I can do all things through Christ Who Strengthens me. Philippians 4:13. Edward Martin Herrmann was born August 27, 1946 in San Diego, California. Ed attended Crawford High School and directly after graduation in 1964, began his baseball career with the Milwaukee Braves, the same team his grandpa, Marty Herrmann played with in the early 1900's. He was soon drafted by the Chicago White Sox where he remained until 1975 before a contract dispute resulted in him being traded to the NY Yankees. During his career, he also played for the Houston Astros, the California Angels and the Montreal Expos. "Fort Herrmann", "SupHerrmann" and "Block of Granite" were nicknames used to describe his strength behind the plate. He retired in 1979. Herrmann had his best season offensively in 1970 when he posted a .283 batting average with 19 home runs and 52 runs batted in. In 1972, Herrmann led the American League in intentional walks with 19, and led all American League catchers in baserunners caught stealing and in caught stealing percentage. In 1974, Herrmann was a member of the American League All-Star team. In a game against the Oakland Athletics on June 24, 1973, Herrmann hit a three-run home run, a two-run double and a two-run single, for a total of seven runs batted in, one short of the White Sox team record of eight. Herrmann developed a reputation as one of the best knuckleball catchers in the American League from his work with knuckleball pitchers such as Hoyt Wilhelm, Wilbur Wood and Eddie Fisher. Wood won twenty or more games for four consecutive years between 1971 and 1974 with Herrmann as his catcher. Herrmann was the Astros catcher on July 9, 1976 when pitcher Larry Dierker threw a no-hitter against the Montreal Expos. After leaving the major leagues, Herrmann continued to work in baseball as a scout for the Kansas City Royals, also serving as a tutor, coach, and manager of youth teams ranging in age from 13 through college throughout San Diego County. He coached four travel teams to national championships. Ed was a dedicated coach and tutor who found it important to spend time training baseball skills to youth, to give back just a small piece of what he had been blessed to have. He attributed all of his baseball success to his father for keeping him focused and strong during his youth at Rolando Little League. In 1991, Ed took a 4 year hiatus from baseball to be Mr. Mom to his daughter Nicole. When she started attending school, you could find him immersed in many school activities, field trips, handy man jobs and volunteering for any event he could help with. During this time, he also led a church bible study. He was a busy man but enjoyed sharing the gospel and always found time for others. Ed was a well loved and respected coach of the Chicago White Sox Fantasy Camps which became a priority for him to attend every January in Arizona. Fellow players and campers found Ed's easy going personality, and encouraging demeanor a pleasure to be around. His last few years in baseball were spent with Torrey Pines High School and North County Storm. In January 2013, he retired from all baseball activities. This didn't take the love of baseball out of him as he found ways to still support the many players who he mentored. Ed would attend games when he was so sick he could barely walk. Ed also had a love the Lord and for Harleys. This turned out to be an awesome combination which led him to be involved in the ministry of Christian Motorcyclist Association eventually becoming President of Wings of Eagles Chapter 498. Spreading the gospel to the motorcycle community became his passion. Ed was a giver and never stopped doing for others, putting himself second. He accomplished so many things in his life and touched many souls. Ed was diagnosed with Prostate Cancer in October 2009 and lost the battle on December 22, 2013. He is survived by his mother Bobbie, wife Barbara, children, Nicole, Jim and Duane, grandchildren Ashley and Jessica. Ed was all about the kids, and helped bring The Greatest Save Prevention focused personal safety program for kids and teens to San Diego. We are requesting donations to http://www.thegreatestsave.org/ in Ed's honor in Lieu of flowers. Those who hope in the LORD, Will renew their strength. They will soar on Wings like Eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. Isaiah 40: 30-31