Henry Aaron:
"The Hammer's" ties to Wisconsin
were very strong, since he started his minor league career in Eau
Claire, had many of his best years with the Milwaukee Braves and
finished his great career with the Brewers. Aaron, who faced tremendous
pressure and racism during his pursuit of Babe Ruth's career home
run record while in Atlanta, always said he was treated well in
Wisconsin.
Aaron led the Braves to the World Series in 1957-58 and earned All
Star and MVP honors while with the team in Milwaukee. He and fellow
Wisconsin Hall of Famer Eddie Mathews combined to hit more homers than
any duo on baseball history.
Perhaps the most famous homer in County Stadium history came in 1957,
when Aaron homered to win the pennant for the Braves. Of course, Aaron
stayed with the Braves when the team moved to Atlanta and eventually
eclipsed Ruth's record. He returned to Milwaukee to end his career
with the Brewers and finished with 755 homers.
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Allis,
Edward P. "Ned":
Ned Allis won 10 state amateur golf titles
during a career that spanned 60 years, but his greatness might have
been epitomized by one round in 1913. On a spring day that year, Allis
show a 29 on the tough front nine of Milwaukee Country Club. Then a
20-year-old golfer, Allis went on to lead Harvard to a national
collegiate title in 1914.
Allis was a legendary long hitter, making Western Golf Association
history with a 306-yard drive in 1914. Allis starred in several U.S.
Amateur tourneys and Western Amateurs. His head-to-head battles with
Billy Sixty, Chick Evans and other greats of the era now are
legendary.
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Ameche, Alan:
Some still call it football's greatest game.
The overtime NFL championship game between the Baltimore Colts and New
York Giants is said to have made the pro league on TV. The man scoring
the winning touchdown in sudden death for the Colts was Kenosha's
Alan Ameche.
Ameche had a fine pro career, leading the NFL in rushing as a rookie.
Before going to the NFL, "the Horse" earned All American
honors at the University of Wisconsin and was selected the Heisman
Trophy winner in 1954. Ameche led the Badgers to the Rose Bowl. UCLA
coach Red Sanders called Ameche "the strongest runner in football
history, not excepting Bronco Nagurski."
Before going to UW, Ameche led Bradford High School to two state
championships and starred in track and field, as well as
football.
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Bartlett, Tommy:
Tommy Bartlett is credited with building the
Wisconsin Dells tourism industry and turning the sport of water skiing
into art and entertainment. Bartlett began his career as a Milwaukee
radio announcer at the age of 13 and later originated the first
call-in, radio talk show in 1935 at KMOX in St. Louis. His broadcasting
career included work for 10 radio stations and ABC, CBS and NBC TV
networks.
Bartlett turned his show business talent to the creation of water ski
shows after seeing a performance of the sport at the Chicago Railroad
Fair in 1949. In the early 1950s, Bartlett produced as many as four
water ski shows simultaneously throughout the United States, Canada and
the Far East. The ski shows performed at four World's Fairs, were
part of the President's Cultural Exchange Program and toured with
the USO. In 1953, Wisconsin Dells became a permanent show site for the
Tommy Bartlett Show and Bartlett became an icon, synonymous with water
sport spectacles. Bartlett was inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame
in 1993.
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Beaumont, Clarence H. "Ginger":
The date is Oct. 1, 1903. The setting is
Boston's Huntington Avenue Park. A crowd of 16,242 - tremendous for
that era - jams the old wooden structure as the Boston Red Sox are
about to meet the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first modern-day World
Series.
Approaching the plate is Clarence Howeth "Ginger" Beaumont,
who is a long way from his home of Honey Creek, Wisconsin. Beaumont
flies out to center and makes history, as the first batter in World
Series history.
Beaumont went on from there to finish a 12-year career, 1899-1910,
with a .311 batting average and 254 stolen bases. He won the 1902
National League batting average with a .357 average. Honus Wagner put
Beaumont on his all-time team. Beaumont has his best seasons as
Wagner's teammate on the Pirates. He also played for the Boston
Braves and Chicago Cubs.
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Beell,
Fred:
Pound for pound, Marshfield's Fred Beell
might have been the greatest wrestler of all time. That's how
George Barton of the Minneapolis Tribune described the 5-6, 165 pound
Beell.
Beell won three world championships at three weights, including
heavyweight. He was the only wrestler to ever defeat Frank Gotch, the
legendary wrestler of the early 1900s. Beell was described as
"quick as a cat on the mat" and "gifted with amazing
endurance."
After retiring from the ring in 1919, Beell returned to Marshfield and
entered police work. He rose to the position of chief before he was
killed in a 1933 shootout during a robbery of the Marshfield
Brewery.
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Berres, Ray:
Ray Berres was once called "the greatest
pitching coach in the history of baseball." Berres first started
to learn his craft while playing sandlot ball in his hometown of
Kenosha.
Berres went on to play 11 seasons in the major leagues for the
Brooklyn Dodgers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Boston Braves and New York
Giants. Berres averaged only .216, but became known as one of the top
defensive catchers in the game and one of the best handlers of
pitchers.
Berres started his coaching career in 1948 with the Milwaukee Brewers
of the American Association and went on to a 20-year career with the
Chicago White Sox, developing pitchers like Bob Shaw, Gary Peters,
Early Wynn and others. Tommy John often gave Berres credit for reviving
his career. After his retirement, Berres was called upon by teams as a
pitching consultant.
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Blackbourn, Lisle "Liz":
Lisle "Liz" Blackbourn impacted
Wisconsin state sports at several levels. Blackbourn starred at
Marquette University as a football player, but did not stop there. He
coached the MU football team from 1950-53. He then was tapped to coach
the Green Bay Packers.
Blackbourn managed only a 17-31 record from 1954-58 with the Packers,
but coached during rough times for the franchise. Blackbourn returned
to Marquette after his days in Green Bay and coached the last two
football seasons at the school.
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Blair,
Bonnie:
Bonnie Blair was born in New York and raised in
Illinois, but she adopted Wisconsin as her home when she started to
train in speedskating at the West Allis oval. Blair went on to a
10-year career in the sport. She won five gold medals and a bronze to
rank her at the time at the top of American female Olympians.
Blair was the first American to win gold medals in three consecutive
Olympics. She became the first woman to break the 39 seconds barrier in
the 500. She set an American record in the 1,000 meters in her last
race, at the age of 31. For her efforts, Blair was awarded the
prestigious Sullivan award in 1992 as the top U.S. amateur
athlete.
After her retirement from speedskating, she married Olympic teammate
Dave Cruikshank and settled in Wisconsin. She served as a motivational
speaker and donated time to a variety of charities through the Bonnie
Blair Charitable Fund.
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Breidster, Waldemar "Fritz":
Waldemar "Fritz" Breidster moved from
Milwaukee East High School to a distinguished military career in the
Army. Between those destinations, he played football well enough to
earn two-time All American honors at West Point.
Breidster actually started to excel at the game as a 200-pound tackle
for East. He led his team to a city and state championship in 1915.
After graduation from East. Breidster played a year at Wisconsin before
receiving an appointment to West Point.
Now 230 pounds, Breidster starred at guard and earned All American
honors for Army. He was selected captain of the team and led Army to a
win over arch-rival Navy in 1922. Breidster went on to command the
121st Field Artillery, 32nd Division in WWII and earned the Legion of
Merit and Oak Leaf Cluster.
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Brennan, Terry:
Terry Brennan's athletic career started at
Marquette University High School and extended to Notre Dame. Brennan
was an eight-letter winner in football, hockey and track at Marquette
High. He captained the 1944 conference championship football team and
ran the offense from his halfback position. Brennan also led the hockey
team in scoring as a junior and senior and held the school pole vault
and high hurdle records in track and field.
