Inductees

Sol wolf made his first impression on Pennsylvania sports in 1923 at Central State Normal School, the forerunner of Lock Haven Teachers College. Sol coached the football, basketball and track teams at CSNS. He quickly established winning traditions in all three sports. In 1925, after beating scholastic power Williamsport 44-0, Sol was named the Williamsport Head Coach. In 1927, for the first time since 1905, Williamsport went undefeated and were named Big Three Champions. 1928 was another banner year for the Billtown eleven. Sol’s three- year record at Williamsport was 28-4-1. In 1929, he unsuccessfully applied for the job at Dickinson College. At Williamsport in1929 and 1930 the Billtown elevens were again sensational, going 21-0-2. During his tenure at Williamsport, Wolf won 50 games, lost 3 and tied 3. During the following years Sol sought out other coaching positions, but none to his satisfaction. His efforts in the broadcast booth ended in similar futility.

One of the famous “Whiz Kids” of the National League champion Philadelphia Phillies, spent 12 of his 15 major league seasons as the Phillies center fielder (1948-1949). He sported a .308 lifetime batting average and routinely led the league in fielding percentage. Ashburn was a singles hitter rather than a slugger, accumulating over 2.500 hits against only 29 home runs. Ashburn was traded to the Chicago Cubs following the 1959 season. Playing for the New York Mets in 1962, he hit .306 and retired at the end of the season.
Richie was a six- time All-Star Game participant and two- time batting champion. He became radio and TV color commentator for the Phillies in 1963. After a game he had a heart attack and died in the locker room in 1997. Ashburn was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995.

Henry Bream was born and raised in Gettysburg and graduated from Gettysburg College in 1924, earning letters in football, basketball and baseball. He returned to Gettysburg in 1926 as assistant football and basketball coach and a year later was promoted to head coach in both sports, positions he held from 1927 to 1946. He was named Athletic Director in 1952 and held the position until 1969.
Bream was instrumental in the development of athletic programs and facilities at the college as well as community affairs.

Raymond Grey was a graduate of Lebanon High School and Lebanon Valley College. After graduation, he taught and coached at Marietta High School. He served as a second lieutenant in the Corps of Engineers and was blinded in February 1943 in a booby trap explosion. After 50 years of blindness he received a corneal transplant and was able to regain some vision. Despite his impairment he was very active in his community and the VA Hospital

(February 20, 1920 – April 1, 1991) Frank had 12 seasons (1939-1950) in the big-leagues and appeared in three All-Star Games (1946-48). He spent the bulk of his tenure (1,176 games played) with the Pittsburgh Pirates, though he also played a season for the Chicago Cubs and played the last nine games of his career with the 1950 St. Louis Browns. The native of Hoopeston, Illinois, threw and batted right-handed. Gustine played all positions in the infield, spending most of his time at first and second base. Gustine collected 1,214 hits, including 222 doubles and 47 triples. His best season was 1947, when he reached career highs in batting average (.297), hits (183), runs scored (102), and runs batted in (67). His roommate during his career with the Pirates was Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner. His best man at his Oakland wedding was Pirate Jim Russell from Fayette City, Pennsylvania. During baseball off-seasons, Gustine coached the basketball team at Waynesburg College. In 1954, Gustine and Lee Handley began a daily 15-minute sports program on KDKA radio in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Following his baseball career Gustine became a Pittsburgh restaurateur who had a popular sports restaurant near the old Forbes Field on Forbes Avenue. His personality was perfect as a host greeting patrons with his always down to earth, polished, soft spoken manner. While on the inaugural voyage of Riverboat casino The President on the Mississippi River near Davenport, Iowa, Gustine suffered a fatal heart attack.

About This Inductee:

Three-year Washington and Jefferson All-American
Signed with Bulldogs same day NFL organized, 1920
Largest player of his time, 6-0, 250, bulwark of Canton’s championship lines, 1922-1923
60-minute performer, also punted, kicked field goals
Set NFL marks for longest punt (94 yards), longest dropkick field goal (50 yards)
Charter Enshrinee, 1963 – NFL Hall of Fame
Had two nicknames - "Fats" and "Pete"

Wilbur Francis "Pete" Henry was a football player, coach, and athletic administrator. He was a charter inductee into both the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.

