Bill Speros has been the leading hitter, the most prolific rusher and the anchor on every team he’s been on. As an athlete, scholar, patriot and philanthropist, he embodies all the qualities that lead to success, whether it’s been in community involvement, sales or sports.
Bill began to make a name for himself as one of Memphis’ all-time great prep athletes at Humes High School where he played football, basketball, baseball and track. He enrolled at Southwestern in 1940 and immediately made an impact on the football field by scoring the winning touchdown in a 7-0 win over Ole Miss at Crump Stadium. He was also a standout on the baseball team as a centerfielder and on the track team as a sprinter. In 1941 he was a member of the mile relay team that ran a time of 3:32, a record that stood for six years at the college.
After the start of World War II, Bill’s college career was put on hold. He joined the Navy in 1942 and served two years in the Pacific Theater. He earned several commendations for heroism in battle.
Bill returned to Southwestern after the war, where he served as President of his class and of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He was also selected as the Best All Around Boy and a member of the college 1947 Hall of Fame.
When you speak about support of amateur baseball in Shelby County, the first name that comes to mind is Bill Speros. For thirty-six years Bill has sponsored amateur baseball teams in Memphis. The 1968 Bill Speros American Legion Team won the American Legion World Series.
For his contributions to his alma mater, his community and his country, we are honored to induct WILLIAM SPEROS into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 26th day of October, 2001.
