Community Corner
Hellertown Royals to Be Honored at Community Day
The local amateur baseball team managed by Bob Zerfass has compiled an impressive record over the past 35 years.
Along with , baseball team will be honored in a ceremony at Aug. 18.
A number of players are expected to be present for the ceremony, which will be held in at noon as part of Community Day festivities.
The Royals, who , were founded in 1977 by George Cobb and Bob Zerfass with support from Hellertown residents and Borough Council members Al Beneck and Bob Hollowell.
Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Zerfass, who still manages the team, will also receive a special tribute during the ceremony.
According to biographical information compiled by the Community Day organizing committee, Zerfass is celebrating his 50th year as a player and manager in the Blue Mountain League this year.
Find out what's happening in Hellertown-Lower Sauconwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
A former standout pitcher, he is a 1961 graduate of Liberty High School and a 1965 graduate of Moravian College, as well as a retired Salisbury School District teacher.
Over the past 35 years, under Zerfass' management, the Royals have compiled an impressive record of 801 wins, 420 losses and one tie, which means the team has a winning percentage of .656.
The Royals have competed in 15 championship series finals and the team has won the Blue Mountain League championship six times--more than any other team in the league's history.
In addition to 2011, the Royals won the BML championship in 1978, 1979, 2005, 2009 and 2010.
Among the well-known BML Hall of Fame players Zerfass has coached over the years are Cobb, John King, Ed Wandler, Gary Albright and Tim Fisher.
Zerfass is a member of the BML Hall of Fame, the Northampton County Legion Hall of Fame and the Moravian College Hall of Fame.
"Bob feels fortunate to have had the opportunity to aid in the development of many players who went on to play professional ball," the biography states. "He hopes he has instilled the passion for the game of baseball in other players."
For more information about the Hellertown Royals, including game schedules, visit the Blue Mountain League website.
Royals games, which are played at home in Dimmick Park, are sometimes broadcast on RCN cable television.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
