Year Inducted – 1994

Baseball has been a part of John’s life since he began to play in the Ellet area program at age 8. At Ellet High School he lettered 3 years, helping to win 3 district championships. He went to Orlando, Florida and played for Valencia Junior College, where they were Division I champions for 2 years. At Austin Peay State University he pitched and served as pitching coach. In the Greater Akron area he played with Red Peppers, Akron Insulating, Pfeifle’s Undertaking, Ellet Graphic Arts, Forest City, Stow Quality Cleaners and Akron Omnicor. He was All-City at Ellet in 1972 and 1973. He was on the AA League All-Star Team on 8 occasions. He was named to the All-Ohio Valley Conference Team in 1977. He had 2 no-hitters and was 8th in the nation with a 1.23 ERA. In addition to being an outstanding pitcher, he has the skill to teach his knowledge to others. As a coach he has won championships at Kenmore High, Buchtel High and at Hoban High schools. He was named Coach of the Year in the Tri-County Conference and in 1993 was selected to coach the Akron Entry in the State All-Star Series in Columbus, Ohio. Hecame out of retirement to play in theSenior League with the Akron Blues baseball team.