At a pep rally on Friday, September 11, Gehlen Catholic School announced that its baseball program would be retiring the jersey number of former head coach Marty Kurth.
The announcement came as a surprise to Kurth who was not even intending on going to the pep rally in the first place. Kurth says he was pretty shocked to receive the recognition.
Kurth spent 31 years as the head coach of Gehlen Catholic baseball. Prior to that, baseball was all he knew playing in high school at Remsen St. Mary’s and spending a bit of time playing at Westmar. Kurth says he loved the game of baseball because of the people that make it a great sport.
At Remsen St. Mary’s, Kurth helped the program win a state title in 1983 getting his knowledge of the sport from a legend in Marv Thelen. Kurth says the community of Remsen is still very special to him.
However, it was at Gehlen Catholic where Kurth planted his feet and remained for 31 years. Kurth says the job initially appealed as way to kickstart a program, and he enjoyed it for the rest of his career.
Over 31 years, Kurth got to coach many kids, work with many coaches, and needle an umpire or two. Kurth says having those relationships with so many people has been very special.
The jersey retirement will take place in between the girls and boys basketball games between Remsen St. Mary’s and Gehlen Catholic on Tuesday, December 22. Many former players are anticipated to return to the area for the events. Kurth says he is looking forward to being able to remember some great moments with his former players.
Kurth’s #6 jersey will be retired on Tuesday, December 22. More details about get-togethers and other celebrations of Kurth’s career will be available at a later date.
