Inducted into the Jewell Athletic Hall of Fame in 2003, the 1968 Jewell baseball team has the distinction of being the only team in Jewell’s storied athletic history to win a National Championship. They defeated Buena Vista College, Eastern Michigan University and Central Washington University to advance to the championship game against Georgia Southern University.
On June 8, 1968, in what became the longest national title game in NAIA history at 13 innings, Larry Libeer took the first pitch of the final frame over the 360 foot mark on the left center field wall at Phil Welch Stadium in St. Joseph, Missouri to send the Cardinals into the record books.
The 4-3 victory over Georgia Southern made a winner out of Jewell relief pitcher Rich Stonum, who hurled shutout ball for the final 11 innings. Stonum was named the tournament MVP, and along with first baseman, John Lampton, second baseman Dick Michael, outfielder Bob Buschmann and shortstop Libeer, was selected to the All-Tournament team.
Under the direction of Coach Fred Flook, the Cardinals finished the season with a record of 30-15. Along with the National Championship, the team also won the MCAU title, NAIA District 16 title and NAIA Area 3 title. In 2002, the team was enshrined in the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mo.
Team members: Head Coach- Fred Flook, Equipment Manager-Charlie Kumer, Bob Buschmann, Mike Colegrove, Pat Crilly, Terry Doolittle, Steve Gerke, Dave Gershon, Rick Hancox, Bob Jones, Cam Jury, John Lampton, Larry Libeer, Pat Mann, Bill Meierhoefer, Dave Michael, Dick Michael, Rich Stonum, Mark Wymore, Ken Clauder, Don Derryberry, John Dunkman, Mickey Kerr, Jess Neely, Craig Shepherd
