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Haack was key member of winning city baseball team

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ALGOMA – Ken Haack, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 88, was a key member of the 1956 Algoma Penguins city baseball team — one of its best team in a 100-plus-year history.

The 1956 team posted a 17-1 record on its way to the Cherry League championship.

The Penguins pulverized Kolberg, 22-2, in the title game.

The only blemish was a 3-1 loss at Marinette.

The Penguins gained revenge by defeating the Marines, 11-1, in the return engagement in Algoma.

Algoma didn’t merely beat teams, they bombarded them.

During the 18-game season, the ‘Guins outscored their opponents by a 173-49 margin.

On the mound, Haack posted a 10-1 won-loss record.

At the plate, he compiled a .425 batting average, hit three home runs and drove in 23 tallies.

Algoma posted an amazing .336 team batting average.

Besides Haack, six other played batted over .300--Ron Dart (.440), Jim Slaby (.419), John Cornell (.383), Louie Kirchman (.375), Zeb Shaw (.348), and Eddie Qualman (.325).

An arm injury midway through the 1957 season ended Kenny’s pitching days.

Following his injury, Haack played first base and the outfield, until retiring from the Penguins following the 1961 campaign.

Haack was an Algoma High School graduate and married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Bathke.

He was employed at the US Plywood, Jag Outdoor Signs, Algoma Utilities and Algoma Memorial Hospital.

He passed away at the age of 88.

Services were held on Jan. 21.

Haack is survived by his wife; daughter Kim (Dennis) Zima; sons, Tom Haack and Pete (Vonnie) Haack; son-in-law, David Fulwiler; grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Ken Haack, 1956 Algoma Penguins city baseball team, history, Cherry League championship, Kolberg, Algoma, Ron Dart, Jim Slaby, John Cornell, Louie Kirchman, Zeb Shaw, Eddie Qualman, pitching, Algoma High School graduate

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