Bob Briner dedicated more than 35 years to amateur baseball. He was an outstanding player who later coached and managed, and served wherever he was needed. He helped build ABC Park in St. Ann, donating hundreds of hours of his time over the years, working on baseball diamonds, umpiring and working regularly with his family in the ABC Park concession stand.

Briner was a catcher and sometimes outfielder who came out of Clayton High School in 1935. He played in the County League, the Trolley League and University City League. Some of his stronger clubs were Maryland Heights, Manchester, Pelligren, Shearer Chevrolet and the U.S. Navy. As a 17-year-old, Briner led the St. Louis County League with a .469 average.