University of Delaware Athletics
Hall of Fame
Al Neiger
- Induction:
- 2008
ALVIN EDWARD “AL” NEIGER
Baseball (1958-59)
One of the most dominant pitchers in the rich tradition of University of Delaware baseball history, Al Neiger was the first Blue Hen pitcher to earn All-American honors and later pitched in the Major Leagues.
In addition his UD Hall of Fame honors, he was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011 and was also named the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcaster's Association (DSBA) Delaware Athlete of the Year for 1959.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Neiger became only the third player in Blue Hens history to earn All-American honors in 1959 when he posted a record of 9-3 with a 0.88 earned run average and a still-standing UD record of 166 strikeouts in 103 innings. His 166 strikeouts led the nation that season.
He still ranks third on the all-time UD career strikeouts list with 224 and his career ERA of 1.10 also ranks third.
A two-year letterwinner, he posted a record of 5-1 and a 1.49 ERA in 1958 when he led the Blue Hens to the Middle Atlantic Conference title. In 1959, he led the team to a record of 15-4-1 and was named the Most Valuable Player in NCAA District II for UD Hall of Fame head coach Tubby Raymond.
He played five seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, advancing to the Major Leagues in 1960 when he appeared in six games.
Al's son-in-law, David Whitcraft, was an All-American goalkeeper in men's soccer at Delaware and was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
Baseball (1958-59)
One of the most dominant pitchers in the rich tradition of University of Delaware baseball history, Al Neiger was the first Blue Hen pitcher to earn All-American honors and later pitched in the Major Leagues.
In addition his UD Hall of Fame honors, he was inducted into the Delaware Sports Museum & Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Delaware Baseball Hall of Fame in 2011 and was also named the Delaware Sportswriters and Broadcaster's Association (DSBA) Delaware Athlete of the Year for 1959.
A native of Wilmington, Del., Neiger became only the third player in Blue Hens history to earn All-American honors in 1959 when he posted a record of 9-3 with a 0.88 earned run average and a still-standing UD record of 166 strikeouts in 103 innings. His 166 strikeouts led the nation that season.
He still ranks third on the all-time UD career strikeouts list with 224 and his career ERA of 1.10 also ranks third.
A two-year letterwinner, he posted a record of 5-1 and a 1.49 ERA in 1958 when he led the Blue Hens to the Middle Atlantic Conference title. In 1959, he led the team to a record of 15-4-1 and was named the Most Valuable Player in NCAA District II for UD Hall of Fame head coach Tubby Raymond.
He played five seasons in the Philadelphia Phillies organization, advancing to the Major Leagues in 1960 when he appeared in six games.
Al's son-in-law, David Whitcraft, was an All-American goalkeeper in men's soccer at Delaware and was inducted into the UD Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002.
Delaware Football Postgame Press Conference - WKU 10/3/25
Saturday, October 04
Delaware Football Weekly Press Conference - Week 6
Wednesday, October 01
Field Hockey vs Ohio State
Monday, September 29
Field Hockey vs William & Mary
Friday, September 26
