Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame Induction Dinner
Past Honorees
Hank Greenberg
Played in 1,394 major league games for the Detroit Tigers (1933-1947) and Pittsburgh Pirates (1994). Twice voted the most valuable player. Three times led or tied for Homerun Leadership. Four times led league in runs batted in. Later made outstanding contribution to baseball in an executive capacity. Named to Baseball Hall of Fame in 1956 and the Michigan Hall of Fame in 1958. Inducted 1985
William Davidson
Acquired the Detroit Pistons in 1974. Received a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration at the University of Michigan and earned a Juris Doctors Degree from Wayne State University. Guardian Industries is the flagship of his business interests. He is active in community and charitable concerns. His management talents are continually on display in the NBA, where he is active in the player relations and the finance committee. Inducted 1985
Benny Friedman
Quarterback at the University of Michigan from 1924-1926. All-American in 1925-1926. Big Ten most valuable player in 1926 when he led the Big Ten in scoring touchdowns. Pro football with Cleveland, Detroit, New York Giants and Brooklyn Dodgers. Member of the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. Red Grange called Friedman the best quarterback he ever played against. Inducted 1985
Harry Newman
Led Wolverines to three straight championships as a quarterback, punt returns specialist and place kicker. Scored 57 of Michigan's 82 points against Big Ten opponents in 1932. Won Douglas Fairbanks Trophy as most valuable player in the United States (the trophy is considered the forerunner to the Heisman Trophy). In 1933, went professional with the New York Giants and led the Giants to the League Championship against the Chicago Bears. Was named all pro and helped the Giants to championship seasons the following two years. Inducted 1985
Mervin Pregulman
All-American tackle at the University of Michigan in 1943. Played center and guard as well during his Michigan career. Also played in the NFL from 1946-1949 with the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. A graduate of Lansing Central High School football team in 1939. Named to the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame in 1982. Inducted in 1986
Brian Krieger
A two-time Olympian in 1952 and 1956. Also a member of the Gold Medal Winning U.S. Pan-American Games' fencing team in 1951. A graduate of Northwestern High School in Detroit. Was Wayne State's first All-American Fencer. Won NCAA Foil Championship in 1942. Was 62-7 in dual meets as a collegian, including 30-0 in foil. Won the 1957 Maccabiah Games Sabre Title. Elected to Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 1974. On of six original inductees to WSU Hall of Fame in 1976. Inducted in 1986
Philip "Ciney" Sachs
Basketball teacher and coach whose teams won 28 championships, totaled 782 victories against 158 defeats; coached Lawrence Tech 4 years, winning 56 games, losing 28 and won 1937-1938 Michigan-Ontario Title; won 7 Michigan AAU Championships and 1945 Cleveland Pro Invitational. Started first basketball schools in Michigan, 1950; spent more than 50 years in basketball as player, teacher, tournament promoter, coach, Detroit Pistons scout, and referee in amateur, semi-professional and professional levels; elected to Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, 1973. Inducted 1986
Daniel Dworsky
Outstanding linebacker and defensive captain of the University of Michigan 1947 and 1948 National Championship Football teams. Earned six varsity letters at Michigan, four in football and two in wrestling. Born in Minneapolis. High school star in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Starred in 1948 Rose Bowl, where U of M defeated USC 49-0. Played pro football for Los Angeles Dons in 1949. Is a much honored architect in Los Angeles. Designed the Crisler Arena in Ann Arbor. Inducted 1987
Herman Fishman
Considered one of the finest all-around athletes produced in the Detroit area during the 1930's. Was a four sports star at Northern High School. Won 6 varsity letters at University of Michigan. All-Big Ten baseball and basketball. Held Big Ten single season E.R.A. record (0.89) for 15 years. Pitched for service All-Stars against American League All-Stars in 1942. Was a member of Detroit Pistons Board of Directors from their arrival in Detroit until his death in 1967. Joins his brothers Ben, Manny and Mickey as the only four brothers in U of M athletic history to all earn varsity letters. Inducted 1987
Myron "Susie" Schecter
One of the state's greatest basketball players during the 1920's and '30's. Starred for City College of Detroit (Wayne State) from 1926-1928. Captained the famed "Point-A-Minute" team in 1928. Was first man in state to score over 200 points in one season when he scored 221 in 1926. 1928 team finished 18-1, won the state's first Michigan Collegiate conference. Was selected to the All-Conference team. Also played professional basketball in the 1930's for the Flint Buicks. Born in Russia in 1905. High school star at Detroit Northeastern. Inducted in 1987
