Announcement
Ottawa Legion Baseball has announced that ace pitcher Ross Guisinger has earned the "Go The Distance Award." In 2001 Ottawa Legion Baseball established the award to recognize outstanding individual achievement on the field -- and also leadership through exceptional commitment to the team, and winning." Guisinger is another product of the successful Kalida High School baseball program which is guided by Coach Jim McBride.
This award is not handed out annually, but only when it is apparent that a player has Gone The Distance -- above and beyond the call, in his commitment, loyalty, and demeanor -- on and off the field of play.
In 2001 the co-winners of the award were Todd Schumaker and Tony Ball. In 2005 Marty Baird received the award.
In 2005 as a rookie, Guisinger broke into Ottawa Legion Baseball under then Head Coach Ted Miller. Ross wasted no time in impacting the team. He played in all 37 games, hitting .326 with 24 RBI. On the mound he posted a record of 4-2 with an impressive 2.18 ERA while pitching over 41 innings. "It can be a tough transition for a young high school player coming into Legion ball, but Ross adjusted quickly, I was impressed with him," Miller says today.
In 2006, Ross led the Ottawa Legion pitching staff with a 2.32 ERA, 41 strikeouts while walking only 21 in 48 innings and posting a record of 4-2. At the plate Guisinger launched 4 homeruns and had 24 RBI.This past season Guisinger played for 1st year Head Coach Gene Stechschulte Jr, who is also a Kalida graduate. He led Post 63 in RBI with 41, while hitting .402. The southpaw posted a 5-0 record on the hill, with a team leading 2.23 ERA. "Ross is a great example for young players on how to make yourself into a good player. He put in the work it takes to perform at a high level," says Stechschulte. "His passion for the game shows in his play, and he is the type of kid that any coach would love to have on his team."
In his career with The Fighting 63rd Guisinger was a model of consistancy, pitching in over 40 innings each year and posting ERA's of 2.18, 2.23, and 2.32. His career won/lost record is 13-4 [.765 pct] and during those three seasons he missed only two games.
Ottawa Legion GM Dave Yoder says the program will miss him. "We will miss Ross's dedication and determination. He's a great kid, from a great family, and we'll miss them also," Yoder says.
Yoder's assistant Dave Kersh adds, "What sets kids like Ross apart is his dedication to the team, and winning. Ross was never happy if the team lost, even if he went 4 for 4."
Ross has now set his sights on the next level -- playing baseball at the University of Findlay
