Mechanicsburg Alumni Association - Richard L. Gochnauer

The year 2003 was marked by the loss of Dick Gochnauer, longtime manager of the Muhlenberg A’s American Legion Baseball Team. Dick led the A’s for 32 years (1970-2001) compiling a coaching record achieved by only a select few individuals at any level of competition in any sport: 630 wins, 416 losses. His leadership produced four Berks County Legion Baseball Divisional Titles, one Berks County Legion Baseball Championship, nine trips to the State Legion Championship, nine trips to the State Legion Baseball Regional Championships, three State Legion Baseball Tournament Appearances, one State Legion State Championship and one Mid-Atlantic Legion regional appearance. Prior to his career at Muhlenburg, Dick coached Mechanicsburg Teener Baseball from 1959-1964 and the Temple Youth 13-15 year old baseball team from 1965-1969.

But far and away his greatest impact was that which he had on all those around him. Dick had intensity, a love and a passion for the game of baseball. He shared that with everyone he touched. But the lessons he taught the young men who played for the Muhlenberg A’s have had, and will continue to have, a more long-lasting effect than Dick could ever have imagined.

Dick took coaching personally. Wins and losses were important. But more important were the values he demonstrated each and every day. Work hard. Give it everything you have. Treat people with respect. That was Dick. He lived his life focused on what’s right…not who’s right.

During Dick’s career he was honored on many occasions for his outstanding and selfless service to the youth of the community. In 1984 he was the recipient of the “Service Above Self Award” by the Rotary Club; in 1986 he was inducted into the American Legion Baseball Hall of Fame; in 1994 received the Chapel of Four Chaplains Legion of Honor Award; and in 1999 received commendations from Senator Michael O’Pake, Congressman Tim Holden and State Representative Dante Santoni for his 30 years of loyalty and dedication to the Muhlenberg’s A Baseball Team and had the Muhlenberg School Board rename its baseball diamond the “Dick Gochnauer Field”.

Dick was employed by the Muhlenberg School District. With his wife, Ada, he had two children, Rick and Robin. There are five grandchildren.

Generations of baseball players in the Muhlenberg Area owe a debt of gratitude to this man who diligently worked to ensure that every one of his players developed their baseball abilities and realized their full potentials as human beings.

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