Six to be inducted into Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame
The 2013 class of the Kansas Baseball Hall of Fame will have two names familiar to fans of Wichita State baseball. Former Shockers Pat Meares and Chris Wimmer will headline the class of six that will be inducted at Hillside Christian Church on Jan. 26.
Joining Meares and Wimmer as inductees are Jim Deckinger, Paul Roberts, the late Walter Barnett and the late John Weitzel.
A member of Wichita State's 1989 College World Series Championship team, Pat Meares played nine seasons in the major leagues, including six with the Minnesota Twins. Meares was named to the All-College World Series team in 1989 and was an All-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 1990.
Chris Wimmer was a member of the 1992 U.S. Olympic team and former Shocker. During Wimmer's career at Wichita State, he led the nation in hits and runs during the 1991 season and was named an All-American twice.
Jim Deckinger was one of the most successful coaches in Wichita. During his tenure, his teams won 10 city league titles and five state championships.
Paul Roberts was a part of the scene in Wichita baseball for seven decades. Roberts began working at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in 1935 and retired in 2008. Roberts was best known for working at the front gate and greeting guests.
When the late Walter Barnett wasn't working in the lead and zinc mines, he was coaching baseball. Barnett founded the Baxter Springs Whiz Kids, which included New York Yankee stars such as Mickey Mantle and Ralph Terry.
The late Paul Weitzel was best known for sponsoring teams in the Victory League during the 1950s and 60s.
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