Skip To Main Content
Marietta College Athletics

Marietta College Athletics

MARIETTA PIONEERS

Hall of Fame

Sheldon "Petey" Gilman

  • Class
    1908
  • Induction
    1998
  • Sport(s)
    Baseball, Football, Men's Basketball
Gilman, who is deceased, is best known for the 1906 pass, which for many is considered the first-ever forward pass in college football. In fact, Gilman was more than a football player at Marietta College. Gilman ran track and played baseball and basketball. He was the captain of the baseball team in 1907.

"We are extremely happy that he will be inducted in the Marietta College Hall of Fame," said his son, Bill Gilman of Bass River, Mass. "Marietta College meant a lot to him and this honor means a lot to our family."

The famous football is displayed in Ban Johnson Field House. Bill says his father returned to the company that made it and they inscribed the ball with the information about the historical pass. He says the pass was actually 56 yards and not the 52 yard touchdown pass that was written on the football.

Gilman was a College trustee from 1950-60 and was a major donor to the Gilman Student Center. He was the co-founder of Airolite Company in Marietta, but ran the New York City office.

Explore HOF Explore Hall of Fame Members