Lutz Congratulates Sachem Award Recipient

STATEHOUSE - Rep. Jack Lutz (R-East Central Indiana) attended a ceremony today to honor civic leader and legendary baseball player Carl D. Erskine of Anderson with the 2010 Sachem Award, the state's highest honor.

The Sachem is given annually to recognize a lifetime of excellence and moral virtue that has brought credit and honor to Indiana.

“Erskine is more than deserving of the Sachem Award,” said Rep. Lutz. “His list of accomplishments is incredible and gives all civic and community leaders something to stride for. He truly is a role model to anyone interested in serving and helping their community.”

Erskine, 83, was a pitcher for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Born and raised in Anderson, Erskine learned to play the game he loved in local park baseball programs and with his father and older brothers. 

After graduation from Anderson High School in 1945, Erskine was drafted and served in the U.S. Navy during the closing months of World War II.  While in the Navy, he was scouted by the Dodgers and, upon his discharge, spent a year and a half in the minor leagues before making his major league debut in 1948.

During his career he accumulated 122 wins, pitched in five World Series, made the National League All-Star team and threw two no-hitters. 

After retiring from baseball at the age of 32, Erskine returned to his hometown of Anderson where he started a business and began a career in banking.

Today, Erskine is most known for his community involvement, advocacy and civic leadership.

Outside the office, he spent 12 years coaching the Anderson University baseball team, winning four conference championships. He also has served as a member of the board of trustees of Anderson University, St. John's Medical Center, Fellowship of Christian Athletes among other civic organizations. 

His greatest contributions have been through his more than 40 years of service as a volunteer with the Special Olympics and as a supporter of the Hopewell Center, a not-for-profit agency that serves persons with developmental difficulties.

“Erskine's contributions to the Anderson community are evident throughout the city,” said Rep. Lutz. “He has done some remarkable work with and for our community.

In 1979, Erskine was a member of the inaugural class inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame.  He shares the Sachem with his wife Betty, to whom he has been married since 1947, and to whom he credits with all of his success. They have four children, five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Previous recipients include college basketball coaching legend John Wooden, the Reverend Theodore M. Hesburgh, C.S.C., president emeritus of the University of Notre Dame and world statesman, philanthropist Jane Blaffer Owen, gospel music singing and songwriting pioneers Bill and Gloria Gaither and businessman and civic leader Danny Danielson.