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Six Inductees to Enter Clarinda A's Baseball Hall of Fame, January 22, 2011

01/18/2011, 12:44pm CST
By Pat Eberly

SIX INDUCTEES TO ENTER CLARINDA BASEBALL
HALL OF FAME SATURDAY, JANUARY 22, 2011

Clarinda’s Hall of Fame is unique as it honors not only players and coaches, but also umpires, house parents and local supporters of baseball in our community. This year is no exception with three players, two umpires and a local businessman joining the Hall.

Ed Gumm began coming to Clarinda over 15 years ago and for over ten has also been in charge of scheduling umpires for the A’s games each season. His work on the field garnered the attention of the high school athletic director and for several years he has also officiated for their games. A real estate agent from Maryville, Mo., he is being recognized for his diligence on the field and his strong support of not only the A’s, but the MINK League.

A native of Shenandoah who attended IWCC-Clarinda for his first two years of baseball, Rusty Pontious was a member of the 1981 National Championship team, scoring the winning run in the 11th inning to win that championship vs Liberal Kansas Bee Jays. He finished his college career at Texas Wesleyan in Fort Worth, Tx, where he still lives. and currently works as a traveling representative for Samsung Mobile. A fiery middle infielder, his speed and intensity while playing were his trademarks.

Charlie Richardson has been an A’s board member and a supporter of the program since he and his family moved to Clarinda over 25 years ago. Owner and manager of Johnson Tire & Muffler, he and his wife Connie have been houseparent’s and financial supporters of the team. They are both active in many school and community activities. The Richardson’s have two children.

The late Johnny Taylor was among the first umpires to work A’s games. He could always be counted on to be there and take charge of the games in a genial way, able to get along with players from all teams while doing his job ably. His younger brother was a pitcher and all around standout player for the A’s and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1981. 

Robert Wesley came to Clarinda from Cal-State Long Beach and played in 1981 and 1982 for the A’s. The starting second baseman for the 1981 championship team, he made his mark with his tenacious play and consistent great attitude. Wesley hit .302 in 81 and .250 in 82. He has spent 24 years with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, serving five years as a correctional officer and over 19 as a parole agent and is now an internet business owner. He and his wife have two daughters.

Gavin Wright came to the A’s from Blinn College in Texas in 1998. A fleet footed outfielder, he came to play and give 100% to the game. He was an aggressive defensive player, as well as at the plate and on the base paths. His batting average was .352 and was 20-24 in stolen base attempts. He still lives in Texas with his wife and three children where he is with Select Sports Group, Inc.

We encourage all the current Hall of Fame members to come out to welcome these men into your ranks. Hope to see you all January 22.

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