For the past 30 years EMU alumni reunite to banter, share familial updates, and participate in an annual fantasy baseball league, “Shenandoah’s Major Minor League.”

“It’s great to see guys come back and the continuity we’ve had in the league has kept the energy up,” said Clair Mellinger ‘64, professor emeritus of and one of the longest tenured members of the league.

Watching the box scores

Fantasy baseball is a predominantly online game where statistics accumulated by all Major League Baseball players are tracked. Points are awarded in one format of fantasy baseball, Rotisserie, while the other format, Head-to-Head, tallies the total number of statistics in any one category, with the highest or lowest number winning, depending upon the rules, according to .

“Having statistics available online makes it more efficient and keeps everyone involved on a daily basis, compared to when we had to snail mail everything and not receive updates for weeks,” said Tom Baker ‘81, former EMU men’s basketball coach and current physical education teacher at Lacey Spring Elementary School.

The EMU alumni draft features an auction system where players are selected based on dollar figures. While no actual money is exchanged for rights to the player, the auction-style bidding lends itself to “heckling on a price of a player and the possibilities to acquire a talented player,” says Mellinger.

“Shenandoah’s Major Minor League”

For Shenandoah’s Major Minor League, connections go deeper than a love of statistics. Eleven of the 12 “owners” either attended, graduated or taught at EMU. Several members were students when the league began in 1982.

The composition of the league members changed from year to year until the early 90’s when a majority of the current group joined. Some teams have co-owners, while others are run by a single member.

“We’re a core group of guys who just love baseball,” said Ted Swartz ’89, MDiv ’92, a professional comedian who is one of the leagues’ longest tenured members.

The league holds the annual draft on campus in April. Most members live around the Harrisonburg area. Brian Hill ‘92, MD, a urologist with Urology Specialists of Atlanta, LLC, has the farthest drive to attend the league draft, making an eight-hour commute.

In addition to Mellinger, Swartz, Baker and Hill, other league owners include: Ian Swartz (son of Ted); Mark Deavers ‘89; Phil Lehman ‘89; Lawson Yoder ‘91; Jeremy Nafziger ‘91; Rob Roeschley (former EMU baseball coach); Gary Messinger; Doug Friesen ‘91; and Mike Yoder ‘91.

Ron Vogt, the owner not personally connected to EMU, got connected when he worked with Doug Friesen at Philhaven Hospital in Mount Gretna, Pa.

Previous members of the league include John Horst, professor emeritus of physics, Jon Kauffman-Kennel, former manager of EMU’s public radio station, and Bill Hawk, former academic dean.

“Getting involved with the league renewed my interest in baseball, especially the National League,” said Mellinger. “I really enjoy the research involved in getting prepared for the annual auction.  I have read more baseball-related books and web articles than I should have in the past 20 years but it has been a very good source of entertainment and relaxation for me.

“It’s been great to keep connected and share a love for baseball.

The faculty and staff of ��ݮ���� recognized five colleagues who are retiring and cited more than 40 others for long years of service during the school’s annual recognition dinner held May 3.

The retirees are: Ruth Ann Burkholder, information office coordinator, EMU Campus Center, 17 years; Harold E. Huber, Menno Simons Historical Library and Archives assistant, 30 years; Joseph W. Mast, professor of computer science, 37 years, and director of the M.T. Brackbill Planetarium since 1986; Daniel E. Marple, Sr., systems consultant, Information Systems, 10 years; and Monroe E. Wood, head groundskeeper, physical plant, 42 years.

The five received engraved plaques and their choice of a cash gift or captain’s chair from President Loren E. Swartzendruber. They were also given special tributes by their respective departments.

Heading the list of service award recipients was Paul T. Guengerich, EMU administrator emeritus, with 40 years. Although long retired, Guengerich continues to work part time in the alumni and parent relations office, compiling news on alumni activities for the university’s “Crossroads” magazine.

A. Clair Mellinger, professor of biology and curator of the D.R. Hostetter Museum of Natural History, received a 35-year certificate.

Thirty-year service awards were presented to John W. Fast, assistant professor of music; and Betty J. Hertzler, post office supervisor.

Anita B. Weaver, office coordinator for EMU’s Adult Degree Completion Program, received a 25-year service certificate.

Recognized for 20 years of service were: Evelyn E. King, custodial service supervisor; Martin G. (Marty) King, Learning Resources manager; Roman J. Miller, professor of biology; Dorothy Jean Weaver, professor of New Testament, Eastern Mennonite Seminary; and Nancy B. Yoder, instructor in teacher education and assessment counselor in Adult Degree Completion Program.

Fifteen-year service awards went to: Loretta Z. Hawkins, administrative computing manager; Teresa L. Puckett, Suter Science Center custodian; and Richard A. (Rick) Yoder, professor of business and economics.

Ten years: Richard L. Benner, assistant professor of communication; Melody A. Cash, instructor in nursing; Harlan DeBrun, instructor in physical education and men’s and women’s tennis coach; Elroy J. Miller, associate professor of social work; Jennifer L. Piper, user services manager, Information Systems; Lynn D. Quay, project assistant, Conflict Transformation Program; Don A. Yoder, director of admissions-seminary and graduate programs; Nathan E. Yoder, associate professor of church history, Eastern Mennonite Seminary; and Mark H. Zollinhofer, director of instructional technology, Information Systems.

Five years: Jason H. Alderfer, Information Systems; Beth K. Aracena, music; Lora L. Baker, custodial services; Stephen Cessna, chemistry; Mary Beth Chenault, advancement; Kenton T. Derstine, Clinical Pastoral Education, seminary; Cheryl D. Doss, Suter Science Center; Jon Michael Eberly, marketing services; Michele Funkhouser, nursing department; Linda W. Gnagey, Academic Support Center; Philip J. Guengerich, athletic events; Valerie M. Helbert, conferences and events; L. Brent Hershey, marketing services; Terrence L. Jantzi, sociology; Jonathan A. Kratz, international student services; Jean B. Ndayizigiye, custodial services; Linda L. Sauder, Adult Degree Completion Program; Greg S. Steffen, women’s soccer coach; Karen J. Weaver, EMU Guest House; Leslie K. Weaver, financial assistance; and Shirley B. Yoder, marketing and enrollment.

Language assistants and campus volunteers were also recognized during the ceremonies.