Inductees

Retired U.S. Army Four-Star General George Joulwan has had an outstanding athletic and military career. His 36 years of service included four as the NATO Supreme Allied Commander, serving in this critical world stage position from 1993 to 1997. He established the first-ever strategic policy in U.S. engagement in Africa and orchestrated programs that greatly enhanced and stabilized the total military situation involving Easter Europe and Russia. He was the first Supreme Commander to have commanded at every level from platoon through corps.

General Joulwan was born in Pottsville on November 16, 1939. Raised in the Schuylkill County seat, he became a standout for the strong Pottsville Crimson Tide football team. He was a first-team All-State selection in 1956, playing center on offense and linebacker on defense. He was also named to the first Pennsylvania Big 33 team. Also a basketball star, he received All-State mention in 1957. Appointed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, George became a star for Army as well. Again, playing center and linebacker, he was honored with West Point’s Thomas Hammond award as his team’s Outstanding Lineman, as well as being All-America honorable mention. He played in the North-South Shrine All-Star game after his senior season.

Leo R. Koceski, a native of Canonsburg, was an outstanding running back at the University of Michigan, after two All-WPIAL football seasons at Canonsburg High School in 1945 and 1946, also known as the "Canonsburg Comet."

Koceski scored 19 touchdowns in 1946, his senior season at Canonsburg and was a sprinter and long jumper in track. He selected Michigan from approximately 40 college offers and was a varsity halfback in his sophomore year when the Wolverines won the national championship in 1948 under famed head coach Fritz Crisler.

In Koceski’s junior and senior seasons, Michigan was co-champion with Ohio State in 1949 and Big 10 and Rose Bowl champion in 1950, when the Wolverines defeated Ohio State 9-3 in a heavy snowstorm in Columbus to clinch the title. Michigan then beat California 14-6 in the 1951 Rose Bowl.

Koceski, who did not play high school baseball because Canonsburg did not have a team, played the outfield on two Big 10 championship teams at Michigan and was elected captain in 1951. He received the university’s Big 10 award as an outstanding athlete and scholar.

He resides in Dearborn Heights, MI. and was employed as a sales representative for Wilsonart Co. He is married and has three sons.

Fordham University’s “Seven Blocks of Granite” of 1936 are part of the lore of college football. In those times, the Rams, coached by “Sleepy” Jim Crowley of “Four Horsemen” fame, were a national power. Phil Marion of Eddystone, Delaware County, was a star guard on those teams, playing opposite another legend, Vince Lombardi. Frank Leahy was a Fordham assistant. Phil was 5-8 and 185, stocky and tough. The Fordham forward wall was nearly impregnable.

Following his college career, Phil Maron entered coaching. He had been an All-Scholastic fullback at tiny Eddystone High School, competing against opponents with much larger enrollments. After stints as an assistant, he became the Head Coach at Ridley Township in 1943, holding that position for 30 years, until ill health forced his retirement after the 1972 season. His Green Raider teams won eleven league titles and were undefeated in seven seasons. Phil’s overall record at Ridley was 222 wins, only 58 defeats, and 16 ties. His best team may have been the 1958 squad which won all ten games and was rated one of the top elevens in Pennsylvania. Ridley won 23 straight games, beginning in 1963 and extending into the 1966 season.

Phil Martelli created a basketball legend in Philadelphia. His 2004 St. Joseph Hawks were 27-0 in the regular season and reached Number One ranking in both major polls for the first time in school history. The Hawks were then accorded a Number One seed in the NCAA tournament and advanced to the Elite Eight where they suffered a narrow loss to Oklahoma State. His outstanding guard, Jameer Nelson from nearby Chester, was named unanimous first team All-American and National Player of the Year. Phil himself was the consensus National Coach of the Year. He also won his fourth Atlantic Ten coaching award. The former Widener University basketball captain led the Hawks to ten conference regular season titles, four NCAA tournaments, and four appearances in the NIT. Phil’s overall record in twelve seasons at St. Joseph’s was 240-139.

Graduating from Widener in 1976, Phil assisted at Widener and spent seven years as head coach at Bishop Kenrick High School. He became an Assistant at St. Joseph’s University in the Fall of 1985. In his decade as an assistant, the Hawks made the NCAA tournament in 1986 and the NIT in 1993 and 1995. On July 20, 1995, he was named the 14th Hawk Head Coach. In his first season, the Hawks reached the NIT championship game.

