Whitford, Donald C.

Donald C. Whitford was known throughout Northern Kentucky for his athletic ability. He played knothole ball and managed several knothole teams. He was the oldest of 15 children. As a teenager, he played fast pitch, slow pitch, hardball, and was selected to play on many all-star teams.

In 1955, Don joined Joe Gatliff's softball team and his team won two major leagues and lost only two games. One of the games was lost to Long's Pet Shop who went on to win the World tournament, using Whitford as one of the pickup players.

Gatliff won world championships in 1956, 1957, and 1963. His most exciting event in softball was in the 1963 world tournament in New York. His team was playing Pittsburg--the 1962 champions-- in the final game, and his team was behind 11-2. The scored 4 runs in the 6th and 6 runs in the last of the 7th, winning the championship game 12-11. Don Whitford scored the winning run and wa picked on the all-star team. He was lead off hitter and batted left handed.

Whitford's batting average was .480. He played from 1948-1970.