Inductees

In Texas County, where Highway 63 meanders through scenic countryside, there’s a baseball field that is no frills – which was just perfect for the blue-collar guys who once played there.

Yes, the outfield fence and scoreboard are relatively new. Decades ago, however, dirt covered the entire infield. And some things haven’t changed: weather-worn bleachers, and the shadows from an old oak tree behind the third-base dugout that provides a peaceful setting.

Back in the 1980s, if you ever happen to thumb through yearbooks or stop by the local gymnasium, you’ll see that you missed some story.

You see, the Licking High School Baseball Era of 1983 to 1989 was among the state’s most dominate – and why the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame is proud to induct those Wildcats with the Class of 2022.

Licking advanced to six Final Fours in seven seasons. The run featured Class 2 state championships in 1988 and 1989, as well as state runner-up finishes in 1983 and 1985. The 1986 and 1987 clubs placed third.

Overall, Licking compiled a 124-32 record during the era. And it was all guided by coach Byron Hagler (MSHOF 2015), who was 348-94 and won 13 district titles at Licking over 15 seasons (1980 to 1994).

So, what was the common thread for each of those Final Four teams?

“The IQ part of practices put us above the competition,” said Phillip Gambill, the winning pitcher of the 1988 and 1989 state championship games. “We didn’t make many mental mistakes.”

Hagler’s strategy was simple: Win with pitching and defense.

“We did a lot of situational work,” Hagler said. “I put players in situations in practice over and over and let them experience success or learn from failure. I felt this was valuable for gaining confidence, and confidence is directly linked to success.”

The 1980, 1981 and 1982 teams fed into the success, combing on a 60-21 record, three Frisco League championships and two district titles.

The 1983 team benefitted when MSHSAA expanded baseball from two to four classifications and was the first Licking team since 1965 to reach the state quarterfinals.

The Wildcats featured junior Tony Floyd, who struck out eight in seven innings of a 6-2 semifinal victory against Hallsville. Floyd later pitched for Missouri State University and was a 21^st-round draft pick of the Oakland Athletics in 1988. A Cape Notre Dame left-hander beat Licking in the finals.

The 1985 team beat Mansfield for the district title. From there, the Wildcats beat Nixa 8-3 behind Mike Case’s 10 strikeouts, rallied to beat Ash Grove 8-7 in the quarterfinals on Billie Krewson’s two-run single, and edged Cape Notre Dame 5-3 in the semifinals. A John Burroughs knuckleballer stopped their run.

Offense powered the 1986 team, as five players batted better than .400 and three hit north of .300. Beginning in districts, Licking won by scores of 14-0, 8-0 and 8-3 before falling 11-5 to Brentwood, the eventual state champion. The third-place game was rained out.

The 1987 team beat Ash Grove 5-4 in the quarterfinals, rallying after trailing 4-1 and down to its final strike with nobody on base. In a matter of moments, Licking loaded the bases on a walk, dribbler down the third-base line and a dropped third strike on what should have ended the game.

A shortstop’s throwing error then allowed two runs to score before Glen Adams hit the two-run, go-ahead  double. In the bottom of the seventh, right fielder Doug Ward ended the game by catching a flyball and throwing out the tying run at the plate.

The 1988 team beat Salisbury 8-5 in the championship game as Brad Green was 3-for-4 with four RBI. Gambill pitched six innings one day after hitting a leadoff home run in the semifinals. Licking had edged Ash Grove 3-2 in the quarterfinals as Brad Green struck out eight over five innings, before Gambill covered the final two innings.

The 1989 team beat Neelyville 3-1 and was inspired by Gambill.

Licking’s top pitcher had missed the quarterfinals after suffering a freak eye injury in practice. He was required to receive medical clearance – and wear a protective mask – before playing.

Hagler worked him out the night before the Final Four, and Gambill – to the surprise of the team – showed up in uniform ahead of the semifinals, where he promptly hit a leadoff home run.

Overall, Licking soldiering through the decade no matter the challenge defined the Wildcats. They tried to out-work everybody else. They won games they should have lost. And they certainly left a legacy.