John Pergine’s recognition as an outstanding athlete began at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School in suburban Philadelphia. He was a three-sport star for the P-W Colonials. As a junior in 1963, he starred on the PIAA State Class A basketball championship team that defeated Norwin for the title. He was a key starter on the 1964 P-W team that reached the State title game, losing to Uniontown. John was a first team All-Starter both years. On the gridiron, John was a star quarterback and line backer and was named to the third All-State team as quarterback. His P-W teams won three straight Suburban One titles. He played in the great 1964 Big 33 Pennsylvania victory over the Texas All-Stars. At Notre Dame, he saw action as a sophomore linebacker in 1965, then became a starter on the 1966 Fighting Irish National Champions. He was the second leading tackler, including seven for a loss. He received All-American recognition.

John then played for seven seasons at linebacker in the National Football League, starring for both the Los Angeles Rams and the Washington Redskins. In 1975, his touchdown catch on a fake field goal put the Redskins into the NFL playoff. This was Joe Theismann’s first NFL TD pass.

A fifty-year coach, Jim Phelan is revered at Mount St. Mary’s University in tiny Emmitsburg, Maryland. Head coach for 49 years, Jim won 830 games and lost only 508, directing his team in more than 1,330 games. When he retired after the 2002-2003 season, Jim ranked third in all-time victories by a Division I coach. He led the Mount to a Division II National Championship in 1962. He made 16 trips to the NCAA Division II tournament, including five Final Four appearances. Jim directed nineteen 20-win seasons and had only ten losing campaigns. His best season was 28-3. His team received invitations to the NCAA “Big Dance” in 1995 and 1999, and an NIT bid in 1997. Jim also served Mount St. Mary’s for 22 years as Athletic Director, along with his basketball duties. He helped lay the groundwork for the school’s move to Division I in 1988. Once this was done, Jim returned to full-time service with his basketball squad. His graduation rate for his players exceeded ninety percent. Jim’s personal honors included NCAA Coach on the Year in 1962 and NCAA Division II Coach of the Year in 1981.

Myron, a native of Van Voorhis, lettered in football, basketball, track, and baseball at Charleroi High School. He graduated in 1957. As a two-way performer in football as fullback and linebacker, he earned All-State and All-American honors. In his senior season, he led the Cougars, coached by James “Rab” Currie, to the WPIAL Class AA championship against Jeannette. Charleroi lost a heartbreaking 16-13 score on a field goal by Jim Burzio with four seconds remaining in the game.

He played college football at the University of Notre Dame, performing as a linebacker, center and guard from 1958-1960 under the guidance of head coaches Terry Brennan and Joe Kuharich. Earning a reputation as a bruising tackler, Myron captained the Fighting Irish in 1960 and was named to several college All-American teams. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in business management at Notre Dame and graduated in 1961.

Myron began a long and successful 13-year career in the National Football League beginning with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961. He played for the Steelers through 1965 and ensuingly was a standout for the Los Angeles Rams from 1966-70 and the Washington Redskins from 1971-73. The 6'2", 225-pound linebacker was known for his fierce tackling. He won All-Pro honors and was selected to play in the Pro Bowl three times. He also played in Super Bowl VII with the Redskins. He built a reputation as one of pro footballs better middle linebackers. Pottios suffered two broken arms and a dislocated shoulder during his five years with the Steelers. Owner Dan Rooney of the Steelers saw Pottios as beginning the great linebacker tradition and he was succeeded by Jack Ham and Jack Lambert.
Following his playing career, Myron coached the Philadelphia Bell in the World Football League.

He is involved in numerous community activities, including Caring for Kids, Little League Football, benefit golf tournaments, the Taste of the NFL charity event to provide food for the needy, and numerous other fundraisers. Myron is a member of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame along with the Charleroi Hall of Fame.
Living in Lake Forest, California, Myron was the owner of a metal distributing business which he has since sold. He and his wife Doreen are the parents of two children.

Lou Sorrentino was a three-sport athlete at both Sharon Hill High School and Lebanon Valley. He starred in football, basketball, and baseball. At Sharon Hill he was All-Delaware County in all three sports. Receiving a scholarship to Lebanon Valley, he went on to win twelve inter-collegiate varsity letters. On the gridiron, he won second team Little All-American honors and was selected to play in the Blue-Gray game where he was MVP for the Blue Team.

In basketball, Lou was part of one of the most amazing stories in NCAA Basketball Tournament history. He and his Lebanon Valley Dutchmen Teammates startled the hoops world in 1953 when the squad from the tiny school in Annville reached the Sweet Sixteen after a stunning win over Fordham at Philadelphia’s Palestra. Lou scored 30 points on the Surprised Rams. Louisiana State with Bob Pettit finally eliminated the game Dutchmen who had no starter over six foot one.

He was drafted into the army graduation and could not follow up his Signing with the Baltimore Orioles. Playing at Fort Meade, Maryland, Lou was the All-Eastern Service quarterback in 1955.

