Historical Society celebrates 50th year of Highland House Museum
Lead Summary
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By Pamela Nickell
H.C. Historical Society
This is the 14th article in a series from the Highland House Historical Society featuring members of the HCHS Hall of Fame in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
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Dick Shaffer
1925-2005
Dick Shaffer was an athlete, coach and sports leader in Hillsboro from the 1940s through the 1980s.
Hillsboro’s baseball park is named Richard Shaffer Park in his honor.
Dick was born in Russell Station in 1925. His mother passed away when he was 11, leaving him and his two sisters to be raised by their father, Cleo Shaffer.
Cleo became sheriff of Highland County in 1941, and Dick witnessed his father’s service to the community. This impression was strong. After serving in the Navy, Dick provided opportunity for young baseball and softball players in this county for more than 45 years.
In the 1940s and 50s, Dick played fast-pitch softball and participated in seven tournaments. He was the catcher for the team for 14 years in addition to being coach for three. In 1995, Dick was inducted into the Ohio Softball Hall of Fame.
After his softball career, Dick and friends Frank Collins and Dan Reed formed the Hillsboro American Legion team in 1963. He was head coach for 30 years and led his team to finish runner-up in the state in 1971. Several of his players went on to have professional baseball careers, including Kip Young, Dave Tomlin, Eddie Robbins, and Joe Crawford.
In the 1950s, Dick also helped form a Little League program in Hillsboro. What began as a five-team organization has grown to include 54 teams (by the time of Dick’s induction into the HCHS Hall of Fame). Under Dick’s direction, the Little League park has allowed thousands of Highland County youngsters the opportunity to play baseball and softball.
H.C. Historical Society
This is the 14th article in a series from the Highland House Historical Society featuring members of the HCHS Hall of Fame in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the Highland House Museum.
* * *
Dick Shaffer
1925-2005
Dick Shaffer was an athlete, coach and sports leader in Hillsboro from the 1940s through the 1980s.
Hillsboro’s baseball park is named Richard Shaffer Park in his honor.
Dick was born in Russell Station in 1925. His mother passed away when he was 11, leaving him and his two sisters to be raised by their father, Cleo Shaffer.
Cleo became sheriff of Highland County in 1941, and Dick witnessed his father’s service to the community. This impression was strong. After serving in the Navy, Dick provided opportunity for young baseball and softball players in this county for more than 45 years.
In the 1940s and 50s, Dick played fast-pitch softball and participated in seven tournaments. He was the catcher for the team for 14 years in addition to being coach for three. In 1995, Dick was inducted into the Ohio Softball Hall of Fame.
After his softball career, Dick and friends Frank Collins and Dan Reed formed the Hillsboro American Legion team in 1963. He was head coach for 30 years and led his team to finish runner-up in the state in 1971. Several of his players went on to have professional baseball careers, including Kip Young, Dave Tomlin, Eddie Robbins, and Joe Crawford.
In the 1950s, Dick also helped form a Little League program in Hillsboro. What began as a five-team organization has grown to include 54 teams (by the time of Dick’s induction into the HCHS Hall of Fame). Under Dick’s direction, the Little League park has allowed thousands of Highland County youngsters the opportunity to play baseball and softball.