Arizona’s state batting champion in 1962, his 15 year career included participation in six national tournaments with Arizona regional championship teams. He broke in with the Coolidge Boosters, one of the state’s perennial standout teams, at age 17. An outstanding batter, he was one of the finest catchers, owner of a strong, accurate throwing arm. Base-stealing was virtually out of the question when he was behind the plate. His receiving skills were acknowledged by many of the nation’s leading pitchers who were fortunate to have worked with him.