Story To Honor Donald R. Wert - Baseball Star And Great Human Being

It was an ordinary day.  Reading about an old-time baseball player who grew up in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.  Donald R. Wert passed away Sunday, August 25, 2024 at home with his loving wife and family at his side.  Don was born in nearby Strasburg and was the son of the late Ralph and Verna Wert.  He was the husband of Marla Wert.  Don was a beloved member of the community and a distinguished athlete.  He was a 1956 graduate of Solanco High School where he excelled in football, basketball, and especially baseball.  As a pitcher in his senior year, he led his team to a county title with an impressive 8-1 record and was selected to the American Legion Eastern All-Star Team as a third baseman.  Someone must have noticed Don's baseball ability, since he signed a professional baseball contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1958, two years after he had graduated from high school.  Don rose to prominence in 1961, winning the Triple-A American Association batting Crown in Denver, Colorado.  In 1963 he was called up to the majors as the Tiger's third baseman, and in 1965 was named "Tiger of the Year" by the Detroit sportswriters.  That same year, Don led the American League third basemen with a .976 fielding percentage and was the only Tiger to play all 162 games during the season.  Don's remarkable achievements continued as he ranked among the top fielding third basemen in the league from 1966 to 1969.  In 1968, he was elected for the American League All-Star team and famously doubled off Tom Seaver.  That same year, Don played a crucial role in clinching the American League pennant for the Tigers with a game-winning single against the Yankees, paving the way for the team's World Series victory over the St. Louis Cardinals.  

After retiring from a nine-year major league career, Don continued to contribute to the sport, coaching the baseball team at Franklin & Marshall College from 1976 to 1981, leading them to a MAC Championship in1978.  His dedication to sports and his community earned him numerous honors, including the George W. Kirchner Memorial Award from Lancaster Sportswriters and Broadcasters, induction into the Columbia Area Chapter Sports Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame, and the Solanco High School Sports Hall of Fame.  Importantly, to give back to baseball, Don also played golf for the Major League Baseball Players Alumni, an association that raises money for various charities for 30 years.  He also supported local cases such as providing donations for the annual Hospice & Community Care Labor Day Auction.  As a kind, humble, good father and caring friend, Don will be remembered not only for his outstanding athletic achievements, but for his  commitment to mentoring young athletes and his love for the game.  A special thanks is given to Compassus Hospice for their loving and delicate care to Don and the family.  Don was six years older than I am and I guess I was lucky enough not to have to have played baseball against him while growing up.

 But...it would have been a real pleasure and honor to have played against him during my teenage years.  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy.