MAHOF
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Grafton, OH 44044

Had Carl Clapham been a graduate of Midview High School his athletic achievements could have placed him in the Midview Athletic Hall of Fame.

He was a standout in basketball, baseball, football and track at Westerville High School near Columbus, Ohio in the late 1940’s. He was a fullback and defensive lineman on the football team. He excelled as a center on the basketball team and was picked by The Columbus Dispatch to its All High School Team. He was a pitcher on the baseball team. In Westerville’s first game in state tournament play, his senior year, Carl pitched a one hitter, striking out twelve batters; he had four hits in four attempts including a three run homer and batted in five runs. Carl joined the Marine Corp after graduation and after his return to civilian life he took up softball. He was an outstanding fastpitch softball pitcher and traveled throughout the state with teams that he played on.

It was no surprise that sports would be a strong influence throughout Carl’s life. Carl and his wife Joanne were the parents of three boys; Mike, Rick and Scott, and two girls, Vicki and Cheryl, all of whom participated in athletics at Midview High School. Carl was active in Hot Stove league baseball, Boosters Club and other activities that helped to support Midview High School. He was president of The Hot Stove Umpires Association and was a member of the Midview School Board. He was always available to offer help when needed. He visited area hospitals with gifts for children donated by Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns players. Many of whom he knew, personally. It was not uncommon for some of those players to be visitors in the Clapham home.

Carl Clapham was a bear of a man with a big heart and a deep love for his family and a strong commitment to his community and Midview Schools. He is a deserving recipient of The Midview Athletic Hall of Fame: Special Recognition Award.

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