Hall of Fame
Etched into the hallowed halls of Yakima Valley College baseball history, the 1976 team has the distinction of having the highest game winning percentage of any other YVC squad. Their 35-4 record for a .897% win percentage included a 17-1 mark en route to winning the Eastern Region championship. In addition, they posted a 26-game winning streak during the season. They capped off the year by winning the 1976 NWAC conference title. In the championship tournament held at Redmond’s Hartman Field, YVC defeated Mt. Hood 5-4 in the opening round and Lower Columbia 8-3 in the semis before beating Lower Columbia again 8-4 in the championship final. Seven team members earned all-region or all-conference honors and they were coached by Bill Faller and assisted by Lane Phillips.
1976 team members included: Jim Baba, Rico Barlow, Ron Bess, Bernie Brand, Rick Britt, Rollie Byrne, Bruce Chaney, Mark Day, Doug Edler, Jim Gallagher, Keith Gradwohl, Phil Hinrichs, Dan Hopper, Dave Iraola, Gordie Johnson, Dan King, Walt Nead, Pat Phelan, Jim Potter, Kirk Tourtilotte, Paul Watson, Randy Welch, Assistant Coach Lane Phillips and Head Coach Bill Faller
