Lloyd Heisler

Goshen Alumni Hall of Fame

May 12, 2012

              Lloyd Heisler (July 10,1936) is the only child of John Heisler and has been a lifetime resident of Goshen. Lloyd attended Goshen Schools from 1942-1954.

Lloyd was very active in sports while in high school. He participated in baseball, basketball, volleyball and track. His senior track teammates, under the direction of Coach Jim Brown, built Goshen’s first track in 1954 where the Marr Cook buildings exist today.

After graduation, Lloyd served in the U. S. Air Force from 1954-1958. While stationed in Germany, Lloyd played on the baseball team for the military base. Bowling became one of his favorite off-duty activities and continues to be a big part of his life today.

After completing his military career, Lloyd attended Cumberland College earning a degree in education with a double major in Social Studies and Physical Education. He taught and coached for the Goshen Schools for a brief period before working for Terrace Park Lumber, Marathon and Lykins Oil Company.

Lloyd’s interest in sports went beyond being a player. As a teenager, he started coaching in the Goshen Knothole program. He coached while attending Cumberland College as well. It was not unusual to see Lloyd load his car up with the entire ball team and head to one of the neighboring towns for a game. One of his best players was Bill Faul. Lloyd was one of the first coaches to use Bill as a pitcher. Bill pitched Goshen to the Class A State Championship in 1958, earned All American honors at the University of Cincinnati and played in the major leagues for several years.

Lloyd eventually became involved in successfully coaching softball for women. Lloyd and his father created Heisler Park as a place for the youth of Goshen to learn and play America’s game. Heisler Park has been home to thousands of young baseball and softball players for over forty years. Lloyd is a lifetime trustee of Heisler Park and is committed to continue the dream of having a place for Goshen youth to follow their dreams of success on the ball fields. Lloyd has been the lead Bingo caller to raise funds to maintain the park for several decades.

The American Bowling Congress recognized Lloyd’s achievement of participating in their national tournament with a Twenty-Five Year Award. He has been active locally in bowling leagues and has been nominated for their Hall of Fame as well.

Lloyd will always be remembered for his willingness to give to others and his efforts to teach and coach the youth of Goshen.