By Michael Butler

It has been 40 years since the Tallassee baseball program won its first state title. That team was recognized on Friday prior the Tigers’ regular season finale against Trinity.

The 1986 team went 21-5 in winning the blue trophy. It was the first of five to come over the next seven seasons under Ronnie Baynes (1986, ’87, ’89, ’90, ’91). John Goodman picked up two more in 1995 and ’98.

“The ’86 team was so special to me for so many reasons,” said Baynes. “It was made up by so many special young men. It was my honor to have coached such a great bunch of baseball players and just great kids in general, so dedicated and committed to baseball that they could live and put up with the big demands I expected on and off the field. They handled me well.”

Many of those players were with Baynes on Friday for the celebration.

“I coached most of them in Little League or Babe Ruth,” Baynes added. “To coach them to the first state championship in Tallassee history made it even more exciting.”

There were just three seniors on the ’86 squad, John Wilbanks, Joe Stewart and MIchael Griggs.

“John was our shortstop, three-hole hitter, team MVP, record homerun hitter, highest batting average and four-year starter.”

Wilbanks hit .500 that year and had a career average of .477.

“Joe was our catcher, clean-up hitter and the most dedicated. (He) was a solid rock whose toughness and leadership were incredible.

“Michael was not on the baseball team in previous years. I went to him before the season and asked him to come out for baseball. I told him I badly needed a back-up catcher. I told him he would not be a starter but would help our team so much for practice drills, batting practice and leadership. I also told him with his help he might just become a part of a state championship team.”

Two of Baynes’ players were his sons, Mark and Rusty.

“What a special opportunity to coach my two boys. At the very first practice that year, I told them I was going to work them very hard and expect them to play with intensity, toughness but class and character. I reminded them that playing for me was not easy and often challenging.

“I’ asked, who am I going to be the hardest on with my expectations. Will Solomon spoke up and said, ‘That’s easy. Mark and Rusty.’ Will was spot on and I’m so honored to know they survived their demanding dad.”

Tallassee went 21-5 sweeping Pleasant Grove 6-5 and 7-2 in the state title series in Tallassee. Tommy Wisener got the win in game one on the mound. Jeffrery Burton picked up the victory in the clincher. He went 9-0 in 1986.

Bayes noted that the dynasty really started the season before. The 1985 team was a state runner-up.

“That group of players, many who played on the ’86 team, set the stage for what was come to Tallassee baseball.”