Hall of Fame
In 1976, a young football player transferred after his freshman year at UCLA to Point Loma College. Dane Ilertsen was also a first baseman who led the Crusader baseball team as it became established in its new home off the Pacific shore. He led the nation in doubles with 16 and is still tied for fifth in career doubles with 31. He ranks fourth in career home runs at 24 and third in career RBI’s at 131.
Most teams put their best hitter in the number three spot in the batting order which is where Ilertsen hit. Point Loma wanted every opponent they faced whether at home or on the road to face him in the first inning. He was an awesome sight with his massive size and prodigious swings and drives. He helped lead some of the finest teams the school has ever fielded. Ironically, he was also a part of perhaps the worst loss the team ever suffered. The water sprinkler incident during the District Championships of 1979 is a little funnier now than it was at the time.
When Ilertsen finished his college career at PLC, he ranked number one is doubles for a season, number one in doubles for a career, number one in home runs for a career, number one in RBIs for a season, number one for RBIs in a career, second in career batting average and second in career hits. Following his senior year he was drafted in the 21st round by the San Diego Padres. He signed and played four years in the Padre Farm System as one of the top players.
“I want to make sure you understand Dane was more than a one-dimensional ballplayer,” said Randy Benefiel, former teammate. “He worked hard at every aspect of the game. He played first base like it should be played; with grace and gritty determination. He dug out throws because that was what we expected him to do, making every infielder better. His hitting obviously speaks for itself.”
Ilertsen is a fantastic representative of PLNU. He knows no strangers, is friendly and is well known in the coaching fraternity. After baseball, he spent over 20 years as an educator and coach in the Orange County area at Troy High School. Iltersen and his wife Lynette have one daughter, Megan.
The award for Outstanding Achievement by an Athlete was presented to Ilertsen by Bob Brower.
