Chester “Chet” Trail, 67, who was born in Doreen, Mo., in January, 1944, moved with his family to Toledo in 1945. He excelled in basketball, baseball, and tennis at Libbey High School. Recruited by several schools, including Ohio State, to play college basketball, Trail was invited to a tryout with the New York Yankees not long after his 1962 graduation from Libbey. Despite his basketball prospects, Trail signed a contract with the Yankees. He had a seven-year pro baseball career (1963-69) as an infielder in the minor leagues, including four seasons at the Triple-A level in the International League with the Yankees, Orioles, Cubs, and Mets affiliates. His career average was .255 with 94 home runs. After retiring from baseball in 1970, Trail worked in the insurance and investment business, became a church pastor, and was one of the area’s most highly regarded high school basketball officials, working nine state tournaments. He and his wife, Donna, have been married for 47 years, and have three daughters.

As a youth, what or who steered you into sports, and what kept you interested?

Growing up, participating in sports was what you did. My father played baseball in the Negro Leagues and would take me with him to their games. I would shag foul balls during batting practice. As I grew older I realized I had some athletic abilities in baseball and basketball and as success came my interest intensified.

What stands out from your time at Libbey?

Playing both sports as a sophomore. The memorable games were beating Woodward, which had Howard Komives, in the district tournament at UT. And, beating Sandusky in the regionals at BGSU as a junior, just after defeating Macomber in the district finals. Another one was being nominated as class president my senior year.

What was your reaction when Libbey closed last year?

I was working at Libbey at the time of its closing, and it felt like losing something precious to me. My four years there was most rewarding — the classmates, fellow players, teachers, and coaches like Burt Spice, Gary Duhaime, and Bob Rupert in particular. Each contributed rewarding things to my life that remain forever.

How did you wind up signing with the Yankees?

I was taken to New York and worked out for two days, and after that I was offered a contract. I really wanted to play basketball at Bowling Green with Howard Komives, but I was completely overwhelmed at the opportunity to become a New York Yankee, I could not pass that up.

What were the highlights from your baseball career?

The greatest memory was from 1963 in a spring training game. I was at shortstop and I looked around and realized that Bobby Richardson, Clete Boyer, Joe Pepitone, Tommy Tresh, Mickey Mantle, Roger Maris, Elston Howard, and Whitey Ford were all out there, and I was on the same field with them. The highlight from Triple-A was when we won the pennant, playing for the Mets farm team.

You never made it up to the major leagues with the Yankees or the other teams. What do you think held you back?

That question bothers me to this day, and I don’t have a good answer except it had to be something on my end. I had good minor league stats. In fact, I made the all-star teams in every league, and I had good numbers at Rochester. As a Toledo Mud Hen in 1966 I was sent down to Greensboro as a result of a slow start. I believe that move hurt my career the most. I needed more time to adjust to Triple-A baseball, and to recover from that demotion. I came to grips with that and moved on.

You also excelled in basketball, so why didn’t you pursue that sport beyond high school?

I thought I was too small to have a future beyond the college level. Baseball came easier for me than basketball, although I loved them both. At basketball, I had to work harder at it, and I just thought a 6-foot guard could not have a professional career.

You were highly regarded as a high school basketball official. What stands out from your time as a ref?

The number of City League championships I worked as well as state finals. What I felt was most rewarding was when both coaches had to agree on the official working at least three boys state finals, and two state girls finals. You were there because the coaches voted you in. I felt I was a good official, having played, gave me a feel for the game.

What have been your personal and professional pursuits after baseball?

After baseball I coached girls varsity basketball as well as track at Sylvania Southview. I worked for Blue Cross, I worked for Savage and Associates, and now I am a pastor at Grace Temple Church in Toledo, and at Greater St. James Church in Fremont.

How have your wife and family influenced your life?

My wife has been, and still is, my greatest inspiration. I hit a home run there. I can’t adequately express how my children, and my extended family, support me, or what a blessing they are.

— Steve Junga

First Published October 2, 2011, 5:42 a.m.