Marion hits home run with “Strikeout Cancer Night”

MARION - Baseball has created long nights, busy weekends and plenty of memories for Marion's David Kuhn.

His mother, Laura Lipsett, has been there the entire time, taking him to events, encouraging him with the customary 'good game,” even if Kuhn doesn't agree, and forking over cash for trips to the concession stand.

Fittingly, Kuhn crouched down and received the first pitch she one-hopped from the mound to begin nightcap in a Wamac Conference doubleheader against Class 2A third-ranked Dyersville Beckman, who swept the contests, 12-3, and 12-2 in six innings.

The Indians hosted 'Strikeout Cancer Night” last night, honoring those who have battled or continue to fight the disease and raising funds to benefit Breast Cancer Action Foundation.

Marion donned special pink jerseys, pink ribbons taped to the back of the helmets and some displayed pink socks or wristbands. Lipsett is in her second bout with cancer.

'It's special for anybody to take time out of their lives to appreciate what your mother is going through,” Kuhn said. 'She's a fighter. She'll be fine, but to know others are supporting you and have your back just like she has yours is nice.”

Marion Steve Fish said some of the team's mothers organized the event. Lipsett was a big factor, but it is something the program plans to hold annually.

'I thought it was an awesome idea,” said Fish, who remains at 598 career wins. 'It's something we are going to do each year.”

Even though the results did not fall in Marion's favor, Fish reminded the Indians why they pulled on those jerseys. Sometimes baseball serves as a backdrop for something larger. Fish's father died of cancer two years ago and the disease took the life of Marion Hall of Fame baseball coach Terry Heald. The mother of Marion assistant Tom Hauck has fought it as well.

'Cancer has been around this program,” Fish said. 'Our kids understand how important it is to help people going through it.”

Beckman Coach Tom Jenk said he was impressed with the efforts for a good cause. The Blazers had their own experiences with the disease, holding a fundraiser for assistant Dylan Slattery's fight against cancer. He was glad to be part of the evening.

'I think that was a great opportunity for our kids to see what it's like for people to do things for others,” Jenk said. 'Not because they have to but because they want to, and that hits home with us.”

Kuhn recalled all the instances his mom took him to tournaments as a kid and has suffered through tough contests. He said she is his biggest fan, unwavering in her support. As she continues to fight, he has become her biggest fan.

'It is tough sometimes, seeing what she is going through thinking why her,” Kuhn said. 'At the same time, I don't think anybody is better suited to deal with this than her.”

Kuhn demonstrates maturity and strength. Fish said he is one of his favorites to coach and that he is a better person for having Kuhn on his team.

'He gets the big picture,” Fish said. 'He plays for passion.

'He comes to the park as a leader and makes people around him better. I'm proud to get to know that kid. He will go on to do great things in life.”

Beckman (19-13) dominated the action on the field. The Blazers pounded 24 hits overall, getting five from Eric Boeckenstedt, who earned the win in the second game.

In the opener, Jackson Bennett drove in three runs and Sam Stelken, Tony Stelken and Riley LeGrand each had two hits.

Devin Driscoll had three hits and five RBIs in the nightcap. Jacob Grover added three hits, including a two-run home run that clear the left field fence.

'We've been hitting the ball hard and not able to find the holes,” Jenk said. 'The odds are with you down the road. We kept swinging away and (Friday night) we found the holes and got timely hits.”

Parker Ridge had two hits in the second game and John Carstensen had two in the opener with three overall for Marion (18-14).

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