Lehigh University Athletics
Del Markward and his Great American Past Time
5/1/2006 12:00:00 AM | Athletics
 |
By Andrea Tulcin
Athletics Partnership
Many children see elite athletes as their heroes, dreaming of one day being part of a great team and doing great things. For Del Markward ‘81, his dream became a reality during his college years on the Lehigh University baseball team.
Markward began playing baseball in the first grade and never missed a single season for any team on which he played. Baseball represented more than just a sport to Markward, it was his work, his passion, and his future.
“My parents couldn’t afford Lehigh so I wouldn’t have been able to attend such a highly esteemed college as Lehigh if it weren’t for baseball. I knew I had to be the best I could be,” Markward said. “I came to Lehigh because Skip Schultz, the coach at the time, offered to get me a half tuition grant to play.”
At Lehigh, Markward was a team captain for three seasons, from 1979 through 1981. His career is highlighted with his 1980 selection to First Team All-East Coast Conference and his ranking of ninth in the country for a .447 batting average. During that season, Markward also held records in steals and hits. “I hate bragging,” Markward said. “I never remember any numbers, but its fun to reflect back on these accomplishments.” As a southpaw, Markward played in the outfield, mostly as right fielder.
With no baseball program funding during Markward’s seasons, the team had to take it upon themselves to raise money for spring break tournaments, umpire salaries, and makeup games. “We had to sell fruit baskets,” Markward said. “We raised $1,800 one year to go on a trip down south to Georgia Southern for spring break. We were able to pay for 22 players, coaches, umpires, gas, scorekeepers, and trainers. Through working together and accomplishing the fundraising, plus the games, our team really developed a strong bond.”
Markward describes his team’s dynamic as just plain fun. He even jokes about the small silly instances that created a favorable team atmosphere. “My friend Keith Schoepflin ripped his pants on the bench one time and tried to pretend it was from a hard take out slide,” Markward explained. “He was a great guy, but he was a lousy slider and we all knew it!”
Markward is remembered at Lehigh for his successful career and impressive numbers. “I would have loved to play in the pros. I wasn’t the only talented player, some of the guys were really really good,” Markward said. “I also would have loved to play 50 games instead of 20 to 30 a year.”
During the second half of his senior year, Markward injured his ankle and missed the remainder of the season. “It was upsetting because I felt I was going to have a better year than the one before,” Markward said. Post graduation, Markward had surgery on his ankle and underwent rehabilitation. After playing three years in a Texas league in Austin, Markward was forced to retire from the sport due to another ankle injury.
Markward remains involved with baseball as the coach of his son’s little league team and East Norriton’s Senior League for 13-14 year olds. “I love baseball, and it will always remain a part of my life,” Markward said.
Markward was also an active student on the Lehigh campus during his college years. As a member of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity, he served as the vice-president and the social director. He played an intricate role in Greek life at Lehigh during his term as IFC president in 1980-81.
Graduating from Lehigh with a B.A. in psychology and business administration, Markward went on to form his own company, Markward Group, an Allentown based real estate firm. Markward Group handles commercial brokerage, management, maintenance, and construction. Additionally, Markward Group owns Caracor, LLC, which does industrial, commercial, and residential development in the eastern Pennsylvania market.
Markward stays involved with Lehigh whenever he can. “Currently, I am helping out with the 25 year class reunion coming up in June,” Markward said. “Its great making a lot of calls and catching up with classmates and teammates that I haven’t seen in all those years. I know when I come back it will seem as if things never changed.”