Sam Bishop
Born Sam Goldstein in Benton Harbor, Michigan. A high school star in basketball and football at Lane Tech in Chicago and Benton Harbor High. Continued to star in both sports at Western State Teachers College in Kalamazoo. Hired at Detroit Northwestern High School as football coach in 1924. Retired 44 years later with six City Championships, plus two State Titles. Coached baseball and track teams to championship also. Voted National Educator of the Year 1970 by American Association of School Administrators. Elected to Michigan Sports Hall of Fame just prior to his death in 1977. Inducted in 1988
Leonard Brose
One of the best tennis players ever to come out of the Detroit area. Led Michigan State University to the Big Ten Tennis Championship and was the Conference Singles Champion in 1951. Also an NCAA quarter finalist in 1951. A five-time City of Detroit Champion and three-time State of Michigan Champion. Won both the state tennis and squash championships in 1951. Won the National Seniors Tennis Championship in 1973 at age 46. Represented the USA in Maccabiah Games in 1988 and won two silver medals. Inducted in 1988
Chuck Burns
One of the nation's pioneers in the sport of table tennis. Michigan Men's Champion 17 times. Won 27 national titles and 17 international titles, including six U.S. Open Senior Men's Championships. Participated in a U.S.O. tour of Europe, Asia and Africa giving exhibitions to the troops during World War II. Was Playing Captain of the United States team for International Competitions in 1962. Also served as President - United States Table Tennis Association 1963 and 1964. Inducted into the Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 1974, and into the United States Table Tennis Hall of Fame in 1984. Inducted 1988
Lou Handler
Born 1910. Was campus heavyweight boxing champion at Michigan State University. Shoulder injury caused him to become a referee of national reputation. Refereed fights with Joe Louis, Sugar Ray Robinson Tony Janero, Kid Gavalian, Rocky Graziano and many others including the championship fight between Jake LaMotta and Lauren Dauthielle. Died March 22, 1974. Inducted 1989
Mike Yellen
Born in 1960. One of the greatest racquetball players of all time. Captured the national championship and became the nation's top ranked player in 1983. Won national titles in 1984, 1985, 1986, and 1987. Only player to win five consecutive titles. Also the only player to ever win racquetball's "Grand Slam". Inducted 1989
Jacob Mazer
Born in Russia, January 6, 1877. One of Michigan's pioneer basketball players. Led Detroit Athletic Club team in over 300 intercollegiate and club games and lost only seven. Elected President of the Michigan Amateur Athletic Union in 1929. Also founder of the Cadillac Athletic Club in downtown Detroit. Formed a pro-basketball team, the Detroit Eagles, in 1939. Died July 26, 1958. Inducted 1989
Benjamin B. Bagdade
One of the founders of speed skating in Michigan. Moved to Detroit from Montreal in early 1920s. Served as Manager, U.S. Olympic Speed Skating Team in 1948. Served as Official in Winter Olympic Games in 1952, 1956, and 1960. Member of U.S. Speed Skating Committee from 1948-1968. President of American Skating Union 1948-1950. Inducted into Speed Skating Hall of Fame in 1978. Inducted into Michigan Amateur Sports Hall of Fame in 1977. Inducted 1990
Carl Bayer
All-City basketball player for Detroit Northern High School in the early 1930s. Three year starter at Wayne State University, two years Co-Captain. Also, team's high scorer. Participated in 1936 Olympic Trials. Member of Detroit Eagles Professional Basketball Team. Player/Coach Alameda Navy Base Basketball Team during World War II. Also starting short centerfielder on Briggs Beautyware Fast Pitch Softball team that won World Championship Fast Pitch Softball title for four years in the late 1930s. Died in 1986. Inducted 1990
Henry Berris
All-City forward on Detroit Northern High School basketball team in early 1930s. Played college basketball at Wayne State University. First freshman ever named Captain. Won six letters at Wayne in basketball and baseball. Participated in 1936 Olympic Basketball Trials. Coached youth basketball at the Jewish Community Center for many years. Long time team dentist for Detroit Pistons. Died in 1980, same year as Henry "Honey" Berris Memorial Basketball League established at JCC. Inducted 1990
Joe Magidsohn
Came to U.S. from Latvia in 1893. All-Western football player at the University of Michigan in 1909 and 1910 for Fielding H. Yost. A hard-hitting left halfback on offense and defensive back on defense. Known for his durability, as well as ball carrying ability. Chosen to All-American teams by Walter Camp in 1090 and 1910. Believed to be first Jew to letter in football at U of M. After graduation, he began a career as a civil engineer. Remained active in sports as a Big Ten referee for 34 years. Refereed 1921 Rose Bowl game, several Army-Notre Dame games and College All-Star game. Inducted 1991
Julius Goldman
