Accepting a proclamation from County Council on the 25th Anniversary of the Old Timers.
Front Row: Phil Damiani, Joe Cumberland, Nick Catania, Jim Berry, Ted Erickson, Louis Scott
Back Row: Gleave Baker, Joe Kelly, George Plotts, Bud Powell, Mary Ann Arty, Fred Dotts
Front Row: Phil Damiani, Joe Cumberland, Nick Catania, Jim Berry, Ted Erickson, Louis Scott
Back Row: Gleave Baker, Joe Kelly, George Plotts, Bud Powell, Mary Ann Arty, Fred Dotts
A HISTORY OF THE MEDIA AREA SPORTS HALL OF FAME
The Media Area Sports Hall of Fame recognizes and promotes the positive accomplishments of athletes, coaches, sports officials and teams from the communities of Media, Edgmont, Middletown and Upper Providence Township. Founded in 1964 by a group of
gentleman, calling themselves the “Media Old Timers”, an Inaugural Banquet was held on November 10,
1964. In the 1973 Banquet Program Book, a brief history appears -“How The Media
Old Timers Association was Born”. The
first Banquet Committee consisted of Chairman Raymond Worrall, Jr. and Walter
E. Bosler, Leroy Durnell, Fred Griscom, Warren Humes, Isadore Kaufman, Thomas
Luglio, Ivan Malseed, and John Seyfried.
The “Delaware County Daily Times” covered the event and reported a sold-out
crowd of 275 gathered at D’ignazio’s Towne House Restaurant in Media Borough. Dr. Jack Ramsay, Athletic Director and Head
Basketball Coach at St. Joseph’s College (now University), delivered the main
address and described the growth of Inter-collegiate athletics.
The current Banquet Committee Chairperson is Sarah Dotts Graham. Sarah follows her Grandfather, Fred Dotts and her Father, Larry Dotts, as Banquet Committee Chairperson.
A group photo exists of Banquet attendees at the first Hall of Fame Dinner in 1964. It should be noted that the Banquet was held upstairs at the Towne House, as the current location (The Jamestown Room) had not yet been built. In the early years, as crowds grew, the Banquet was held at the Log Cabin Inn, in Middletown and the Alpine Inn, in Springfield. Both restaurants are now closed.
On November 10, 1964, the first Sportsman of the Year was presented by Lew Young to Walter E. Bosler. Mr. Bosler had provided more than 60 years of service to the youth of Media. In its early years, the Media Oldtimers was an all-male group and recognized only male athletes. Award recipients were not notified in advance of the Banquet and the winners of individual awards was a closely held secret among committee members. It often took much effort to make sure Awardees were in attendance. Today, all female and male athletes are considered and notified in advance to assure family and friends the opportunity to be present for their Induction. In early years, the sports of baseball, basketball, football and track and field dominated the award ceremonies.
The initial Hall of Fame inductees for playing or promoting the sport of Football were: Donald Roberts, John J. Wade, William (Sonny) Hampton and John (Moon) Messick. Of course, “Sonny Hampton” became Chief Bill Hampton of Upper Providence Township and founder of the Rose Tree Colts Youth Football Program. Chief Hampton was honored in 2012, with the naming of “Chief Hampton Field- Home of the Rose Tree Colts”. Chief Hampton was in attendance at our first Banquet in 1964. John (Moon) Messick became Jack Messick, a Little All-American Football player at the University of Delaware and along with his Wife Eunice, founded the Rose Tree Inn and later the Boathouse Restaurant.
Basketball selections were: Walter Bosler, Albert (Rube) Hall, Warren Humes, Ray Worrell, Ernie Messikomer, Lou Scott and Tom Creen. Lou Scott who was honored for his play on semi-pro town teams, became a distinguished Educator, Coach and long-time Principal at Penncrest High School. Lou was inducted into West Chester University’s Hall of Fame. Penncrest named its football field “Louis Scott Field” and Delaware County Community College hosts a successful annual “Lou Scott Golf Classic”, played at the Glen Mills Golf Course. The Event provides Scholarships for students attending Delaware County Community College. Through 2012, 56 Scholarships have been given.
