MAC’s brought semi pro baseball back in ’83

By Mike Wertman, Sports Writer Posted 29 June 2020 at 8:43 am

Contributed Photos – The 1983 Medina MAC’s semi pro baseball team included, in front, bat boys Dave Fredericks Jr. and Jeff Boring. Kneeling are Steve Pettine, Dave DiCureia, Sam Barber, Chris Belson and Jim Noreck. Standing are Coach Dave Fredericks, John Tierney, Don Pellegrino, Jeff Renner, Paul Benson, Merle Fredericks Jr., Tom Fredericks and Manager Merle Fredericks Sr. Absent from the photo were Chuck Barone and Chuck Weader.

Very popular from the 1950’s into the 1970’s, semi pro baseball made its return locally in 1983 with the formation of the Medina MAC’s.

Managed by Merle Fredericks Sr. and coached by Dave Fredericks and Fats Piedmont, the MAC’s opened the season with a 20-4 wi over the Brockport Bardhals team before a large crowd of several hundred fans at Vets Park.

Steve Pettine and Tom Fredericks both had three hits for the MAC’s which took charge early with a big nine run first inning. Chris Belson, Dave DiCureia, Merle Fredericks Jr. and Paul Benson each chipped in with two hits.

John Tierney started on the mound for the MAC’s as Chuck Weader, Tom Draper and Chuck Barone also shared in the pitching chores.

The season was highlighted by a matchup with rival Albion at Vets Park.

Albion bested the MAC’S 4-1 in that season ending contest as a trio of pitchers – Paul Chappius, Tim Pierce and Bill Burke – combined to hurl a two hitter with 13 strikeouts.

A three run first inning scoring burst highlighted by a two-run triple by John Snell, proved to be all the offense Albion would need as it turned out. Jeff Klips tacked on an RBI double in the second inning.

The lineup for Albion, which was also in its first season, also included Dave Terra at first base, Tim Archer at second, Klips at shortstop, Dave Cotter at third, Snell at catcher along with Mike Bowers, Frank Hildreth and Pete Madafferi in the outfield.

A large crowd of several hundred fans attended the 1983 Medina MAC’s opener at Vets Park. Here Chris Belson bangs out a leadoff triple which ignited a big nine run inning.