CENTRAL COACH WENT PAST THE 'BRINK' OF SUCCESS

One of the most popular coaches in Cape Central's history, Leon Brinkopf was also one of the school's best-ever baseball players.

A 1944 graduate of Cape Central, Brinkopf played professional baseball with the Chicago Cubs after a long stint in the minor leagues. He then, in 1957, came back to his high school alma mater and became one of the most successful coaches in school history.

After he graduated high school, Brinkopf joined the Marines. Upon completion of his tour of duty, he played in the minor leagues for a few years. His best year in the minors came in the Pacific Coast League, where he was named the Most Valuable Player. He eventually landed with the Chicago Cubs, but an injury shortened his career.

Brinkopf -- a.k.a. coach "Brink" -- coached both baseball and football, but will be most known for leading Central's baseball team to a state championship in 1962. Brinkopf retired from coaching in 1971.

Brinkopf coached the baseball Tigers for the entire decade of the 1960s, compiling an amazing 168-25 record during that span for a winning percentage of better than 850.