Brockport Hall of Fame
James J. DeBell Sr.
Coach and Administrator
Posthumously
Rochester, New York
The College at Brockport
Undergraduate Major: Health & Physical Education ‘51
Master’s Degree: Health & Physical Education ’56
Served his alma mater as the varsity baseball coach from 1989 to 1996; led Brockport to 87 victories, second on the all-time baseball wins list when he retired, including three SUNYAC West crowns; the team’s 20 victories in 1995 was just the second 20-win season in school history; named SUNYAC Coach of the Year in 1992.
After retiring from coaching, served the Department of Physical Education and Sport as an adjunct professor; also spent more than a decade as the head timer for men’s and women’s varsity basketball games at the College.
Prior to coaching and teaching at Brockport, he taught, coached and served as athletic director in the Rochester City School District, leading Jefferson High School to six city championships and three Section V titles; numerous coaching accolades in baseball and other sports; established a physical education program for the physically challenged; served as a recommending scout for the Cincinnati Reds; passed away March 25, 2008.
