William R. (Bill) Crawford

2005 Effingham Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Born in Meldrim, November 6, 1936. He spent his childhood playing ball, hunting and fishing.

Graduated from Marlow Consolidated High School in 1954. While in high school he lettered in the following: basketball 8 thru 11, baseball 7 thru 11, tennis 9 and 10 finishing fourth in state in boys doubles.

Played baseball in the Ogeechee and Savannah River Leagues from 1953 thru 1957. Positions played were pitching and outfield.

In summer of 1954 received invitation to attend spring training with the Cleveland Indians in Florida in spring of 1955 for the position of pitcher.

December 1954 he went to work for the Seaboard Railroad (CSXT) and after much thought decided to stay at the railroad and not to take the chance of making it in baseball. He retired from the railroad in 1996 after working 42 years.

Married Lenora Clifton of Jenkins County in 1958 at which time moved to Savannah. Moved back to Meldrim in 1963 and started playing church league softball for Meldrim. Played shortstop from 1963 – 1968 and batted the “Clean-up” position. Coached the women’s softball team in the mid 1960’s.

He resides on George Road in Faulkville. He has two sons, Mike and Randy, three grandsons, Jason, Jordan and Caleb.

He still loves baseball, football, hunting and fishing.