DON TITCOMB, San Jose, California

Inducted 1977

Player: Don Titcomb’s competitive career began in 1942 at the age of 18, when he entered the California State Tournament and finished in the runner-up position (2^nd to Guy Zimmerman). He went on to win 8 California Championships. Don’s first World Tournament came in 1947, he qualified for the Men’s Championship Class and finished 17^th. His WT record continued with the following finishes: in 1953, finished third with a 31-4, in 1955 2^nd behind Ted Allen (4^th after playoff), in 1957, tied Ted Allen but lost in a playoff averaging 87.0%, in 1958, finished 3^rd again. In 1960, he finally accomplished his biggest feat in winning the World Championship pitching an 84.9% tournament. In all, Don qualified 19 times for the Men’s Championship Class, winning 466 games averaging 77.71 for his career. Don then won the Senior Men’s World Champion in 1995 and in 1988 went undefeated in winning the Intermediate Men’s World Championship.

Don Titcomb was inducted to the HOF as a pitcher but also qualified for his promotional efforts. He served the NHPA as a Vice President and was the initiating force in establishing the NHPA Regional Director program. He will also be remembered for his tireless efforts in promoting our sport with his pitching exhibitions and his conducting of his “Pitch and Win” promotions. Don Titcomb was recipient of the 1991 Stokes Memorial Award. Don passed away on December 2, 2012. He was 88.