COLUMBUS, Neb. — After more than five decades of coaching baseball in Nebraska, a Columbus man has been given one of the sport’s highest honors.

Ron Schilling was inducted into the Nebraska Baseball Hall of Fame on Sunday, joining a class of eight individuals recognized for their lasting contributions to the game. Despite his long tenure and impressive accomplishments, Schilling said he was surprised to learn he was even being considered.

He said his motivation for staying involved was seeing the game teach lessons far beyond the field. 

“The thing about baseball, and the kids playing it don’t really understand it… baseball itself is probably one of the best teachers of life," Schilling said.

The West Point native said he actually coached against some of the other members of the Hall of Fame class.

He identified some of his special experiences as coaching multiple generations of athletes, including his own family members. At one point, he had his son and grandson on the field with him.