Billy Rhiel

Rhiel was born in Youngstown, Ohio, to William J. and Mary Lyden Rhiel. He attended local schools including Immaculate Conception Elementary School and Rayen High School. Rhiel gained early recognition as a player for a semi-professional football team associated with St. Edward's Church, in Youngstown. After graduating from Newberry College, in South Carolina, where he was a star football player, Rhiel joined an Atlanta farm team, where he took the position of second baseman. == Professional career ==

Rhiel made his professional debut with the Brooklyn Robins on April 20, 1929. He moved to the Boston Braves the following year. Rhiel also played with Portland, Oregon, in the Coast League, and Montreal, in the International League. == Later years ==

After ending his career as a ballplayer, Rhiel returned to his native Ohio, where he settled in the city of Warren. There, he served for 10 years as director of the Junior Baseball League of the American Legion and manager of Warren's Class D baseball team. He also managed the V.F.W. Canteen in Warren, a position he held for 10 years at the time of his death. Rhiel suffered a fatal heart attack at the home of his sister in 1946. His funeral Mass was held at St. Brendan's Church, in Youngstown. ==References==