Obituary: It is with deep pain and great sadness that the Herrenberg Wanderers say goodbye to Heiko Hiller, an extraordinary person, founding member and beloved friend. After a long and brave fight, Heiko unfortunately lost the battle against an insidious disease. He left us far too early at the age of 56. The news of his death has hit us all deeply and we are still stunned. Our thoughts and condolences are with his family and friends, both on and off the baseball field, during this difficult time.
On Sunday, July 7th, we want to remember Heiko at 2 p.m. at the home game of the first men’s team against Ladenburg Romans. We would be delighted if all of Heiko’s friends, members and companions would come in Wanderers outfits (green, yellow, white) to pay their last respects with lots of Wanderers logos.
Heiko Hiller was much more than a member of our club; he was the heart and soul of the Herrenberg Wanderers. Heiko’s journey in baseball began around 30 years ago with a simple idea and the support of two good friends. Together with his buddies Frank Di Franco and Dirk Hoffmann, he decided to buy a child-sized baseball set. In 1992, they started throwing balls in Längenholz and literally stayed on the ball. Barely two years later, Heiko founded the first baseball club in Gäu: the Herrenberg Wanderers were born.
Since its founding in 1994, Heiko has been a pillar of our club. With his tireless commitment and his unwavering passion for baseball, he shaped the club like no other. His striking saying “That’s how it is, men”, which echoed across the field every time he played, will remain in our memories forever. It was not just a sentence, but an expression of his unwavering conviction and charisma, which swept us all away.
Heiko’s role at the Wanderers was central from the very beginning. As a founding member, he not only laid the foundations of our club, but was also a key person in many areas over the years. His work as a youth coach, board member and promoter of young talent was invaluable. Heiko was always willing to invest his time and energy in the development of young talent. Many players owe him not only technical skills, but also a deep passion for the sport and for the team. Until the end, Heiko was a Wanderer through and through, always involved with his whole heart and dedication.
Heiko’s commitment and talent led him and his team to the 1st Bundesliga. Together with his teammates, he fought for promotion and achieved this goal with great pride. No matter which league the Wanderers played in, Heiko was always a loyal Wanderer. It never occurred to him to play for another team – his loyalty and devotion were exclusively to the Wanderers.
His commitment extended beyond the pitch. With a unique artistic talent, Heiko designed numerous Wanderers logos that not only represent the club but also reflect his deep connection to it. These logos are more than just symbols; they are a lasting legacy of his creativity and commitment. Each design he created tells a story of passion and dedication and will always remind us of him.
Heiko was an outstanding figure on the field. His performance in the outfield, his precise bunts and his impressive speed made him a valuable player. Since the club was founded, he was the one who played the longest and only put down his bat in 2021 after 27 years. His jersey number #27 was officially “retired” in a ceremonial ceremony in 2023 and now proudly displays on our backstop. This honorary act is not only a recognition of his sporting achievements, but also a sign of our deep appreciation for his extraordinary contributions to the club.
Heiko was especially proud that his children followed in his footsteps. They played baseball and softball and thus passed on his love of the sport.
This family tradition, established by Heiko’s commitment and enthusiasm, is another sign of his lasting influence on the community and the sport.
The loss of Heiko Hiller leaves a void that no one can fill. He was an integral part of our Wanderers family and his absence will hit us hard. But we will always carry him in our hearts. His legacy lives on in the stories we tell about him, in the games we play and in the logos we wear with pride.
Heiko, we will miss you so much. Your fighting spirit and love for the sport inspired us all. Your laugh was infectious and your unforgettable sayings on and off the field will stay with us forever. You were always a helping hand and a reliable friend who always had a listening ear and encouraging advice. Rest in peace, dear baseball friend. A triple Wanderers “Hit and Run” to Heiko!
On Sunday, July 7th, we want to remember Heiko at 2 p.m. at the home game of the first men’s team against Ladenburg Romans. We would be delighted if all of Heiko’s friends, members and companions would come in Wanderers outfits (green, yellow, white) to pay their last respects with lots of Wanderers logos.
2024-07-04 10:40:57
#life #baseball #community
