Ben J. Zeihen, Class of 1956

While attending Salem (Westosha) Central High School, Ben J. Zeihen participated in both baseball and football. Mr. Zeihen was a standout in both sports, garnering numerous local, conference, and state recognitions. He was instrumental to his baseball and football teams with winning conference championships.

“Ben Zeihen was the best half back CHS has ever had. He lead us to football and baseball championships in 1955 and 1956. He had a chance to be a pro baseball player and he played in the Minor Leagues. He was not only a great athlete but also a super person. He never had an inflated ego. He and I were very good friends for sixty years. We served together on the Central High School Board of Education from 1981 to 1987 with Mr. Hartnell serving as president. Our main goal was to improve the athletic program and that was accomplished. I will always remember him as a best friend”.  Dick Merten….Class of 1956

Following his graduation, Ben J. Zeihen was a picture for the Kenosha Chiefs in 1956. That year he was also invited to a tryout for the Major League Milwaukee Braves. The Braves signed him to a professional contract and Mr. Zeihen spent the following three years playing minor league baseball. Once Mr. Zeihen’s professional baseball career concluded he moved back to the area where he spent 40 years as a concrete finisher. In his free time he loved hunting, watching his boys play sports and serving on the Central School Board for nine years.

• Baseball (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956)
  • Team Conference Champions (1956)
  • 1956 No Hitter vs. Burlington (94 pitches & 16 strikeouts)
  • CHS Team MVP (1955)
  • 10-2 team record (1956)
• Football (1952, 1953, 1954, 1955)
  • Team Conference Champions (1955)
  • CHS Team Captain & MVP (1955)
  • Braveland Conference All-Star & All State Honorable Mention (1955)
  • All State Honorable Mention (1955)
• C-Club (1952, 1953, 1954, 1955)