Softball player Bridget Armstrong said this picture of Ronald Tschida is “a fan favorite for sure.” Tschida died on Sept. 17, 2019. (Courtesy of Bridget Armstrong)
A father, a coach, a fan, a mentor and most notably the St. Thomas softball team’s “Papa” will always be remembered as a legacy behind Tommie Softball. Ronald John Tschida died on Sept. 17, 2019, at the age of 80.
Ronald Tschida was the father of head coach John Tschida but was the team grandfather to each of his son’s players.
“He was like a grandfather to all Tommie softball players and always found a way for us to feel special,” senior Alyssa Erdman said.
Whether it was a game or simply just practice, he was there.
Ronald Tschida was always the first smiling face the girls saw when they arrived to practice, and he made sure they saw him in the front row at games.
“He made the field feel like home and made everyone new feel welcome,” junior Bridget Armstrong said.
Players said Ronald Tschida sincerely cared about every single one of them and watched them develop over the course of their careers.
Players also looked forward to their birthday because getting a phone call or a crazy gift from him was something they cherished.
Ronald Tschida would ride his bike around looking for garage sales to buy birthday presents for the players. 
Tschida poses for a photo with Tommie softball players. (Courtesy of Bridget Armstrong)
Outside of softball, “Papa showed us that the little things matter. Being compassionate and kind to others goes a long way no matter how big or small the gesture is,” Armstrong said.
It’s safe to say Ronald Tschida’s enthusiasm, support, presence and “Let’s go ladies” cheer will be missed this upcoming season and in years to come, but the team knows he will always be watching.
Junior Samantha Birling wrote in her Instagram post, “Now, the only difference is, you’ve got a better view of the game.”
According to his obituary, Ronald Tschida is survived by five children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one sister. He is Preceded in death by his wife, Sandra; son, Joe; brothers, Bernard and Kenneth; and sister-in-law, Waltraud.
Tschida was a proud Marine, loved his family, friends, fishing and the later part of his life was ultimately about Tommie softball.
Ronald Tschida’s obituary was provided by Kessler and Maguire Funeral Home.
Carly Noble can be reached at nobl1781@stthomas.edu.