ELSBERRY – The Elsberry community said goodbye to one of their own this past Sunday, with the passing of Marc Hill. Hill is the only Elsberry High School graduate to ever play in the major leagues. He played 15 seasons with three teams and spent the next 17 coaching for four more.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Hill on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Skyway All Event Venue. Hill is survived by his wife Judy; three children and their families, Kevin, Kyle and Kara, seven grandchildren and his sister, Marcia Hill.

The following article was written by Kim Jones after a night at EHS recognizing Hill for his career.

As he was introduced and walked into the gymnasium to a standing ovation from family and friends present to watch a recognition long overdue, Marc Hill is truly a HOMETOWN HERO!

Hill’s career in professional baseball spans over 32 years and is known by many in the area, but on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2010 he was publicly recognized for what no one else from Elsberry Schools has ever attained in the field of professional baseball.

After a condensed summary and mention of highlights of his career, Hill was presented a plaque signifying his career from Jim Mayes, LCR-II School Board President, but also Hill’s high school history teacher. Former teammates, coaches, and classmates were then asked to come to the floor and be a part of the ceremony.

During the evening’s basketball games a display, of Hill’s memorabilia was located in the hallway for all to view. Hill was even caught signing a few autographs for the young and old alike.

Elsberry’s Athletic Booster club has purchased a case for some of his memorabilia to be displayed for years to come.

What little boy doesn’t dream about having his face on a baseball card? For Hill that wasn’t just a dream, but a reality for the 1970 Elsberry High School graduate. Drafted in the 10th round by the St. Louis Cardinals as a catcher in 1970, he started living a dream.

His high school years were incredible as he credits some of his success to the teachers he had at EHS, and the person they helped him become. He enjoyed history class taught by Jim Mayes but liked the hands-on opportunities in the wood shop offered by Winston Bailey.

More importantly his baseball teammates and coaches throughout the years helped him develop the talent needed to rise to the major league level. He credits people like Sammy Mayes (Khoury League Coach) and Russ Ward (HS Baseball Coach) for helping him develop that talent.

No one could compare though to the encouragement and expectations given by Marc’s family.

His most influential person was his dad, (Edward “Pokey” Hill) who spent hours on end playing catch with him in the yard and when he couldn’t catch him, Marc’s sister, Marcia, completed the task of catching balls.

All the while, proud mamma, Gracie, sat back, watched, smiled and got to bust at the seams with how proud she was of all his accomplishments.

Right after high school, Hill spent five years with the Cardinals, was traded to the San Francisco Giants for another five-year stint and he finished out his major league career with the Chicago White Sox for five years.

Baseball just came natural for Marc and ran thick in his blood. After playing for 15 years, he stayed with the sport as a manager, coach, bullpen coach and roving catching instructor for another 17 years in organizations such as the Houston Astros, New York Yankees, Seattle Mainers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

His final position came in 2003 as he managed the local club, the River City Rascals.

His most memorable year was in 1992 as Manager of the New Port News, a farm club for the Seattle Mariners. His team won the division title, and he was named manager of the year. It was also at this time in his life he met his wife, Judy.

When asked about his best accomplishment in his major league baseball career, Marc could only narrow it down to five top moments and in no particular order except for one.

They were as follows: catching great pitchers, such as, Tom Seaver, Steve Carlton and Bob Gibson; throwing out Lou Brock six of seven times in a series; being a part of the 1983 Western Division Championship team with the White Sox; and meeting awesome people in his 33 years in baseball.

But if he had to choose one thing, he said, “living my dad’s dream.” Hill’s dad played in the St. Louis Browns farm system.

Marc and his family have dedicated their lives and occupations to the Elsberry School District and to the town of Elsberry. Hill’s mom, Gracie, worked for 38 years at Elsberry Schools. His sister Marcia worked for 30 years as a special education teacher at Elsberry Schools. His late father, Edward “Pokey” Hill worked and managed 35 years at the local LaCrosse Lumber Company.

Life has come full circle for Hill, as he has come back to live out his retirement years with his family and friends in Elsberry…….“The town that built this hero”.