Mustangs win title in year following Gerson’s passing

By Jacob Meikel

The Mustangs 2024 MINK League title comes with a heavy heart, as founder Dan Gerson passed away prior to this season.

Gerson passed away in Sep. of 2023 at the age of 68, leaving a hole in the heart of the Mustangs program whether it is the current regime, current players and coaches or alumni. As the team’s founder, Gerson helped orchestrate the building of a team that won seven MINK League Championships during his time. Of the individuals who take to the dugout every single night during the summer, the passing of Gerson resonated most with head coach Johnny Coy, who helped lead the Mustangs to a MINK League championship on Saturday against Clarinda. Coy was a player for the Mustangs under Gerson’s leadership before becoming the head coach later on.

“I have no idea what I would be doing right now without Dan. He started this whole thing and he put a lot of faith in me to kind of lead this team in 09’ and 10’ the first two years,” Coy said.

Gerson’s legacy in St. Joseph stretches far and wide throughout the city. He was known for supporting small businesses, franchising a Big Biscuit restaurant in town and finding the St. Joseph Baseball Hall of Fame.

“Without Dan taking a chance on St. Joe people, and just proving how awesome these people are, again I love St. Joe more than anything… it was a huge risk but it paid off in the end. We’ll always love Dan no matter what,” Coy said.

Gerson, a Chicago native, eventually sold the Mustangs franchise to incumbent owner Ky Turner prior to the 2022 season. The Mustangs have now won nine MINK League titles, including four titles in the past five seasons.