Washington High School
Massillon, Ohio

2018 Distinguished Citizen

WHS Class of 1960

Professional Athletics, Business


Professional

  • Major League Baseball pitcher - Detroit Tigers 1964-1969, Montreal Expos 1970
  • Football and baseball at The Ohio State University, 1960-1963
  • Vice President of Sales/Marketing at Worthington Steel, Worthington, Ohio

Honors/Awards

  • Major League Baseball pitcher (Detroit Tigers & Montreal Expos) - 1964-1970
  • World Series Champions, Detroit Tigers - 1968
  • Drafted by the Detroit Tigers - 1963
  • Threw a no-hitter against Michigan - 1963
  • Quarterback, The Ohio State University - 1961-1962
  • Football National Champions, The Ohio State University - 1961
  • All-Ohio, Massillon Tigers Football - 1959
  • State Champions, Massillon Tigers Football - 1959
  • Three-year varsity letterman, football and baseball, for the Massillon Tigers - 1957-1959

Education

  • Washington High School - 1960
  • The Ohio State University - 1963

Athletic Achievements

  • 52-52 in Major League Baseball appearances
  • Took a no-hitter into the ninth inning with one out on a nationally televised game - 1969
  • Pitched in the World Series - Detroit Tigers vs. St. Louis Cardinals - 1968
  • Pitched a complete game to clinch the pennant against the New York Yankees - 1968
  • Posted a 16-9 record with 11 complete games, 5 shutouts, and a 3.76 ERA - 1967
  • Played three years of football and baseball at The Ohio State University - 1960-1963
  • Threw for 1,355 yards and 26 touchdowns in his career at OSU
  • Led OSU to a Big Ten Championship and National Championship, 8-0-1 season - 1961
  • Had 474 total yards and threw an 80-yard touchdown pass in the Michigan game - 1961
  • Led the North to a win in the 1960 North-South All-Star Classic (Roger Staubach started for the South)
  • As a WHS sophomore, in the final minute against No. 1-ranked Warren Harding, threw a 46-yard touchdown pass for a thrilling Tiger win


Joe Sparma stats and information at MLB.com

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