News From the Hall
June 2026
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.
June 2026: MASHOF Newsletter #3 (Download PDF Version)
Welcome to the MASHOF News From the Hall of Fame newsletter #3! If this is your first time to see the newsletter, be aware that both previous and upcoming newsletters will be housed on the MASHOF website, and you can click on the link below to view them. And along the way, if you have comments, improvements or suggestions for future newsletters, feel free to send your comments to mashofnewsletter@gmail.com
DOUBLE PLAY MASHOF MEMBERS
Were you aware there are 29 MASHOF members who have also been inducted into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame? Doubling up in the best possible way for sure! These great sports legends are proudly listed below:
In addition, MASHOF member Bubba Luckett will be inducted to TSHOF July 11, expanding the list above
For those of you who may have missed the last newsletter, welcome to a new section where we will spotlight a member of MASHOF each or most issues. This is a place to honor and remember MASHOF members and their varied sporting and contributory accomplishments. This issue, we are pleased to honor Early Maxwell who was inducted into MASHOF in 1987. And he was the first inductee into the Personal Contributor category as well.
Mr. Maxwell was also inducted previously into the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame in 1967 for his many contributions to both Memphis and Tennessee sports history. TSHOF summarized his accomplishments below:
Not mentioned above is that Mr. Maxwell’s driving vision and work to establish both the Mid-South coliseum and the Memphis Memorial stadium resulted in Early Maxwell Boulevard. It was clearly the “main street” of the Mid-South Fairgrounds (now Liberty Park) and has likely been walked on by most Memphians and countless mid-southerners. It was unveiled on April 28, 1967 with the newspaper headline reading “Early Maxwell Boulevard is Paved With Gratitude.”
Early Maxwell died Nov. 7, 1966, leaving behind an incredible legacy as seen in the Press Scimitar obituary article (in link one below). We are proud to honor him here as well!
For some excellent additional information and pictures regarding Early Maxwell and his illustrious history, please click the links below:
TONY WALSH
MASHOF member, Tony Walsh (game official), has been selected for induction into the 2026 class of College Baseball Hall of Fame (umpire) on 2/11/27 at Overland Park Kansas. He began his umpiring career on Memphis baseball and softball fields. He went on to umpire division 1 collegiate baseball from 1979-2022, including six College World Series. He leads all umpires for number of SEC games umpiring. Keep calling ’em like you see ’em Tony! Congratulations!
The 1958 Kittle Pontiac baseball team won the NABF Senior/Major Division World Series, which is the oldest continuously run amateur baseball tournament in the United States. Kittle Pontiac succeeded Lorain, Ohio’s “National Tube” (1957 champion). An amazing 11 members of this championship team are members of MASHOF – Joe Wesche Sr, Joe “Bubba” Wesche Jr, Bobby Dunavant, Sid Gray, Pete Aviatti, Dennis Wan, Bob Crone, Curtis King, Bill Briggs, Bill Milligan, Jack Cade! Wow! It’s been 68 years since they proudly hoisted the trophy below – About time to celebrate once again!
From L to R – Curtis King, Joe Wesche, Bill Briggs
2026 GOLF TOURNAMENT
Stay tuned! More information to come later this year. Note that the tournament is typically a morning shotgun start followed by award ceremonies in the afternoon. In the meantime, dust off your golf clubs and hit the driving range!
MAY 18 MEMBERS MEETING
The speaker for our May 18 meeting was Eddie Hatcher the Executive Director of the Miracle League of Memphis. For those who might not know, the Miracle League nationwide program was organized to create a recreational “destination” for individuals with disabilities and special needs – both children and adults. This includes specially designed sports fields for baseball, soccer and other sports as well as a large inclusive playground, and special pavilions for families to gather and celebrate.
For more information on this special organization please click on the link below:
NEXT MEMBERS MEETING – JULY 20
The speaker at our next member meeting will be MASHOF member Hank McDowell. Hank went to Treadwell High School, played basketball and won the state championship in 1981. He went on to play basketball at Memphis State and then enjoyed a 7 year career in the NBA. For 26 years he was also a radio and TV commentator for the University of Memphis as well as the Memphis Grizzlies. We are sure he will have much to tell regarding his great career.
IN MEMORIAM
Please remember these legendary Hall members who have sadly passed away this year…..