Brennan earned a scholarship to Notre Dame and started all four of his
years in football as a wide receiver. He was the leading receiver and
scorer on the Irish team that won the 1946 and '47 teams.
Brennan also won the 1947 middleweight collegiate boxing championship.
He later returned to Notre Dame as the head football
coach.
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Bridgeman, Junior:
Junior Bridgeman was one of the Milwaukee
Bucks' most consistent scorers of the late 1970s and early 80s. He
played in 711 games for the Bucks, but started only 105. Bridgeman
became known as one of the top sixth men in the NBA during his
era.
Bridgeman averaged just under 14 points per game at guard and small
forward. He was acquired in one of the biggest trades in Bucks'
history, coming to Milwaukee with three other players for Kareem Abdul
Jabbar. He was traded to the L.A. Clippers at the end of his career in
another big deal, which brought Terry Cummings to Milwaukee.
Bridgeman established business ties in Milwaukee, which he continued
to pursue after his retirement from basketball.
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Buck,
Howard P. "Cub":
Howard "Cub" Buck of Eau Claire was
one of the first American mammoth lineman. Bucks starred for the
University of Wisconsin and Green Bay Packers a at a hefty 280
pounds.
Buck never missed a game in his three years at UW, 1913-15. He was
selected to the Western Conference team and All American teams. After
his graduation, Buck played for the Canton Bulldogs and coached at his
alma mater, Carleton and Lawrence College.
He joined Lambeau's Packers in 1922 and starred as a lineman and
kicker. Buck scored 60 points on 24 extra points and 12 field goals in
his four years as a Packer. After his retirement as a player, Buck
coached at the University of Miami before leaving football to enter the
automobile business.
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Buckstaff, John Day:
John D. Buckstaff loved sailing, but on the
frozen waterways of Wisconsin winters. Buckstaff, a native of Oskkosh,
became a legendary skipper of ice boating. He was the champion of the
Inland Lake Yachting Association for many years and once hit a speed of
143 miles-per-hour on Lake Winnebago in 1938. That earned him a spot in
the Guinness Book of World Records.
Buckstaff also won several Stuart Cup trophies, considered the most
coveted award in ice sailing. Buckstaff's most famous boat became
The Flying Dutchman, now considered a legend in the sport.
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Canadeo, Tony:
Tony Canadeo was known as the Gray Ghost at
Gonzaga University because of his prematurely gray hair and spectacular
running. Green Bay Packers' fans saw plenty of the ghost during his
years with the Green and Gold.
Canadeo accounted for 8,211 total yards in offense in his years with
the Packers. He was a triple threat and more, rushing, receiving,
passing, returning kicks and punts. Canadeo averaged 5.8 yards every
time he touched the ball, and that statistic includes incomplete
passes. His biggest season was 1940, when he rushed for 1,052 yards on
208 carries - after starting the season with a broken
wrist.
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Carpenter, Connie:
Carpenter, a two-time Olympian in two different
sports, is one of the most versatile athletes ever from Wisconsin.
Shortly before her fifteenth birthday, Carpenter finished seventh in
the 1,500-meter speed skating event at the 1972 Winter Olympics.
Carpenter went on to win the U.S. outdoor overall speed skating
championship in 1976. Carpenter then began competitive cycling and went
on to win national championships in 1976, 1977 and 1979. While at the
University of California-Berkeley, Carpenter was a member of the 1980
national collegiate championship crew team. In 1984, Carpenter capped
off her competitive athletic career by winning a gold medal in cycling
at the Summer Olympics in Los Angeles. Carpenter retired at the age of
27 from cycling with 12 national championships and four world
titles.
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Davis,
Willie:
Willie Davis came to the Green Bay Packers from
the Cleveland Browns as an underachieving defensive lineman and under
Vince Lombardi because one of the all-time great defensive ends. Davis
earned All Pro honors five times and played in five Pro Bowls.
Davis held the all-time Packers' record for fumble recoveries and
became one of the premier pass rushers of his era. He was a major
contributor to five NFL titles in the 1960s.
Davis, who played his college football at Grambling, was inducted into
the NFL Hall of Fame. After his football career, Davis became a
successful businessman, owning radio stations and other
businesses.
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Daw,
Charles "Chuck":
Chuck Daw burst on the national bowling scene in
1923, when Milwaukee hosted the American Bowling Congress tournament.
Daw set a record of 2,014 pins in the tourney and established himself
as one of the top bowlers in the country.
Before his career was over, Daw won three ABC crowns, the national
team and individual titles, the Olympic three-man medal at the 1936
Games in Berlin, with fellow Hall of Famers Ned Day and Hank Marino as
teammates, and too many state and city titles to count.
Daw became famous for a powerful hook, but also for his sportsmanship
and class.
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Dilweg, LaVern "Lavvie":
La Vern "Lavvie" Dilweg starred as an
end for three football teams in Wisconsin. Dilweg starred at Washington
High School in Milwaukee before entering Marquette University. With
Marquette, he earned All American honors while also earning a law
degree.
Dilweg first played pro ball for the Milwaukee Badgers, who folded
midway in the season. He then moved to Green Bay, where he played for
the Packers from 1929-31 while also practicing law.
Dilweg played before the forward pass was a big part of the game, but
he caught 14 passes and was known as a devastating blocker. He also
played defense. After he retired from football, Dilweg continued to
practice law and was elected to Congress. He later received
Presidential appointments John Kennedy and Lyndon Johnson.
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Doleschal, Janis:
Janis Doleschal had her biggest impact on
Wisconsin sports as director of sports and athleteics for Milwaukee
Public Schools. She organized the first female sports programs in MPS
and later oversaw hundreds of teams and sports in the school
district.
Doleschal was a physical education major at UW-La Crosse, where she
earned her bachelors'sdegree. She received a MA from the University
of Wisconsin and a Masters in Divinity from the Theological Seminar in
Indiana.
She served as a pastor, phy ed teacher and English professor at the
Milwaukee Area Technical College before joining MPS. She also worked in
many other areas of women's sports. In 1997, she was named the
Wisconsin Athletic Directors A.D. of the Year.
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Dorais, Charles E. "Gus":
Charlies "Gus" Dorais often is
credited for inventing the forward pass when he faded back and threw
one to a Notre Dame teammates in a 1913 game. Dorais of Chippewa Falls
gained nationwide attention for the pass that helped the Irish beat
powerful Army.
But, Dorais, who stood only 5-7 and weighed 145 pounds, had many other
accomplishments. He captained the Notre Dame team that also included
Knute Rockne, as player.
After graduation from college, Dorais coached at Loras College, Notre
Dame and the University of Detroit, where he also served as athletic
director. He coached the College All Stars to an upset of the Green Bay
Packers in 1937. Dorais also coaches the Detroit Lions in the NFL from
1943-47.
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Dunn,
Joseph A. "Red":
Milwaukee native Red Dunn starred for two
Wisconsin football teams. First, he led Marquette to a 17-1 overall
record and two undefeated seasons in 1922 and 23. Dunn was said to be
one of the most versatile players of his day. He ran, passed and punted
the football and was selected captain of the team.
After graduation from Marquette, Dunn started at quarterback for the
Green Bay Packers, who won championships in 1929-30-31. Once again,
Dunn's versatility proved to be a key for the Packers.
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Fenske, Charles "Chuck":
Chuck Fenske didn't even go out for track
and cross country until his senior year at West Allis High School, but
before his track career was over he won a NCAA mile championship, set
or tied six world records, won six Big Ten titles and won the mile,
half mile and two mile in every dual and triangular met during his
senior year at the University of Wisconsin.
