Hall of Fame
A two-sport athlete during his four years at Lewis University, Jerry Pennie was instrumental in setting two young programs on the path to long-standing winning traditions.
The first full-time catcher in Lewis baseball history, Jerry Pennie was one of the first time in a long line of talented ballplayers to become a part of the storied history of Lewis Baseball.
Pennie, a four-year starter and team captain, helped give Lewis Baseball its first winning season in program history. After producing a 5-9 record during their inaugural campaign, the Flyers finished 11-5 in 1954, Pennie's freshman year, and remained above .500 each of Pennie's final three seasons. It would be the start of 44 consecutive seasons in which Lewis Baseball finished .500 or better.
Pennie and his teammates, led by legendary Lewis and ABCA Hall of Fame coach Gordie Gillespie, set the foundation for what would become one of the most respected programs in the nation. On solid footing heading into the 1960's, the Flyers became a NAIA national championship contender each season and ultimately won the national crown three consecutive seasons in the mis 1970's.
Pennie also started for four years on the Lewis basketball team,also coached by Gillespie.There too, Pennie helped establish a tradition of excellence for the program. The Flyers went 58-37 during Pennie's four seasons, and following his graduation, remained above .500 each season for the next decade.
More than 50 years have passed since Pennie graduated, but the admiration and respect from his coach, Gillespie, and teammates such as Neil Carey, Jack Azman, Pat Callahan, Jim Olson, and Dick Soich remain as strong as ever.
A 1953 graduate of DePaul Academy in Chicago, Ill., Pennie was a pilot and captain for 30 years with Eastern Airlines following his graduation from Lewis.
