As a 16 year old, Jerry Higgins was the winning pitcher in one game of the Legion State Tournament and was the winning pitcher in a game in the National Regional at Bismarck, ND, the only El Dorado pitcher to win a game at the National level since 1926. His career Legion record was 17-10 with a 1.87 ERA.
His senior year in high school (1967), he struck out 16 against Kapaun including 12 in a row while allowing 3 hits and walking 4. His season ERA of 0.66 would be 4th on the EHS single season honor roll.
As a 15 year old, Jerry pitched a perfect game in the El Dorado Junior League Tournament Championship Game against an outstanding Leon team. That Leon team had at least 5 players who went on to play for Post 81. As a 14 year old, Jerry pitched for the El Dorado Elks All-Stars who won the Kansas State Championship.
In addition to baseball, Jerry was also a starting end in football and a starter on the EHS basketball team.
Legion stats by season:
IP | R | H | SO | BB | ER | ERA | W-L | |
1966 | 56 | 24 | 52 | 48 | 17 | 14 | 1.75 | 7-2 |
1967 | 48 | - | 35 | 63 | 45 | 22 | 3.21 | 7-3 |
1968 | 72 | 19 | 38 | 76 | 33 | 11 | 1.07 | 3-5 |
Career | 176 | - | 125 | 187 | 95 | 47 | 1.87 | 17-10 |
High School Senior Season:
IP | R | H | SO | BB | ER | ERA | W-L | |
1967 | 32 | 8 | - | 43 | 11 | 3 | 0.66 | 5-1 |