Inductees Marv Hamilton, an outstanding basketball player and baseball pitcher, was instrumental in developing the Caterpillar basketball program into a nationally respected one. He was also one of the Founders of the famed National Industrial Basketball League in which Caterpillar performed for so many years. His work as the Employee's Activity Director at Caterpillar also resulted in the establishment of one of the most versatile corporate recreational and sports programs in the nation.
Hamilton was an outstanding player-coach of the Caterpillar teams and paved the foundation for the five national AAU titles and the Olympic competition which were to follow his tenure.
He perfected the two-hand set shot and was the leading scorer on the early Caterpillar teams. He also was responsible for the recruitment of some of Caterpillar's finest basketball players.
He was also one of the finest semi-pro pitchers in Central Illinois history. He won 45 of 56 decisions for Caterpillar in the Sunday Morning League from 1942 to 1947, and he posted a brilliant 32-4 over all record in the 1943-44-45 seasons.
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Tri-County Top Sports Award
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Event Links
Newsletters/Banquet Programs2019 Newsletter2019 Hall of Fame Program 2018 Newsletter 2018 Hall of Fame Program 2017 Newsletter 2017 Hall of Fame Program 2016 Hall of Fame Program 2016 Newsletter 2015 Newsletter 2015 Hall of Fame Program 2014 Hall of Fame Program Listing 2014 Newsletter 2012 Newsletter 2011 Newsletter 2010 Newsletter 2009 Newsletter Mission StatementThe first official Board of Directors meeting was held on October 14, 1979. Officers were elected. Early decisions determined that the Hall of Famers would be from the Greater Peoria Area; the name would be The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame; its purpose would be to promote and encourage the many varied sports programs in our area, to share with the area the pride we have in the accomplishments of area athletes, and to honor those men, women and teams contributing to our enjoyment and rich sports history.
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*Deceased |
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Starting in 1993, Awards include Male and Female Coaches and Athletes of Year. |
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We don't have biographies for individuals prior to 1981. If anyone would be able to provide the bios that were written at the time of the awards, we would very much appreciate receiving them for posting. We are specifically interested in the bios written at the time of the awards, not more or less current. Please contact Rick at rkestner@pekinhigh.net