Robert coached basketball at the University of Scranton for 29 years with a .678 winning percentage and toq NCAA Division III National titles (1976 and 1983). He coached 4 NCAA Final Four Teams (2 first place, 1 second and1 third), had the most Division III tournament appearances (18), 15 MAC titles, 24 winning seasons, 13 twenty wins or more seasons, 4 MAC Coach of the Year awards, 3 ECAC each of the Year awards (1976.1977.1983 and was the Kodak Division III, Coach of the Year in 1983. 7th on the NCAA (Division III) list with 554 wins.

He graduated form the University of Scranton where he lettered for 4 years His rebounding record still stands (43 in 1955) against Kings, still 7th best in the NCAA Record Book. He led the Royals in scoring and rebounding his senior year (1955) and received an MVP award (1954).

Joseph attended North Schuylkill High School 1980 – 1984, where his career wrestling record was 154-5-1. He won three PIAA State Wrestling titles and was voted “Most Outstanding Wrestler” in 1982 and 1983. In 1983 he pinned all opponents in district, regional and state tournaments. His 50 – 0 record in 1984 and 103 pins were state records. Joseph was selected a high school All-American three times. Joseph was World freestyle champion in 1979. He graduated from North Carolina State and captained the Wolfpack to 2 ACC titles.

Pete “Diesel” Duranko He was named a 1962 Johnstown Catholic 1st Team All – American and to the Bif 33 Game. Pete was also the PCIAA Shot Put (55’9”) and Discus (152’ 8”) Champion. Her attended Notre Dame University (1962-1966), and was named Defensive MVP during their National Championship season. He was voted PA College Lineman of the Year, He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and Denver Broncos and played for the Denver Broncos (1967 – 1975) at defensive end and tackle.

Betsy was inducted into the LPGA Hall of Fame after her 30th win at the ShopRite LPGA Classic I 1995. She has 34 career victories, including Six majors – Dinah Shore 1987,1990,1997), U.S. Womens Open (1989, 1990), and Mazda LPGA (1992). She was the first LPGA player to pass the $5 and $6 million mark in season earnings (1995 and 1998). She was LPGA Player of the Year in 1984, 1989 and 1993) and the Vare.

Betsy played on the Furman University’s NCAA title team in 1976 and Voted their athlete and Women Scholar Athlete of the Year in 1977. She has been inducted into the Furman University and Exeter High School Halls of fame.

Roger is originally for Vienna, GA. He attended the University of Pittsburgh on a football scholarship where he played with the likes of Dan Marion, Chris Doleman and Jimbo Coleman. Roger is a two-time Olympic champion in the 110 high hurdles. In addition to winning a gold medal in the 1984 and 1988 Olympics, he is a five- time U.S. outdoor champion. He won a gold medal at the 1989 World Cup, 1989 World University Games and the 1989 and 1995 Pan Am Games. He set the World Record of 12.92 in the 110 High Hurdles in Zurich, Switzerland in 1989. In the years 2002-2003 Roger worked with the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League as an intern speed, strength, and conditioning Coach before signing with California University of PA.

He became the head coach of California University’s cross country and track and field programs. He was inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 2005.

Many of Bap Manzini’s former students and football players will tell you that “he was awesome.” His proteges would utter frequently that “the Bapper knows,” in reference to his ability to win football games. With his tough, rugged, furrowed face and deep, raspy voice, he intimidated many a foe. As gruff as he appeared, his players loved him, for he was a good-hearted and decent man beneath it all. Some may have thought of him as simply a jock, but there was an intellectual side to him as well. He was a learned man. He could also size up people very well. If anyone deserves the title of dean of football coaches of the Mid-Mon Valley in the second half of the twentieth century, it is Bap Manzini.

A native of Monongahela, he was born August 27, 1920, the son of Achille and Rita Manzini. Bap starred in football at Monongahela High and graduated in 1939. He went on to St. Vincent College in Latrobe and majored in business administration. He captained the Bearcats in 1942 as a senior and was named All-State center by The Associated Press and United Press International.

