Jerry Sacharski, left, gives instructions to 5-year-old Craig LeClair in 1958. The Michigan man known for helping to popularize T-ball as an organized youth sport died Friday at 93. The game's exact origin is unclear but behind Sacharski, Albion, Mich., in 1956 became one of the nation's first communities in which T-ball was played as an organized sport.

ALBION, Mich. — Jerry Sacharski, a retired teacher who helped popularize T-ball as an organized youth sport, has died. He was 93. He died Friday of natural causes at his home in Albion, about 85 miles from Detroit, the J. Kevin Tidd Funeral Home said. T-ball helps youngsters develop baseball skills while eliminating one of the sport's most difficult aspects: hitting pitched balls. They instead hit balls from adjustable tees placed on home plate. The game's origin is unclear but, behind Sacharski, Albion in 1956 became one of the nation's first communities in which T-ball was played as an organized sport. Sacharski was a teacher and coach at Albion Public Schools from 1951 until retiring in 1980. In 2002, former U.S. Rep. Nick Smith, R-Mich., offered a tribute from the House floor. "After he started teaching, Jerry took it upon himself in 1954 to head up the Albion recreation department's summer baseball program," Smith said at the time. "Because of this position, he was able to see the lack of opportunity for younger children that two years later would drive him to develop one of the largest innovations in youth sports." Sacharski was born in West Allis, Wis., and served in the Army during World War II, reaching the rank of second lieutenant. Survivors include his wife, Etola; three sons; four grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and brother.