(4-8-23) In the spring of 1940 Coldwater’s Paul Reichert, who was Junior, held the OHSAA state record for most strikeouts in an extra inning game with 26 K’s in 11 innings in a 2-1 loss to Ft. Recovery. The opposing pitcher was the Indians’ ‘Boots Faller’ who struck out 17 Coldwater hitters…a combined total of 43 strikeouts in the game.

The record would stand until 1971 and today stands at #3 all-time. Most likely outings like this won’t happen in the future since there is currently a pitch limit ion Ohio high school baseball…they didn’t have that rule in 1940.

This game decided the County League Championship and the Indians advanced to the District Tournament.

Reichert was also a star in football and basketball.

OHSAA Most Strikeouts, Game (minimum 20, extra innings)

30 – John Novak, Parma Padua Franciscan vs. Amherst (12 innings) (5/18/1971)
29 – Jeff Porter, Lancaster Fairfield Union vs. Columbus St. Charles (13 innings) (1986)
29 – Scott Kauffman, Jeromesville Hillsdale vs. Akron South (17 innings) (5/16/1972)
26 – Tony Fuduric, Middlefield Cardinal vs. Gates Mills Gilmour Academy (10 innings) (05/17/1993)
26 – Paul Reichert, Coldwater vs. Fort Recovery (11 innings) (1940)
25 – Rob Ellis, Arcadia vs. Vanlue (10 innings) (04/15/1998)
25 – Dan Wannemacher, Delphos St. John’s vs. Ottawa-Glandorf (1981)
24 – Tim Seitz, Leesburg Fairfield vs. West Union (04/03/2007)
24 – Mike Biehle, Kings Mills Kings vs. Mason (04/22/1992)
23 – Dan Bell, Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller vs. Cincinnati LaSalle (16 innings) (1996)
23 – Dave Amburgey, Racine Southern vs. Frankfort Adena (12 innings) (5/28/1988)
22 – Richie Fralick, Springfield Shawnee vs., North Lewisburg Triad (04/27/2002)
22 – Robert Bland, Columbus Mifflin vs. Marysville (12 innings) (5/15/1970)
22 – Paul Siedlecki, St. John Cantius vs. Cleveland West (11 innings) (05/01/1961)
21 – Tyler Hays, Copley vs. Richfield Revere (7 innings) (04/10/2018)
21 – Michael Hamann, Lakeside Danbury vs. Springfield Emmanuel Christian (8 innings) (04/08/2008)
21 – Kurt Smith, Northwood vs. Old Fort (10 innings) (1994)
21 – Steve Hall, Plymouth vs. New London (8 innings) (5/11/1987)
21 – Dan Wannemacher, Delphos St. John’s vs. Elida (1980)
21 – Joel Brandt, Bexley vs. Whitehall (14 innings) (04/26/1963)
21 – Paul Siedlecki, St. John Cantius vs. Westlake (10 innings) (04/28/1961)
21 – Rudy Nadbath, Madison vs. Cleveland Collinwood
20 – Jackson Schaum, Oberlin vs. Monroeville (7 innings) (03/26/2019)
20 – Scott Lewis, Washington C.H. Washington vs. Plain City Jonathan Alder (8 innings) (2001)
20 – Aaron Walker, East Palestine (2000)
20 – Doug Swearingen, Martins Ferry vs. Cadiz (9 innings) (May 1979)
20 – Chuck Masterson, Columbus Bishop Hartley vs. Walnut Ridge, 16 innings (1967)
20 – Mike McMullen, Medina vs. Fairview Park Fairview (8 innings) (1967)
20 – Gene Bridges, Archbold (05/07/1962)
20 – Fred Ryan, Defiance vs. Deshler (04/14/1958)

Did you know….

In 1940 Coldwater was still the Yellowjackets.

In 1941 Coldwater became the Cavaliers and won the District tournament over Ft. Recovery (May 23rd, 1941 Mercer County Chronicle) –

1941 Class B State Final the Cavaliers would win their quarterfinal game over Spencer 7-6, but would lose to New Reigel in the semifinal game 4-2.

May 30th – Mercer County Chronicle

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