Following service in the U.S. Air Force, Manzini turned to the pro ranks and played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1944 and 1945. During World War II because of a player shortage the Steelers and Eagles merged to form the Phil-Pitt “Steagles” in 1943 and 1944. Bap won the Robert J. French Memorial Trophy as the outstanding player in the 1945 Philadelphia Inquirer Charity Game, an honor which earned him a niche in the Pro-Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

About This Inductee:

• Coughlin High School-10 letters in football, basketball, track, baseball
• Captain of 1957 championship football team, two-time All-State/All-Scholastic
• Notre Dame University-3 year football letterman-halfback/kicker/running back
• 1961 leading scorer. Against Navy, carried ball 25 times, 131 yards, 9 extra points, one field goal
• Set record of 5 field goals in one game, new record of 49 yards (stood for 11 years)
• Longest field goal-55 yards in 1961 Spring exhibition game (half time against Paul Horning)
• Was also a running back for two years, averaging 5.2 yards per carry for total of 400 yards
• Drafted by NFL’s Chicago Bears, but suffered a first-year career ending injury
• Inducted into PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2006

Joe graduated from Coughlin High School where he earned a total of 10 letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. He was captain of the 1957-58 championship football team and helped lead Coughlin to their first Wyoming Valley Conference Championship since 1937 with an 8-1 record. Joe broke the scoring record in 1957 with 18 touchdowns and 19 extra points for 127 points (a Wyoming Valley record that year). He was named as halfback and played for the East in the 1958 UNICO game. Joe scored 10 touchdowns and was named Most Valuable Player of the Year. He was also selected All-State, All-Star, All-Scholastic, and Top 33 in the state in 1956-57. Joe broke the all-time scoring record in the Wyoming Valley Conference. He was elected to the PA Big 33 team in both his junior and senior year, being the only junior ever selected (even now only seniors are eligible). He was on the 1956 championship track team at Coughlin and played on their championship baseball team in 1957-58. Joe went on to the University of Notre Dame where he became the leading scorer in 1961 playing halfback and kicking field goals. He held the record for the longest field goal at 49 yards against USC in 1961; his record stood for 11 years. Joe, famous for his “overtime” kick that beat Syracuse in 1961, was voted by the Associated Press as having made the most unusual play of the year. Notre Dame refers to that play simply as “the kick,” which helped initiate a NCAA rules change. Notre Dame was trailing 15-14 with only three seconds left. Joe lined up to try a 56-yard field goal, a roughing the kicker penalty moved the ball 15 yards, and Joe kicked a 41-yard field goal to win the game. His field goal was also decisive in a 22-20 victory against Purdue in 1961. Joe won a monogram letter three years while at Notre Dame. He was drafted by the Chicago Bears, but a knee injury prevented him from pursuing a professional career. Joe is married to the former Jean Macarelli and resides in Plains. They have two children, Nadine and Matt (who also played fullback and linebacker at Coughlin High School) and four grandchildren.

Paul graduated from Donegal High School in 1965 and Continued his education at Northwest Missouri State University on a wrestling scholarship. Paul was a three Time NCAA College Division I All-Americanl placing 4th In 1967, 5th in 1968 and a National Champion in 1969. He has coached for 30 years at Lake Mountain High School, Seaford High School, Delaware and Shamokin High Schools with a combined career record of 300-183-4.

He has coached six state champions. Paul has be inducted into the PIAA District 4, Pa State Wrestling, Northwest Missouri State University Halls of Fame.

This biography was written as part of the Mid Mon Valley All Sports Hall of Fame Biographical Journal in 2002

Jim was born in Fayette City, Pennsylvania, on October 1, 1918 the son of James Walch “Dock” Russell, born in Finleyville, PA and Lillian Johnson of Herminie. His father was of Irish-Welsh descent and his mother of Swedish origin. Jim was the first of four children in the family and included Carl, Ruth (Moravek) and Jack. Jim grew up in dire times as his father attempted to eke out a living working in the coal mines. Many of the jobs “Dock” Russell garnered in the mines had baseball teams of which he became a great acquisition. The elder Russell was a standout infielder and slugger. “Dock” was a star in his own right as a member of Hen Wilson’s powerful Fayette City independent teams of the old Mon River League in the late teens and early twenties. He once hit a ball which carried 400 feet on the fly and then rolled 250 feet. He also played a great game of football. “Dock” had a face shaped much like actor Spencer Tracy. His disposition was crusty. “Dock” Russell got his nickname by wearing a fur cap left at his home by a medical doctor, after a visit. Fur military style caps were popular with doctors in the early part of the twentieth century.

“Dock” Russell was rough on his son Jim as he grew up. The youngster played ball in alleyways with rocks as balls and tree limbs as bats. Young Jim was a rambunctious lad who ran himself down health wise and twice contracted rheumatic fever. Because Jim developed rheumatic heart disease, his baseball career and life would both be cut short. His aortic valve was damaged, but initially his heart compensated for the valve, and it didn’t bother him.