Acclaimed finest athlete ever at the Detroit Institute of Technology (Detroit Tech). A four-sport athlete, winning 14 letters in basketball, football, baseball and track. Later became Detroit Tech's most successful basketball coach with a .656 winning percentage. In 1973 was named the top student athlete of the half-century from the W.D. Lowe Secondary School in Windsor, Ontario. Served as assistant coach of 1936 Canadian Olympic Basketball team that won the silver medal in Berlin. Became member of the Olympic Rules Committee. Was leading proponent for change that eliminated jump ball after every field goal. Also a long-time football and basketball referee in Detroit. Inducted 1991
Abe Eliowitz
All-City and All-State football star at Western High School in 1928 and 1929. Became football and baseball star at Michigan State. Selected to various All-Star teams in 1932 and 1933; captained 1932 Spartans. Went on to star in Canadian Football League with the Ottawa Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes. Chosen All-Canadian Football Hall of Fame. Coached football, baseball and cross country from 1949 to 1970 at Cooley High School and from 1970 to retirement in 1975 at Redford High School. Died in 1981 at age 71. Inducted 1991
David Lamed Linden
Born May 1, 1949, in Detroit, Michigan. All-City tennis 1964-1967. Squash Racquets-New York City Champion 1977. Nationally ranked #2, 1977. Silver medalist, Maccabiah Games, Israel 1977 and 1981. Michigan State and City of Detroit Champion 1984. National Men's Singles Champion-35, hardball 1986, 1987, and 1989. National Men's Champion-35 International Ball 1984, 1985, and 1987. National Men's Champion-40 hardball 1991 and 1992. National Men's Champion-40 International Ball 1990. Inducted 1992
Leonard Karpeles
Born January 11, 1911 in East Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Played semi-professional baseball at age 14. Starred in football and basketball at East High School in Youngstown, Ohio. Quarterback on University of Pittsburgh Rose Bowl team in 1931. Moved to Detroit in 1932 and began long career of excellence in various racquet sports. From 1935 through mid-1960s, won various tennis, squash, and table tennis tournaments throughout the metro-area and the State of Michigan. Became racquet sports teaching professional at Tam O'Shanter Country Club and Southfield Athletic Club. Coached Michael Yellen to five consecutive national racquetball championships. Inducted 1992
Sam Taub
Born January 19, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. All-City basketball and baseball at Central High School 1946-1948. Varsity basketball and baseball at University of Detroit 1949-1954. Also played slow pitch softball on three national championship teams. Was college basketball referee for 15 years, working in Big Ten and Mid-American conferences. Basketball coach Mumford High School 1966-1972. Won PSL Championship in 1969. Athletic Director 1972 to 1989. Inducted 1992
Albert J. Silber
Born in Detroit on March 15, 1912. From 1928 through 1933 won nine State AAU Championships in the high jump and long jump. As a 14-year old at City College of Detroit (Wayne State University) became the youngest athlete in the country to ever earn a varsity letter. Was a member of the American touring track team in 1932, and in 1933 was third in the National AAU high jump championships. Graduated University of Michigan Law School with honors at age 20. Played two years of semi-professional basketball. Inducted 1993
Harry Eisenstat
A native of Brooklyn, New York, was a major league pitcher for Brooklyn, Detroit and Cleveland from 1936 until 1942 when he entered the Army Air Corps. Won 25 games and lost 27 with a 3.84 ERA. While with Tigers in 1938 won both ends of a doubleheader and was the winning pitcher against Bob Feller in the game in which Feller struck out 18 Tigers to set a major league record. Inducted 1993
Ralph Goldstein
Born October 26, 1934 in Detroit. Was All-State as member of 1951-1952 Central High School basketball team. Won National and All-Conference honors as captain of 1955-1956 University of Detroit squad. A three-year starter, he was the first guard to score over 1,000 points. Later coached at St. Theresa and Divine Child High schools and Aquinas College. Inducted into the University of Detroit Sports Hall of Fame in 1982. Died June 30, 1988. Inducted 1993
James M. Kamman
One of the outstanding collegiate wrestlers of the 1960s while attending the University of Michigan. Michigan State AAU champion, 1964; Big Ten champion, 1965; Big Ten and NCAA champion, 1967; All-Marine and All-Navy champion, 1969 and 1970. Received Fielding H. Yost Award for athletic and academic achievement in 1967. Flew over 200 missions in Viet Nam, earning Distinguished Flying Cross and 15 Strike Flight Air Medals. Inducted 1994
Robert R. Luby
A native of Detroit, won three letters each in track and football at Wayne State University from 1937 to 1940. Captain of track team in 1940. Led mile relay team to victories in Penn, Illinois and Butler Relays. Returned two punts and pass interceptions for touchdowns in single game in 1937. Elected to Wayne State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993. Served as division director of Detroit Public School's Department of Health, Physical Education and Athletics from 1962 to 1983. Inducted 1994
