The inventor of T-Ball baseball. On June 25, 1956 for the first time in sporting history, a batting tee was used in an officially organized game, in Albion, Michigan. It was originally called Pee Wee baseball, operated under the auspices of the Albion Recreation Department. Coach Sacharski fashioned the first batting tee with metal piping, pieces of rubber, and part of a garden hose. He designed the sport for youngsters ages 5 to 8 to help them learn baseball fundamentals. The concept spread nationwide and as a result, millions of youngsters have participated in T-ball leagues for over 50 years. A tribute to Sacharski and his invention appears in the U.S. Congressional Record, June 19, 2002. Jerry first came to Albion in 1942 to work at Starr Commwealth for Boys, where he served as Athletic Director. He then served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lt. during World War II. He returned to Albion following the War. From 1951 until 1980 he was a teacher at the Albion Public Schools, and taught Latin and Social Studies. Sacharski continued coaching for the Albion Recreation Department until 1970. During the Depression he worked in CCC camps. Parents: Michael and Martha (Litzau) Sacharzewski. Spouse: Etola Lacy, married August 2, 1941 in Marion, WI.
The inventor of T-Ball baseball. On June 25, 1956 for the first time in sporting history, a batting tee was used in an officially organized game, in Albion, Michigan. It was originally called Pee Wee baseball, operated under the auspices of the Albion Recreation Department. Coach Sacharski fashioned the first batting tee with metal piping, pieces of rubber, and part of a garden hose. He designed the sport for youngsters ages 5 to 8 to help them learn baseball fundamentals. The concept spread nationwide and as a result, millions of youngsters have participated in T-ball leagues for over 50 years. A tribute to Sacharski and his invention appears in the U.S. Congressional Record, June 19, 2002. Jerry first came to Albion in 1942 to work at Starr Commwealth for Boys, where he served as Athletic Director. He then served in the U.S. Army as a 2nd Lt. during World War II. He returned to Albion following the War. From 1951 until 1980 he was a teacher at the Albion Public Schools, and taught Latin and Social Studies. Sacharski continued coaching for the Albion Recreation Department until 1970. During the Depression he worked in CCC camps. Parents: Michael and Martha (Litzau) Sacharzewski. Spouse: Etola Lacy, married August 2, 1941 in Marion, WI.
