GPSHOF | Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

Inductees

"Rudy" Rudolph, orginally from Springfield, was a teen-ager when she began her working career at Caterpillar in the Mid-1940's. She joined the famous Caterpillar Dieselettes softball team in 1947.

Rudy played through the 1964 season, culminating a 19-year career as a truly outstanding catcher; and as a Springfield native, was named Springfield's "outstanding girl athlete" of the 1947-57 decade.

Rudolph was co-captain of the Lettes from 1951 through 1962. She was named the Most Valuable Player of the 1961 West Central Regional Tournament, and was a member of the Manager's All-American team in 1950.

Although primarily a catcher, "Rudy" could also handle both short-stop and third base. Her top year was 1955 when she hit for .381. Her lifetime average was .285.

Rudolph was also inducted as a member of the Illinois Softball Hall of Fame. She was a member of the coaching staff of Illinois Central College's 1982 National Junior Championship team, a link with softball she still maintains.

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant

Tri-County Youth Sports Grant Winners

Donations

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a not-for-profit corporation established in October 1979 to promote the varied sports programs in the area and honor Peoria area athletes and sports personalities. Since 1979 GPSHOF has honored many individuals and teams at annual banquets held at the Peoria Civic Center. Plaques for each inductee are on permanent display at the Peoria Civic Center.

With the exception of a part-time secretary and the member board are all unpaid volunteers. The modest costs (postage, supplies, etc.) and inductee awards are financed by individual donations and business advertisers and sponsors.

We are always in need of funds to keep our programs, activities and events moving forward. We encourage your support in helping us continue to give recognition and award to Peoria area teams and athletes. We respectfully ask for your donation and sponsor support.

We have various types of advertising and donation opportunities available.

CORPORATE LEVELS

Hall of Fame (5 yrs)
$10,000

All-American (3 yrs)
$4,500

Champion (1 yr)
$1,000

PROGRAM (Annual ) LEVELS

Full Page
$300

Half Page
$250

Quarter Page
$200

Business Card
$100

NEWSLETTER LEVELS

Triple Crown (3 yrs)
$300

Double Play (2 yrs)
$200

Honorable Mention (1 yr)
$100

PERSONAL (Annual) DONATIONS

Century
$100 and above

MVP Level
$50 - $99

All-Conference Level
$25 - $49

All-Star Level
up to - $24

To make a donation or learn more about these opportunities contact us.

Events

September 12, 2021

39th Induction Banquet

The 39th Greater Peoria Sports Hall Of Fame Induction Banquet:

Please note that because of the COVID-19 issue the GPSHOF Board has changed the banquet date to September12, 2021. The itinerary will be a 1:00pm reception and 2:00pm start time for the banquet.

To order tickets call 309-691-3553 or email: susie1026@comcast.net.

To order using a Credit Card,

You must print off this form and send to Susie. click here.

Tickets will NOT be available at the door the night of the banquet.

Event Links

Newsletters/Banquet Programs

2020 Newsletter
2020 Hall of Fame Program
2019 Newsletter
2019 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 Statement

The 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.

With the cooperation of the Peoria Civic Center Commission and generous community support, the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a reality and it's future is bright..

All content on this website is the property of the GPSHOF.