Fenske won the famed Mile of the Century at Princeton, besting the
legendary Glenn Cunningham. His Wisconsin ties went beyond UW, since he
also starred for one year at Carroll College.
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Fitzgerald, Jim:
Jim Fitzgerald made his fortune in cable
television and other industries, but he will always be best known in
Wisconsin as the principal owner of the Milwaukee Bucks during the Don
Nelson era. The Janesville native was known as an affable owner who had
the sense to leave the basketball to the basketball people, but also
provided strong leadership for the overall operation from the
top.
"Fitz" and Nelson had a handshake agreement for their years
together. It worked well, as the Bucks made the playoffs year after
year. Fitzgerald also was one of the founders of Sportsvue cable
network. After selling the Bucks, Fitgerald bought the Golden State
Warriors in the Bay area, where he again teamed with
Nelson.
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Foster, Harold E. "Bud":
Harold "Bud" Foster was part of the
University of Wisconsin athletic program for more than five decades.
Foster's involvement started as a basketball player for fellow Hall
member Walter Meanwell from 1929-30. He earned all conference and All
American honors in 1930.
Foster briefly played pro basketball in Chicago and Oshkosh, but later
returned to UW to succeed Meanwell as coach of the Badgers. Under
Foster, UW won three Big Ten titles and a national championship in
1941. He remained at Wisconsin as a coach and
administrator.
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Gantner, Jim:
Jim "Gumby" Gantner played baseball in
Wisconsin his entire life from Little League to the Major Leagues. He
was drafted in the 12th round of the amateur draft in 1974 by the
Milwaukee Brewers. Gantner made his Major League debut on September 3,
1976 and played in 1,801 games for the Brewers from 1976 to 1992.
Gantner finished his prolific playing career with 1,696 hits, a career
batting average of .274, 47 home runs and 568 RBI. Gantner's
statistics place him among the Brewers' all-time leaders in almost
every offensive category. One of the most popular Milwaukee Brewers of
all time, Gantner helped the Brewers to the American League Pennant in
1982. During that year he batted a career high .295. He was named the
team MVP in 1984.
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Gehrmann, Don:
Don Gehrmann gave an early hint of what kind of
distance runner he would become when he won the state cross country
championship in 1945 as a high school runner. From there, Gehrmann went
on to great things as a member of coach Tom Jones' legendary teams
at UW.
Gehrmann was the only runner in Big Ten history to win the conference
mile championship four times. He won the coveted Wanamaker Mile at
Madison Square Garden in 1949. Gehrmann generally was considered one of
the most dominant distance runners of his time.
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Gillespie, Earl:
Legendary broadcaster Earl Gillespie will
forever be known as the "voice of the Milwaukee Braves".
Gillespie called 11 years of Braves games on the radio from 1953-1964.
Gillespie's longest radio tenure was as voice of Wisconsin Badger
football for 30 years from 1957-1986. Gillespie's radio career also
saw him announce Green Bay Packers football (1952-1956), three NFL
Championship Games (1953-1955) and two World Series (1957-1958).
Gillespie was also the sports director at WITI-TV in Milwaukee for 21
years until his retirement in 1985. Gillespie is an eight-time winner
of the "Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year" award, including
four consecutive years from 1966-1969.
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Goldenberg, Charles:
Russian-born Charles "Buckets"
Goldenberg moved to Milwaukee as a child and immediately took to the
American game of football. Goldenberg starred as a tackle and back for
North Division High School and later for the University of
Wisconsin.
It was as a blocking back and guard for the Green Bay Packers that
Goldenberg really earned his game. He teamed with Mike Michalske and
Cal Hubbard to open holes for the likes of fellow Hall members Clarke
Hinkle and Johnny Blood.
Goldenberg was a give-time All Pro selection as a guard and
linebacker. He also played basketball, where he earned his
"Buckets" name, and wrestled during the off-season. After his
retirement from athletics, Goldenberg owned a restaurant in
Milwaukee.
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Grimes, Burleigh Arland:
Burleigh Grimes always will be known as a
spitballer, but the Wisconsin product was a fine overall pitcher.
Grimes recorded a 270-212 record with a 3.53 ERA. He also was 3-4 in
World Series games.
Known as "Old Stubblebeard," Grimes was known as tough
competitor who was said to consider an intentional walk as four pitches
as the batter's head. Grimes made four World Series appearances,
had five 20-win seasons and led the National League in complete games
four times. He twice led the league in wins.
Grimes also managed the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937-38. He was inducted
into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown in 1964.
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Grimm,
Charles:
Charlie Grimm earned the nickname "Jolly
Cholly" for his good-natured personality and humor, but few were
more competitive as a player and manager. Grimm became one of the best
fielding first baseman of his era for the Philadelphia Athletics, St.
Louis Cardinals, Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs.
Grimm twice managed the Cubs. He coached the Milwaukee Brewers in the
American Association in 1950 and caught the eye of Boston Braves'
owner Lou Perini. Grimm managed the Braves in Boston for a season and
then became the first manager of the Milwaukee Braves. He remained with
the team from 1953-56.
Grimm ended his time in baseball in the broadcast booth.
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Hahn,
Archie:
Archie Hahn developed his running style while a
boy running in the hills around Dodgeville. Hahn refined them in a
variety of amateur competitions and then excelled in the Olympics. In
1904, he won four Gold Medals in Olympic sprints and along with Carl
Lewis is one of only two sprinters to ever win the 100-meter spring in
back-to-back Olympic Games. After competing at Michigan, he ran for the
Milwaukee Athletic Club track team.
In 1908, Hahn entered coaching and participated in an ill-fated
professional track attempt. He coached at several schools on both
coasts and eventually at Michigan, Princeton and Virginia.
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Harder, Marlin "Pat":
Pat Harder first started getting noticed at
Washington High School, where he scored a record 143 points in eight
football games. He also won the state low hurdles championship and
captained the Washington baseball team.
Harder went to the University of Wisconsin and starred in the
backfield, as a kicker and kick returner. He earned All American honors
in 1942 and led the College All Stars to a win over the Washington
Redskins a year later.
Harder went on to play two roles in the NFL, first as a player for the
Chicago Cardinals and Detroit Lions and later as one of the most
respected officials in the league.
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Hauser, Joe "Unser Choe":
Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, Roger Maris, Mark
McGwire, Sammy Sosa, Barry Bonds, Joe Hauser. Not that many baseball
fans in the country would recognize that last name on that list of home
run hitters, but Joe "Unser Choe" Hauser was a prolific
slugger in the days when minor league baseball was practically the
equivalent of many major league teams today.
Hauser twice hit more than 60 home runs in a single season. First, he
hit 63 in 1930. He followed that with 69 in 1933 for Minneapolis of the
American Association. The Milwaukee native played most of his career in
the minors, but became a legend in his time.
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Heiden-Reid, Beth:
As a competitor in speed skating, cycling, track
and cross-country skiing, Heiden is among the most prolific women
athletes in U.S. history. As a speed skater, she stands as the most
successful U.S. women's all-around skater ever, winning all four
individual races on the way to the overall title in the 1979 World
All-around Championships, and adding to that a silver in 1980. She
skated on the 1976 and 1980 Olympic teams, winning bronze in the 3000
meters in Lake Placid. She was a member of eight U.S. Senior World
speed skating teams and four U.S. Junior World teams, winning many
single-event medals in addition to the 1979 overall title. In bicycling
she is one of only two U.S. women to ever win the World Road
Championship, taking gold in Sallanches, France in 1980 as the
culmination of a career that included four U.S. National titles. In
cross country skiing she won the NCAA championship for the University
of Vermont in 1983, along with the NCAA College Athletics award as one
of the top five student athletes in the U.S.
