Baseball
Inducted Class of 2009
John was a 1956 graduate of DeSales High School where he lettered in baseball, football, and basketball. John served as team captain for all three teams his senior year. John was a four-year letterwinner in baseball and was named all-conference in his junior and senior years. He played on the DeSales’ first league championship team in 1954. A pitcher and a catcher he was named the team MVP his senior year. John was a three-year letterwinner at quarterback in football and was named all-conference his junior and senior years. He was the team MVP his senior year. John was also a two-year letterwinner on the basketball team. John had try-outs with both the Detroit Tigers and the Cincinnati Reds after high school. John served with distinction in the U.S. Marine Corps and played on the Camp Le June marine team.
John has given back to the community in many ways. He has coached youth sports and served as 6th Ward Councilman for many years. Geneva Sports Hall of Famer Larry Atkinson said of John “he was not only a great athlete; he personified an exceptional blend of athletic skill and citizenship by setting the example for everyone whose life he touched”.