Richardson High School (RHS) baseball fans past and present gathered March 21, to celebrate the 62nd birthday of one of the school’s legendary stars, Eric Strull, who threw out the ceremonial first pitch when the Eagles faced Irving Nimitz.

Strull was the Eagles’ starting second baseman and garnered all-district honors in 1977, 1978 and 1979, his sophomore through senior years. In 1978 and 1979 he was named to the DFW all Metroplex team. In 1978, he was a member of the RHS, District 13-4AAA championship team.

Eric Strull next to the engraved stone in his honor at the RHS baseball field March 21, 2023Family and friends surround Eric Strull on his 62nd birthday following his ceremonial first pitch at the Richardson High School baseball game March 21, 2023.

Following his high school career, Strull shored up the middle infield for the United States Air Force Academy.

Escorting Strull to the mound were his wife Margo and children Alec and Courtney, both RHS graduates.

Cody Strull, RHS Class of 2013, received his uncle’s pitch. Cody followed in his uncle’s footsteps as a middle infielder and was also an all-district pitcher during his career at RHS. The Strull family arranged for an engraved stone in honor of Eric Strull’s memorable years as RHS baseball’s stellar second baseman in the late ‘70s. It was a wonderful surprise.

In the past year, Eric Strull has been fighting a serious illness; however, it has not dampened his spirit or his love for RHS baseball.