Cleveland’s flyweight champion in 1920, 1921 and 1922, Phil Goldstein earned the right to compete in the National AAU Boxing Tournament in Boston in 1923. He fought his way to the semifinals of that tournament before losing a split decision to Fidel Labarbra, who went on to win the AAU crown, the 1924 Olympic championship and eventually the world professional flyweight title. A distinguished professional career followed with successes against some of the most imposing opposition.
Goldstein, Phil
Phil Goldstein
Induction Year : 1989
Sport: Boxing
Cleveland’s flyweight champion in 1920, 1921 and 1922, Phil Goldstein earned the right to compete in the National AAU Boxing Tournament in Boston in 1923. He fought his way to the semifinals of that tournament before losing a split decision to Fidel Labarbra, who went on to win the AAU crown, the 1924 Olympic championship and eventually the world professional flyweight title. A distinguished professional career followed with successes against some of the most imposing opposition.
Prechtel, Howard
Howard Prechtel
Induction Year : 1989
Sport: Weightlifting
An active competitor in Olympic-style weightlifting for 15 years, Howard Prechtel won a world title in 1961. Subsequently he established eight world records in various powerlifting classifications, some of which stood for several years.
Franz, Phillip
Phillip Franz
Induction Year : 1989
Sport: Motorcycle Racing
In a competitive career spanning 21 years, Phillip Franz consistently was ranked among the nation’s best in this difficult and dangerous sport. Three times he was the runner up at the national championship and placed within the top four in 82% of his races.
Carter, Kenneth
Kenneth Carter
Induction Year : 1989
Sport: Gymnastics
Kenneth Carter was the national Tumbling Champion in the 1930s, and was considered one of the top flight gymnasts of his day, having made the USA Olympic Team in 1940. He toured the United States and Europe with an acrobatic group which gained extensive notoriety.
Pirrone, Paul
Paul Pirrone
Induction Year : 1989
Sport: Boxing
Paul Pirrone fought at a consistently high level which included bouts against 15 world champions. “Poison Pirrone” was the number one ranked middleweight in the world in 1934 and his pro career spanned eleven years, from 1928 to 1939.
About our website
Induction Year :
Sport:
Our website provides information on our annual event, registration features, and a database of every inductee since 1976, and is a great resource for all Cleveland sports fans. Please enjoy the site, and feel free to provide feedback.
Pierman, Jean Simms
Jean Simms Pierman
Induction Year : 1976
Sport: Softball
A lefthanded pitcher who played with championship girls fastpitch softball teams throughout her career, Jean Simms Pierman won particular fame as a strikeout artist. She once struck out 21 batters in a no-hit game. Jean played in numerous city, national and international championships. She also starred in basketball and became an excellent bowler after her softball career ended.
Hopkins, Ida Jean
Ida Jean Hopkins
Induction Year : 1976
Sport: Softball
A ten-time All-American pick at ASA National Slow Pitch Tournaments, Ida Jean Hopkins was chosen as the tournament’s most valuable player in 1967, 1968 and 1970, when she was the tourney’s leading hitter with a .704 average. She played fastpitch softball for ten years before switching to slow pitch in 1960. Ida began managing slow pitch teams in 1964, and coached her teams to eleven Regional ASA Tournament wins in 12 years and the national tournament in 1967.
Wood, Marge
Marge Wood
Induction Year : 1976
Sport: Softball
Marge Wood played in nine World Softball tournaments as an outfielder and pitcher, and on an equal number of Metropolitan Cleveland championship teams between 1936 and 1951. She threw numerous no-hitters, several in World Tournament competition, and averaged ten strikeouts per game. Marge once hit four home runs in four at bats for the Rosenblums in a championship qualifier contest.
Downs, Ann Smith
Ann Smith Downs
Induction Year : 1976
Sport: Softball
Rated one of the greatest catchers in the history of the sport, Ann Smith Downs was equally renowned for her hitting, her throwing arm and her ability to handle pitchers. She played on the Cleveland area’s finest teams, ending her career with the National Screw & Manufacturing Co. team that won the World Girls Softball championship. Ann also became one of the top women basketball players in Cleveland.