A Nebraska born Professional Baseball Coach and Player

Vernard Arthur Hoscheit, formally of Plainview, NE died Monday, June 11, 2007 at the Pierce Manor, Pierce, NE.

Visitation was held on Friday, June 15, 2007 from 5:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. at the Brockhaus Funeral Home in Creighton, NE.

Private services for family were held at the Brockhaus Funeral Home in Creighton, NE Saturday, June 16, 2007. Vern was laid to rest at the Pleasant View Cemetery in Plainview, NE., less than a quarter of a mile from the home he and his wife shared for 33 years.

Survivors are his children and their spouses; Cathy Jean and Jim Brodhagen of Grand Island, Sheri Ann and Tim Huigens of Plainview, Billy Ray and Michelle Hoscheit of Osmond. His grandchildren; Erin Brodhagen and Jim Brodhagen II of Lincoln, Chad and Mandy Huigens of Brunswick, Jennifer Huigens of Lincoln, Ashley Einsbahr, Skylar Hoscheit, and Hunter Hoscheit of Osmond, great grandchild; Lexi Huigens of Brunswick and his sister, Delores Elder of Carter Lake, Iowa.

Vernard Arthur Hoscheit was born on April 1, 1922 in Brunswick, NE to Walter and Elsie Hoscheit. The blue eyed, curly blond haired boys love of baseball was fueled by his father, a farmer in this small northeast Nebraska community. He graduated from Brunswick High School in 1939.

He began his baseball career at the age of 15 in 1937, with the Neligh Antelopes. His career in both minor and major league baseball spanned over 54 years, nineteen of those years with the New York Yankees organization. His lifelong career of baseball was briefly interrupted by WWII from 1943 to 1945, being honorable discharged in January, 1946.

Primarily a catcher, he has also been a; Second Baseman, Team Manager, General Manager, President of the Three-I League, Scout, Minor League Camp Coordinator, Bull Pen Coach, and Traveling Catching Instructor. He was a team member of the 1966 World Series winning Baltimore Orioles, the 1972 and 1973 World Series winning Oakland Athletics, the 1973 All-Stars, the 1986 World Series winning New York Mets, and the 1987 All-Stars.

Vern was not only known for his hustle on the ball field and his throwing arm, but for his organizational skills, personality, and honesty. He was an ambassador for baseball instilling a love for the game, even to the legion teams he coached along his career path. Vern shared his knowledge and experiences through lectures in many communities throughout the area.

He married Helen Edwards on May 26, 1942 in Joplin, Missouri. On the eve of their wedding, he thrilled his bride of a few hours by hitting a grand slam the bottom of the ninth on a 3-2 count, to win the ball game 9 to 8 when playing for the Joplin Miners. To this union three children were born; Cathy Jean, Sheri Ann, and Billy Ray.

Vern retired in 1991 to his home in Plainview, NE to pursue his love of hunting and fishing. An avid sportsman, he always had a kennel of dogs and stories to tell about his hunting trips with his special hunting partner, John Anderson or one of his many friends and family.

He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen, who passed away in August, 2001 after 59 years of marriage.

Thank you for honoring Verns request of no flowers or plants.

Vernard Hoscheit (1922)