GPSHOF | Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

Inductees

When fast pitch softball was a major sport in Peoria, there was perhaps no more talented pitcher than William "Big Bill" Perry.

A large righthander who towered over many of his teammates, Perry was a dominating force in Peoria fast pitch softball between 1942 and 1952, compiling records that seemed almost unbelievable.

Playing mainly for the famed Gipps Brewers, but also in later years, for LeTourneau and Caterpillar, Perry perhaps hit his zenith in 1945 when Gipps went through a 42-6 season and fought its way into the Midwest regional of the Amateur Softball Association.

In that historic season Perry posted a 40-4 record. he allowed just 19 earned runs, produced 24 shutouts, had three perfect games including two in a row, pitched nine one-hit games, and averaged 14 strikeouts a game.

In 332 innings he allowed just 39 runs, 117 hits, whiffed 452 batters, and walked just 43.

Later, pitching for the LeTourneau Welders, Perry went 9-0 to hurl his team to the championship of the Peoria Triple A league.

When Caterpillar joined the National Softball League in 1947, Perry was part of its pitching staff and continued to burn his fast ball past some of the nation's top teams.

He passed away in 1972 at the age of 54, the same year he was inducted into the state ASA Hall of Fame.

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 Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame celebrates the rich sports heritage of Peoria, Tazewell and Woodford counties. We will promote and encourage the many varied sports programs in our area, share our pride and honor the accomplishments of the individuals, teams and organizations that contribute to our enjoyment and area sports history.

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