Jim entered Fayette City public schools on September 2, 1924. An average student, Jim didn’t finish high school. Instead he worked in the steel mills and coal mines to help his family financially. All the while, he maintained a devotion to playing baseball. An aunt on his father’s side, Margaret Scott, kept a watchful eye on the budding future major leaguer. Whenever he needed a tongue lashing to keep his mind focused, Aunt Margaret was up to the task. Years later Jim gave much credit for his success as an athlete to his aunt. She saw in him many of the talents that would later popularize him as an outstanding ball player: aggressive base running, great fielding abilities, speed, and power at the plate. For a time he lived in Brooklyn, New York, with his aunt.

Russell began his climb to the Major Leagues in professional baseball in 1937. There were many teams along the way until he was finally brought up to the “show” with the Pittsburgh Pirates in September of 1942. Those teams along the way included the McKeesport Little Pirates in 1937. In 1938 he played for Butler of the Penn State Association and Beaver Falls. In 1939 Russell moved to Mayfield of the Mid Atlantic League also known as the Kitty League. In 1940 Russell continued through the Minor Leagues with stops at Youngstown and Springfield, Illinois of the Three-I League consisting of teams in Indiana, Illinois, and Iowa sometimes called the Corn Belt League. St. Joseph of the Michigan State League was Russell’s next stop. Russell went to the Southeastern League and Sally League in 1941 playing for Meridian and Memphis. He was promoted to Toronto of the International League the following year. At Toronto he batted .295 and with this performance at the plate, the Pirates chose to purchase his contract at the end of the 1942 season.

Jim’s stint in Memphis was short lived. He resented being sent there and wanted a commensurate salary. The fans picked up on Russell’s displeasure, and his poor play in one game had the fans taunting him. When he made the catch in that game on the last out, Russell deliberately threw the ball with all his might into the bleachers. Jim was sent packing by management. Russell’s temper would hurt his image at times during his career, but his temper was the fire and motivation that helped him reach great feats as an athlete. During the off season, he would work for the Delaware and Lackawanna Railroad. His minor league play was outstanding because of his base stealing exploits. He exemplified the popular thought of baseball minds that speed never goes into a slump. He averaged 40 stolen bases a season. He was tagged the “speed boy” along with “rangy boy” for he was long and lean physically.

Jim was a major league success from the start. A switch hitter, a right hand thrower, at 6 feet 1 inch and 180 pounds, he did his most damage when batting against right-handed hurlers. One of the fastest players in the game, he was a consistently successful base runner and run-getter, besides proving a powerful hitter, dependable fielder and strong thrower. Detroit baseball writer Joe Falls picked him as one of the greatest athletes of all time in 1982, reminiscing that, “He had it all, a great name and the ability to swing from either side of the plate. I imagined him to be the most handsome baseball player in the world.” A real “charmer,” Jim had charisma before the term was coined in the 1960s. When he walked into a room, he had presence.
Russell’s temper could be testy while in the major leagues. He could be goaded into the stands at the ball park if a fan went too far with his heckling, but he could be very gracious, as attested to by a letter written to Jim’s son, Stephen, some forty-nine years after the event. “At Ebbets Field, I was all of six and at the players exit following the game. As the players started to leave, the autograph hounds moved in. I was too shy and intimidated to move in with them. Your father came out, and there I was clutching my glove in one hand, my ball in the other. He asked if I wanted an autograph. I handed him the ball. He took the pen from another kid who ran over and asked me my name. He autographed the ball to me personally, ‘to Larry Smith.’ I was the happiest kid in the world. I was particularly excited because I could read the writing. Your father’s script was almost printed letters connected together. I wanted to tell you, your father was a very nice man who left his imprint on this kid.”

During his years as a Pirate, Jim won the 60-yard baseball dash staged for major league players in connection with the annual relay meet of Purdue University. Jim ran the distance in 6.9 seconds and will always be remembered as a speedster.
In 1944, he was approved as a WPIAL grid official and did football games in the Mon Valley in the off season.

Jim’s best year in the majors was 1944 when he led the Pirates in hitting with a .312 average and 181 total hits. Russell was the first player in Pirates’ history to pinch hit a grand slam homerun on August 20, 1944, when the Pirates played the Dodgers. In 1944 Jim’s 109 runs scored placed him third in the National League behind only Bill Nicholson (116) and Donora’s Stan Musial (112). His 14 triples in 1944 was the fourth best total in the National League. And, in 1944, he was only 16 hits shy of a tie with the league leaders (Phil Cavarretta and Musial). In addition, he was only 11 walks short of tying Musial that year for a third place berth in that department. In 1945, his 15 stolen bases gave him a fourth place finish for top pilferers in the National League. In those days the speed game was not as vibrant and vital as it later became. In fact, in 1945 the top thief was Red Schoendienst who only stole 26 bases - just 11 more than Russell.

