Richard “Dick” Melzer transferred to Western Maryland and married a Funkstown girl, and it so happened his brother was a member of the Funkstown Legion baseball team and that’s how Dick began his career in Washington County. He played many years for Funkstown, mostly as a catcher and outfielder, usually batting in the fourth or fifth slot in the lineup. He was known for hitting the long ball, even though during his playing career he wasn’t that big.

Dick had many great years with Funkstown, but the most outstanding was the 1930 season when he batted .411 and hit 13 home runs. Considering they only played on weekends, this was quite a year. He always liked to tell the story about his last game as a player and his last at-bat (at age 39). Funkstown was playing at Middleburg and there was an old barn in center field. His last time at bat, he hit one over that barn. The center fielder ran behind the barn, retrieved the ball and threw him out by three steps — at third base. That’s when Dick decided to hang ’em up.

Even though his playing career was over, Dick stayed very active in baseball serving as secretary for the Washington County League and Independent League. He also served as president of the Funkstown baseball team for 10 years and was the statistician and scorekeeper for 20 years. When Dick kept score and gave you a base hit, you deserved it.

Dick was also very active in the Funkstown Duckpin Bowling League, serving as secretary and treasurer for many years while also bowling. Consistently averaging over 300 per set (three games) most years, Dick was there every Friday night. His last year as an active bowler, at the age of 79, his team won the league championship. He also was active as a socer player for 10 years.

Richard Melzer’s accomplishments after his playing career, as a league official, team official, statistician and a fan, should be remembered as much as his contributions on the field of play. Dick was a good friend to everyone who knew him.