Sports in Fort Wayne, Indiana

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Fort Wayne has been home to a few sports firsts. On June 2, 1883, Fort Wayne hosted the Quincy Professionals for one of the first lighted baseball games ever recorded.(January 19, 2008). [http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/projects/fwsports/poster.pdf Fort Wayne Sports Moments] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012170229/http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/projects/fwsports/poster.pdf |date=October 12, 2008 }}. The News-Sentinel. Retrieved on June 11, 2009.Miklich, Eric, [http://www.19cbaseball.com/field-10.html Night Baseball in the 19th century]. Retrieved on May 16, 2008. Fort Wayne has been credited for being the birthplace of the NBA when Fort Wayne Pistons owner Fred Zollner brokered the merger of the BAA and the NBL in 1949 from his kitchen table.Rushin, Steve, (February 5, 2007). [https://web.archive.org/web/20090206032304/http://vault.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1106979/index.htm Storming The Fort (wayne)]. Sports Illustrated. Retrieved on May 16, 2008. Also, on March 10, 1961, Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in the NBA to reach 3,000 points in a single season while competing at Memorial Coliseum.

Fort Wayne hosted two NBA Finals Games in 1955 and 1956, as well as the third city to host the NBA All-Star Game in 1953.[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m0FCJ/is_5_29/ai_83446830 NBA All-Star Games – Names and Numbers], Basketball Digest, March, 2002. Retrieved on May 16, 2008. The Allen County War Memorial Coliseum was also venue to the 2000 NCAA Men's Division I Volleyball Championship matches, in addition to hosting the 2000, 2001, and 2002 Mid-Continent Conference men's basketball tournaments. Fort Wayne also annually hosts the U.S.S.S.A. National and Boys State Championships, held at Spiece Fieldhouse.[http://www.gymratsbasketball.com/usssa_national_tournament.php U.S.S.S.A. National Tournament] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080517044252/http://www.gymratsbasketball.com/usssa_national_tournament.php |date=May 17, 2008 }}. Retrieved on May 16, 2008.

On November 22, 1950, the Fort Wayne Pistons defeated the Minneapolis Lakers with a final score of 19 to 18 in the lowest scoring game in NBA history.[http://nbahoopsonline.com/History/NBAdateline.html NBA Dateline]. Retrieved on February 2, 2008.

Fort Wayne hosted another major league team in a Big Four sport, the Fort Wayne Kekiongas of the National Association. The National Association was the first professional baseball league and the forerunner of the National League; it is sometimes considered to have been a major league, and sometimes not. The Kekiongas were a founding member of the national association (in 1871), and played and won the first National Association game, but disbanded partway through the 1871 season.

{{anchor|Wildcat Baseball League}}Wildcat Baseball League was a baseball league in Fort Wayne formed by Dale McMillen in April 1960 as an alternative to Little League Baseball.[https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1346&dat=19621005&id=k7tNAAAAIBAJ&sjid=3Q4EAAAAIBAJ&pg=7165,453749 Lakeland Ledger article]{{cite magazine |last1=Dawidoff |first1=Nicholas |title=In Mr. Mac's Wildcat League, Everyone Gets To Play |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1988/04/04/in-mr-macs-wildcat-league-everyone-gets-to-play |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=December 19, 2024 |date=April 4, 1988}}

Fort Wayne was rated the "Best Place in the Country for Minor League Sports" in a 2007 issue of Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal.{{cite web | title=Fort Wayne's No. 1 |work=Street & Smith's Sports Business Journal | url=http://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=article.printArticle&articleId=55963 | accessdate=May 16, 2008}}

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Image:Eric Wedge.jpg.]]

• Rob Bowen, MLB (2003–2008)[https://www.baseball-reference.com Baseball-Reference.com – Major League Baseball Statistics and History] Minnesota Twins, San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics
• Dottie Collins, AAGPBL (1944–1950)[http://www.aagpbl.org/players/index.cfm?do=player.details&playerid=2 All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Players] Minneapolis Millerettes, Fort Wayne Daisies
• David Doster, MLB (1996, 1999) Philadelphia Phillies
• Bill Everitt, MLB (1895–1901) Chicago Colts/Orphans, Washington Senators
• Louie Heilbroner, manager, MLB (1900) St. Louis Cardinals
• Butch Henline, MLB (1921–1931) New York Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, Brooklyn Robins, Chicago White Sox
• Ralph Miller, MLB (1920–1924) Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Senators
• Eric Wedge, player, MLB (1991–1994) Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies; manager, MLB (2003–2009) Cleveland Indians and Seattle Mariners
• Kevin Kiermaier, MLB (2013–2024) Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays, Los Angeles Dodgers
• Jarrod Parker, MLB (2011–2013) Arizona Diamondbacks, Oakland Athletics

