Mitroff, Don

Don Mitroff – (1989)

 

DON MITROFF

A heady, hustling player in all sports, Don Mitroff had a penchant for producing when the game was on the line. He could hit with power and turn the double play as an infielder, drive the paint or assist with crisp accurate passes in roundball and run inside or out on the gridiron, but it was the diamond sport that brought him prominence.

Late in the 1950 season, with Indian scout Cy Slapnicka in the stands for a Chanute Kansas A’s doubleheader, the All-Star second-sacker turned seven doubleplays and socked four hits. He was scheduled to open the 1951 season with a high minor league Indian affiliate. It never materialized. A broken shoulder during Chanute College’s football season stole some of the zing from Don’s right arm and ended his pro career.

Don joined the Fattys Sports Club softball team in 1951. Propelled by a long Mitroff homer, the 1952 Fattys toppled Popes Inn of Columbus 1-0 to capture the state championship. The following year Don was selected as a member of the Ohio ASA All-State roster.

In 1954, Don was player-coach on the Huszti Cafe basketball squad that won the Lorain Recreation, the YMCA and the county Class A crowns. The same year he played for the Lorain Glass Class A championship baseball nine.

About to leave his home city, Don saved the best for last in 1957. In August his Lorain UPC club garnered the first Big 8 Fastball League titled by defeating Gibsonburg 3-2. Don singled in the tying run and scored the winning run. In September, his National Tube baseball team annexed the National Amateur Baseball Federation title.

Moving to the Long Beach, Orange County California area, Don played another 16 years of fastpitch softball and helped his ballclubs to an array of titles. His most powerful aggregation captured 49 wins in a row. During this period he coached baseball and basketball at Long Beach Jefferson Junior High in 1958-1962. Two of his most prized players were Andy Messersmith and Bobby Grich.