David Rott
Born in Detroit, May 31, 1928. Started playing handball in 1958; thereafter finished either first or second in over 70 international, national, state and local tournaments. Won a World Super Masters Doubles championship, two Canadian National Super Masters championships and eight various United States senior titles. Won the Michigan Open Doubles tournament in 1975 and six Michigan master championships from 1984 to 1992. Inducted 1994
Myron N. "Joe" Ginsberg
Born in New York City, October 11, 1926. Graduated from Cooley High School, lettering in baseball and basketball. Signed professional baseball contract when 17 years old and caught for 13 years in the major leagues, including five years with the Detroit Tigers. Had a .241 lifetime batting average, and a .983 fielding average. Inducted 1995
Mike Hartman
Born in Detroit, February 7, 1967. Drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in 1986, played in 397 National Hockey League games over a period of nine years. Was member of New York Ranger team that won Stanley Cup in 1993-1994. Inducted 1995
Benny Goldberg
Born in Warsaw, Poland, in 1919 and lived in Detroit from 1922 to 1945. Boxed as featherweight and bantamweight, and had only two losses in 37 recorded bouts. Won 14 fights by knockouts. Elected to Boxing Hall of Fame in 1994. Was world's second-ranked bantamweight from 1943 to 1946, and in 1943 lost 15-round split decision in title fight. Inducted 1995
Don Berger
A high school baseball and football star in Philadelphia. Played linebacker and center for Michigan State from 1955 to 1957. Started for 1957 Rose Bowl Championship team and played in 1957 Blue-Gray game. Played professional for Saskatchewan Rough Riders, New York Titans and Dallas Cowboys. Died in 1985. Inducted 1996
Ben Braun
Became head basketball coach at Eastern Michigan University in 1985 and in 1996 became "winningest" coach in school's history. Led team to NCAA tournament three times in 11 years and reached round of 16 in 1991. Voted 1987-1988 Michigan Basketball Coach of the Year. Coached United States silver medal winning team at the 1989 Maccabiah Games. Inducted 1996
Charles Frankel
Played basketball and baseball for Michigan State University, 1944-1945, and Wayne State University, 1947-1950. Also played with U.S. Navy Oklahoma Skyjackets basketball team, 1945-1947. At Michigan State was first freshman basketball player to win a letter. At Wayne State pitched no-hitter, won Best Athlete Award, and was elected to College Hall of Fame. At Northern High School won nine letters and was selected for All-State basketball team. Inducted 1996
Al Ackerman
Considered Detroit's premier sports journalist on television during the 1960s, '70s, and '80s, he is know for his no-nonsense approach, probing questions and challenging demeanor. He created the slogan "Bless You Boys" for the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers. He worked for Channel 4 and 7 during his illustrious 25-year career in Detroit. Inducted 1997
Aaron Krickstein
Considered one of the greatest tennis players ever produced in the state of Michigan. Won boys 14, 16, and 18 National Singles championships. Youngest to ever win an ATP Tournament; youngest World Top 10. Won 12 professional titles; World Top 10 in 1984, 1985, 1989, 1990, and 1991; highest World Rank 6. U.S. Davis Cup Team 1984-1992. Semifinalist U.S. Open and Australian Open. Inducted 1997
Jackie Kallen
Known as the First Lady of Boxing. After working as a publicist for champion Thomas Hearns for ten years, she branched off into management when she discovered a young fighter named James Toney and steered him into two world championships. She has managed two other champions and has been nominated twice for Manager of the Year. Inducted 1997
Mickey Fishman
Spent his early years as a champion swimmer. But he's most remembered as the star baseball pitcher for the University of Michigan. In 1942 he led Michigan to the Big Ten title and pitched a nearly perfect game against Northwestern on the way to that title. When his own athletic career ended, he spent 25 years operating Camp Michigama where hundreds of boys and girls learned the discipline of participating in athletics. Inducted in 1998
Mark Jaffe
With 137 career championships in singles and doubles, Mark Jaffe definitely made his mark on more than just the local tennis community. From being named Michigan State Boys Singles Champion as a teenager in 1950, to playing on the 1957 University of Michigan NCAA championship team, to coming out of retirement in 1981 to become the Maccabiah Masters Singles Champion in Israel. Mark Jaffe's career included two Number One rankings in the Western Tennis Association. Inducted 1998
Jay Robinson
