Grover Powell

Grover graduated from Wyalusing High School. He was an outstanding student-athlete. He earned nine varsity letters in three sports: football, basketball and baseball Upon graduation Grover received an academic scholarship from the University of Pennsylvania. He continued his athletic excellence at the University of Pennsylvania participating in 150 lb. football earning two letters. Baseball was Grover’s “forte” and earned three letters. He had a no hitter against Lafayette College; the first recorded no hitter in U of P history. He has the single season strikeout record at UPENN ( 116) in 1960. After 40 years, he ranked 7th among NCAA Division 1 College pitchers for strikeouts per nine inning game. He was drafted by the New York Mets into the major leagues in mid season 1963. In his first game start he pitched a 4-0 shutout victory against the Philadelphia Phillies that earned him a spot in the MLB record books. Grover appeared in 20 games and had a 2.72 ERA. He was sent to Venezuela to play winter ball and tore his rotor cuff in his left shoulder, which ultimately ended his promising baseball career. Grover did some umpiring baseball and refereeing basketball in Raleigh. North Carolina and received outstanding awards during an eight-year period. He was treasurer for Capital City Umpire Association for three years. Grover died in 1985.