ASHLAND, Ky. – A family steeped in Ashland baseball tradition has given back to the program with a generous donation.
The Tackett family gave the donation in memory of John Tackett and honor of Mike Tackett, who were both star players for the Tomcats.
Mike was part of the Tomcat Dynasty era, graduating in 1969, while John played baseball and football for the Tomcats. He graduated in 1973. John died in 2016.
“Please let the coach know that he’s got fans right here in the World Series champions town of DC!” wrote Elizabeth Laird, Mike’s daughter, who coordinated the donation.
New Ashland head baseball coach Evan Yongue thanked the family for the donation and for being part of the Tomcat baseball family and promised to put the money to good use.
Mike Tackett played on the last Ashland state baseball champion in 1968 and was on the state runner-up team in 1969. The Tomcat Dynasty era is from 1965 to 1969 and included three state championships, a Final Four and a runner-up finish.
His not-so-little brother, John, was a power-hitting catcher for the early 1970s teams. John also was a defensive end on Ashland’s state runner-up football team in 1972.
Ashland was 16th Region runner-up last season. Yongue was promoted from assistant to head coach last spring when David Greene opted not to return. Yongue is also an assistant football coach for the Tomcats.
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