The late Jay Robinson was the guiding light of the Maccabi Games in Detroit since 1983. Beyond the Detroit Games, Robinson was also co-chair of the U.S. Junior team, chair of the U.S. Masters track and field, and participant in the triathlon in Israel for the World Maccabiah Games. Yet with these immense responsibilities, Jay never forgot the individual athlete, taking time to guide and encourage teens, as well as coaches, on a one-on-one basis. Inducted 1998
Alan Rothenberg
Native Detroiter attended Mumford High School and the University of Michigan. A prominent attorney, instructor and television commentator. President of the L.A. Clippers Basketball team 1982-1989. President of the United States Soccer Federation 1990-1998. Known internationally for his dedication to the world of soccer. Founder of Major League Soccer. Inducted 1999
Julius Spielberg
Russian born, immigrated to Detroit in 1921. Graduated from Detroit College of Pharmacy. Was a successful pharmacist for over 60 years. At age 70, changed his lifestyle, opting a healthy diet and exercise program. At the Michigan Senior Olympics collected 10 Gold medals in the 1500 and 5000 meter race walk. With race walking champion medals totaling 31, holds the National Senior record for the 5000m. Inducted in 1999
Allan Tolmich
Born in Detroit, March 30, 1918. Found his love of track at an early age. Joined the Wayne State University track team in 1934 as a walk-on. Captained the team in 1936 and 1937. 1937 National AAU Champion 110 and 200 meters hurdles. 1937-1941 selected a member of the National AAU All-American Track team. During career set 10 World and U.S. records. Inducted 1999
Jeffrey Deitch
Born in Detroit in 1961. He is one of the country's finest squash players. A member of the University of Michigan's 1980-1983 squash team. U of M team captain 1983 before going on to medical school. Jeffrey was a Finalist in the U.S. Open Hardball Championship in 1995 and National Hardball and Softball Championship in singles and doubles. He is the current reigning state champion in squash singles and doubles in both the open and 35+ divisions. Inducted in 2000
Paul Groffsky
A three-year starting center-forward on the University of Michigan basketball team (1952-1955). He averaged double figures in scoring each of the three years, and was the team's leading rebounder during that time. He was leading scorer and most valuable player in sophomore year. Team captain his senior year, the first of only two "walk-on" captains of the Michigan basketball team in the last 50 years. Paul was also a starting forward on the gold medal-winning United States basketball team in the 1953 Maccabiah games and high scorer for the United States in the championship game against Israel. Inducted in 2000
Bernard Kahn
A New York high school backstroke champion for two consecutive years, he was captain of the swim team those two years. Bernard was a three-year letterman in swimming at the University of Michigan, as well as an All-American swimmer for two years. Member of the NCAA Swimming Championship team in 1948. In 1952, he took second in the 100 yard backstroke in the National AAU Championship at Yale. Bernard now resides in California. Inducted in 2000
Walter Godfrey
Born in Detroit in 1935, Walter Godfrey played for Michigan State University from 1954-1956. He was captain and starting guard for the Spartans basketball team and was the starting pitcher on the Spartans Big Ten Championship team in 1954. Walter was signed by the Detroit Tigers after college. Inducted 2001
Sam Greenblatt
Born in Toronto in 1933, Sam Greenblatt is hockey. From the National Hockey League to USA Hockey, he is known and loved for his dedication, his contributions to the game and for helping to make hockey, throughout the world, what it is today. He spent over 30 years as one of the leaders in the Michigan Amateur Hockey Association. Inducted in 2001
Alvin Rappaport
Born in Cleveland in 1913, Alvin Rappaport attended the University of Detroit from 1934-1936, where he was a member of the "Seven Iron Men" track team that competed nationally against the finest track teams in the country. He competed, and mostly won, in the 60 yard, 100 yard, 220 yard and sprint relays. Alvin was a member of the U.S. International Sprint Relay team, along with Jesse Owens. He was Inducted into the University of Detroit's Sports Hall of Fame in 1987. Inducted in 2001
Billy Berris
Born into basketball in 1950 as the son of Henry "Honey" Berris (a 1990 inductee). All-around athlete, attended Mumford High School 1965-1968. Captain of his basketball team in his junior and senior years, led team in scoring and assists. As a senior, was selected by coaches as one of the top six guards in the city and the league. All-City in tennis, as well; was a two-year captain. Played college basketball at Wayne State. Represented the USA a record six times as a Master's basketball player at World Maccabiah and Pan Am Games (1993-2000) and player-coach 2001, winning a record six medals. Inducted 2002
Richie Jordan
One of the greatest high school athletes in Michigan's sports history. Grew up in Fennville, Michigan, where he was All-State in basketball, football, baseball, and track. It was basketball that brought him to the public's attention when he averaged 44.4 points per game in the 1964-65 season. A member of the National High School Hall of Fame, he went on to play basketball at Michigan State University and professional baseball in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization. Inducted 2002