Baseball honorees included: Bob Steel, Frank Baldwin, Jim Berry, Bub Malseed, Jim Baldwin, Miller (Booby) Pendleton, Tom Pension, Clint Malseed, Charlie (Bud) Powell, Harry King, Eddie Derrick, and Bobby Hannum. It should be noted that the Malseed family was one of the great sports families of its time. Francis “Bub”, Clint and Ivan Malseed were greatly involved either playing baseball, coaching, umpiring and supporting the development of Little League Baseball. Bub’s Son, Dennis was a star pitcher at St. James and played professionally in the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization. Bobby Hannum, our 1968 Sportsperson of the Year, was a great first baseman, a Professional Umpire, the legendary Coach of the Media American Legion Baseball Team and a founding member of the Media Oldtimers. Bobby Hannum coached pitcher Mike Flanagan, who dominated local teams on his way to a full scholarship at the University of North Carolina and the College World Series. Mike Flanagan pitched professionally for the Houston Astros. Coach Hannum was also instrumental in restarting the Media Delco Baseball Franchise during the 1970’s. Coach assisted Player/Manager Phil Damiani and had the opportunity to work with star Pitcher Bob Gibson, who after leading the Delco Baseball League in strikeouts in 1978, was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Bob pitched in the Major Leagues and has been inducted into the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.
Today, in addition to basketball, baseball, football and track and field: bowling, field hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby(thanks to Matt Heavens for his efforts to promote rugby), soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball are now recognized. Additional sports will surely be featured in future years. Over 400 individuals and teams have been honored over the past 50 years, a testament to the value our Schools and Communities place on teaching, coaching and fundamental skill development. Three of our Youth Sports Programs have provided over 50 years of excellence: Media Little League, The Rose Tree Colts Football, and The Media Youth Center.
Toastmaster for the Inaugural Banquet was John P. Trevaskis, Esq. Isadore “Izzy” Kaufman, Lou Scott and Phil Damiani have been the primary Masters of Ceremony in subsequent years. Current Officers of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame are: Hall of Fame Member and long-time Media Recreation Committee Member Wes Nieweg, Treasurer; Terry Dotts, Secretary and Phil Damiani, President. A special Thank You is given to former long-time Treasurer Ed Gallagher, Esq. for helping keep the Organization functioning for many years. Ed Gallaher succeeded Hall of Famer Jim Berry, who held several positions for many years. Jim Berry was a 1934 graduate of Media High School and a founding member of the Media Old Timers. Jim was named Sportsman of the Year in 1972, inducted into the Delco Athletes Hall of Fame in 1990 and served as President of our Organization from 1985-1992. Local Little League Umpire and District Official, George Plotts assumed the Secretary duties and until his death assisted in all of the Organizations activities. George Plotts was the 1993 Sportsman of the Year for his commitment to Media Little League. Terry Dotts, who worked closely with George, has ably assumed the Secretary duties.
Over the decades, many individuals serve or have served on the Banquet Committee: Bill (Coach K) Kaufman, Donald Trusty, Steve Mescanti, Jack Lemon, Steve Hefferan, EJ Curran, Mary Scott, Steve Benson, Gene Rader, Stanton Woerth, Ralph (Robby) Robinson, Coach Bob Hannum, Coach Bob Waslick , Albert (Buddy) Behrends, Tom Flynn, Fred Dotts, Larry Dotts and others have contributed to the success and longevity of the Hall of Fame. A special Thank You should be given to Coach K - Bill Kaufman and John (Jack) Lemon for keeping the accomplishments of Media High School athletes alive. Coach K, a 1949 Media High Mustang and Hall of Fame Member, has been a vital resource for Media High Athletes of the 40’s and 50’s. Author and Hall of Fame Member, Jack Lemon (MHS 64’), spent over 4 years researching and writing a book recognizing Media High School athletes (Black Gold: the African American Athlete at Media High School 1915-1966). Thank you to Hall of Famer Donald Trusty for his many years of service to the Media Recreation Commission and the Media Youth Center. Former Media High School teacher and football coach, Hank Nacrelli provided a vital link between Media Sports History and the transition to Penncrest after the merger of the two school districts. A star on the 1953 St. James High School Championship football team and a key lineman for the Fordham University football team, Hank became Principal at Media High School, Assistant Superintendent for the Rose Tree Media School District and ultimately retired as Superintendent of Schools.
