McKendree University Athletics

John Schieppe came to McKendree College from Summit, New Jersey, after a McKendree graduate had recommended him to coach Cruse. John, a left-handed pitcher, had a blazing fast-ball and a terrific curve ball. He was a very good hitter and played in the outfield on many occasions when he was not pitching. His pitching gained strength each year through his junior year in college. McKendree’s baseball schedule was one of the best in the region playing home and home series with baseball power houses, including Illinois State, Western Illinois, St. Louis University and Nichols State University in addition to the regular conference schedule.

Highlights of John’s [itching career include winning 11 and losing 0 in the spring of 1962 with an ERA of 0.01. He was 14-5 in his four years of pitching and had 20 strike-outs in a game against Greenville College, during the 1961 season.

John was offered a $10,000 bonus to sign a professional baseball contract for the New York Yankees after his outstanding pitching record during his junior year in college. This was the largest bonus ever offered to a McKendree baseball player at this time. John’s parents encourage him to obtain his college degree first, however. Unfortunately, he pinched a nerve in his shoulder in the first game of his senior year while pitching in a game against Washington University. He was only able to complete 16 innings all year while dealing with the pain in his shoulder.