Marissa Pollick
Attended Berkley High School 1974-1977; was a state finalist on the girl's tennis team, and also the first female to earn a varsity letter on the school's boy's tennis team. A four-year letter winner and two-time co-captain of the University of Michigan's women's tennis team. One of the first women to receive a varsity letter in 1974. In 1999, was the first female president in the 86-year history of the U of M "M" Club. Inducted 2002
Dick Schaap
Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1934, probably the most versatile journalist of his generation, his career included newspaper columns, magazine articles, theater reviews, television, radio, and 33 books. He won 7 prestigious Emmy Awards and was host of ESPN's Sports Reporters. Was an integral part of the success of the Hank Greenberg Memorial Golf and Tennis Invitational, serving as honorary Co-Chair for 11 years. His tireless humanitarian effort and devotion to the event helped the Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation raise over one million dollars for cancer research. Died December 21, 2001. Inducted 2002
Steve Fishman
Born in Detroit in 1949. One of the top playmaking guards in the Detroit Public School League in the mid-1960s. Averaged 15 assists per game at Mumford High School in 1965-66. Named first-team All-City by PSL coaches and honorable mention all-State. All-City golf in 1965. Played basketball at the University of Michigan from 1967-1970. Inducted 2003
George Maskin
Born in Hamtramck in 1917. Elected to the Michigan High School Hall of Fame and Catholic League Hall of Fame. Sports Editor of the Observer-Eccentric during the 1960s and 1970s. Sports writer for the Detroit Times and Free Press. Has officiated every sport at the high school and college levels, including College World Series. Inducted 2003
Eugene Mondry
Born in Detroit in 1930. Achieved 11 athletic letters at Central H.S. in football, track and tennis. One of the country's most accomplished competitive sailors. Past 38 years skippered his own yacht in 43 Port Huron-Mackinac races. Won class 8 times, twice overall. Won North American 40' National Championship in 1982. Inducted 2003
Willie Stone
Born in Detroit in 1924. Over 50 years has distinguished himself in the sport of squash, competing in local, state and national tournaments. Won over 200 championships and trophies. First local Jewish athlete to dominate the sport of squash. Inducted 2003
Jeffrey A. Cohen
Three-year letter winner at University of Michigan, playing for Bo Schembechler in 1980, 1982, 1983 as a defensive back. Played in Rose Bowl in 1981 and 1983. Member of Big Ten Championship team 1980 and 1982. Three-sport star at North Farmington High School in football, baseball and track. Inducted 2004
Jerry Green
Sportswriter and columnist for the Detroit News from 1963-2004. Named "Sports Writer of the Year" nine times by the National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association. 2002 finalist for the writer's wing of Pro-Football Hall of Fame. Pulitzer Prize nomination for commentary and 2003 George F. Pierott "journalist of the Year". Covered all 37 Super Bowls. Inducted into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 2003. Inducted 2004
Philip Horowitz
Member of the Professional Bowlers Association from 1989-1993. Rolled 10 perfect 300 games and seven sanctioned 800+ series in ABC competition. Has maintained 200+ bowling average for over 20 years. Won 11 Gold Medals in Senior Olympics and three Gold Medals in National Senior Sports Classics. Inducted 2004
Founders of the MJSHOF - 2004 Inductees
Photos in order are: Alvin Foon* Billy Jacobs* Myron Milgrom Seymour Brode Mickey Fishman Robert A. Steinberg
In 1984, Alvin Foon created the concept to both honor Jewish individuals who had distinguished themselves in athletics within the state of Michigan and to raise funds for charitable causes. Foon enlisted fellow community leaders and activists Jacobs, Milgrom, Brode, Fishman and Steinberg to establish the Michigan Jewish Sports Hall of Fame. Their visions and hard work is honored on the 20th Anniversary of the MJSHOF. Inducted 2004
Sam Babcock
Graduate of the University of Michigan in 1928. All-City in Football at Central High School. Played three years under legendary coach, Fielding Yost, at the University of Michigan, alongside Benny Friedman. As a starting left halfback scored touchdowns against Michigan State and Indiana. Inducted 2005
Oscar Feldman
Graduate of University of Michigan in 1943. Oscar Feldman has been part of the Detroit Pistons for over 30 years, under the present ownership. He has held positions as General Manager and Legal Counsel of the Pistons. Oscar Feldman represents the Pistons at NBA Board of Governor meetings. Inducted 2005
Frank Goldberg
