On May 15, 1981 Lenny Barker carved a special niche for himself in the history of Cleveland Indians baseball by pitching the 12th perfect game in major league history, handcuffing Toronto 3-0, striking out 11 Blue Jays along the way. It was, however, far from the only highlight of his four-plus seasons with the Tribe. Twice in that period (1980 and 1981) he led American League pitchers in strikeouts and was second in 1982. He was named to the 1981 AL All-Star team, which was played in Cleveland, and pitched two hitless innings before an appreciative crowd of 72,086. His 56-49 record with the Indians included 19-12 (1980) and 15-11 (1982) seasons and earned him a place on the roster of the 100 Greatest Indians named in 2001 as part of the team’s 100th Anniversary celebration. His seasons with Cleveland were the finest of an 11-year major league career in which he won 74 games. Now in the construction business, the native of Ft. Knox, KY and star high school athlete at Neshaminy High School in Trevose, PA makes his home in Auburn Township.
Active in AAU programs for over 50 years, he made his mark most strongly in the sport of boxing where as a trainer and coach he produced a long list of nationally prominent fighters. In 1974 he was inducted into the AAU Boxing Hall of Fame and was named the AAU’s “Man of the Year.” Served as secretary-treasurer of the Ohio Association of Boxing and Ohio Wrestling Commission and the National Wrestling Association.
Spent 43 years as a sportswriter, the last 23 with the Cleveland Press. Retired in 1966 with a reputation as one of the country’s most knowledgeable experts in the fields of track, amateur and professional golf and collegiate football. Covered every major golf tournament during his career, as well as several Olympics.
Helped lay the foundation for Cleveland’s amateur sports program, a program which served as a model for many cities. A founder of the Muny Football Association, he served as its first president from 1946 to 1960. Also served as president of the Muny Basketball Association from 1931 until 1960, chairman of the football and basketball arbitration boards, and secretary of the Cleveland Baseball Federation’s arbitration board.
Outstanding playmaker and scorer as center for Barons for several seasons through 1947. Was on same line with Bobby Carse with Chicago Blackhawks when they set two records: five goals by one line in a single period, and Cunningham’s five points in that same period (three goals, two assists). Is in the Barons Hall of Fame.
Forward with Chicago Blackhawks 1939-43. Wounded and captured in service but recovered to become a star with Barons from 1946 through 1950, except for brief stint with Montreal. Served as American Hockey League Linesman and later ran Parma hockey program for 15 years. Still a Cleveland resident. In Barons Hall of Fame.
One of the best “point” defensemen in Barons history. Played two seasons for Cleveland in the late 1940s, then was sold to the New York Rangers where he starred for several seasons. Also played one season with Detroit.
Elected charter member of American Bowling Congress Hall of Fame, 1941. Named Cleveland “Bowler of the Half Century” in 1951. Set ABC Tournament record with eight consecutive all-events totals above 1800 from 1925 through 1932, and in 1934 became first man to head the ABC Tournament ten-year average listings. Maintained 33-year average of 193 in ABC tournaments.
Won Olympic 118-pound title at Helsinki, Finland, in 1954. Was Cleveland Golden Gloves flyweight champion in 1949 and 1950, won 118-pound championship in 1951, Won Chicago Golden Gloves Tournament of Champions at 112 pounds in 1950 and 118 pounds in 1951.
First Cleveland boxer to win an Olympic title, earning 160-pound championship in 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles, California. Won Cleveland Golden Gloves 160-pound championship and regional crown at same weight prior to qualifying for U.S. Olympic Team.