In Jim’s final season with the Pirates in 1947, he played between a pair of slugger’s - rookie Ralph Kiner and veteran Hank Greenberg. “Neither one could move” remembered Russell, who stole a Southwestern League high 51 stolen bases when he hit .366 for Meridian and Memphis in 1941.
A story about Jim as a Pirate has become a favorite over the years. Bucky Walters was pitching for the Cincinnati Reds in Crosley Field and Pirate Frankie Zak was on second base. Russell was at bat. Just as Walters started his delivery, Zak called time to the umpire to tie his shoe. Russell hit a homerun to right center field, but it was cancelled due to Zak’s time out. Pirate manager Frankie Frisch, a hard-nosed guy, was livid. Frisch told Zak later he would get him a pair of shoes with buttons. Russell batted again, but only singled. Zak’s career in the majors was short-lived.

Jim was always a favorite of Pirate manager Frisch. He boosted Russell’s speedboy’s stock even as a bunter. Frisch was ever a great lover of speed in players. When he first saw Russell beat out a bunt, he almost fell off the bench. Frisch exclaimed, “Why, that fellow Russell ought to bunt .300 in any league! He actually overtakes and beats the ball when he pulls a bunt down the line!”
Russell saw the color barrier in baseball broken during his playing tenure. In reference to the taunts made toward the first black player in the Big Leagues Jackie Robinson on his first visit to Forbes Field in 1947, Russell remarked that the comments of his fellow teammates made him “sick.” Russell also admitted that Pirate manager Billy Herman ordered his pitchers to knock Robinson down.

In 1948 Russell played for the Boston Braves. He had been traded for Danny Murtaugh who went on to Pirate fame as their skipper. Having a terrific year leading the team to first place and leading in homers and RBIs in August, Jim came down with bacterial endocarditis, an infection of the heart valve brought on by the rheumatic fever he had as a child. The illness cost him the rest of the season and a chance to play in the World Series. Jim recovered with massive doses of penicillin as his wonder drug. He played for the Braves in 1949 but his heart problem began to take its toll with Jim only batting .231. He was traded to the Dodgers as his career waned.

Russell’s greatest games came with the Braves in 1948 and the Dodgers in 1950, when he became the first major leaguer in history to hit home runs from both sides of the plate in the same game more than once. Later, Mickey Mantle would do it 10 times. The game in 1948 was on June 7th in Chicago where Russell hit a home run batting right-handed off lefthander Bob McCall. Hitting left-handed against reliever Ralph Hammer, Russell hit another home run. He also doubled from both sides of the plate to drive in six runs in a 9-5 Brave victory and tie a National League record with four extra base hits in one game. It was Russell’s biggest thrill as a big leaguer. At Ebbets Field in Brooklyn in 1950 Russell again connected for a pair of home runs from both sides of the plate becoming the first player to do so twice in his career. Russell’s victims were the St. Louis Cardinals, lefty Harry “the Cat” Brecheen, and righty George Munger. In Brooklyn at this time the Dodger fans christened him with a nickname for his home run prowess, calling him “Sock.” In 1952, he appeared as a Dodger in the first Topps baseball set. Jim played the outfield for his entire career, with the exception of 11 games played at first base.

Russell spent two campaigns with the Dodgers, pinch hitting in the 1951 club which lost the National League pennant to the New York Giants on the final day on Bobby Thompson’s dramatic home run. While with the Dodgers, Russell played with Brooklyn’s top farm club, the Montreal Royals, shuffling back and forth from the majors to the minors. In Montreal Jim met his future wife Theresa Mary Coreau of Arnprior, Ontario, who was a model in Quebec. They married on Halloween 1951 and had three children Stephen, James and Janet. In 1952 and 1953, Mr. Russell returned to the minor leagues and played for the Portland Beavers.
After retiring from playing professional baseball, Russell scouted nine years for both the Dodgers from 1954-60 and the Washington Senators from 1961-63. At the same time, he owned a beer distributing company in his native town of Fayette City. Russell Brothers Beer Distributing eventually sold out to another local distributor John Yetsconish in the early 1960s. As a scout, Jim signed California High School graduate Don “Ducky” LeJohn who had a brief stint in the majors with the Dodgers. Russell was elected to the Mon Valley Sports Hall of Fame in its second class in 1952.