Graduate of Central Michigan University in 1965. An all-around great athlete at Mumford High School, starring in football, baseball and hockey. He starred at CMS from 1962-1965 where he was a starting middle linebacker and tight end. During the '63 and '64 seasons, he was voted All-Conference of the Intercollegiate Athletic Conference. In 1965, he was drafted by the World Champion Cleveland Browns in the NFL. Inducted 2005
Marianne Ring Caplan
Born February 22, 1961 in Detroit. #1 Singles at Groves H.S. 1976-78, with a 44-7 record and winning Regionals twice. State Semi-Finalist in 1978. Voted All-League, All-Oakland County, All-Metro, and All-State. Earned tennis scholarship to top-ten-ranked Pepperdine University. Played singles and doubles freshman year, 1980. Transferred to the University of Michigan and played singles and doubles 1982-83. In 2002, won a Bronze Ball in USTA Women's 40's Doubles National Grasscourt Championships and earned #10 USTA National singles ranking. Won Gold in 40's Singles and Silver in 35's Mixed Doubles at 2005 World Maccabiah Games. Inducted 2006
Bert Ruby
Born in Hungary as Bertalan Rubinstein in 1910. Was a star soccer player as a young man. Migrated to Canada in 1930s. Moved to Detroit and became a professional wrestler for over 20 years, until he retired in 1954. Then became the primary professional wrestling promoter in Michigan with weekly TV shows throughout the state and The Wrestling News magazine. He raised money for countless organizations and charities through local wrestling shows. His Motor City Wrestling show on WXYZ-TV ran for may years in the 1950s and 60s. Died in March, 1968. Inducted 2006
Mathieu Schneider
Born in New York City, June 12, 1969, the all-time leading Jewish scorer in NHL history and one of the league's all-time top scoring defensemen. Originally drafted in 1987 by the Montreal Canadians and was on 1992-93 Stanley Cup championship team. Also played for NY Islanders, Toronto Maple Leafs, NY Rangers and LA Kings. Traded to the Detroit Red Wings from LA Kings in 2003. Played in two NHL All-Star games. Also a two-time US Olympic Team member. Inducted 2006
Larry Stark
Born December 2, 1953, in Detroit. Received city, regional and state honors playing Varsity Tennis at Berkley H.S., with 30-1 record senior year. Voted team's MVP. Played #1 Singles and Doubles at Michigan State, 1972-76. Co-captain senior year. Won 7 major USTA Men's Open tennis titles. In 2004, ranked #1 USTA +50 Men's in Michigan and #2 +50 Men's Mid-Central Region. In squash, 3-time USSRA National Semi-Finalist. Nationally ranked #3 in Men's + 35 and #2 Men's + 40. Won 15 USSRA Michigan squash titles. Winner Men's USSRA Singles State "A" Open, Men's 35+ (1989) and 40+ (1994) State Champion. Inducted 2006
Bill Serman
Born in Detroit on July 4, 1924. A terrific all-around athlete who played basketball and earned All-City honors in baseball at Central High School. Later in life, he pursued golf, tennis and squash with excellence. A strong supporter of Israel, Bill is recognized for his contributions to the development of baseball in that country. He led the effort through the Israel-American Baseball, Inc./Detroit Committee. He also served as a Trustee of the Israel Baseball Association. Bill passed away on September 19, 1999. Inducted 2007
Josh Mondry
Born in Detroit on October 17, 1963. One of the state's most accomplished amateur golfers. Winner of the Michigan Medal Play Championship in 1989, 1992, and 1996; winner of the Horton Smith championship in 1989, 1996, and 2002; 1988 Golf Association of Michigan Champion; runner-up Michigan Amateur Championship in 1989 and 1993; voted Michigan Amateur Player of the Year in 1993 and 1996; and G.A.M. Player of the Year in 1993. Played in nine U.S.G.A. National Amateur championships and one British National championship. Played #1 on the Stanford University golf team. Inducted 2007
Allan "Al" Freund
Born in New York City on September 12, 1934, and moved to Detroit at age two. Ran track, cross country and played basketball at Central High School. Played basketball for two years at Highland Park Junior College. A very successful high school basketball coach at Hale, Rockford, and Southgate Schafer. Joined staff at Eastern Michigan University as assistant coach in 1967 and was Head Coach from 1972-1976 during the time when the school moved to Division I and joined the Mid-American Conference. Retired from EMU as an Assistant Professor of Physical Education in 1997. Inducted 2007
Frank Faudem
Born in Detroit on July 9, 1921. Played baseball and football at Central High School, earning All-City honors in baseball in 1940. Signed a minor league contract with the Detroit Tigers in 1940. Hit .321 with 68 RBIs and 81 runs in 118 games for the Fulton Tigers in the Kitty League in 1941. Played for Winston-Salem of the Piedmont League in 1942. Joined the Army in January, 1942, and was killed by a Japanese sniper in the South Pacific on January 12, 1945. Inducted 2007
Roy Clark