A native of Mansfield, Ohio, Henry attended Washington & Jefferson College where he played at the tackle position from 1915 to 1919. He was selected as a consensus All-American in 1918 and again in 1919.

He next played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) for the Canton Bulldogs (1920–1923, 1925–1926), New York Giants (1927), and Pottsville Maroons (1927–1928). He helped lead Canton to consecutive NFL championships in 1922 and 1923 and was selected as a first-team All-Pro four consecutive years from 1920 to 1923. He also served as head coach with Canton in 1926 and with Pottsville in 1928.

In 1929, Henry returned to Washington & Jefferson as an assistant football coach. He became athletic director in 1932 and held that position until his death in 1952. He was also the head coach of the Washington & Jefferson football team in 1942 and 1945.

He died February 7, 1952 at the age of 54.

Leo began boxing in 1902 as a flyweight and fought successfully in every weight division up to heavyweight. During his career he fought many boxing hall of famers; including the likes of Harry Greb, Gene Tunney and Mike Gibbons. He later served as the boxing coach at Penn State from
1922 to 1949. He also worked as a boxing referee and Judge in Pennsylvania. Houck had 144 wins, 21 by KO, 36 losses and 23 draws. He was inducted into the Ring Magazine Hall of Fame
and the International Boxing Hall of Fame,

Stan Jones attended Lemoyne High School and the University of Maryland. He played on some of Maryland’s most successful teams. They were Southern Conference Champs in 1951. In 1952, they moved to the Atlantic Coast Conference and were co-champions. That season they were named National Champions, Jones was awarded the Knute Rockne Memorial Trophy as the nation’s outstanding lineman and was a unanimous All-American selection. Maryland awarded him the Anthony Nardo Award as the best lineman. Jones was drafted in the 5th round by the Chicago Bears and started in 1954 at tackle. In 1955 he switched to guard and remained there for the next eight seasons. From 1962 to 1964, he moved to defensive tackle. In 1965, he asked coach Halas to trade him to the Washington Redskins so he could play a his final season close to home. He retired after the 1966 season. Jones missed only two games in his first eleven seasons and was an All-Pro guard in 1955, 1956, 1959 and 1960, and played in seven straight Pro Bowls (1955-1951). He was an assistant coach for various NFL teams from 1967 to 1992. Named one of the “100 greatest Bears of All-Time”.

Robert Keller spent 11 years as the sports voice of WLBR Radio broadcasting Lebanon County football and basketball games in addition to Lebanon Valley College basketball games that saw the 1952-53 team make it into the NCAA tournament where the Flying Dutchmen defeated Fordham 80-67 in the opening round.

Plank pitched for Gettysburg College although not enrolled there. He was attending a prep school associated with the college. He signed his first pro contract with Connie Mack and the Philadelphia Athletics in 1901. He was 17-13 with 28 complete games his first season. Plank won 20 games in 1902, helping the Athletics win the American League pennant. He won 23 in 1903 and led the league in starts. He made his first trip to the World Series in 2005. He started two games and gave up only three runs in 17 innings but did not get a win. The Athletics went to the World Series in 2011 (Champs) and 2014 (Losers). Plank won two games in the 2011 Series and lost in 2014. During his time with the Athletics he was the most consistent pitcher in the game, winning over 20 games seven times. In his four World Series he had an ERA of 1.32, but only a 2—5 record. For his career, Plank had a record of 326-194, an ERA of 2.35 and 2,246 strikeouts. He is on the “Philadelphia Baseball Wall of Fame”.

In Ken’s 15- year career in major league baseball he played for Chicago (2), Philadelphia (5) and Cincinnati (8). He had a record of 119-154 with 806 strikeouts and a 3.60 ERA. Despite these numbers, Raffty made the National League (NL) All-Star team in 1944, twice led the NL in strikeouts, led NL in games started twice and led (NL) in strike outs to walks (3.02) in 1944.

