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Thunder returns to Lake Club for benefit
Former Indians slugger Thornton speaks at fundraiser
By Brian Dzenis
POLAND
John Hirschbeck’s style as a Major League Baseball umpire wasn’t to Andre “Thunder’ Thornton’s exact liking, but it hasn’t stopped the two from being friends who want to contribute to a good cause.
Hirschbeck, the Poland resident who retired from baseball in 2016, was a rookie umpire in 1983 when he and the former Cleveland Indians first baseman first shared space near home plate. At the time, Thornton was in his 10th season of a 14-year career.
“He had a wide strike zone. That’s how I remember him. He liked to keep the game moving,” Thornton said. “[I didn’t like it], but the thing about it was you knew he was consistent.
“You knew what to expect.”
Hirschbeck paused and smiled when asked what the dynamics are like between a new umpire and a veteran player. He said he tried to treat every player the same and Thornton never gave him any trouble.
“We always got along,” Hirschbeck said. “He’s always been a terrific person and he just wasn’t the type to give an umpire a hard time.”
Thornton was the honorary guest and featured speaker at the 4th Magic of Michael Foundation golf outing and dinner at The Lake Club on Monday.
The foundation is named for Michael Hirschbeck, John’s son who passed away in 2014 from adrenoleukodystrophy (ALD), a rare neurogenetic brain disease with no cure. He was preceded in death by his older brother, John, who died of the same disease in 1993.
The foundation financially assists families dealing with the ‘curve balls’ of life, such as illness or disabilities. The foundation also donates $50,000 each year to Akron Children’s Hospital.
Figures for how this year’s outing and dinner grossed weren’t available on Monday, but all 136 spots in the golf outing sold out.
“I’m very happy. Once again, the response from our community and friends has been unbelievable,” Hirschbeck said.
Like Hirschbeck, Thornton is no stranger to tragedy.
A 1977 car accident took the life of his wife, Gertude, and 3-year-old daughter Theresa Gertrude. It also injured Thornton and his son, Andre Jr.
“We certainly have a lot of common ground. We know the loss. We know the hurt and the pain of losing a child and a loved one,” Thornton said.
“We’ve also been able to experience the blessing that out of that tragedy, so much good has evolved.”
The two have a good relationship since Thornton’s playing days ended. Monday is the second time Thornton has played at the Lake Club. He played golf with Hirschbeck in the early ‘90s when the Lake Club was known as Fonderlac Country Club.
Thornton and Hirschbeck reconnected with MLB’s All-Star break being in Cleveland this year. After the Magic of Michael benefit, Thornton said he’s going to tonight’s All-Star game.
Since retiring, Hirschbeck keeps baseball at arms length. Golf and hunting are now his sports of choice.
“I like watching the MLB Channel more for news and to keep up with what’s going on. I don’t really have time to sit down and watch a game,” Hirschbeck said. “I’m always busy. It’s a fun busy.”