The Memphis Amateur Sports Hall of Fame (MASHOF) is proud to introduce the latest news, updates and memories. Our organization is dedicated to honoring the athletes, coaches and contributors whose achievements helped, and continue, to shape the rich sports history of Memphis.
Through these newsletters, our goal is to keep you informed on what is taking place, key events, member news, new inductees and from time to time, even Memphis sports flashbacks that include one of our members. We welcome your questions, comments, suggestions, etc. Please send your thoughts to mashofnewsletter@gmail.com.
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September 2026: MASHOF Newsletter #4 (Download PDF Version)
Welcome to the MASHOF News From the Hall of Fame newsletter #4! And along the way, if you have comments, improvements or suggestions for future newsletters, feel free to send your comments to mashofnewsletter@gmail.com
WHAT A SHOW OFF!
In a recent golf scramble event at Galloway, there was a massive $20 payday for the closest to the pin on hole #7. Great! MASHOF member Lawson Thornton rose to the occasion by hitting an 8 iron closer to the pin than anyone else. But that wasn’t enough for Lawson – why be just closest to the hole when you can in fact be IN the hole! That’s right – Lawson aced it, literally! And it was number 4 for him on top of that. He is an ace machine for sure. Great playing Lawson, congratulations!
There have certainly been some incredible and memorable athletes and contributors to grace the MASHOF halls over many years, but it is certainly tough to match or surpass the incredible Clarence “Buck” Miller, and his fastpitch softball heroics and accomplishments.
Born on July 25, 1923, Miller grew up playing on Memphis diamonds and became an absolute legend at the Fairgrounds’ “sunken gardens” field, primarily pitching for the Standard Parts of Memphis team from 1946 to 1957. Known for his devastating and overpowering speed, Miller struck out more than 6,500 batters in his career and won an astonishing 97% of the games he pitched, firing 90 no-hitters along the way. He was a four-time ASA (American Softball Association) All-American (1948, 1952, 1954, 1955). Miller participated in a number of national tournaments and in 1948, his Standard Parts team was second in the World tournament in Portland, OR. In that tournament, he threw five consecutive shutouts and amassed 101 strikeouts before barely losing 1-0 in the championship game. And in 1949, he was named the world’s greatest softball player – An amazing accomplishment for the young 25 year old. Buck Miller retired from softball 10 years later, in 1958 and went on to have a successful career at the Cellulose Corp.
There is no way to include all Mr. Miller’s accomplishments and press accolades here, but please click on the links below to learn more about one of the top athletes of his time, and a revered member of MASHOF as well as the National Softball Hall of Fame and the Tennessee Hall of Fame.
HEADS UP!!
For the well dressed heads out there, be aware that MASHOF members will soon be able to purchase a MASHOF ball cap, complete with the MASHOF logo and “member” printed on the side. They aren’t quite ready to go yet, but be aware they should be available before the upcoming October golf tournament, and possibly even ready for purchase at the Sept. 21st meeting. Stay tuned……updates and more details coming soon!
Although not exact, here is what we expect the hats will look like!
MASHOF Personal Contributor member John “JJ” Guinozzo, widely celebrated as the American Legion World Series “scoring czar,” enters his 55th consecutive year as the official scorekeeper for the 99th American Legion World Series taking place from August 13–18, 2026 in Shelby, North Carolina. That would be roughly 70% of all the American Legion world series games ever played! And he has a consecutive games scored streak of 787 games. What an ironman!
For more on JJ the ALWS “Scoring Czar” click ===> Here & Here
Exciting news! A new, online registration option has been created and added to the MASHOF webpages. Beginning now, you are able to complete the process online and sign up you and your team – Sign up now using this link! =====> Register for Golf
In addition, at this year’s tournament, we will be honoring David Gossett who is a MASHOF member. He was inducted in 2021 for his many golf accomplishments including winning the US Amateur in 1999, as well as being on the Walker Cup team the same year.
The speaker for our July 20 meeting was MASHOF member Hank McDowell. It was a very well attended meeting with 37 members in the audience, including three 90 year olds! (Larry Hilbun, Alex McCollum, Lowell Bobbitt)
Hank grew up near Gaisman Park in Memphis, playing baseball and football, but settled on basketball as he grew taller. He went to Treadwell High School winning a state championship in 1981, played college basketball at Memphis State and went on to enjoy a 7 year NBA career with several teams. For many years following he was an analyst for the U of M on both radio and TV broadcasts, and was also a color commentator for the Memphis Grizzlies. Hank humorously shared his journey into basketball, providing many anecdotes and laughs along the way. Unsurprisingly, it was a full house at the meeting to hear Hank share his story.
For more about Hank’s career please click here ====> Hank McDowell
(From L to R) Keith Richardson, Hank McDowell, Bubba Luckett
MEMBERS MEETING FEAST! COME HUNGRY!
You may not realize it, but there is more than just chatting up MASHOF business and administrative topics each meeting. In addition to excellent guest speakers, there is a small feast set up for all attendees to enjoy prior to the meeting. Fried chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, rolls, banana pudding, and sometimes even ribs as a bonus (like last meeting!). Feast your eyes on what you are missing by not attending each meeting!
And a well deserved special thanks to the dedicated group of Alex McCollum, Dottie McCollum, Barb Lapard and Gill for faithfully preparing and setting up these excellent dinners each and every meeting. We greatly appreciate them and the work they do!
NEXT MEMBERS MEETING – SEPTEMBER 21
Note that if you have not been able to go to the MASHOF Golf Registration page to sign up for the Oct. 9th MASHOF golf tournament you can bring your registration forms and entry fees to this meeting.
And as always, please join us in a special thanks to the Memphis Police Appling Farm Station precinct for graciously allowing us to use their facility for all our meetings. We are greatly indebted to them.
Contacts: Major Bonner and Janis Jones
IN MEMORIAM
Please remember these legendary Hall members who have sadly passed away this year…..