In order to better preserve our Sports History, Penncrest Assistant AD and 2005 Sportsperson of the Year Steve Mescanti, along with Hall of Famer Steve Hefferan are coordinating the development of a website and use of social media to memorialize and communicate our Sports History. A mention should be made of the fact that student athletes from Nether Providence High School were recognized until the merger with Swarthmore and the creation of Strath Haven High School. Since the closure of Media High School in 1966, our relationship with Penncrest High School and the Rose Tree Media School District has grown. Members of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame serve on the newly created Penncrest Sports “Ring of Honor” Committee and helped select our Hall of Fame Members : Gene Armstead – Basketball, Kate Fonshell- Cross Country and Track and Field and Coach Bob Waslick- Basketball for the Inaugural “Ring of Honor” 2013 Class. A deep appreciation is offered to The RTM Board of School Directors, Superintendent James Wigo, Penncrest Principal Rick Gregg and Athletic Director Chip Olinger for their leadership and respect for our Sports History.
The Media Area Sports Hall of Fame has benefitted from the example put forth by the Delaware County Athletes Sports Hall of Fame and its Executive Director, Joseph Cirilli. Founded in 1939, it is the oldest Organization of its kind in Delaware County and has done the most to preserve Delaware County’s Sports History. Mr. Jim Vankoski, Special Events Coordinator for the group, created the Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum, which has featured several members of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame. It is interesting to note that Baseball great Mickey Vernon, was a regular attendee at our Banquet and always held ticket #1 to the event. When Mickey passed away, ticket #1 was given to Mickey’s long-time friend and Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer, Harry Kalas. Harry, a local resident, was one of our Group’s featured Speakers. With Harry Kalas’ passing, ticket #1 has been retired.
Harry Chaykun, a Member of our Sports Hall of Fame and a Sportswriter for the “Delaware County Daily Times”, has been an invaluable resource in documenting the efforts of our organization and for his love of sports and promoting the value of athletic competition. A thank you to Delaware County Sports Historian, Rich Pagano for his research and writings important to the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame, in particular, as to our place in Delaware County Sports History. It was Rich Pagano who researched and directed deserved attention to Track Olympic Gold Medalist (1912) and World Record Holder Ted Meredith who attended Media High School for one year.
A final note: the belief that history repeats itself certainly is true for the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame. Our first Banquet was held at D’Ignazio’s Towne House Restaurant in Media, Pennsylvania as will the 50th . However, nothing surpasses the return of legendary National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Dr. Jack Ramsay (Inaugural featured Speaker in 1964). Dr. Jack has agreed to return to serve as the Featured Speaker at our 50th Anniversary Banquet!
It is our fervent hope that future generations will continue to support local sports, honor those who excel, recognize the best qualities of athletic competition and continue to record our wonderful sports history. There is tremendous satisfaction to see the joy on the faces of honorees and the pride that their families, teammates and friends feel to be present for their Induction.
To those who are fortunate to attend a 75th and 100th Anniversary Banquet, please give thanks to those original “Media Oldtimers” who brought us all together.
The current Banquet Committee Chairperson is Sarah Dotts Graham. Sarah follows her Grandfather, Fred Dotts and her Father, Larry Dotts, as Banquet Committee Chairperson.
A group photo exists of Banquet attendees at the first Hall of Fame Dinner in 1964. It should be noted that the Banquet was held upstairs at the Towne House, as the current location (The Jamestown Room) had not yet been built. In the early years, as crowds grew, the Banquet was held at the Log Cabin Inn, in Middletown and the Alpine Inn, in Springfield. Both restaurants are now closed.
On November 10, 1964, the first Sportsman of the Year was presented by Lew Young to Walter E. Bosler. Mr. Bosler had provided more than 60 years of service to the youth of Media. In its early years, the Media Oldtimers was an all-male group and recognized only male athletes. Award recipients were not notified in advance of the Banquet and the winners of individual awards was a closely held secret among committee members. It often took much effort to make sure Awardees were in attendance. Today, all female and male athletes are considered and notified in advance to assure family and friends the opportunity to be present for their Induction. In early years, the sports of baseball, basketball, football and track and field dominated the award ceremonies.
