Year Inducted – 2016

Larry was born in Mt. Carmel, Illinois to Nellie and Gilbert Wiles. He is married to Mertis Marty and they have 2 grown daughters. There oldest daughter Angela, is married to JR Shamblin and they had 2 daughters. Wendy Wiles-Robbins, there youngest daughter, was married to Dave Robbins, now deceased, and has 1 daughter. The granddaughter’s names are Lillie and Ashley Shamblin and Samantha Robbins. He has one sister, Jean Warren, who was married to Hal Warren, deceased, who was also a member of the Greater Akron Baseball of Fame. Larry graduated from Akron Central High School and the University of Akron.

He began his lifelong teaching career at Field High School, where he remained until retirement. In addition to teaching he also coached football and baseball. Having a lifelong love of baseball, when offered the head coaching positon of the varsity team, he jumped at the opportunity. Larry went on to coach baseball for 30 years (twenty-nine at Field High School and one year at Akron Firestone High School). His one year at Akron Firestone High School his team won 18 and lost 10 games and won Firestone’s first sectional Championship in 15 years. During his tenure Field became a dominate force in the Portage County Baseball League. His teams would amass 474 victories and 225 defeats. This was the most wins by a Portage County Coach making his winning percentage an impressive.678. His teams racked up 22 league, division and sectional titles.

During one 3 year stretch Field had a league record of 48 wins and 6 losses including 19 consecutive wins. Larry was honored as PCL Coach of the Year 9 times and coached the Portage County All-Stars 7 times in their series with the Summit County All-Stars. Larry had many players go on to play college baseball. One year, Field had 4 players on the varsity baseball team at the University of Akron. Nine of his former players went on to become high school baseball coaches and 4 became college coaches. Four players were drafted by the major leagues. Larry enjoyed every moment of his long successful career. He was very lucky to have had great players, assistant coaches and community support. It was a great ride and more than he could have ever hoped. However, as all great rides must end, he is extremely grateful and honored that it ends at the Greater Akron Baseball Hall of Fame.