Star quarterback and defensive back at Northeast Catholic High School leading the team to championships in 1935 and 1936. He was voted 1st Team Scholastic his senior year. He moved on to the University of Pennsylvania where he was an outstanding running back in Coach George Munger first three years at Penn. He scored 103 points as a senior, including a great individual performance against Princeton; rushing for 200 yards, scoring five touchdowns and 31 points. Reagan was named a 1st Team
All-American back for 1940. A captain of both the football and baseball teams. He was awarded the “Class of 1915 Award” He was a second- round pick of the New York Giants leading the NFL in interceptions in 1947. He was traded to the Eagles in 1948 and helped the Eagles repeat as NFL Champions in 1949. During his career Reagan averaged 40.9 yards on 224 punts. Upon retirement, he became head coach at Villanova, (1954 – 1959) and Athletic Director until 1961.

Vic graduated from William Penn Charter School where he was a tennis star. He took his racket to North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC). He was 63-3 at UNC, won the Southern Conference singles championship in 1948 and the doubles in 1949 and was an All-American. UNC awarded him the
Patterson Medal, the school’s top medal in athletics. He served as a pilot in the Army Air Corps in World War II for three years, which interrupted his tennis career. Vic was ranked in the ”Top Ten” thirteen time in the US between 1942 and 1956. He was ranked No. 4 in the World while he was No. 1 in US ranking. In his career he won 15 Major championships. He won Wimbledon, US Open,
Australian Open and French Open (2x) singles and the US Open twice in doubles. The French Open, Wimbledon (4x) and the US Open (3x) in mixed doubles. Seixas was inducted into the International Hall of Fame, the Philadelphia Sports Hall of Fame and the Southern Conference Hall of Fame.

Won “World Championship” and set a then world’s record in bait accuracy in Brussels, Belgium, 1958 while a member of the International Casting Federation Team representing the United States. Competed against 119 representatives of 29 countries. Won 54 National Casting Championships in fly, bait, and spinning. Member of “All-American Casting Team” 11 times. Captain of the “All-American Casting Team” 5 times. Is the only caster to have won a National Championship in all 18 accuracy events.

He was presented Sweden’s “National Honor Fishing Medal’ – was only ninth such award in 25 years and the second to an American. Became the first American to ever win a world championship in “Accuracy.”

Stanley was born July 13, 1890 at Luke Fidler, suburb of Shamokin, Pennsylvania. Started his career with Philadelphia A’s in 1912, playing in five games. Traded to Cleveland in 1916, to Washington in in1925 and New York Yankees in1928. Won 214 games, lost 141 in the Major Leagues. Won 20 or more games in 5 seasons. Won 3 games in the 1920 World Series, pitching for Cleveland against Brooklyn. Started 3 games and completed 3 games in that Series, with a 0.67 ERA. Elected to Baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1969.

Started his baseball career with Harrisburg Senators and was signed to his first contract by Lester Bell, then manager of the Harrisburg Senators. His contract was purchased by Pittsburgh in 1941. In 1948 he was traded to Brooklyn. In 1955 was traded by Brooklyn to Baltimore where he completed his career. One of the great All-Time fielding Third Basemen – 11 years in Majors – Lifetime average .262. Was in World Series with Brooklyn for 3 years, and also, with Baltimore 1949, 1952 and 1953.

Lifetime series average of .302 and competed in over 1,000 games in his Major League career.

All-American at University of Virginia. All-Time Pittsburgh Steeler
Running back and was All-Pro for several years – Played with Detroit Lions and the Washington Redskins. Selected top pick in the 1942 NFL Draft by Steelers. Though small in stature, 5’10”, 182 pounds, he was leading rusher his rookie year with 696 yards earning him All-League honors.

Elected to the National Football League Hall of Fame in 1966. The book, Greatest 60 Minutes in Football, chronicles the man.

Played football at Williamsport High School and was selected All-State Center. Also while attending the same High School he was selected All-League Guard in basketball. He attended the University of Pennsylvania where he was center in 1930-32-33 and was All-American mention in 1930 and 1933, selected Center AP All-Eastern All-American Team in 1932, and also Center New York Post All-American Team the same year. In an article of the Franklin Field Illustrated 1954, “Of all the men who have played football at Pennsylvania, Roy Engle must be considered the number one ‘iron man.’ In three seasons he started every one of the 24 games and played 1,423 out of a possible 1,440 minutes. He never left a game because of injuries and never had to call a time out.”

In an article by Ed Pollock in 1963 issue of the Franklin Field Illustrated, he stated that Roy Engle was the greatest center in University of Pennsylvania history.