The initial Hall of Fame inductees for playing or promoting the sport of Football were: Donald Roberts, John J. Wade, William (Sonny) Hampton and John (Moon) Messick. Of course, “Sonny Hampton” became Chief Bill Hampton of Upper Providence Township and founder of the Rose Tree Colts Youth Football Program. Chief Hampton was honored in 2012, with the naming of “Chief Hampton Field- Home of the Rose Tree Colts”. Chief Hampton was in attendance at our first Banquet in 1964. John (Moon) Messick became Jack Messick, a Little All-American Football player at the University of Delaware and along with his Wife Eunice, founded the Rose Tree Inn and later the Boathouse Restaurant.
Basketball selections were: Walter Bosler, Albert (Rube) Hall, Warren Humes, Ray Worrell, Ernie Messikomer, Lou Scott and Tom Creen. Lou Scott who was honored for his play on semi-pro town teams, became a distinguished Educator, Coach and long-time Principal at Penncrest High School. Lou was inducted into West Chester University’s Hall of Fame. Penncrest named its football field “Louis Scott Field” and Delaware County Community College hosts a successful annual “Lou Scott Golf Classic”, played at the Glen Mills Golf Course. The Event provides Scholarships for students attending Delaware County Community College. Through 2012, 56 Scholarships have been given.
Baseball honorees included: Bob Steel, Frank Baldwin, Jim Berry, Bub Malseed, Jim Baldwin, Miller (Booby) Pendleton, Tom Pension, Clint Malseed, Charlie (Bud) Powell, Harry King, Eddie Derrick, and Bobby Hannum. It should be noted that the Malseed family was one of the great sports families of its time. Francis “Bub”, Clint and Ivan Malseed were greatly involved either playing baseball, coaching, umpiring and supporting the development of Little League Baseball. Bub’s Son, Dennis was a star pitcher at St. James and played professionally in the Pittsburgh Pirates Organization. Bobby Hannum, our 1968 Sportsperson of the Year, was a great first baseman, a Professional Umpire, the legendary Coach of the Media American Legion Baseball Team and a founding member of the Media Oldtimers. Bobby Hannum coached pitcher Mike Flanagan, who dominated local teams on his way to a full scholarship at the University of North Carolina and the College World Series. Mike Flanagan pitched professionally for the Houston Astros. Coach Hannum was also instrumental in restarting the Media Delco Baseball Franchise during the 1970’s. Coach assisted Player/Manager Phil Damiani and had the opportunity to work with star Pitcher Bob Gibson, who after leading the Delco Baseball League in strikeouts in 1978, was signed by the Milwaukee Brewers. Bob pitched in the Major Leagues and has been inducted into the Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame.
Today, in addition to basketball, baseball, football and track and field: bowling, field hockey, gymnastics, lacrosse, rugby(thanks to Matt Heavens for his efforts to promote rugby), soccer, softball, swimming, tennis and volleyball are now recognized. Additional sports will surely be featured in future years. Over 400 individuals and teams have been honored over the past 50 years, a testament to the value our Schools and Communities place on teaching, coaching and fundamental skill development. Three of our Youth Sports Programs have provided over 50 years of excellence: Media Little League, The Rose Tree Colts Football, and The Media Youth Center.
Toastmaster for the Inaugural Banquet was John P. Trevaskis, Esq. Isadore “Izzy” Kaufman, Lou Scott and Phil Damiani have been the primary Masters of Ceremony in subsequent years. Current Officers of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame are: Hall of Fame Member and long-time Media Recreation Committee Member Wes Nieweg, Treasurer; Terry Dotts, Secretary and Phil Damiani, President. A special Thank You is given to former long-time Treasurer Ed Gallagher, Esq. for helping keep the Organization functioning for many years. Ed Gallaher succeeded Hall of Famer Jim Berry, who held several positions for many years. Jim Berry was a 1934 graduate of Media High School and a founding member of the Media Old Timers. Jim was named Sportsman of the Year in 1972, inducted into the Delco Athletes Hall of Fame in 1990 and served as President of our Organization from 1985-1992. Local Little League Umpire and District Official, George Plotts assumed the Secretary duties and until his death assisted in all of the Organizations activities. George Plotts was the 1993 Sportsman of the Year for his commitment to Media Little League. Terry Dotts, who worked closely with George, has ably assumed the Secretary duties.
