William "Bill" Schlesinger

I am so sorry to hear of Bill´s passing. He was a dear friend, and a wonderful person. My condolences to the family.

I grew up with Bill in Pleasant Ridge. Played with and against Bill on Knot Hole Baseball Teams. After practice Bills back yard(he lived right behind left field) for water, but after the game, JocKs Pony Keg for a Smokie and a RC, LOVE YOU MAN, GOD SPEED

Bill was a very sweet and kind man. He took pride in his job at Walmart. He was loved by all his fellow associates. He will be miss we love you Bill Gracie.

We were neighbors for 20 years. Bill was like a big brother. He was Mr. Baseball. Ted Kluszewski and Gus Bell worked at Bill’s Hardware store in the off-season. Louisville Slugger made Bill an autographed bat. I and friends have commented how having one of Bill’s bats has reminded us of those good times. He didn’t let a serious injury late in his baseball career defeat him; he bounced back. He lead by example. He earned his place on God’s championship team.

I would like to send my Sincere condolences in behalf of my late husband Bob Long who passed away on June 28th. Bob spoke of Bill often and would stop at the hardware store to see him. RIP Bill if there is a Ball field in Heaven Bill Bob and Willie play ball!!! Donna Long

I knew Bill for 50 years. He was my teammate and fellow Hall of Famer on the 3 time regional champion Century Tire. I was privileged to to speak for him at his Greater Cincinnati Softball HOF induction. As I said then in 1995, and I will say now-he was a 5 tool player, and the most talented player with whom I played in my 30 years in amateur and professional slow pitch. When I asked him for advice on hitting, he would always prefix his answer starting with "Theodore said". He was always...

We played against each other in all the leagues , compared to others he would glide after a ball ,you could tell he was always a pro ball player, just a sweet and caring guy , thanks Bill

Dearest friend Bill, I am so saddened to hear of your passing. I was privileged to be your coach from '72 to '75 with the Norwood crowd...my teams were Norwood Merchants, Silverton Grille The Mound Cafe and later the nucleus of the Sorrentos owned by our good friend Willie DeLuca. May those who have gone before you be enlightened with your presence. God speed, dear friend.

I knew Bill through some of his friends in Pleasant Ridge when we both were students at Woodward High School. He was a genuinely nice person and was well liked by all who knew him.

When I think of Bill, what I think of most was the amazing quality of the swing of his bat as a baseball player. It was perfectly parallel to the ground and had unusual speed and power He led the minor leagues in home runs at the AAA level one year.. the best swing I'd ever seen by anyone who I knew...