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Lewis University Athletics

Hall of Fame

1976 Baseball National Champions

1976 Baseball Team

  • Class
    1976
  • Induction
    1994
  • Sport(s)
    Baseball
1976 Champions

Coaches: Gordie Gillespie, Phil Cappelleri

Record: 47-15

Championship Game: Defeated Lewis & Clark 16-8

Most Valuable Player: Ken Jones

All Tournament Team: Ken Jones, Paul Stevens, Joe Piechota, Rich Baranak, Kevin Rhomberg, Ray Nickel, Bob Hartman

Cliff Bailey
Rich Baranak
Don Brozek
John Crockett
George DiMatteo
Bob Froio
Gerry Gouty
John Griffin
Bob Hartman
Ken Jones
Gary Laga
Butch Markelz
Ray Nickel
Joe Piechota
Rick Ramos
Steve Rebarchak
Kevin Rhomberg
Ruben Rodriguez
Paul Stevens
Kevin Tyrell
Dave Wabick

    The three national championship teams produced seven All-Americans. They are Jim Alessio (1975), Rich Baranak (1975 & 1976), Tom Brennan (1972, 1973, & 1974), John Crockett (1977), Ray Crowley (1974), George DiMatteo (1974, 1975, & 1976), and Paul Stevens (1976).
    Eleven players from the three national championship teams were major league draft choices. They are Jim Alessio (Chicago Cubs), Tom Brennan (Cleveland Indians), Ray Crowley (Montreal Expos), George DiMatteo (Chicago Cubs), Ken Jones (Chicago White Sox), Mike Manderino (Chicago Cubs), Jerry Quigley (California Angels), Joe Piechota (Montreal Expos), Rick Ramos (Montreal Expos), Kevin Rhomberg (Cleveland Indians), and Paul Stevens (Kansas City Royals).
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