Why He’s interesting: Roesch added another championship to Cleveland’s trophy case in 2019. With an impressive 15-0 showing, the competitive horseshoe pitcher from Mentor swept his division at the 2019 National Horseshoe Pitching Association World Tournament last summer.
Funny Business: Roesch was a buyer for Blonder’s Paint & Wall Coverings for 30 years, before eventually landing at Lincoln Electric, where he’s been for nine years. “I have fun with work. I go into my boss’ office every so often and say, ‘Thanks for the entertaining day.’ ”
Shoe In: It wasn’t until his first trip to the national event in 2018 that Roesch realized just how good he could be. He started strong, winning his first five matches, but lost the rest and ended up in 8th place out of 15. “Most of the other pitchers are really competitive. They want to win. They’re not there to have fun.”
Title Turn: On his return to the 2019 national event, he again won his first five matches, but he didn’t let the previous year’s showing psych him out. He won 10 more matches and the world title. “It felt different. Everything was smooth.”
Words To Live By: Roesch’s championship win serves as a bright spot in a difficult 10 years for him and his wife Maureen. In 2010, they were both seriously injured by a car while bicycling. And in 2015, their youngest daughter of four, Rose, died. To stay positive, Roesch thinks about a motto he and his wife have adopted: No regrets and enjoy what you’re doing. “You can’t say ‘I wish I would have.’ Why? You did the best you could at the time. So why regret it?”
Three and Out:
What is inspiring you in life right now?
Enjoying my age now. When you’re younger, you want to raise a family, have them grow up and be adults of their own. They’re all gone now.
What would you feed your friends if they came over for dinner?
Usually it’s sausage and chicken, because you try to appease everybody’s taste. If it’s a special, smaller party, it’s steaks.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Sit back and enjoy life when you can.
