Year Inducted – 1999

An outstanding defensive catcher and handler of pitchers, Jim began his career in the Firestone Park area in 1956 in Little League action, South Akron Colts and Firestone Park “D” teams (’63 champs). A three-year starter at Garfield High, Jim helped the Rams to city titles in 1963 and ’64. In AA play he was an excellent receiver for Airmatic Valve; Barberton Weather-Seal (1969 NABF World Series finalist in Buffalo); Dairy Queen 1970 (drafted by Nino’s Lounge for NABF World Series, Louisville, KY); ’71 Flexi-Grip; ’72-73 Eaton Sports Pride AA champs, where he made the All-Star team.