• Paul "Curly" Armstrong, NBA (1948/49-1950/51)[http://www.nba.com/historical/playerfile/index.html NBA.com: Historical Player Search] Fort Wayne Pistons
• Dan Godfread, NBA (1990/91-1991/92) Minnesota Timberwolves, Houston Rockets
• Ralph Albert "Ham" Hamilton, NBA (1948/49) Fort Wayne Pistons
• Henry James, NBA (1990/91-1997/98) Cleveland Cavaliers, Utah Jazz, Sacramento Kings, Los Angeles Clippers, Houston Rockets, Atlanta Hawks
• Bobby Milton, player and manager of Harlem Globetrotters
• Brad Miller, NBA (1998/99-2011/12) Charlotte Hornets, Chicago Bulls, Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves
• Bill Roberts, NBA (1948/49-1949/50) Chicago Stags, Boston Celtics, St. Louis Bombers
• George Yardley, NBA (1953/54-1959/60) Fort Wayne Pistons/Detroit Pistons
• Tiffany Gooden, ABL (1998), Colorado Xplosion
• Deshaun Thomas, EuroLeague (2013–present) Panathinaikos B.C.
• Caleb Swanigan, NBA (2017/18-2019/20) Portland Trail Blazers

• Barry McManus, BMX racer in 1980-'90s
• Scott Yoquelet, BMX racer in 1990–2000s
• Joey Marks, BMX dirt freestyle 1998–2010
• Brian Doty, BMX racer 1980-'90s

File:Rod Woodson 20010607-4.jpgr, native Rod Woodson.]]

• Mike Augustyniak, NFL (1981–1983) New York Jets
• Jason Baker, NFL (2001–2012) San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts, Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers
• Roosevelt Barnes, NFL (1982–1985)[https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/ Football Encyclopedia of Players – Pro-Football-Reference.com] Detroit Lions
• Bill Boedeker, NFL (1946–1950) Chicago Rockets, Cleveland Browns, Philadelphia Eagles, Green Bay Packers
• Johnny Bright, CFL (1952–1964)[http://www.cfhof.ca/members/johnny-bright/ Canadian Football Hall of Fame – Johnny Bright] Calgary Stampeders, Edmonton Eskimos, subject of the "Johnny Bright Incident"
• Bob Cowan, NFL (1947–1949) Cleveland Browns, Baltimore Colts
• John Diettrich, NFL (1987)Houston Oilers
• Vaughn Dunbar, NFL (1992–1995) New Orleans Saints, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Tyler Eifert, NFL (2013–2020) Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars
• Eric England, NFL (1994–1996) Arizona Cardinals
• Trai Essex, NFL (2005–2012) Pittsburgh Steelers, Super Bowl XL champion, Indianapolis Colts
• Jason Fabini, NFL (1998–2008) New York Jets, Dallas Cowboys, Washington Redskins
• James Hardy, NFL (2008–2011) Buffalo Bills, Baltimore Ravens
• Selwyn Lymon, NFL (no professional games played) Miami Dolphins
• Le'Ron McClain, NFL (2007–2013) Baltimore Ravens, Kansas City Chiefs, San Diego Chargers
• Bernard Pollard, NFL (2006–2014) Kansas City Chiefs, Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Tennessee Titans
• Emil Sitko, NFL (1950–1952) San Francisco 49ers, Chicago Cardinals
• Lamar Smith, NFL (1994–2003) Seattle Seahawks, New Orleans Saints, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers
• Anthony Spencer, NFL (2007–2015) Dallas Cowboys, New Orleans Saints
• Rod Woodson, NFL (1987–2003) Pittsburgh Steelers, San Francisco 49ers, Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, Pro Football Hall of Famer
• Rod Smith, NFL (2015–present) Seattle Seahawks, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders
• Jaylon Smith, NFL (2016–present) Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Las Vegas Raiders
• Drue Tranquill, NFL (2019–present) Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs

• Amanda BlumenherstSebring, Blake, (June 6, 2009). [http://www.news-sentinel.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090606/SPORTS/906060318/1002 Duke star, Fort Wayne native ready for Red Coat]. "The News-Sentinel". Retrieved on June 10, 2009.
• Billy Kratzert, golfer and sportscaster
• Cathy Kratzert Gerring