Born in Detroit on July 31, 1921. A two-sport star at Central High School in 1937-1940. Earned six varsity letters and All-City honors in baseball and basketball. Played professional baseball as a catcher in 1941 for the Bluefield, West Virginia Blue Grays where he batted .306 with seven home runs and 37 RBIs in 79 games. His career was interrupted when he enlisted in the Army Air Corp shortly after Pearl Harbor. A war injury to his arm prevented him from accepting offers to continue his career. Inducted 2007
Denise Thal
A 1977 Rhodes Scholar (and the first woman since 1904) who was a trailblazer in women's sports by initiating a bill in the Michigan legislature making it legal for girls to play on school teams with men in non-contact sports. United States Tennis Association ranked, Michigan State doubles champion and varsity tennis and basketball star at Harvard. Currently Vice-President for Business Operations and CFO at The Henry Ford. Inducted 2008
Don Shane
For over a quarter of a century has been the leading television-sports reporter in the Detroit market. WXYZ Action Sports Director. Winner of multiple Emmy Awards in recognition of his sports reporting and journalism. A graduate of the University of Maryland with a master's degree in journalism from the University of Colorado. Inducted 2008
Ben Bayer
Basketball leading scorer at Detroit Northern High School in 1929. Captain of the Michigan State Normal (Eastern Michigan University) basketball team. Earned individual scoring honors. Older brother of previous MJSHOF inductee, Carl Bayer. Inducted 2008
Leonard Alkon
Was the city 100 and 220-yard dash champion in the early 1940's while at Detroit Northern High School. His best high school clocking in the 100-yard dash was 9.7 seconds, and at the time the world record was 9.3 seconds. Big Ten 60-yard dash indoor champion while at University of Michigan. Inducted 2008
Stephen D. Greenberg
Born September 8, 1948 in N.Y.C., the son of baseball legend and Hall-of-Famer Hank Greenberg. Managing Director of Allen & Company, focusing on sports and media. Represented owners in the sale of several baseball clubs, including: Milwaukee Brewers, Cincinnati Reds and Atlanta Braves; represented Wilpon family in the acquisition of the N.Y. Mets. Helped form regional sports networks in N.Y. and Chicago; Big Ten Network and MLB Network. Co-founder Classic Sports Network and CSTV:College Sports TV. Served as Deputy Commissioner of Major League Baseball from 1990-93. Law degree from UCLA. Played 5 minor league seasons in Texas Rangers organization. 1970 Yale graduate; captain of baseball team. Inducted 2009
Dr. Stuart Kirschenbaum
State of Michigan Boxing Commissioner 1981-92, second longest tenure in State history. Instrumental in establishment of federal regulations for boxing. Co-founded the Association of Boxing Commissions. Judged over a dozen World Boxing Championships. Outstanding amateur boxer 1967 NY Golden Gloves. 1993 Sports Illustrated recipient Joe Louis Award. Founder and President Michigan Boxing Hall of Fame. Served as President Michigan Jewish Sports Foundation, Vice President Michigan Sports Hall of Fame, Board -International African American Sports Hall of Fame, Board - Athletes with Disabilities Hall of Fame. Inducted 2009
Kathryn Krickstein-Pressel
Born on November 21, 1959, in Boston, MA; grew up in Grosse Pointe, MI. Won several State of Michigan junior championships. Runner-up in the 18 and under National Girl's Doubles; won the State of Michigan Women's Doubles and twice the Michigan Mixed Doubles. Won 1979 and 1980 Big Ten tennis championships while at U of M. Tennis Director at Nick Bollettieri Tennis Academy - coached and traveled with top nationally-ranked tournament players. Lost her fight with breast cancer in 2003. Sister of MJSF Hall of Famer Aaron Krickstein. Daughters are LPGA Tour professional, Morgan, and University of Texas golfer Madison; and son Mitchell. Inducted 2009
Richard A. Loewenstein
Born July 18, 1960, in Detroit. Outstanding student athlete and dedicated youth sports coach. Babson College Freshman and Senior Athlete of the Year; 4 year hockey standout; 3-time baseball captain, MVP, All-New England, and played in the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League. Cranbrook School Senior Athlete of the Year; team captain, All-Conference baseball; team captain, All-State hockey; All-State soccer. Selected to 2001 USA Men's Fastpitch Softball team for World Maccabiah Games. Inducted into the Detroit Men's Senior Baseball League Hall of Fame in 2008. Inducted 2009
Steve Rosen
Born July 15, 1949 in Detroit, Steve Rosen was a high school track star who won the county championship in the high jump and was the runner-up in the 180 yard hurdles. At the University of Michigan, he competed on the track team. As a varsity trackman, he placed in many dual meets and several invitational meets, and participated in the Big Ten Championships. He lettered in track at the University of Michigan in 1971. He went on to graduate from Wayne State Medical School and practiced Radiology from 1978-2006. He was a starter for the U.S.A. basketball squad in the 35-and-over division of the Maccabiah International Games in Israel in 1993. Steve continues to be involved with Michigan track as an official for the University of Michigan track program. Inducted 2009
*of blessed memory