Morrow County’s Tim Belcher will be one of four people recognized by the OHSAA tomorrow as part of its Circle of Champions. He will be honored during the Division III state championship game that begins at 5:15 p.m. at the Schottenstein Center at The Ohio State University, Columbus.
Belcher was an outstanding pitcher who graduated from Highland High School in Morrow County and then pitched at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. Tim was drafted in the first round of the Major League Baseball Amateur Draft by the Minnesota Twins, but he signed in the supplemental draft with the Yankees in 1984.
He spent 14 years in the majors between 1987 and 2000, pitching for seven different teams. In 1988, Belcher was part of the Dodgers’ World Championship team, winning a World Series game, two National League Championship Series games and the Sporting News’ Rookie Pitcher-of-the-Year Award. In 1989, Tim led the National League with 10 complete games and major league baseball with eight shutouts.
He won 146 games during his career and won 10 or more games in a season nine times. Tim has been with the Indians’ organization since his retirement, serving in a variety of roles including pitching coach for two years and his current title as special assistant to baseball operations. He and his wife have three children and reside in Sparta.
Information received from the Ohio High School Athletic Association.
