The 10 members of the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame who were inducted in the hall's third class in 1988:
Richard A. Bachtell
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Richard E. Bachtell, a native of Chewsville, formerly of Hagerstown, was the first athlete to be named to the American Weightlifters Hall of Fame.
“In summing up his results from 20 years of sectional, state, national, international and world competition, no other weightlifter born in North America even approaches his achievements. He competed, with a few exceptions, in the 132-pound weight class. On some occasions, he contested the next-highest bodyweight class.
“Bachtell won 12 Middle Atlantic AAU championships (10 straight from 1932-41, 1943 and 1945).
“He won five South Atlantic AAU championships (all from 1927-31).
“He won 10 national AAU championships (1926, five straight from 1928-32, 1934, 1935, 1937 and 1943).
“In the North American championships, held in Toronto, Canada, he won the title five times (each year from 1934-38) and was second in 1939. “In the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 1932, he placed fifth. In the world championships in Paris, France, in 1937, he placed seventh.
“He held all American records in his class at one time or another, and a world record which stood for many years.
“Bachtell has been awarded 112 medals in all — including 42 golds for wins and records in national and international competitions, 48 golds in other competitions, and five silvers in Canada.
“Richard Bachtell was one of three national weightlifting champions during the first half of the 20th century from Hagerstown.”
William "Shorty" Bowers
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “William 'Shorty' Bowers, a Hagerstown resident, has raced for over 30 years in midgets, roadsters, modifieds and late models throughout the country with a multitude of victories and championships, and was an asset to the sport of auto racing from this area.
“Bowers started his 39-year racing career at the age of 20, prior to World War II. His first race car was a Model A Ford: 'It was the best race car you could get, it would really go and I beat a lot of the professional drivers with that old Ford,' he said.
“Bowers won over 495 races up and down the coast, but didn't win much money back in those days, as Shorty was quoted.
“He turned to midgets and sprints after early racing in jalopies. He did a lot of trick racing, he'd fool the other drivers by broadsliding in the dirt like he had spun out, and then he'd shoot in front of them. Shorty raced without helmets, seat belts and windshields. Chips from the dirt tracks would fly back and cut their hands and faces so the best place to run was up front.
“The crafty veteran had some good years in the 1960s, so he switched to the old modifieds, and then in the late 60s he switched to semi-lates and won the division, driving for the Corbett brothers, at Hagerstown Speedway.
“Shorty felt that racing itself hadn't changed over the years, except the better safety features and the race cars were being built better and safer.
“'Shorty' was inducted into the Auto Racing Hall of Fame in 1977 by the Auto Racing Fan Club of Hagerstown.”
Michael Brashears
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Michael 'Mike' Brashears graduated from South Hagerstown High School, where he lettered in three sports. His baseball record for pitching at South High was 23 victories. Mike was a member of the 1974 basketball state championship team that went 25-0, and was awarded the MVP of the state championship tournament after scoring 61 points combined in the semifinal and final. He was the first player at South to surpass 1,000 points (1,002 career). In football, he set a school record with 11 interceptions and was a member of the All-Star team. Mike's varsity numbers in all sports at South were retired.
“Mike was a member of the 1971 Colt League All-Star team that won the world title in Indiana. Brashears played with Funkstown Legion and in 1974 he was the MVP of the Legion All-Star Game, the Hearst All-Star Game at Memorial Stadium and pitched two no-hitters — including one in the Maryland state tournament in Easton. He also played with Johnny's of Baltimore and was the Outstanding Pitcher winner in 1975 with a 12-3 record.
“Mike is a graduate of the University of Maryland and was a member of the varsity baseball team with a 12-5 pitching record. In 1978 he was voted the winner of the Outstanding Pitcher Award and also received the Bozzy Berger Award, presented to an outstanding senior.
“Mike joined the Franklin County (Pa.) Adult League and was a member for eight years. Over six seasons, his pitching record was 60-10, and he was the league's Outstanding Pitcher three times.
“In addition, Mike complimented his athletics with an impressive 3.89 GPA at South and 3.025 GPA at Maryland to become the ideal role model for students today.”
Dave Cole Sr.
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Cole was an outstanding baseball player at Williamsport High School from 1947-50. He played in the National League for the Boston Braves from 1950-52, the Milwaukee Braves in 1953, the Chicago Cubs in 1954, the Philadelphia Phillies in 1955 and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956.
