Jet Box baseball began in the early spring of 1969 as the brainchild of me, Jim Corte, and my uncle, Lou Zardus, owner of Jet Box Company. Lou played baseball for Pepsi Cola in the 1950s and played 2nd base for Jet Box in 1969. Lou authorized $5,000 for the season and I put Jet Box into the Detroit Baseball Federation Class B. I was 22 years young.

Opening day was May 14, 1969 against Vinewood Mfg. Former U of M captain, Marlin Pemberton, pitched a great game and Jet Box recorded our 1st win. 

We used wood bats and pitchers batted. Our uniforms were navy blue pinstripe with sleeveless jerseys. Our jackets were navy blue windbreakers with Jets on the back. Why navy blue? Because it was stocked, not custom.  

Jet Box always sought better competition because then Jet Box would improve, i.e. it took 3 1/2 years before we beat ITM, yet Jet Box ended 19 seasons playing ITM with a record of   108 wins and 95 losses and 4 ties. 

Jet Box baseball means friendship, that's why I started the team. This team of original friends became a team of new friends who continue to this day. Men like Rich Loria, Chris Hacias, and always me help to make transition fun by their ability to bridge the change that younger ballplayers inevitably bring about.
 
My job for 32 years is to put the best lineup in the game. All Boxers know that I bench anyone not producing, thus proving my managerial integrity?     CONTINUED......