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Heiden, Eric:
Speedskater Eric Heiden accomplished what no
Olympian had ever done up to 1980 when he won five gold medals in the
winter games at Lake Placid. The Madison native took home more gold
medals individually than 12 nations did combined.
A quiet, humble athlete, Heiden combined with his sister, Beth, to
dominate the speedskating world in the late 1970s and early 80s. Heiden
won the overall world title in 1977, 78 and 79. That set him up for his
Olympic triumph.
After retiring from speedskating, Heiden completed in cycling and won
the U.S.professional championship in 1985. He also earned his medical
degree from Stanford and became a doctor. He remained involved in
speedskating as a commentator for TV for a decade.
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Herber, Arnie:
Arnie Herber lived the boyhood dream of starring
for his hometown team. After playing at Green Bay West High School and
Regis College, Herber became the quarterback of the Green Bay
Packers.
Herber joined the Packers as a 20-year-old rookie in 1930 and threw a
touchdown pass in his first game. He went on to throw 65 more, as he
led the Packers to four titles. Herber led the NFL in passing three
times and was pick All Pro in 1932. He and his favorite target, Don
Hutson, became legendary for their long pass plays.
Herber retired from the Packers in 1940, but came out of retirement in
1944 to play for the New York Giants. He added 15 more touchdown passes
and led the Giants to a title before retiring for good in
1945.
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Heselton, Bernard "Bernie":
For almost three decades, Bernie Heselton
passionately dedicated himself to St. Lawrence athletics.
Heselton's football teams won six Midwest Conference championships
during his 26 years at the school.
Heselton's teams were especially known for their conference
rivalry with Ripon. Heselton and Ripon coach Carl Doehling were good
friends off the field, but intense rivals when their teams met on the
field. The Doehling-Heselton trophy is given to the winner of the
annual game to this day.
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Hinkle, William "Clarke":
William "Clarke" Hinkle was said to
have a combination of power and speed that was rare for his day. He was
also a versatile player for the Green Bay Packers, playing fullback,
linebacker and kicker.
Hinkle starred for the Packers from 1932-41. He made All Pro four
times and led the team in scoring in 1937-38. In 1938, he also led the
NFL in scoring with 58 points.
Hinkle's versatility earned him selection to the NFL All Time
2-Way Team in 1994.
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Hirsch, Elroy "Crazylegs":
Elroy Hirsch is said to have been dubbed Crazy
Legs by a Chicago sportswriter who described his running style as that
of a "demented duck." But, oh, could Crazy Legs run. Hirsch
came out of Wausau to star at the University of Wisconsin and Michigan.
He earned All American honors at UW, then transferred to Michigan to
also enter a Navy training program during WWII.
Hirsch was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams, but started his pro career
in the American football league. He switched to the Rams in 1949 and
helped the team to NFL division titles in 1949, 50 and 51 as a wide
receiver. He played in three Pro Bowls.
Hirsch did some acting while linked to L.A., but returned to his home
state to become athletic director at UW. Hirsch was named to the NFL
50th anniversary all-time team.
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Holum,
Diane:
Diane Holum won four Olympic medals in
speedskating. In the 1968 Games, she tied for the silver medal in the
500 with fellow Americans Mary Meyers and Jennifer Fish. Holum won the
gold in the 1000 in the 1972 Games at Sapporo, Japan, and took the
silver in the 3,000.
After her years as a competitive skater, Holum became a respected
coach, who coached her daughter and top-rated skater,
Kirstin.
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Hornung, Paul:
Paul Hornung got the title The Golden Boy while
earning the Heisman Trophy at Notre Dame, but it was under coach Vince
Lombardi with the Green Bay Packers that he actually earned it. Hornung
became a key ingredient in the famed Packers' run-to-daylight
sweep. A triple threat, Hornung held the Packers' scoring record at
one time.
Despite the fact his career was interrupted by injury, military
obligations and a gambling scandal, Hornung became a legend with the
Packers. After retirement from football, he continued to do some
broadcasting work and remained one of the most popular former Packers
in Green Bay.
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Hutson, Donald "Don":
Don Hutson often is looked at as the first great
receiver in NFL history. The Alabama native led the Green Bay Packers
in scoring in 1934-35 and again from 1930-45. He led the NFL in scoring
six times and finished his career with 99 touchdown receptions, which
still rank among the all-time leaders.
Hutson led the NFL in receiving eight times and also kicked and played
defensive end. He once scored 29 points in one quarter.
A four-time All Pro player, Hutson was selected to the NFL 50-Year
Team and 76th anniversary team. Many consider him the premier receiver
of the 20th Century.
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Jansen, Dan:
Speedskater Dan Jansen captured our hearts with
his failures as much as with his victories. The West Allis native
entered the 1988 Winter Olympics as the favorite at a couple distances,
but after learning only hours before that his sister had died he still
raced and fell - not once but twice.
Jansen continued to train hard after that disappointment and continued
to win medals in World Cup competition. But, when he slipped again in
the 500 meters, it looked like he might never win Olympic gold.
Finally, in the 1,000 meters, Jansen set a world record and won the
gold. He made an emotional victory lap to the cheers of the
world.
In addition to that Olympic gold, Jansen won more than 30 World Cup
races, more than 50 World Cup medals and 20 World Championship medals.
After retiring from skating, Jansen did TV work and established the Dan
Jansen Foundation for research into leukemia, which claimed the life of
his sister.
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Jennings, Conrad M.:
Conrad Jennings helped built the Marquette
University athletic program as a coach and athletic director. He
coached track from 1922 to 1948 and developed such stars as Ralph
Metcalfe, John Sisk and Gene Ronzani.
Jennings served as MU athletic director and helped build the
reputation of the school's program. He was responsible for bringing
many of the top track and field athletes in the country to compete in
AAU events, Central Collegiate Conference championships and Olympic
trials.
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Johnson, Bob "Badger Bob":
Bob Johnson had a major impact on amateur and
professional hockey in and out of Wisconsin. "Badger Bob"
coached the University of Wisconsin Badgers to three NCAA championships
(1973-76 and 81). He established the UW hockey program as one of the
best in the country.
In 1976, Johnson coached the U.S. Olympic team. After being wooed by
the NHL for years, he coached Calgary and Pittsburgh, leading the
Penquins to their first Stanley Cup title.
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Johnson, Mark:
As a University of Wisconsin freshman, Mark
Johnson led the Badgers to the 1977 NCAA Championship. Johnson, UW
hockey's second all-time leading scorer, lead the 1980
"Miracle On Ice" U.S. Olympic Team in scoring with his
game-winning goal won the gold medal. Johnson had an 11-year NHL career
that included stops with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Minnesota North
Stars, Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues and New Jersey Devils. Johnson
captained and made an all-star game appearance while with the Whalers.
Following a stellar pro career, Johnson, like his father-1993 Hall of
Fame inductee Bob Johnson, started a successful coaching career. A
two-time first-team All-American and the 1979 WCHA Most Valuable
Player, Johnson is a 1991 charter member of the National W Club Hall of
Fame, a 1999 inductee into the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall
of Fame and in 2001 was selected as one of the WCHA's "Top 50
Players in 50 Years."
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Jones,
David J. "Davy":
Davy Jones started his baseball career with
Milwaukee before the National and American Leagues were structured as
we know them. Jones averaged .270 over 1,085 games. He hit .265 in 15
World Series games.
Jones played for Milwaukee, the Detroit Tigers, Chicago White Sox and
Pittsburgh Pirates. He was probably best known for being part of a
Tigers' outfield that included Ty Cobb and Sam Crawford. In fact,
Jones was credited with keeping the crabby Cobb and sometimes
pugnacious Crawford out of several altercations while playing with
them.
