Baseball Hall of Fame

Danny Goodwin, a standout catcher and 1971 graduate of Peoria (Central) High School, was twice drafted No. 1 in the country, first by the Chicago White Sox, and again by the California Angels, following his graduation from college. He passed up the White Sox in favor of a college education, playing four years at Southern University in Louisiana.

Danny was the only baseball professional ever picked as the first draft choice on two different occasions.

While at Central, Goodwin played both basketball and baseball. He lettered for four years in baseball and made the Mid-State 9 All-Conference team three times. In 1971, he was selected as the Topps High School All-American catcher. Peoria High School retired his #6 in recognition of his outstanding baseball accomplishments.

During his baseball career, he played for the United States in the Pan-American Games and participated in organized baseball in Japan. Most of his years in the major leagues were spent as a designated hitter, playing 252 games over several years for the Angels, Minnesota Twins and Oakland As. His lifetime batting average was .236.

Danny retired after the 1982 season, and was working in the front office for the Atlanta Braves at the time of his induction.