Bobby L. Zipperer
2005 Effingham County Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
Bobby L. Zipper was born February 4, 1931 in Effingham County. His parents were Holland L. and Minnie N. Zipperer. He attended Rincon Elementary and High School. He played American Legion Baseball during his middle school years as a first baseman and pitcher. This was the only youth team in the county at that time and was coached by R. B. Mallory of Clyo. Playing on this team meant a lot to him. He rode his bicycle from his home on Blue Jay Road to Rincon, 5 miles each way, in order to participate in the sport that he loved.
When he was in the 8th grade, he was chosen to play basketball as a forward on the Varsity team of Rincon High School; he played in this position for the next 4 years. His senior year the Rincon team has a record of 20-4. During that time Rincon did not have a gym so all practices were played on an outside dirt court.
He played baseball as a pitcher with the Rincon Town Team during high school and approximately one year after high school.
He coached a Little League baseball team from 1964 until 1966. In 1965 his team work second place in the Coastal Little League Association. His team played in the Rincon League and were champions I 1966.
In 1960 he played softball in the Effingham County League. All games were played in Springfield (now Ulmer Park) and in Rincon. The next year a church league was formed.
In 1961 Wesley Conaway donated land behind Marlow School for a ball park, which is known now as Oakridge Ball Park. Zion Lutheran Church and Marlow Methodist Church teams built the ball park. He helped with the construction of the backstop, which he built at home and transported to the park on a trailer. He also helped construct the bleachers, lights, and etc.
He played on the Zion Church team in the position of left field, pitcher, and also as manager for several years. He was selected to play on the softball all star team for five consecutive years until he retired from playing in 1973.
He is married to Dorothy Wilharm Zipperer. They have three children, Janis Z. Bevill, Alan B. Zipperer and Kathy Z. Zittrouer. They have 5 grandchildren, Jamie Bevill, Melissa Bevill Stone, Jeremy Zittrouer, Macy Zittrouer and Devin Zipperer. They have a great grandson, Kaden Stone.
From that time to the present he has kept his love of sports alive watching his children and grandchildren as they played various sports.
He remains an avid sports fan.