Ralph Terry 81, of Larned will be honored as the Keeping Seniors in The Game!SM First Pitcher on Aug. 2, at the 7 p.m. feature game of the National Baseball Congress (NBC) World Series.
The 82nd NBC World Series takes place at Wichita’s Lawrence- Dumont Stadium. Games begin Friday, July 29 and continue through Saturday, Aug. 13.
Terry is one of 15 Kansans over the age of 80 throughout the state who have been selected for this honor. The Keeping Seniors In the GameSM initiative recognizes the vitality and contributions of older Kansans and raises awareness of Area Agencies on Aging-- the national network of groups that provide unbiased answers and real help to seniors and family caregivers with the goal of helping seniors stay happy and independent in their home communities.
Terry was born in Big Cabin, Okla. and has lived in Larned for 50 years. He and his wife, Tanya have two sons—Raif and Gabe--and also have two grandchildren, Olivia and Corbin.
In high school at Chelsea, Okla., Terry was an outstanding baseball player known for his pitching. After graduation in 1953, he continued playing baseball at Missouri State University. After college he signed with the New York Yankees and helped the Yankees win 107 games, make five trips to the World Series, and win two World Series crowns. In the 1962 World Series, Terry earned the MVP honor.
One of his favorite baseball memories is winning the seventh game of the 1962 World Series against the San Francisco Giants 1-0 in San Francisco. He is very happy that a 1962 World Series baseball he signed was donated to raise money in the memory of Kaiser Carlile, the late Liberal BeeJays batboy who died tragically at an NBC game last year.
Terry still connects with his old teammates and roots for the Yankees--and also for the Kansas City Royals. “Right Down the Middle,” a book highlighting his career will be out next month and a movie may also be coming soon. In 2008, Ralph was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame.
After his baseball career, Terry became a professional golfer and a member of the PGA of America. He qualified for and played in four PGA Tour events in 1981 and 1982. In 1986, Terry started playing on the Senior PGA Tour and played in 102 tournaments.
“We are very happy to work with the National Baseball Congress to recognize Ralph Terry’s stellar career and the many contributions that he and other older Kansans make to our country, our hometowns and our communities every day,” said Julie Govert Walter, Executive Director of the North Central-Flint Hills Area Agency on Aging who leads the Keeping Seniors In The Game!SM initiative.
The NBC World Series was founded by baseball innovator Hap Dumont in 1934. Over the years, the NBC has launched the careers of many baseball icons. The 82nd World Series includes teams throughout the United States. For NBC World Series information and ticket prices go to www.nbcbaseball.com or call 316-977-9400.