A legacy of sporting excellence.

Gerald Ford on the field at University of Michigan. Photo courtesy of Gerald R. Ford Library

Grand Rapids favorite son, Gerald R. Ford was a legacy in sports before he was President of the United States. He excelled in football in West Michigan being named to the “All-City” and “All-State” teams in his high school years. President Ford continued his sports career at the University of Michigan where he played center on the football team and named “Most Valuable Player” on the 1934 team. In 1935, President Ford received pro football contract offers from the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. President Ford is only one of many legacies.

From 1908 World Middleweight Boxing Champion Stanley Ketchel to 2007 World Welterweight Champion Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ...

from pro football’s Ray Bentley and Gary Hogeboom to major league baseball’s Mickey Stanley and Dave Rozema ...

from Boston Marathon winner Greg Meyer to Orlando Magic owner Richard DeVos ...

...West Michigan natives have made a deep and lasting impact on the sports world. While the names above are recognized nationally and internationally, there are thousands of other athletes, coaches and owners who have put their talents to work right here at home. You can meet a few of them at the Grand Rapids Sports Hall of Fame.

Significant Events

With some many great sporting events happening here in West Michigan, or with West Michigan people, it's hard to keep it all on a single page. Choose a year from the listing below to see how West Michigan Sports made news that year; or you can show all years at once.