Rick Mahler, Jay class of '71

Rick Mahler, class of '71, was part of the star-studded Jay baseball teams that sent multiple players to professional baseball careers. Rick's 12-year Major League career began in 1979 at the age of 25. Rick led the Atlanta Braves in ERA in 1981, 1984, 1985, & 1988 and in wins in 1985, 1986, and 1988. Called "the ultimate team player" by a Braves teammate, Rick led the National League in starts in 1985 and 1986 and tied an NL record with three opening-day shutouts. He won the World Series with the Cincinnati Reds in 1990.

Rick returned to San Antonio regularly during his playing career, sponsoring benefit golf tournaments, donating time and money to Westwood Village Little League, and even throwing batting practice to Jay baseball players. One day in the prime of his career in 1986, Rick was throwing batting practice to Brian O'Higgins, class of '86. Brian was making nice contact so Rick threw a little harder and then a little harder. I guess Rick got tired of the players "oohing and ahhing" that Brian was hitting so well off a major-leaguer, so Rick through his vaunted curveball behind Brian's head. Naturally, Brian hit the deck and while crouched over in fear in the dirt of the batter's box, the ball curved all the way across the plate for a perfect strike. The team still hasn't stopped laughing and will always remember the thrill of playing with a major leaguer!

Sadly and unexpectedly, Rick died of a heart attack at the age of 51. He was preparing for his second season as a minor league pitching coach for the Class-A St. Lucie Mets. He is survived by his wife, Sheryl, and five children.