Wilmington Morning News - October 31, 1980

‘Outing’ turns into Mike Schmidt Classic

By Hal Bodley, Sports Editor

HILTON HEAD ISLAND, S. C. – Frank Hirt is a big, gregarious sort whose hospitality and friendliness remind you of Dave Herman, the retired Brandywine Raceway publicity director.

Hirt is 'vintage Dave Herman' in that he always has his hand out – either to shake yours or pat you on the back.

Frank Hirt masquerades as a real estate man, but his real business is people and his true love is golf.

So, when Mike Schmidt decided a golf outing would be an excellent way for major league baseball players to unwind after the long, hard season, it was only natural that Frank H. Hirt would become its tournament director. With Schmidt's name etched on Hirt's welcome mat, it couldn't miss.

What started out as a mere outing for six Phillies' players and their wives, is now the sixth annual Mike Schmidt Golf Classic. Top players from all over the country have paid their own way to this oasis on the Atlantic Ocean for the three-day event which starts today.

"Mike Schmidt was still in the minor leagues, at Reading, when I first met him," says Hirt, on Florida State's teams more years ago than he will admit. "After his first season with the Phils he brought his family here for a few days and we played a lot of golf together. One day we were riding along in a cart when he remarked how players need something immediately after the season, a place where they can unwind and forget about baseball."

"I had the idea for the tournament, but Frank really got it started," said Schmidt. "He handles all the details and I take care of inviting the players."

Unlike most events of this type, the major-leaguers are required to pay for their own expenses and their meals. The only thing free to them is the golf and their lodging.

Each celebrity team captain is joined by three amateurs who pay a fee for the three days of golf at the plush Palmetto Dunes Resort.

"We have had to turn away both amateurs and celebrities this year," said Schmidt. "Word has gotten around the major leagues about the tournament. It seems like every city we go to during the season somebody comes up to me and asks about the event."

What Hirt has nicknamed a "major-league fun tournament" is getting national attention this time around because many of the Phillies, fresh from their first world championship, are here.

"I think the true purpose of the tournament will be seen this year," Schmidt said yesterday after a practice round in the rain over the Robert Trent Jones course. "All of us were drained when we finally defeated Kansas City to win the championship. We wanted to get away and this is just ideal for that."

Attending from the Phillies are catcher Bob Boone, pitcher Steve Carlton, coach Billy DeMars, outfielder Greg Luzinski, catcher Tim McCarver, reliever Tug McGraw, catcher Keith Moreland, reliever Ron Reed, pitcher Dick Ruthven and second baseman Manny Trillo. Pitcher Larry Christenson was forced to withdraw because of the serious illness of his father. In addition, broadcasters Harry Kalas and Richie Ashburn are here, along with Dave Raymond, the Phillie Phanatic, and club vice president Bill Giles.

The honored guest this year will be Danny Ozark, former Phils' manager and now a Dodger coach. He will become the second recipient of the "Red Jacket Award."

"Each year Mike and I honor an athlete who has supported the tournament," said Hirt. "Danny is playing in his fifth Schmidt and has had a tremendous impact on baseball in this area. Hall-of-Famer Robin Roberts was presented a red jacket last year."

Others entered are third baseman Bob Horner and utility man Jerry Royster from the Atlanta Braves, Manager Earl Weaver and pitcher Jim Palmer from the Orioles, Boston outfielder Jim Rice, outfielder Jerry Martin and former first baseman Ernie Banks from the Cubs, and former pitcher Brooks Lawrence from the Cincinnati Reds.

The Milwaukee Brewers have the second largest contingent, headed by pitcher Billy Travers, last year's champion. Others are catcher Buck Martinez, coach Cal McLish, catcher Charlie Moore and outfielder Gorman Thomas.

Yankees' third baseman Graig Nettles is entered as is former Phils' pitcher Jim Kaat, now with St. Louis.

Joe Black, the former Brooklyn Dodger pitcher will play as will Dick 'Night Train' Lane, former defensive back with the Detroit Lions who is in pro football's Hall of Fame, Also representing pro football are former Redskins' Larry Brown and Roy Jefferson.

And just to make everything honest, National League umpire Billy Williams is here.

"First time we've ever had an umpire," said Hirt. "We thought about having somebody from the American League, but with Earl Weaver here, we weren't certain that would work. Billy will settle any disputes among baseball players in the tournament.

"One thing I must stress," added Hirt. "We do not want to forget the original purpose of this tournament. It is for sporting men, from far-flung areas, meeting each year to have fun, fellowship, honest competition... but mostly fun."