George Gannon

Inaugural Class of 2009

Shortstop, 3^rd Baseman, Umpire

Lafayette Badgers 1948; Lafayette Braves 1951-55,57-59; Bloomer Pines 1956; Lafayette Generals 1962-64;

Lafayette Indians 1965-70; CRBL Umpire 1970-95

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One of the most well-known, well-liked, and well-respected figures in league history, the knowledgeable and personable Gannon was a fixture in league play for nearly fifty years.

Forgotten by many is that Gannon was a hard-nosed and formidable player for 19 seasons.  Upon retiring in 1970, he was the league’s all-time leader in games played, at-bats, hits, singles, doubles, RBI’s, runs scored, stolen bases, walks, and total bases.

Hitting primarily out of the lead-off spot, Gannon led the league in runs scored with 20 in 1963, 18 in 1964, 15 in 1966, and 16 in 1968.  Led the league with 16 walks in 1965 and 12 free passes in 1966.  His hit totals of 24 in 1964 and 25 in 1965 both set the pace among league hitters for those seasons.  Had over 20 hits in a season four times, with his career high of 25 in 1965.  Won two batting titles, hitting .414 in 1964 (24 for 58) and .397 in 1965 (25 for 63).  Hit over .300 eight times, with his .414 mark in 1964 being a personal high.

A key figure on the highly competitive Lafayette teams of the 1950’s and 1960’s, he helped the Generals win a division title, qualify for the WBA, and make the Final 8 in 1963.  In 1966, he hit .300 for an Indians team that won their first Eastern Division title and qualified for their first WBA tournament.

A participant in eight All-Star games, (1951, 1952, 1954, 1957, 1958, 1963, 1964, 1965) George played in the era before the All-CRBL awards became a yearly institution.

A highly respected official, George umpired admirably in league play for over 25 years, capping off an involvement in the CRBL that stretched across seven decades.