Jerome Sacharski, T-ball pioneer, dies at 93

Albion, Mich. - Jerome J. "Jerry" Sacharski, a Wisconsin native known for helping popularize T-ball as an organized youth sport, has died. He was 93.

The J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home said Sacharski died Friday of natural causes at his home in Albion, about 85 miles west of Detroit.

Born in West Allis, Wis., he served in the Army during World War II, reaching the rank of second lieutenant. He was a teacher and coach at Albion Public Schools from 1951 until retiring in 1980.

T-ball helps young children develop baseball skills while eliminating one of its most difficult aspects: hitting pitched balls. They instead hit baseballs from adjustable tees placed on home plate.

The game's exact origin is unclear but behind Sacharski, Albion in 1956 became one of the nation's first communities in which T-ball was played as an organized sport. »Read Full Article