowess. Began career in 1943 with Community Center team in West Chester Community League. Was an all-star performer with Red Men in Delco Valley League 1952-1956. Top 10 WCABL hitter in 1962 (.367). Inducted 1986.

ROY HANTHORNE

General Manager, Manager 1962-2002

From 1962-2002, he was the man behind the scenes of Red Men baseball, the winningest franchise in WCABL history. Managed the Tribe from 1967-1971, compiling a 90-29 (.756) record. Won three regular-season and two playoff championships. Inducted 1987.

CHICK STINE

Infielder, Outfielder, Pitcher 1956-1972, 1975-1976

Versatile performer who could play anywhere. Top 10 hitter in 1961 (.366), 1962 (.357), 1964 (.341) and 1966 (.320). Career pitching record 13-7, playoff mark 5-0. Hero of first WCABL game played June 12, 1956 (two triples, four RBI). Threw no-hitter vs. McCardell’s June 3, 1957. Inducted 1987

LES FEILER

League Official 1976-1978, 1984-1993

Ardent fan and tireless worker who started helping the league behind the scenes in numerous capacities in 1971. Served as WCABL vice president from 1976-1978. Elected to board of directors in 1984, serving for 10 years until illness forced him to step down. Inducted 1988.

CLIFF HOWARD

First Baseman, Outfielder 1963-1965, 1970-1978; League Official 1994-1998, 2000-2007

Outstanding glove man and clutch hitter. Most Valuable Player in 1976 with .363 average and league-leading 10 home runs, 39 RBI for Red Men. Won home run crown in 1971 (5) and batting title in 1970 (.417). Top 10 hitter 1970, 1971 (.319), 1972 (.358), 1973 (.310) and 1976. Four-time all star. Served as a member of the league’s board of directors for 13 years. Inducted 1988

BOB CUMMINS

Pitcher 1962-1972

A tough lefty who is the only WCABL pitcher to record more than 10 wins in a season. Compiled 50 career wins. Holds WCABL records for wins in a season (12, 1965 with Italian Social Club); complete games in a season (13, 1965); and shutouts in a season (6, 1965). Compiled 13 career shutouts. Led league in wins in 1967 (11). Threw no-hitter vs. Jackson’s Esso July 30, 1967. Inducted 1989.

DONNIE LAWRENCE

Outfielder, Infielder, Pitcher 1965-1984

Multi-talented performer who began 1969 season with league-record 12 straight hits. Threw a no-hitter vs. Parkway Cleaners May 14, 1969. Won batting title in 1969 (.458). Top 10 hitter six times — 1969, 1970 (.350), 1971 (.338), 1973 (.406), 1976 (.377) and 1980 (.373). Hit 47 career home runs and totaled 308 hits. Six-time all star. Struck out WCABL-record 17 batters in game, nine in a row, vs. Rubinstein’s June 21, 1967. Inducted 1990.

TOM TAYLOR

League Official 1969-1988

Joined WCABL as secretary in 1969. After Frank Farley’s retirement, stepped in to take over league director’s role from 1975-1978. Served on board of directors 1979-1983 and was assistant executive director from 1984-1988. Also served as WCABL official scorer. Inducted 1990.

JIM WAGNER

Infielder, Outfielder, Pitcher 1972-1986

Named Most Valuable Player in 1972, his rookie season, after hitting .306 and posting eight wins in regular season and three playoff victories for champion Trans-Materials. Posted 40 career pitching victories. Career playoff pitching record 11-3. Top 10 hitter in 1977 (.418). Four-time all star. Inducted 1991.

HAL ZIEGLER

Infielder 1972-1984

Strong-armed third baseman was two-time Most Valuable Player — 1978 (league-leading 14 home runs, 41 RBI) and 1980 (league-leading 8 home runs, 36 RBI). Totaled 58 home runs and 324 hits in career. Hit three home runs and had 14 total bases in game vs. Dazio’s Barber Shop in 1978. Nine-time all star and nine-time Top 10 hitter. Inducted 1991.

TOM WULK

First Baseman, Manager 1970-1984

Holds third best winning percentage for managers with 250+ decisions (.642). Managed four regular-season and five playoff champions. Won 199 games in 12 years as Red Men skipper. Seven-time .300 hitter, three-time Top 10 hitter and three-time all star. Won RBI crown in 1972 (28). Inducted 1992.