“Dave was a member of the Williamsport High state championship basketball team in 1950 and a four-year soccer letterman.”
Robert W. Johnson
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Robert 'Bob' Johnson graduated in 1989 from Morgan State University and was promptly hired as a science teacher and basketball coach at North Street School. From 1950 to 1956 his basketball team had two undefeated seasons, one Class C state championship and three Class C runner-up finishes. During these years in a segregated Maryland school system, the state tournaments for Black schools were held at Morgan State. The North Street Badgers also won one Tri-State championship.
“In 1956, when the school systems integrated, Bob was assigned to North Hagerstown, where over 18 years he taught physical education, coached freshman and JV basketball, JV football and varsity baseball.
“Bob's accomplishments at North High included winning seasons each year, the development of an intramural program, a co-educational physical education program, and the Hubs becoming a demonstration center and a model school for the Presidents Council for Physical Fitness. North had the honor of being the only school to receive the Governors' Citation Award for 'Excellence in Physical Fitness and Physical Education.'
“Bob was an active member of the International Athletic Association of Basketball Officials board for many years. He also was a member of the Washington County Volleyball Officials Association and, at the time of his inauguration, was still active as an official in the county high school and college volleyball leagues.
“During the summer months from 1958 to 1974, Bob assumed the responsibility of being the director of Wheaton Park Playground, at the time the largest playground in Washington County, and managed the swimming pool at the Memorial Recreation Center.
“As he was quoted from the 1970 Summer issue of Maryland Magazine, which profiled his distinction of being the first Black assigned to a coaching position at an integrated school in Washington County and wrote about his work in athletics. Bob said, 'A lot of kids are looking for love and attention that they may not be getting at home, and it gives me a good feeling to give it to them. I help them learn how to play — how to lose, how to win. I fix up their scratches, cuts and bruises. But more than that, I help them do things they're proud of.'”
Richard O. Melzer
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Richard 'Dick' Melzer transferred to Western Maryland and married a Funkstown girl, and it so happened his brother was a member of the Funkstown Legion baseball team and that's how Dick began his career in Washington County. He played many years for Funkstown, mostly as a catcher and outfielder, usually batting in the fourth or fifth slot in the lineup. He was known for hitting the long ball, even though during his playing career he wasn't that big.
“Dick had many great years with Funkstown, but the most outstanding was the 1930 season when he batted .411 and hit 13 home runs. Considering they only played on weekends, this was quite a year. He always liked to tell the story about his last game as a player and his last at-bat (at age 39). Funkstown was playing at Middleburg and there was an old barn in center field. His last time at bat, he hit one over that barn. The center fielder ran behind the barn, retrieved the ball and threw him out by three steps — at third base. That's when Dick decided to hang 'em up.
“Even though his playing career was over, Dick stayed very active in baseball serving as secretary for the Washington County League and Independent League. He also served as president of the Funkstown baseball team for 10 years and was the statistician and scorekeeper for 20 years. When Dick kept score and gave you a base hit, you deserved it.
“Dick was also very active in the Funkstown Duckpin Bowling League, serving as secretary and treasurer for many years while also bowling. Consistently averaging over 300 per set (three games) most years, Dick was there every Friday night. His last year as an active bowler, at the age of 79, his team won the league championship. He also was active as a socer player for 10 years.
“Richard Melzer's accomplishments after his playing career, as a league official, team official, statistician and a fan, should be remembered as much as his contributions on the field of play. Dick was a good friend to everyone who knew him.”
Russell 'Jack' Riffee
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Nominated for his dedication and devotion to promoting sports in Washington County, Riffee was an individual who took loss or defeat without complaint, victory without gloating, and who treated his opponents with both fairness and courtesy.
“He was instrumental in the founding of Hagerstown's Little League and PONY League and worked with children from the Boys Club, encouraging them to play sports.”
LuMar M. Slocum
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “LuMar M. Slocum, a graduate of Western Maryland College, did not start to play golf until 1946, when she joined Fountain Head Country Club. She was 28 years old and a physical education teacher in the public school system in Washington County.
“In the years that followed, Lumar's name became synonymous with women's golf in the area. She was the Ladies Club champion at Fountain Head 10 times and runner-up four times in a 28-year period starting in 1955. She won the Spring Handicap Championship at Fountain Head four times, despite giving up strokes to all of her opponents.
