Year Inducted – 1995

In the annals of Akron’s baseball history only the legendary feats of Charlie Ketchum were able to capture the area’s imagination to the extent they did. His no-hitters, while a member of the General Tire Industrial League Team, were the center of our sports enthusiasm. Our local papers were full of his exploits. Major League scouts attended many of the General Tire games. Richard McBane, Akron Beacon Journal staff writer, detailed his accomplishments with a feature article titled “Eight Days of Glory.” During eight days in August 1926, Ketchum pitched a no-hitter against New Castle of the Ohio-Penn League. Three days later, he hurled a one-hitter against Youngstown of the Ohio-Penn League. He reached the pinnacle of his career three days later by no-hitting the then “World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates” in a Sunday exhibition game. He played professionally four years with Columbus of the American Association, Akron Tyrites (Central League), Buffalo Newark (International League), and Birmingham (Southern League). He then opted to play with General Tire rather than spend time in the Minor League at much less money than at a regular, year-round position at General Tire. In addition to his prowess as a pitcher, he was a gifted golfer, winning the Summit County Golf Championship in 1926. He served as pro for several area public courses and one in Toledo, Ohio. Charlie Ketchum died in 1944 at age 48. But history will record his accomplishments as one of our area’s greatest ever.