Started his career with Philadelphia A’s in 1947 under the leadership of the late Connie Mack and was traded to Chicago White Sox in 1950. In 1964 was traded to Houston where he finished his career in 1965. He coached the Washington Senators for several years. Played 19 years in the Majors, playing in 2.367 games.

Lifetime batting average of .288, compiling 2663 hits and was considered one of the All-Time great second basemen.

The first superstar of professional basketball – led the Philadelphia Warriors to Basketball Association of America (now NBA) championship in first year of league 1947-47 – voted to 25th Anniversary NBA team as one of the ten greatest players in the league since its inception, exclusive of present active players – established an all-time record of 1611 points in his first pro season, counting regular season and playoffs – was league’s leading scorer for regular season with 1389 points – a leading point maker throughout his career – had the greatest variety of shots in the games’ history – recognized as the first great jump shooter and emulated by players in college and pro ranks – in 1949 he set a pro record of 63 points against Indianapolis which was not broken until 1959, five years after the adoption of the 24 second rule – made the All-NBA team three times and second team once – twice chosen the league’s Most Valuable Player by the Philadelphia Sportswriters – one of the top rebounders and one of the most aggressive players – played at Murray State College and had a brilliant basketball career in the Marine Corps during World War II.

Geneva College Fullback, Green Bay Packers – New York Giants All-Pro Tackle 1931-32-33-34. Umpired in Major Leagues and eventually became Supervisor of American League Umpires. On the gridiron, Cal Hubbard pioneered the linebacker position and was one of the most intimidating players in the National Football League.

Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. Named to NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team” in 1969 and NFL’s” Two-way Team” in 1994. Also inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

An All-Pennsylvania State High School selection while playing for Mahanoy City; an All-American and Helms Foundation selection while playing for St. Joseph’s College and a star professional with the Philadelphia Warriors, which he joined in their first season 1946-47. Played a leading part in helping the team win the Championship of the Basketball Association of America (now NBA) in its inaugural year – Active player for Warriors for nine seasons, helping them win several Eastern Division titles. Assistant Coach for two years, while still playing – Head Coach in 1955-56, and in his first campaign piloted the Warriors to another league title.

In his senior year at St. Joseph’s, he led the nation’s major college scorers with a record 515 points and was voted “Athlete of the Year” by the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association.

Was born April 19, 1909 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Started his professional baseball career with the Boston Red Sox in 1934 and was traded to the Phillies in 1935. In 1938 he was traded to the Cincinnati Reds where he played until 1948 when he retired to manage. Was a manager in 1948 and 1949 with the Reds. Pitched 3.104 2/3’s innings – gave up 2,990 hits, had 1,107 strike-outs and issued 1,121 bases on balls. In 1939 and 1940 pitched for Cincinnati Reds in World Series, In 1939 lost two games and pitched 11 innings, giving up 13 hits, 1 base on balls and had 6 strike-outs. In 1940 won 2 games, losing none with ERA 1.50. Started and completed both games giving up only 8 hits, 6 bases on balls and 6 strike-outs for both games. One of the games was a shut-out.

Played in Major Leagues for 16 years – won 198 lost 160 – ERA 3.30.

Was born April 26, 1900 in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania. Started his career in 1923 with New York Giants – 1934 traded to Philadelphia Phillies. Played in two World Series – 1924 with New York Giants and in 1929 with Chicago Cubs. Had batting average for the Series in 1929 of .471. Holds National League Home-run record with 56 in 1930 and R.B.I. both leagues with 190 in 1929 – 1930 which was All-time record.

Was in Majors for 12 years – with 1,062 R.B.I.’s, 244 Home Runs. Second highest paid in Majors at his time $70,000 – next to Babe Ruth in top pay.

One of the State’s leading live bird shoot competitors with numerous records unequaled. Former Scout of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox with numerous finds to his record; received National and International recognition including State, Senate, and International Rotary for his philanthropy in sports and personal contributions in making sports programs possible to all age groups and both Professional and Amateur Teams.

Up Pottsville way, this gentleman, 74 years young, is referred to by most people as the “Patriarch of Anthracite Sport,,” Those in the National Football League call him the “Fox,” but anyway you cut it, Joe Zacko is one of the greatest sport’s philanthropists in the Commonwealth.