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Jones,
Thomas E. Sr.:
Tom Jones put Wisconsin track on the map from
1913-48. During his long tenure as coach, UW track teams won 15 Big Ten
titles, including nine in cross country.
Jones is given credit for developing such stars as fellow state Hall
of Famers Chuck Fenske, Don Gehrmann and Arlie Mucks. Jones also served
as an assistant Olympics track coach in 1948.
Along with Alonzo Stagg and John Griffith, Jones is credited with
starting the NCAA outdoor track championships. He is a member of the
USA Track and Field Hall of Fame.
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Joss,
Adrian C. "Addie":
Wisconsin-born Addie Joss had a 160-97 record in
nine seasons before succumbing to a rare form of tubercular meningitis.
Joss recorded a 1.89 ERA, the second best in baseball history and won
20 or more games four straight seasons for the Cleveland team, which
was called several names over the time period.
Joss pitched 45 shutouts, more than a quarter of his wins in the
majors. He pitched two no-hitters, his first in 1908 a perfect game
against the White Sox. He threw three one-hit games in the 1907
season.
Joss was said to have a great fastball and wicked breaking stuff. He
made several old-timers' hardest to hit lists. Joss was inducted
into Cooperstown in 1978.
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Keltner, Kenneth "Ken":
Ken Keltner played 11 seasons for the Cleveland
Indians and was selected an All Star third baseman seven times. But,
the Milwaukee native always will be best known for making two great
fielding plays that robbed Joe DiMaggio of hits and ended The Yankee
Clippers 56-game hitting streak on July 17, 1941.
Keltner also hit a single, double and three-run home run in the first
American League playoff game. His contributions helped the Indians beat
the Boston Red Sox in that 1948 game. Keltner had 31 homers and 119 RBI
in that season.
In 1,526 major league games, Keltner averaged .276 with 163 homers and
852 RBI.
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Kuenn,
Harvey:
Harvey Kuenn grew up playing sandlot ball in
West Allis and Milwaukee leagues. He learned the game well and went on
to a 15-year playing career in the majors. He will always be best known
in Wisconsin as the manager of the 1982 American League champion
Brewers, dubbed "Harvey's Wallbangers."
Kuenn averaged .303 while playing for the Detroit Tigers, Cleveland
Indians, San Francisco Giants, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies and
Milwaukee Brewers. He won the 1959 American League batting title by
hitting .353 for the Tigers.
He worked for the Brewers as a coach before taking over the 1982 club
from Buck Rodgers. He won the Associated Press and United Press
International American League Manager of the Year awards in
'82.
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Kindt,
Don:
Don Kindt was a two-way star at Milwaukee
Washington High School, the University of Wisconsin and for the Chicago
Bears in the NFL. Kindt made all conference as a defensive back and
halfback and was recruited by Wisconsin.
Kindt attended Wisconsin for one year, then went into the Army and
returned to star for the Badgers in 1945-46. The Bears drafted Kindt
first in 1947. He played from 1947-55 for the Bears and was picked an
All Pro defensive back in 1954.
Don Kindt was a two-way star at Milwaukee
Washington High School, the University of Wisconsin and for the Chicago
Bears in the NFL. Kindt made all conference as a defensive back and
halfback and was recruited by Wisconsin.
Kindt attended Wisconsin for one year, then went into the Army and
returned to star for the Badgers in 1945-46. The Bears drafted Kindt
first in 1947. He played from 1947-55 for the Bears and was picked an
All Pro defensive back in 1954.
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Konetchy, Edward John:
Ed Konetchy managed to record several records
during his playing days in major league baseball. He once recorded hits
in 10 consecutive at-bats in 1919. He also played in the longest game
in history, a 26-inning contest in 1920.
Konetchy played in 2,083 games, posting a .281 average with 74 homers
and 992 RBI. He played in seven World Series games. His best years were
as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals. In 1911, he led the National
League with 38 doubles while with the Cards.
Konetchy ended his career in the Texas League with Fort Worth. He hit
.345 with 41 homers in 1925.
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Kraenzlein, Dr. Alvin C.:
Alvin Kraenzlein first started drawing attention
for his speed in the Milwaukee neighborhood where he grew up. He
continued running through prep and other levels of compeition and then
reached his peak at the 1900 Olympics.
Kraenzlein won four Gold Medals in those Games, a feat that stood for
years. He was said to have a fluid, yet powerful stride and to look as
comfortable running as most people do sleeping. After his competitive
track career, Kraenzlein practiced medicine.
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Kramer, Jerry:
Jerry Kramer became known as a great pulling
guard in the Green Bay Packers' run-to-daylight sweep. He often led
the way for Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor and became known as a
devastating blocker with great technique. Kramer earned All Pro honors.
He also served as the Packers' place kicker at times.
Kramer helped keep the Packers' Glory Years alive through his
books, Instand Replay and Distant Replay. Kramer was highly influenced
by coach Vince Lombardi and continued to spread the legend's
philosophy through his books and public speaking.
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Krueger, Joseph J.:
Joseph Krueger founded the Wisconsin Athletic
Hall of Fame and ran it as a labor of love for decades. Krueger's
career was in public service, most notably as city treasurer of
Milwaukee.
But, perhaps Krueger's biggest passion was the athletic world. He
wrote about sports, including a book on the history of the World
Series. Krueger convinced the State Senate to charter the Hall of Fame
in 1951, making Wisconsin the first state to have its own Hall. He
worked tirelessly on inductions, sponsorship of the ceremonies and
banquets and plaques right up to his death.
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Kulwicki, Alan:
Who knows what Alan Kulwicki would have achieved
has he lived beyond 39. Kulwicki was an up-and-coming star on the race
car circuit before he died in a place crash on April 1, 1993.
Kulwicki learned his craft at local stock car tracks and because a fan
favorite. He broke into the Winston Cup competition in a big way,
earning Rookie of the Year honors in 1986.
In 207 Winston Cup races, Kulwicki earned five wins, finished in the
top five 38 times and in the top 10 75 times. He won the NASCAR Winston
Cup championship in 1992, only a few months before his tragic
death.
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Lambeau, Earl L. "Curly":
Earl "Curly" Lambeau founded the Green
Bay Packers and served as one of the pioneers of the NFL. Lambeau
played, coached and served as president of the Packers during his long
career. As one longtime Packers' observer said, he even sold
programs at times.
While a player-coach, Lambeau pioneered the forward pass. He led the
Packers to six championships and accumulated a 212-106-21 record as
coach in Green Bay.
Lambeau coached in Green Bay until 1949 and later coached and served
in the front office of the Chicago Cardinals and Washington
Redskins.
Perhaps the biggest tribute to Lambeau was that the Packers'
legendary stadium was named after him.
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Lewellen, Verne:
Before there was Hutson, there was Lewellen for
the Green Bay Packers. Verne Lewellen was a standout end before the
forward pass was a real weapon in football. Yet, he managed to catch
enough passes and score in other ways to finish second in the NFL in
scoring in 1928 and 1930 with nine touchdowns.
Lewellen starred for the Packers from 1926-30. After retiring from
football, he practiced law and became involved in
politics.
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Lewis,
Ed "Strangler":
Robert Friedrich started building his strength
while a boy in Nekoosa. He became so strong that, under the name of Ed
"Strangler" Lewis, he dominated the sport of wrestling
from1914 until he retired in 1940. During his career, Lewis held the
uncrowned heavyweight championship five times.
Lewis claimed to have never been defeated during his 26 years and to
have passed along the title to others for promotional reasons. Records
of the era are too sketchy to confirm this claim, but it is known Lewis
beat the likes of Joe Stecher, Yussuf Hussane and other greats of the
era.