• Drake Batherson, NHL (2018-present){{Cite web |title=Drake Batherson at eliteprospects.com |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/195192/drake-batherson |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=www.eliteprospects.com |language=en}} Ottawa Senators
• Fred Knipscheer NHL (1993/94-1995/1996){{Cite web |title=Fred Knipscheer at eliteprospects.com |url=https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/67650/fred-knipscheer |access-date=2024-01-29 |website=www.eliteprospects.com |language=en}} Boston Bruins, St. Louis Blues
• Dale Purinton, NHL (1999/2000–2003/04)[http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=28491 Dale Purinton hockey statistics & profile at hockeydb.com] New York Rangers

• Adam Bobay, UFC
• Jon Fitch, UFC
• Dave Herman, MMA fighter with EliteXC (Elite Xtreme Combat)

• DaMarcus Beasley, Rangers F.C. of the Scottish Premier League, U.S. national team, MLS Chicago Fire
• Jamar Beasley, MLS New England Revolution, Chicago Fire
• Bronn Pfeiffer, Fort Wayne Flames, Indiana Kicks, Chicago Power, and Detroit Rockers in the National Professional Soccer League.
• Mike Harper, Baton Rouge Bombers of the Eastern Indoor Soccer League.

• Steve Bigelow, swimmer, 1988 Summer Olympics
• Mark Virts, diver, participated in boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics led by President Jimmy Carter
• Matt Vogel, swimmer, two-time Olympic gold medalist, 1976 Summer Olympics
• Sharon Wichman, swimmer, Olympic gold medalist, 1968 Summer Olympics
• Dan Zehr, swimmer, 1932 Summer Olympics

• LeShundra "DeDee" Nathan, 2000 Summer Olympics

• Angie Akers, professional beach volleyball player
• Lloy Ball, Olympic gold medalist, 2008 Summer Olympics

• Eugene E. Parker, sports agent, 45th in "Sports Illustrated"'s 101 most influential minorities in sports{{cite magazine |magazine=Sports Illustrated | date = May 2, 2003 | title = New World Order: After years of battling for fair opportunities, people of color are finally running the show (in some places) and driving the economics in sports | url = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/2003/new_world_order/1_20/ | archive-url = https://archive.today/20120718181935/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_online/2003/new_world_order/1_20/ | url-status = dead | archive-date = July 18, 2012 | accessdate = June 11, 2009}}(February 27, 2007). [http://www.bigten.org/genrel/022707aaa.html More than Just a Game] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110725200109/http://www.bigten.org/genrel/022707aaa.html |date=July 25, 2011 }}. Big Ten Basketball. Retrieved on June 11, 2009.
• Art Smith, aviator, invented "loop the loop"
• Jessie Lopez, US National Rugby Union Team, 1978{{Cite web|url=http://www.espnscrum.com/scrum/rugby/player/8843.html|title = Jessie G. Lopez|website = ESPNscrum}}

The News-Sentinel's Northeast Indiana's Top 50 Athletes of the 20th century are:[http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/sports/top50/ News-Sentinel.com] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091223061036/http://fwnextweb1.fortwayne.com/ns/sports/top50/ |date=December 23, 2009 }}

1. Rod Woodson
2. Johnny Bright
3. George Yardley
4. Everett Scott
5. Len Thornson
6. Bobby McDermott
7. Don Lash
8. DeDee Nathan
9. Lloy Ball
10. Cathy Gerring
11. Bill Kratzert
12. Matt Vogel
13. Sharon (Wichman) Jones
14. Emil Sitko
15. Eugene "Bubbles" Hargrave
16. Dottie Wiltse Collins
17. Willie Long
18. Ivan Acosta
19. Eddie Long
20. Paul "Curly" Armstrong
21. Bill Wambsganss
22. MaChelle Joseph
23. Steve Hargan
24. Henry James
25. Gene Hartley
26. Bill West
27. Bernie Kampschmidt
28. Joanne Weaver
29. Herm Schaefer
30. Lionel Repka
31. Vaughn Dunbar
32. Walter Jordan
33. Bruce Miller
34. Lashanda Harper
35. Nel Fettig
36. Terry Pembroke
37. Steve Platt
38. Tom Beerman
39. Cathey Tyree
40. Jason Fabini
41. Tiffany Gooden
42. Lamar Smith
43. Leslie Johnson
44. Tom Bolyard
45. Roosevelt Barnes
46. Conan Myers
47. Lee Ann Reed
48. Tom Kelley
49. Mike Augustyniak
50. Colin Chin

• Fort Wayne Open

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{{Fort Wayne, Indiana}}

Fort Wayne