Al Goetze, Jr.

Year Inducted: 1990

Although he was born in Chicago, Al Goetze, Jr. moved to Port Huron at an early age.  He was active in many sports until his death in July, 1989.  His most noteworthy accomplishments were as follows:

• Captain of the 1947-48 Port Huron High School Basketball team which reached the State Finals.
• Winner of the Clarence Phare Sportsmanship Memorial Plaque in the 1948-49 Baseball season at Port Huron High School.
• Starting first baseman for the Anchorage, Alaska U.S. Army Service Team, 1951-53.
• Offered minor league baseball contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers.
• Awarded six varsity letters from Port Huron High School:  four in basketball 1945-1949, two in baseball 1947-1948.
• Winner of the 1945 Optimist Club Louis Munro Memorial Trophy for “Outstanding Playground Boy of the Year”.
• Starting center for the 1949-51 Port Huron Junior College Basketball Teams.

Al participated in recreational baseball, softball and basketball teams while also enjoying golf and bowling.

He was a classroom teacher and physical education instructor for many years in the Port Huron Area School System.  Later, Al worked as a guidance counselor in the Yale Public Schools.

Al and Marilyn Needham were married on November 5, 1960.  They had two children, David Goetze and Teri (Goetze) Morris.  He was an active member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and was known as one who invested himself in family, community and the welfare of others.