WALT BENNETT

Pitcher 1965, 1967-1989

Durable right-hander is WCABL’s winningest pitcher with 116 career victories. Led league in wins seven times, five years in a row (1976-1980), and in ERA three times — 1976 (1.32), 1978 (2.05) and 1983 (1.97). Won league-high, personal-high 10 games in 1977. Tops in strikeouts six seasons. Nine-time all star. Inducted 1993.

JACK GREENWOOD

Outfielder, Pitcher, Manager 1965-1989; League Official 1990-2009

First player to crack the career 100 home run mark, ending with 122. Named Most Valuable Player three times (1973, 1977, 1985). Won four home run crowns, three RBI titles and three batting championships — 1972 (.403), 1973 (.418) and 1980 (.397). Totaled 549 career hits. Top 10 RBI 10 times. Posted 30-20 mark as a pitcher. Managed Rubinstein’s to league crown in 1977. 13-time all star. A member of the league’s board of directors since 1990. Inducted 1993.

JIM FEILER

Pitcher, Outfielder 1971-1989; League Official 1994-2000

Second winningest left-handed pitcher (77) in WCABL, 4th overall. Led league in wins in 1974 (10) and 1975 (9). Tossed no-hitter vs. D’Amico Auto June 15, 1972. Had 256 career hits. His .444 average was second in league in 1976. 8-time all star, including two first-team positions (pitcher and DH/utility) in 1976. Served on the league’s board of directors 1994-2000. Inducted 1994.

NAT POLIDORE

Umpire, League Official c. 1958-1987

During his tenure, probably officiated more WCABL games than anyone, earning the title "Mr. Umpire." A big fan when not on the field, he frequently came out of the stands to fill in for an absent colleague. After poor health forced him to stop umpiring, he became a board member in 1984, a position he held until his death in 1987. Inducted 1995.

NORM EAVENSON

League Official 1972-1996

Joined the WCABL as secretary in 1972. Became the league’s first executive director in 1984, keeping secretary post and adding treasurer duties. Stepped down as league’s top administrator in 1988, but continued as treasurer through 1996 season. Inducted 1995.

TED TORRANCE

Field/League Director 1980-2009

Took over as league director in 1980. In 1984, his title was changed to field director in WCABL reorganization. Has served longer than anyone else in the field/league director’s position, having worked countless hours maintaining the playing field. Served as league’s official scorer since 1980. Inducted 1995.

BOB LUDWICK

Infielder, Manager, Coach 1966, 1970-1998: League Official 1999-2009

Third in career hits (621), second in singles (467) and second in doubles (100). Led league in hits five times. Two-time Most Valuable Player (1971, 1975). Hit .400 seven times, including five in a row (1975-1979). Won batting title in 1976 (.450), finished second three times. Top 10 hitter 14 times. Top 10 RBI 9 times. Won home run crown in 1975 (9). 13-time all-star. Won 298 games as manager, winning three regular-season and two playoff titles. Served two years as member of the league’s board of directors. Became executive director in 2001. Inducted 1996.

TOM FROIO

Catcher 1969-1980

Durable backstopper who played entire career with Rubinstein’s, handling two of the WCABL’s most dominant pitchers, Walt Bennett and Jim Feiler. Most Valuable Player in 1974 championship season, hitting .364 with four home runs and 23 RBI. Five-time Top 10 hitter, including .468 in 1975 and .400 in 1973. Top 10 RBI three times. Six-time all-star. Led league in doubles twice. Inducted 1997.

RANDY STONE

First Baseman, Outfielder, Pitcher, Catcher 1979-1995

One of the best all-around players ever to play in WCABL. Career totals: 487 hits, 92 home runs and .380 batting average. MVP in 1983 with six home runs, 24 RBI, 34 runs scored and .440 average. First to reach 40-hit mark in 1983. Hit .510 with 13 home runs and 44 RBI in 1988. Only player to have six hits in game, 1983 vs. Berwyn Brewers. Led league in RBI in 1987 (34) and 1991 (37), and in runs scored four times. Named to 13 all-star teams. Inducted 1999.