After a brilliant football career at Washington and Jefferson College capped by a Rose Bowl appearance in 1922, he mixed law studies and pro football while at the same time launching a coaching career that was to span three decades. St. Ignatius, John Carroll and University School were the recipients of his winning programs. He helped organize the “Big Four,” ushering in the golden era of local collegiate football.
Toohig, Bernice (Jerry Joyce)
Bernice "Jerry Joyce" Toohig
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Softball
Although standing just over five feet tall and weighing barely more than 100 pounds she was an outstanding pitcher. Between 1932 and 1940 she built a record of 133 victories and 29 losses and pitched 11 no-hit games, including one perfect contest in which no batter reached base. Was a mainstay for the World Championship Bloomer Girls in 1935 and pitched 80 consecutive scoreless innings in 1939.
Loya, Steve
Steve Loya
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Softball
Selected to the National All-Star Team four times and to the Cleveland All-City Team nine times. Was named the most Valuable Player in the 1975 National Amateur Softball Association Tournament, setting a team record of 23 consecutive hits. Once had six consecutive home runs. Received the Harwood Player of the Year Trophy at age 37 in 1971 when he hit .758 with 27 home runs.
Boldin, Frank “Horse”
Frank "Horse" Boldin
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Softball
An outstanding pitcher for two decades between 1928 and 1948. Possessed an overpowering fast ball that kept every team he ever pitched for in championship contention. Starred for the 1939 Nickel Plate Grille team which represented Cleveland in the national tournament that year.
Downs, Emil “Kaplafka”
Emil "Kaplafka" Downs
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Baseball
As a Class “E” pitcher-outfielder in 1924 he batted .475 and led the league in strikeouts. Hit .460 and again led the league in strikeouts in Class “D” and became the first member of the Cleveland Press Hall of Fame. After continuing to start in Class “A” amateur ball he signed with the Cleveland Indians in 1929, but injured his leg and returned to amateur baseball, finally retiring in 1944.
Mihalic, Pete
Pete Mihalic
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Baseball
Started his organized baseball career with Cleveland Favorite Knits in Class “E” in 1924 and won the Babe Ruth Cup for most home runs. Worked his was up to Class “A” before signing a professional contract. Later became scout for the Philadelphia Phillies and has scouted the top amateur talent in the Greater Cleveland are for 30 years.
Bradley, William Joseph “Bill”
William "Bill" Bradley
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Baseball
Star third baseman who played major league baseball for 14 years at the beginning of the 20th century. Spent ten seasons with Cleveland, two with the Chicago Cubs and one each with Brooklyn and Kansas City. Compiled lifetime average of .271. Managed the Brooklyn baseball team in 1914. Later served for many years as a talent scout for the Cleveland Indians.
Speaker, Tristram E. “Tris”
Tris Speaker
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Baseball
Among the first inductees into baseball’s hall of Fame. Considered one of the finest defensive center fielders in history of game. Hit .344 in 22 major league seasons, including nine with Boston Red Sox and 11 with Cleveland Indians. Was playing-manager of Indians from 1919 through 1926 and guided them to their first World Series Championship in 1920. After his retirement he served as a consultant with the Indians until his death in 1958.
Harder, Melvin Leroy “Mel”
Mel Harder
Induction Year : 1978
Sport: Baseball
Outstanding righthanded pitcher who enjoyed a 20-year major league career with the Cleveland Indians. Won 223 games, lost 186 and owned a lifetime earned run average of 3.80. Was the starting pitcher for the Indians first major league baseball game ever played in Cleveland Municipal Stadium. After his retirement as an active player, served for many years as pitching coach for Cleveland.
Weber, William “Bill”
Bill Weber
Induction Year : 1986
Sport: Track & Field
Coached and sponsored the Cleveland Striders Track Club dating back to the early 30s. Early involvement with the Knights of Columbus Track Meet Association (1940) led him through ever higher positions of leadership culminating in 1965 when he became Director of the meet. He was one of the founders of the Catholic Youth Organization. Made a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee for Track and Field in 1964, he has continued to serve youth through leadership roles in the Lake Erie Association of the AAU.
Vince, Ralph
Ralph Vince
Induction Year : 1986
Sport: Football
After a brilliant football career at Washington and Jefferson College capped by a Rose Bowl appearance in 1922, he mixed law studies and pro football while at the same time launching a coaching career that was to span three decades. St. Ignatius, John Carroll and University School were the recipients of his winning programs. He helped organize the “Big Four,” ushering in the golden era of local collegiate football.