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Lombardi, Vincent T.:
Few sports figures have taken Wisconsin, or the
nation, more by storm than Vince Lombardi did from 1959 until his death
in 1970. The Lombardi Era in Green Bay has gone down as a golden era in
pro football history.
Lombardi's teams had a 89-29-4 record and won the first two Super
Bowls, but he became more than a football coach. His tough love
philosophy became part of education and business techniques.
Like Curly Lambeau, the other Packers' legend, Lombardi ended up
going to the Washington Redskins after his years in Green Bay. While
with the Skins, he was diagnosed with cancer. He died on July 3,
1970.
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Luderus, Frederick William:
Before Cal Ripken, or even Lou Gehrig,
Milwaukee's Fred Luderus was considered the Iron Man of baseball.
Luderus played in 528 consecutive games, a record at the time, for the
Philadelphia Phillies. From 1909-1920, Luderus was considered the most
durable player in baseball.
Luderus learned his baseball on the Milwaukee sandlots in the early
1900s. He signed with the Chicago Cubs in 1909 and then was traded to
the Phillies. Luderus, a first baseman, became the captain of the team.
He showed power before the home run was common in the game.
Luderus' best year was 1915, when he hit .315 to finish second in
the National League in batting and led the Phillies to the World
Series, where they lost to Boston. After his retirement as a player in
1920, Luderus managed several minor league teams until 1933. He then
retired to live in Wisconsin.
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Marchese, Carl:
Carl Marchese dominated auto racing in Wisconsin
as a driver, but had a lasting impact on the sport as a car owner and
race official. Marchese won numerous state races and finished fourth in
the 1929 Indianapolis 500. That would be Marchese's only Indy
500.
As a midget car owner and designer, Marchese was credited with many
innovations, including the tube frame and and supercharged engine.
Marchese also was the first president of the Wisconsin Racing
Association.
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Marino, Enrico "Hank":
Back in the days when Milwaukee was one of the
nation's bowling hotbeds, Enrico "Hank" Marino often
ignited the coals. Marino competed for more than 50 years and was one
of the top bowlers in the world when he played for the Heil Products
team in the 1930s.
Marino was national singles champ from 1934 to 1938, stepping down
only because of illness. In 1936, he won the all events title in the
International Bowling Tournament in Berlin, Germany.
Originally from Chicago, Marin0 first established himself as a top
bowler while competing in that city. He moved to Milwaukee in 1930 to
operate an alley and blossomed further while on the Heil team. He had
11 perfect games, including two in one series (300-232-300).
Marino was named "bowler of the half century" by the
American Bowling Congress in 1951 and was inducted into the ABC Hall of
Fame.
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Martin, Shirley:
Shirley Martin was a true pioneer in women's
sports in Wisconsin. The Rib Lake native moved to Milwaukee in 1943
because she wanted to play softball and basketball. She made her first
trip to the AAU national basketball tournament in 1944.
Martin starred in basketball in the winter, sporting a sweeping hook
shot, fastpitch softball in the summer and field hockey in the fall.
Martin played sports into her 60s. She became the oldest person to play
in a national AAU basketball tourney when she participated in the
national tourney in Texas in 1985.
In addition to playing, Martin coached women's sports. She took a
team of American female basketball players to the Soviet Union in 1958.
In addition to induction to the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame, Martin
was a member of the Nebraska Hall of Fame, the AAU Hall of Fame and
received the first lifetime achievement award from the Women's
Sports Advocates of Wisconsin.
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Mathews, Edwin Lee:
Few players had more to do with the excitement
of the Braves years in Milwaukee than Eddie Mathews. Known as the
"Santa Barbara Bomber," Mathews hit 47 home run in the first
year in Milwaukee. He went on to finish his career with 512, more than
another other third baseman and tying him with the Cubs' Ernie
Banks among the all-time sluggers.
Mathews' dramatic homer in the 1957 World Series kept the Classic
alive, so the Braves could win the championship in New York. He and
Henry Aaron became symbols of the Braves years. Mathews later managed
the Braves when Aaron broke Babe Ruth's career home run
record.
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McBride, George F.:
George McBride was considered the American
League's premier fielding shortstop of his day. While with the
Washington Senators, McBride led the league in fielding four straight
seasons (1912-15).
McBride also led the league in double plays six times and in putouts
three times. McBride averaged only .218 at the plate in his career, but
earned the nickname "Pinch" for his ability to come through
in a pinch.
After retiring as a player, McBride managed the Senators in 1921 until
he was struck in the face by a ball, paralyzing one side of his face.
He later coaches for Ty Cobb in Detroit.
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McGlocklin, Jon:
Jon McGlocklin will always be known as the
"Original Buck", since he was associated with the Milwaukee
Bucks since their start in 1969. McGlocklin played for the Bucks for
eight seasons, was the first member of the team to ever play in an All
Star gameand was an important member of the 1971 World Championship
team.
His "rainbow jumper" thrilled fans for years. Before playing
for the Bucks, he was a standout at Indiana and played in the NBA for
the Cincinnati Royals. McGlocklin stayed with the Bucks as a radio and
TV announcer after his retirement. He was a founder of the MACC
(Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) Fund, which helps the
battle against childhood cancer.
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McGuire, Al:
Al McGuire was a scrappy New Yorker who made his
reputation in Milwaukee. After playing at St. John's University and
then the New York Knicks, McGuire got into coaching.
He found his way to Marquette University where he posted a 295-80
record in 13 years and led the Warriors to the 1977 NCAA Championship.
He also won a NIT title and generally because known as one of the most
colorful coaches in college basketball.
After he retirement from coaching, McGuire earned a reputation as a
topnotch TV analyst on a national level. He continued to make his home
in Wisconsin until his death in 2001.
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McNally, John V. "Blood":
Some say Johnny Blood was born in 1924, at 6-2,
190 pounds. Actually, that was the year that Johnny McNally, a New
Richmond native who had starred at St. John's College and showed
promise at Notre Dame, became known as Blood because he wanted to play
for a semi-pro team in Minneapolis.
McNally stole the name from the movie, "Blood and Sand." He
would make it a well-known name, first for that semi-pro team, and
later for the Green Bay Packers and other pro teams. Blood scored 224
points as a Packer and became the first great receiver in team history,
preceding Don Hutson.
Blood became known for his flamboyant play on the field and equally
showy antics off the field. He drove coach Curly Lambeau crazy at
times, yet the legendary coach also loved his Vagabond Halfback. Blood
played 15 seasons in the NFL.
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Meanwell, Dr. Walter E.:
During the years 1911-1934, college basketball
opponents of the University of Wisconsin frequently suffered headaches
when the "little doctor" made a house call. The doctor was
Dr. Walter E. "Doc" Meanwell, UW's coach for most of that
period. His teams won 71% of their games and earned eight Big Ten
championships.
Meanwell earned his medical degree from the University of Maryland and
came to UW to study for a doctorate in public health and to coach
wrestling. But, when the basketball coach resigned in 1911, Meanwell
was asked to take that job. With the exception of two years at
Missouri, he held it for 20 years.
In his first three years as coach, the Badgers won 35 of 36 games.
Meanwell's teams were known for a disciplined, passing style of
play. He also served as athletic director at UW and later practiced
medicine in Madison.
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Merrill, Dr. Edward Strong:
Dr. Edward Strong Merrill is considered to be
the greatest athlete in the history of Beloit College and one of the
top athletes of his era in the country. From 1898 through 1901, Merrill
starred in baseball, football and track at Beloit. He and the legendary
Jim Thorpe were considered by many to be the best athletes of early
1900s.
