I see that Kim Hurley has been named to the Helena Sports Hall of Fame. We were teammates on the great 1972 Senators team, and he was our biggest star on a team of stars.
During the state tourney, a baserunner landed on Paul Martello’s arm, breaking it and severely hobbling our run to the championship. Paul was our home run leader and a vital cog in our powerful machine. Led by MVP Kim, we forced a final championship game, but fell short to the Great Falls Electrics.
Considering that Billings and Great Falls had only one varsity team then (Royals and Electrics) and that several of our team members would be seriously considered as the best Senator that has ever played his position (e.g., Kim at 3B, Andy Tucci at SS, Paul Martello at 2B, and Greg Pusey at 1B), I would match that team against any Senators team.
I coached youth baseball for 30 years (including the Senators), and Kim Hurley is easily the best baseball player I have ever played with or coached. Kim was an incredible hitter (wood bat), a rock at third base, and a strong team leader. He had a cannon arm, and Coach Muffick wisely called on him to be our pitching closer in tight situations at the end of important games. Kim Hurley was an amazing player!
People are also reading…
Congrats also to my friend Casey Chilton Molloy (track) and nephew Lance Ames (Senators championship teams) for making the Hall! I’m thrilled for both of you!
