Famous Sports Figures
Andre Iguodala
Andre Igoudala played four years at Lanphier High School (class of 2002) in Springfield, Illinois. Upon graduation, Iguodala attended the University of Arizona. After two years there, Igoudala was selected in the first round, ninth overall in the 2004 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Igoudala played for the 76ers from 2004 to 2012, and in that time he was selected to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2004-2005 season and was an NBA All-Star in 2012. Igoudala then spent one season with the Denver Nuggets before going to the Golden State Warriors in 2013, which is where he continues to play today. He's found the most success with the Warriors, as he was selected to the NBA All-Defensive First Team in 2013-2014, as well as winning NBA Championships in 2015 and 2017, taking home the NBA Finals MVP in 2015. Outside of the NBA, he was on the 2012 USA Men's Basketball team that won a gold medal.
Robin Roberts
Robin Roberts was an MLB pitcher who was born in Springfield, Illinois in 1926. Roberts played 18 years in the Major Leagues, mainly for the Philadelphia Phillies where he played from 1948 to 1961. Roberts also played for the Baltimore Orioles from 1962 to 1965, the Houston Astros from 1965 to 1966, and for the Chicago Cubs in 1966. Roberts was a 7 time All-Star during his career, and was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1976. His number 36 jersey was retired by the Philadelphia Phillies, ensuring no other player for the Phillies can wear that number while on the team. Additionally, Robin Roberts Stadium in Springfield, Illinois is named after the famed pitcher.
Jayson Werth
Jayson Werth is a former MLB outfielder from Springfield, Illinois. Werth attended Glenwood High School where he graduated in 1997, after winning the state championship in 1996. Upon graduation, Werth was selected in the first round, 22nd overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the 1997 MLB Draft. Over the course of his 15 year career, Werth played for the Toronto Blue Jays from 2002 to 2003, the Los Angeles Dodgers from 2004 to 2005, the Philadelphia Phillies from 2007 to 2010, and the Washington Nationals from 2011 to 2017. Werth found the most success with the Phillies, where he won the World Series in 2008 and was selected to the All-Star team in 2009.
Kevin Gamble
Kevin Gamble is a former NBA player who was born in Springfield, Illinois. Gamble attended Lanphier High School (class of 1983) where he won a state championship in 1983. Upon graduation, Gamble attended Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois. After two seasons at Lincoln College, Gamble transferred to the University of Iowa. After his senior season at the University of Iowa, Gamble was selected in round 3, number 63 overall in the 1987 NBA Draft by the Portland Trail Blazers. Gamble spent one season with the Trail Blazers, then went to the Boston Celtics where he played from 1988 to 1994. After this, Gamble went to the Miami Heat where he played from 1994 to 1996, and then ended his career playing the 1996-1997 season with the Sacramento Kings. After his playing career, Gamble went on to become the Men's Basketball coach at the University of Illinois-Springfield in 2002. Gamble coached the UIS Prairie Stars until 2010, and his record was 130 wins and 79 losses. He then went to the University of Central Michigan, where he was an Assistant Coach from 2012 to 2018.
UIS Men's Basketball locker room.
History of Sports Teams in Springfield
Springfield Redbirds
The Springfield Redbirds were a Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals from 1978 to 1981. They played their home games in Lanphier Park, which is now Robin Roberts Stadium. In 1980, the Redbirds won the American Association championship. The Redbirds featured future MLB players such as Leon Durham, Tommy Herr, Terry Kennedy, Donnie Moore, and Ken Oberkfall.
Springfield Cardinals
The Springfield Cardinals were a Single-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals from 1982 to 1993. They played their games at Lanphier Park (now Robin Roberts Stadium). They featured future MLB players such as Ray Lankford, John Mabry, Tom Pagnozzi, Dmitri Young, Todd Zeile, Danny Cox, and Jeff Fassero. The overall record the Cardinals had while in Springfield was 917 wins and 743 losses.
Springfield Jr. Blues
The Springfield Jr. Blues were founded by John D. O' Laughlin and Al Jennings for the 1993-94 season. The Jr. Blues are a hockey team that plays in the North American Hockey League (NAHL), and are currently the oldest franchise in the NAHL. The Jr. Blues won back to back Robertson Cup National Championships in 1996 and 1997. The Jr. Blues play their home games in the Nelson Center.
The Nelson Center
Springfield Sliders
The Springfield Sliders are a baseball team that plays in the Prospect League. The Sliders joined the Prospect League in 2009, play their home games in Robin Roberts Stadium. The Sliders have two playoff appearances coming in 2010 and 2016. Their overall record is 253 wins and 324 losses. Their general manager is Todd Miller, and their manager is Jeremiah Knackstedt.
Robin Roberts Stadium
Local's Take
Collin Stallworth, a Springfield native and current member of the UIS Men's Basketball Team shares his insights on sports in Springfield. When asked what famous athletes from Springfield mean to him, Stallworth responded with, "I always thought it gave me and other kids from the area hope and proof that you can make it big in the world of sports." Because of his interest in basketball, Stallworth has looked up to Andre Igoudala for a number of years. Stallworth vividly remembers attending Jr. Blues and Sliders games with his friends when he was young, giving him a chance to look at higher level athletes up close without having to travel far. To Stallworth, the impact of sports in Springfield is enormous. "I think sports is a big part of the culture in Springfield. I think that so many people look up to sports figures and sports impact their lives so much."