One day when Beloit played Northwestern in two sports, Merrill set a
record in the quarter mile, won the high hurdles, placed in the lows
and won or placed in the hammer throw, shot put and discus. He then ran
to the baseball diamond in time to his a ninth inning homer as a
pinch-hitter.
In a football game against the University of Chicago, Merrill played
tackle in the first half and then switched to fullback in the second
half with Beloit trailing 17-0. He scored two touchdowns, kicked the
extra points and a field goal to earn a 17-17 tie.
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Messmer, John:
John Messmer might have been the most versatile
athlete to ever compete at the University of Wisconsin. Messmer won
three major letters in track, football and baseball. He also captained
the swim team, played some water polo and was a prime candidate for the
crew team.
Messmer started his athletic career at Milwaukee East High School,
where he broke the national prep discus record in 1905. Messmer earned
All Western Conference honors at UW in football and track. He qualified
for the 1908 Olympic track team, but withdrew because of a
brother's illness. He had the best discus throw in the country at
the time.
Messmer also was scouted by pro baseball teams and accompanied the
Badger baseball team to Japan in 1909. After graduation, Messmer worked
as a surveyor in the Madison area.
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Metcalfe, Ralph H.:
Jesse Owens became a legend for striking a blow
for freedom in the 1936 Olympics, hosted by Adolph Hitler in Germany,
but fewer people know the fleet athlete finishing second to Owens in
the news reels. It was Ralph Metcalfe, a Marquette track star. Metcalfe
was the National Intercollegiate champion and record holder in the 100
and 220-yard dashes from 1932-34.
Metcalfe won a silver medal in the 100 and bronze in the 220 in the
1932 Olympics, but it was in the 1936 Games that he teamed with Owens
and other African American athletes to stick it to Hitler. Metcalfe
finished second to Owens in the famous 100-yard dash and teamed with
Owens and two other Americans to set a record in the 400-relay gold
medal race.
After retiring as an athlete, Metcalfe coached track and became a
Congressman from Chicago.
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Michalske, August "Mike":
Wisconsin's own August "Mike"
Michalske often is referred to as "The Guard of the Century."
Michalske was a brutal blocker and ultimate team player for the Green
Bay Packers.
After playing high school football in the state, Michalske went to
Penn State, where he became a star. In his senior year, when he was a
virtual lock to become an All American at guard, he switched to
fullback, when the team needed one. He passed on the All American
honor, but earned the reputation as an unselfish team player.
Michalske helped the Packers win three championships in 1929-30-31.
Known as "Iron Mike," he was selected All Pro four
times.
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Mitchell, Richard H. "Richie":
Richie Mitchell never won a world boxing title,
but his impact on the sport in Milwaukee and Wisconsin was huge.
Mitchell was a world class lightweight from 1912-1923. He fought almost
every ranked boxer in his weight class during that period.
Mitchell fought only three amateur bouts and was fighting main event
bouts within a year of turning pro. He earned the Navy championship by
defeating Joe Welling of Milwaukee. His most famous fights were against
Benny Leonard in 1917 and 1921. He lost them both, but fought so hard
that the fights reached legendary status.
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Molitor, Paul:
Paul Molitor became known as The Ignitor for the
Milwaukee Brewers for 15 seasons. He came up as a shortstop in 1978 and
played all infield positions and a couple outfield spots during his
career with the Brewers.
Molitor combined speed, power and baseball savvy to become one of the
biggest threats in baseball. He was a key ingredient in the
Harvey's Wallbangers team that won the American League
pennant.
Perhaps his best-known individual feat with the Brewers was his
39-game hitting streak. Molitor finished his career in Toronto, where
he won a World Championship, and Minnesota, where he reached the 3,000
hit mark. But, Molitor decided to enter Cooperstown as a Brewer and was
a member of the first class of the Walk of Fame outside Miller
Park.
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Moncrief, Sidney:
Sidney Moncrief was considered one of the best
all around players in the NBA when he starred for the Milwaukee Bucks.
"Sir Sid" averaged 15.6 points per gamein his 11 pro seasons,
but also was a tenacious rebounder for standing 6-4 and was a four-time
NBA All Defensive team selection. He twice was selected the NBA
Defensive Player of the Year.
Moncrief was drafted in 1970 after he had earned All American honors
at Arkansas. He was a two-time All American and led the Razorbacks to
three Southwest Conference titles.
After retiring from the Bucks, Moncrief sat out one season and then
came back to play one year for the Atlanta Hawks. He later went into
private business, coached collegiate basketball and joined his former
Bucks' coach, Don Nelson, as an assistant coach in
Dallas.
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Mucks,
Arlie M.:
Arlie Mucks holds the distinction of being the
first public high school athlete to ever represent the U.S. in the
Olympics. The Oshkosh native competed in the discus in the Stockholm
Olympics. His U.S. teammates included George S. Patton, who later
became a legendary general, and Jim Thorpe, thought by many to be the
greatest athlete of all time.
The Olympics accomplishment was not the only noteworthy one for Mucks.
He earned All American honors as a tackle for the University of
Wisconsin football team and also was one of the best punters of the
time. He won the Big Ten shot put title and set a national record in
the discus. He also competed in the broad jump. After his playing days
ended, Mucks became a respected football official.
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Murray, Frank J.:
Frank J. Murray made his reputation on the
sidelines of football fields as coach at Marquette and the University
of Virginia. Murray coached Marquette from 1922 through 1936, went to
Virginia for nine years and then returned to his first love of
MU.
Murray was an early exponent of spread formations and flanker plays.
He often ran a T formation, considered very innovative at the
time.
Marquette eventually dropped football, but Murray's feats will
always keep the memory of the sport alive at the school.
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Nevers, Ernest "Ernie":
Ernie Nevers became a legend at Stanford in
California and in Chicago, but he first started building to legendary
status while living in Superior, Wisconsin. Nevers showed great promise
as a young football player in Superior.
His family moved to California while Nevers was finishing high school.
Nevers went to Stanford, where he became an All American fullback. He
became the team captain and led Stanford to a 21-5-1 record during his
years at the school.
After college, Nevers played pro football for the Duluth Eskimos in
1926. Known by that time as the "Blond Blizzard of Superior,"
Nevers went on to earn All Pro honors with the Chicago Cardinals. He
set a record of 40 points in one game against the arch-rival Bears on
Nov. 28, 1929. Nevers was a great runner, but also could catch, pass
and kick the football.
Nevers also had a brief career as a pitcher for the St. Louis Browns.
After his playing days, he coaches at Lafayett, Iowa, and
Stanford.
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Nichols, Charles A. "Kid":
Charles "Kid" Nichols of Madison holds
some baseball records that very likely will never be broken. Nichols
won 30 or more games for seven consecutive seasons. His best record was
35-16 for Boston in 1892. He was 31-11 in 1897 and 32-12 in 1898.
For 10 consecutive seasons, Nichols won 20 or more games. He was said
to "have a fast ball that could saw the bat off in your
hands." Nichols also had pinpoint control and a smooth, balanced
delivery. He attributed his endurance to those qualities.
In 1904, Nichols left Boston to pitch and manage for St. Louis of the
National League. He ended his career a season later with
Philadelphia.
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Nitschke, Ray:
Ray Nitschke helped define the middle linebacker
position while with the Green Bay Packers. Drafted as a fullback from
Illinois, Nitschke was switched to middle linebacker and became a
tenacious tackler and defender from 1958-72.
Nitschke was selected All Pro three times and was the MVP of the 1962
title game against the New York Giants. He made the NFL 50th and 75th
anniversary teams at middle linebacker. He played in the second most
games in Packers' history by appearing in 190 contests.