In 1964, Russell took a chance at a political future. Placing his name before the Rostraver Township School Board, Russell was unanimously selected by the sitting board to fill the unexpired term of Thomas Patterson. His hope was to exercise the position as a springboard for a run for tax collector. This was not necessary because Jim landed a salesman position with Smith-Corona typewriters and office machines representing the Pittsburgh area. Russell spent twenty years with the company, moving to the Tampa, Florida SCM division in early 1978. Russell was a lifelong Democrat, molded as a young man in the tradition of Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal. He connected with those less fortunate. Russell would run for the Belle Vernon Area School Board in the merger formed by Rostraver and Bellmar three times. In 1967 and 1971 he was overwhelmingly elected. He lost his school board seat in the 1977 election.
In the 1970s, Jim Russell brought American Legion baseball back to Fayette City and the Mon Valley area. Jim Kriek, a sports columnist for the Uniontown Herald-Standard remembered, “the battle of baseline strategies when Jim was managing the Fayette City American Legion teams, and Herman Welsh and Buzz Barnhart had the Connellsville teams. I always looked forward to their games, just to watch those old baseball heads try to out think each other. I can’t recall one time I can ever say the crowd went home disappointed.”

Throughout his middle adult years Jim experienced chest pains, which at times were excruciating. On June 29, 1977 Dr. Ronald Pellegrini, at Mercy Hospital in Pittsburgh, replaced his aortic valve with a pig’s valve. A most astounding fact, his heart was four times the size of a normal heart. An athlete’s heart is normally twice the size. The recovery became touch and go when Russell had a setback. His heart went into an irregular rhythm called atrial fibrillation. Jim’s wife Terry remembered it as “very frightening. It was touch and go. They had to restart his heart in the recovery room, open him up, and massage his heart to a normal rate.” Russell recovered by 1978 and moved to Florida. He frequently played golf as a ten-handicap golfer with former major leaguers Stan Musial and Al Lopez at Feather Sound Country Club in Clearwater.

Russell experienced severe heart failure once again in early 1987. He needed mitral valve surgery which was performed on March 12, again at Mercy Hospital with Dr. Ronald Pellegrini. The surgery and recovery were difficult. His energy level increased slightly with the operation. Russell planned a hunting trip to Pennsylvania in the fall of 1987 and departed by plane from Tampa, Florida, the day before Thanksgiving on November 24. He died upon take off. The airplane made an emergency landing in Orlando, Florida. Jim was buried in his beloved Fayette City in Mt. Auburn cemetery.

Russell lived his seventy years with many highs and lows. He survived sub-acute bacterial infections three times and open-heart surgery twice. His major league career showed 1,035 games with 3,595 at bats and 959 hits including 67 home runs, 175 doubles, 51 triples, 554 runs scored, 428 RBIs, and a batting average of .267. He had 59 stolen bases. His fielding average was .981. His highest baseball salary was $16,000. He loved history, especially the Civil War period. He had many a drink and social discussions with his local Mon Valley friends. After baseball, he adored golf and played it frequently.Jim Russell’s testament is reflected in the manner his peers were drawn to him. One remembers a series of pictures of Dodger Roy Campanella leaning on Jim’s thigh in a Dodger team photo and slugger Hank Greenburg with his arm around Jim in an opening day line up picture for the Pirates in 1947. In Russell’s mementos one can see Joe DiMaggio’s Western Union telegram birthday message to Jim in 1949. Dick Williams, player and manager, remembered Jim as his mentor and guide when he was a rookie with the Dodgers. Russell was entertained in the home of singer Bing Crosby, a Pirate owner. He enjoyed the warmth and affection of Stan Musial, Ralph Kiner and Dodger manager Tom Lasorda who called Russell in his hospital room while he was managing a Pirates’ series in Pittsburgh. Chuck Tanner as a youngster idolized him. Russell was best man at Pirate Frank Gustine’s wedding. Maybe his peers recognized that flesh and blood people mattered more to him than the hoopla, hype, and garb of celebrityhood.

Joseph was a Helm’s All-American in 1929 at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was the Quakers top athlete. He won Eastern Collegiate scoring titles 1928-1929 and was names the top player in Eastern USA (over “Honey” Russell) in high school, he led Roman Catholic to Philadelphia title under Coach Billy Markward. Joe was named one of Philadelphia five best athletes from 1900 – 1950, regarded as one of the all-time top ten Philadelphia basketball players through 1960. He coached Reading Central Catholic for 25 years (1945-1969) Winning two Pennsylvania State Catholic titles in (1950-1951)

University of Pennsylvania triple threat tailback, leading nationally ranked Quakers to 1952 Ivy League Championship; named Colliers Magazine All-American, AP All-American, All East, All Ivy, Pennsylvania College All State, UP National Player of the Week, set Penn touchdown passing record for single game (4) and total season passing yardage in one season (1,200 plus). Earned 11 Mt. Carmel High School varsity letters. Named All-State and Lower Anthracite Football Player of the Year (1947-1948).