“LuMar won the mixed Scotch Two Ball Progressive Championship with three different partners between 1960 and 1965.
“LuMar was one of the first ladies to score a hole-in-one at Fountain Head, on May 18, 1953. She has played in at least two exhibition matches with professionals at Fountain Head, one with Betsy Rawls and another with Mickey Wright.
“LuMar was a charter member of Beaver Creek Country Club and helped organize the women's golf program there. She was club champion at Beaver Creek seven times from 1961-75.
“She competed in many Maryland State Women's Amateur events and in 1985, late in her career, won the fourth flight on the Hillendale course in Baltimore. LuMar has competed in the Maryland State Seniors Olympics golf program and currently holds the record in the 65-69 age group, shooting a 91 at Mount Pleasant in Baltimore in 1984. Her career lowest handicap was an eight.
“She also helped with the junior program in Washington County and was an instructor at clinics and a monitor in competitive events.
“In 1988, LuMar won the Maryland State Senior Golf Olympics, held at Mount Pleasant, setting a record in the 70-74 age division and earning a spot in nationals at St. Louis in 1989.”
Russell Wiebel
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Russell 'Russ' Wiebel has been active in the Washington County sports scene all his life. He played baseball and fastpitch softball in area leagues. Russ signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Athletics.
“Russ went into the Navy and played with the Bainbridge Naval Station team before going overseas in World War II. “He returned to coach baseball in area youth leagues, PONY and prep schools. Russ organized and coached the St. Maria Goretti baseball program.
“He began his sports broadcasting career in 1962 and is a member of the National Association of Sportscasters.
“Wiebel was a charter member of the Colts Corral No. 7, and a charter member of the Washington County Junior Football League.
“During his years as a sports broadcaster, Russ has freely given his time and effort to individuals, organizations and institutions to promote local and area sports. He has interviewed players and coaches, and aired special sports information programs. He has broadcast (as a play-by-play announcer) over 1,120 sporting events involving Washington County teams, including championship events in Maryland, D.C., Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Ohio.
“Through his continuous efforts, no one person has done any more to promote and advance all sports activities of all sports, at all levels, in Washington County than Russ Wiebel.”
Robert B. Witt
According to the Washington County Sports Hall of Fame: “Robert 'Bob' Witt started his baseball career while in high school, playing on two North Carolina state championship teams. He then played two years in the North Carolina Industrial Semi-Pro League after graduation, and was named to the All-State and tournament All-Star teams as a shortstop both years.
“Bob was signed by Mickey Cochrane to a contract with the Detroit Tigers. He played professionally with Bristol, Tenn., in the Appalachian League, with Utica, N.Y., in the Canadian-American League, and with Hagerstown Owls in the Interstate League. That year, the Owls won the league championship. Bob led the league in fielding and was named an All-Star at shortstop. In 1942, he was calling Hagerstown home after marrying a local girl.
“Witt then served four years in the U.S. Army. During World War II, while serving in Europe, Bob formed a team of major leaguers and played all over Europe. He managed and played on a team that participated in the 'European World Series' in Hitler's Stadium in Nuremburg, Germany, with 60,000 GIs in attendance.
“Bob returned to Hagerstown and for three years was a manager-player for Boonsboro in the Washington County League, winning the championship each year and being named the league's MVP once.
“Bob played with the Keedy's Insurance softball team that won the Washington County championship with an undefeated record. They also played in the Maryland State Championship tournament, and finished with an overall record of 27-2.
“Bob was a manager and umpire at Federal Little League for 12 years. He umpired at the league, district, state and regional levels and was once invited to umpire at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pa., but was unable to attend.
“Bob coached two years in the Hagerstown PONY League, six years in the Hagerstown Junior Basketball League and two years with Hagerstown's 'Cabineers' semi-pro basketball team, which played against traveling professional teams, losing only three games over the two years — including one to the Harlem Globetrotters.
“Bob played on a Fountain Head golf team that won the Baltimore Division and lost in the finals of the Maryland State Golf Association team championship. He was golf chairman at Fountain Head for six years, served eight years on the Board of Directors as the vice president of the MSGA, served as MSGA president for one year and had spent three years as executive director of the Middle Atlantic Golf Association at the time of his induction.”
