University of Delaware Athletics
Hall of Fame
Vic Willis
- Induction:
- 2003
- Class:
- 1902
VICTOR G. “VIC” WILLIS
(1876-1947)
Baseball (1897, 1902)
Head Baseball Coach (1907-08)
Vic Willis is UD’s lone member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., having played one season of baseball with the Blue Hens and later having served as head coach.
Willis was the captain of the 1897 Delaware baseball team and later returned to serve as head coach in 1907, leading the team to a then-school record eight wins, and part of the 1908 campaign.
(1876-1947)
Baseball (1897, 1902)
Head Baseball Coach (1907-08)
Vic Willis is UD’s lone member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y., having played one season of baseball with the Blue Hens and later having served as head coach.
Willis was the captain of the 1897 Delaware baseball team and later returned to serve as head coach in 1907, leading the team to a then-school record eight wins, and part of the 1908 campaign.
The Cecil County, Md., native gained fame as a standout major league baseball pitcher, hurling for the Boston Beaneaters, Pittsburgh Pirates, and St. Louis Cardinals from 1898-1910.
Willis had 249 career wins, 50 shutouts, a 2.63 earned run average and 388 complete games. The right-hander won 20 or more games eight times and set a league record with 45 complete games in 1902.
Willis, who died in 1947, was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1977.
In addition, a local youth baseball league in Delaware is named in his honor.
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