Marie L. Fantanarosa was Mount Carmel Area High School, State All Time Leading Scorer with 3,823 points from 1981-1985. Most points in a season with 1,318 and most points in freshman season with 886. Career total ranks in top ten nationally. Two-time All Mid-American Conference Selection at Miami University in Ohio. Ninth all time in scoring with 1,086. Currently in her eighth season as head coach at Miami, captured her first MAC East Division title in 2002-03 and in 2003-04 won the overall MAC Championship. Named MAC Coach of the Year.

Scott A. Fitzkee was drafted in 1979 by the Eagles and played with the Eagles in the '81 Super Bowl. Scott played four years in the NFL and was invited in '83 to join the Philadelphia Stars in the U. S. Football League. Played three years with Philadelphia and Baltimore Stars. A Penn State graduate, he held the record of 11 touchdowns and as a Lion played in numerous bowl games from 1976-79. He was the MVP in the Japan Bowl. Scott graduated from Red Lion H.S. in York County in 1975. He was a star running back for three years. Scott was inducted into the Susquehanna Valley Chapter.

John J. Flannery was consensus All-American at Syracuse playing center. He was an Outland and Lombardi Trophy semi-finalist. Drafted by Houston in 2nd round. Made All-Rookie Team at guard. Won Super Bowl with Rams in 2000. Played nine seasons with Houston, Dallas and St. Louis. He was a two-sport standout at Pottsville High, was PA Heavyweight wrestling champion. In football, playing center and defensive tackle made all-state, Defensive MVP in Big 33 game.

Gregory E. Gross 1970 B.S. All-American, 4th round draft pick by Houston. 1970-73 Minor League All-Star and Player of the Year. 1974 Sporting News "Rookie of the Year" with Houston, finished 3rd in hitting, 185 hits, most by an Astro (later broken). 1974-76 Houston, 1977-78 Chicago Cubs, 1979-80 Philadelphia Phillies, 1980 played a key role on the Phillies "World Champions" and on the 1983 "National League Champions." Ranked 4th in total pinch hits. 1991-93 coached Malver Prep, two championships, two 1st round draft picks. 1995-96 coached Rockies AA-New Haven, 1997-2000 Rockies minor league hitting coordinator, 2001 Phillies bench coach, 2002-04 Phillies hitting coach, 2001 West Shore Chapter of PSHF Inductee.

About This Inductee:

• Coughlin High School
• Football-All-Conference, All-Northeast, All-State
• Wrestling-two-time District II, NE Regional champ, All-Conference, All-State
• Baseball-All-Conference-.579 batting average
• Penn State University-football
• Co-captain of undefeated 1994 Big Ten/Rose Bowl Champs
• All-Big Ten second team 1994
• 1995 Rose Bowl Offensive Player of the Game
• NFL-3 seasons with Carolina Panthers
• Inducted into PA Sports Hall of Fame in 2005

At Coughlin High School, Bucky was a three-year starter in football, wrestling and baseball. He was named All-Scholastic, All-Conference, All-North East and All-State 1989. He received the Carmen Paulino Award as Wyoming Valley Conference’s Outstanding Lineman. He captained and was starting center in the UNICO All-Star game. His wrestling career record was 84 – 18. He was two-time District 2 champion, two-time Northeast Regional champion, two-time All-Conference, two-time All State, one of eight in the State. He was 5th in the PIAA State Tourney 1990. He won the Hooper Award from the Sunday Independent as outstanding wrestler 1990. As a three-year starter in baseball, he was two-time All-Conference. His batting average was .579.

Paul received a full scholarship to Penn State University, where he lettered in football four years, was co-captain of the undefeated 1994 Big Ten/Rose Bowl Championship team and was All-Big Ten, second team in 1994.

He received the Richard “Dick” McGinnis Outstanding Offensive Lineman Award and was offensive player of the game against the University of Southern California in the 1995 Rose Bowl. He was awarded the Charles Kustanbauer Memorial Scholarship and the Russell T. Bundy Football Scholarship. He was voted one of Wyoming Valley’s “Athletes of the Century” in 2000 by the Citizens’ Voice and was twice the Killer Bees Athletic Club’s Athlete of the Year.

Bucky played three seasons in the N.F.L. for the Carolina Panthers (1996, 1997, 1998 seasons). He was starting center in 1998 before sustaining a career-ending injury.

Paul is the Charlotte market manager of a sports marketing company and resides in Charlotte, NC, with his wife Tanya.

Jon Kolb, an offensive lineman, was an All-Big Eight performer in 1967-68 and an All-American 1968 at Oklahoma State University. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers where he became a standout left tackle garnering various All-Pro honors and being named to the All-Time Steeler team in 1982. He was inducted into the Oklahoma State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2001. In 1981, Jon placed first in the Strongest Man contest.