Nitschke was selected to the Packers Hall of Fame in 1978 and to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978. His No. 66 was retired by the
Packers in 1983.
After his retirement as a player, Nitschke stayed in the Green Bay
area and became an ambassador for the Packers. Known as a gentle man
off the field, Nitschke became active in charity and community work. In
1998, a bridge over the Fox River in Green Bay was named after
him.
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North,
Andy:
Andy North of Madison became known as
Wisconsin's Mr. Golf after winning the U.S. Open in 1978 and 85.
But, his success started well before then. He won the Wisconsin Amateur
in 1969 and was a three-time All American at the University of
Florida.
North joined the PGA Tour in 1972. He won the 1977 American Express
Westchester Classic. North became one of only 17 golfers to won the
U.S. Open more than once.
North also became known as a designer of courses, an analyst for TV
and a member of the Senior PGA Tour.
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O'Dea, Patrick J. "Pat":
Known as the "Kicking Kangaroo,"
Australian-born Pat O'Dea made his impact on American football
while at the University of Wisconsin. Among O'Dea's feats were
a 62-yard dropkick field goal against Northwestern in 1898, a 57-yard
field goal against Illinois in 1899 and a 110-yard punt - the length of
the field in those days -- in 1897 against Minnesota.
In four years at UW, O'Dea averaged 50 yards a punt. He also
played fullback and defensive back. O'Dea also competed in track
for the Badgers.
After graduation from UW, O'Dea coached Notre Dame for two seasons
and Missouri for one. He took a crack at reporting during the Ben Hecht
era in Chicago. O'Dea always maintained his interest in football
and was a good friend of the legendary Pop Warner.
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Otto,
Jim:
Jim Otto starred for the Oakland Raiders, but
his roots were in Wausau, Wisconsin. "Double O" starred for
Wausau East, but even after college was considered small for pro
football.
Otto went undrafted, but signed as a free agent with the Raiders. He
went on to add 50 pounds and become the Raiders' starting center
for the next 15 years. He played in 308 NFL games.
Otto played in six title games, 12 Pro Bowls and in the second Super
Bowl against the Packers. Perhaps the most impressive stat of all is
that Otto survived 37 football-related injuries during his
career!
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Parker, Frank A.:
Few, if any, of the members of the Town Tennis
Club in Milwaukee during the 1920s realized that the shy,
spindly-legged kid who shagged balls would become on of the world's
top tennis players. But, Frankie Parker did just that.
For 17 straight years, from 1933-49, Parker was ranked among the Top
10 tennis players in the world. He was rated first in 1944-45. Parker
teamed with Jack Kramer in 1943 to win the national doubles title, won
the French Open twice and the U.S. clay court title five times. He led
five U.S. Davis Cup teams. The only major tournament title to evade
Parker was Wimbledon.
Parker turned pro in 1949 and played in pro tennis tourneys until the
1960s. He is a member of the National Law Tennis Hall of
Game.
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Pettit, Jane:
Jane Bradley Pettit had a huge impact on sports,
the arts and other civic and charitable causes in Milwaukee and
Wisconsin. Her sports impact primarily came through her ownership of
the Milwaukee Admirals hockey team and sponsorship of The Bradley
Center, named for her family.
Jane also gave millions of dollars to causes throughout the state,
often anonymously or through the Bradley Foundation.
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Pettit, Lloyd:
A native of the Milwaukee area, Lloyd Pettit
went on to become a Hall of Fame hockey announcer for the Chicago
Blackhawks. After retiring as an announcer, Pettit married Jane Bradley
and together they ran the Milwaukee Admirals and sponsored The Bradley
Center. While hockey was his first love, Pettit was active in the
broadcasting and sponsorship of several other sports throughout his
career.
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Poage,
George:
Less information might be available on George
Poage than any other Hall of Famer, but what is there demonstrates he
was a pioneer for African-American athletes. Poage first starred in
track at the University of Wisconsin.
In 1904, he became the first African American athlete in history to
win a medal in the Olympics. Poage finished third in the 200 and 400
meter races to take bronze medals. Poage was said to have a strong, yet
graceful running style that ate up the ground in any race.
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Raymonds, Hank:
Henry C. "Hank" Raymonds served as
assistant men's basketball coach at Marquette University under
Eddie Hickey and Al McGuire from 1961-1977 and was the program's
head coach from 1977 to 1983. During his tenure as head coach, Raymonds
compiled a record of 126-60, good for a 71.6 winning percentage. Five
of his players were All-America honorees and 16 players were selected
in the NBA Draft. All six of his Marquette teams advanced to
post-season play, including five trips to the NCAA Tournament and one
to the NIT. His '77-78 team went 24-4 and was ranked No. 3
nationally in the final United Press International poll. He was named
the 1979 Medalist Sports Education Coach of the Year after that team
finished 22-7 and was ranked 10th in the Associated Press poll and 13th
by UPI. After his coaching days, he served as the school's athletic
director from 1977-87. He was responsible for elevating Marquette's
women's athletic teams to Division I status in 1985. Raymonds is a
member of the Marquette University, Saint Louis University and
Wisconsin Basketball Coaches Halls of Fame.
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Reinders, Victor A. "Vic":
Vic Reinders was born in Iowa, but he made his
reputation as a trap shooter in Wisconsin. A chemist at the University
of Wisconsin, Reinders earned his way into the National Trapshooting
Hall of Fame. He was the national clay target-shooting champion in
1958.
Reinders won 47 state titles and won more All American honors (21)
than any shooter in history. He captained the All American team four
times. His 98.0546 shooting average from 1961-74 set a record.
Reinders competed in 27 states and provinces and in Australia and New
Zealand.
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Richter, Pat:
Pat Richter starred for the Wisconsin Badgers in
one era and led the school's athletic program in another. Richter
was UW's last nine-letter winner, earning three each in football,
basketball and baseball in the early 1960s. He was an all around
athlete, who did not specialize in any one sport but excelled in all
three.
Richter led the Big Ten in receiving in 1961. He received the
conference Medal of Honor in 1963.
After graduation from UW, Richter was a first round draft choice of
the Washington Redskins and played eight years in the NFL. He earned
his law degree from UW in 1971 and entered private industry.
When the UW athletic department was struggling financially and
competitively, his alma mater called on Richter to become athletic
director. Collegiate sports had changed dramatically since the days
when he was a three-sport star, but Richter led the program to
financial and competitive success in the 1990s.
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Robertson, Oscar:
When the Big O joined the Bucks in 1971, he
became the key ingredient that led the team to the NBA championship.
Oscar Robertson already was an established star when he joined then Lew
Alcindor, later Kareem Abdul Jabbar, to lead the Bucks to the
title.
Robertson was the collegiate player of the year three times while
leading Cincinnati to the national title. He starred in the 1960
Olympics before starting his NBA career with the Cincinnati Royals. As
a rookie, Robertson averaged more than 30 points per game and won
Rookie of the Year honors. He became the first player in history to
average in triple doubles (30.8 points, 12.5 rebounds, 11.4 assists) in
his second year in the league.
With the Bucks, Robertson turned more of a playmaker, feeding Jabbar
and scoring only when needed. Robertson also was president of the NBA
Players Association and is given credit for helping establish free
agency for players.
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Roethlisberger, Fred:
Fred Roethlisberger first became interested in
gymastics when his father brought him to the Milwaukee Turners Club as
a kid. He built that interest into a fine collegiate career at the
University of Minnesota and continued to excel at the national and
international level after college.
Roethlisberger won the U.S. Gymastics Federation National Championship
in 1964 and competed in the 1968 Olympics. After his competitive days
were over, he coached at UW-Whitewater. His son, John, is a three-time
Olympian.
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