Over the decades, many individuals serve or have served on the Banquet Committee: Bill (Coach K) Kaufman, Donald Trusty, Steve Mescanti, Jack Lemon, Steve Hefferan, EJ Curran, Mary Scott, Steve Benson, Gene Rader, Stanton Woerth, Ralph (Robby) Robinson, Coach Bob Hannum, Coach Bob Waslick , Albert (Buddy) Behrends, Tom Flynn, Fred Dotts, Larry Dotts and others have contributed to the success and longevity of the Hall of Fame. A special Thank You should be given to Coach K - Bill Kaufman and John (Jack) Lemon for keeping the accomplishments of Media High School athletes alive. Coach K, a 1949 Media High Mustang and Hall of Fame Member, has been a vital resource for Media High Athletes of the 40’s and 50’s. Author and Hall of Fame Member, Jack Lemon (MHS 64’), spent over 4 years researching and writing a book recognizing Media High School athletes (Black Gold: the African American Athlete at Media High School 1915-1966). Thank you to Hall of Famer Donald Trusty for his many years of service to the Media Recreation Commission and the Media Youth Center. Former Media High School teacher and football coach, Hank Nacrelli provided a vital link between Media Sports History and the transition to Penncrest after the merger of the two school districts. A star on the 1953 St. James High School Championship football team and a key lineman for the Fordham University football team, Hank became Principal at Media High School, Assistant Superintendent for the Rose Tree Media School District and ultimately retired as Superintendent of Schools.
In order to better preserve our Sports History, Penncrest Assistant AD and 2005 Sportsperson of the Year Steve Mescanti, along with Hall of Famer Steve Hefferan are coordinating the development of a website and use of social media to memorialize and communicate our Sports History. A mention should be made of the fact that student athletes from Nether Providence High School were recognized until the merger with Swarthmore and the creation of Strath Haven High School. Since the closure of Media High School in 1966, our relationship with Penncrest High School and the Rose Tree Media School District has grown. Members of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame serve on the newly created Penncrest Sports “Ring of Honor” Committee and helped select our Hall of Fame Members : Gene Armstead – Basketball, Kate Fonshell- Cross Country and Track and Field and Coach Bob Waslick- Basketball for the Inaugural “Ring of Honor” 2013 Class. A deep appreciation is offered to The RTM Board of School Directors, Superintendent James Wigo, Penncrest Principal Rick Gregg and Athletic Director Chip Olinger for their leadership and respect for our Sports History.
The Media Area Sports Hall of Fame has benefitted from the example put forth by the Delaware County Athletes Sports Hall of Fame and its Executive Director, Joseph Cirilli. Founded in 1939, it is the oldest Organization of its kind in Delaware County and has done the most to preserve Delaware County’s Sports History. Mr. Jim Vankoski, Special Events Coordinator for the group, created the Mickey Vernon Sports History Museum, which has featured several members of the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame. It is interesting to note that Baseball great Mickey Vernon, was a regular attendee at our Banquet and always held ticket #1 to the event. When Mickey passed away, ticket #1 was given to Mickey’s long-time friend and Baseball Hall of Fame Announcer, Harry Kalas. Harry, a local resident, was one of our Group’s featured Speakers. With Harry Kalas’ passing, ticket #1 has been retired.
Harry Chaykun, a Member of our Sports Hall of Fame and a Sportswriter for the “Delaware County Daily Times”, has been an invaluable resource in documenting the efforts of our organization and for his love of sports and promoting the value of athletic competition. A thank you to Delaware County Sports Historian, Rich Pagano for his research and writings important to the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame, in particular, as to our place in Delaware County Sports History. It was Rich Pagano who researched and directed deserved attention to Track Olympic Gold Medalist (1912) and World Record Holder Ted Meredith who attended Media High School for one year.
A final note: the belief that history repeats itself certainly is true for the Media Area Sports Hall of Fame. Our first Banquet was held at D’Ignazio’s Towne House Restaurant in Media, Pennsylvania as will the 50th . However, nothing surpasses the return of legendary National Basketball Hall of Fame Coach Dr. Jack Ramsay (Inaugural featured Speaker in 1964). Dr. Jack has agreed to return to serve as the Featured Speaker at our 50th Anniversary Banquet!
It is our fervent hope that future generations will continue to support local sports, honor those who excel, recognize the best qualities of athletic competition and continue to record our wonderful sports history. There is tremendous satisfaction to see the joy on the faces of honorees and the pride that their families, teammates and friends feel to be present for their Induction.
To those who are fortunate to attend a 75th and 100th Anniversary Banquet, please give thanks to those original “Media Oldtimers” who brought us all together.