Consistent with teams destined for greatness is that one athletic superstar who inspires, leads, and accomplishes. 2001 Branford Sports Hall of Fame inductee John Sobolewski Jr., was that person in the basketball and softball community.
A lifelong Branford resident, John attended Branford High School from 1963 to 1966 and was a member of the Hornets basketball squad, which listed fellow inductees Jerry Schmitz (’96), Dave Maloney (’97), Ted Kaczynski (’99), Joe Roberti (’99) , Bruce Johnson (’00, and played for 1989 Hall of Fame inductee Stan Petela). During his senior year, “Sobe” as he was known, was a member of the Hornets basketball squad which placed 2nd in the Housatonic League with a 15-3 win/loss regular season record (16-4 overall) and advanced to the quarterfinals of the Class A Tournament.
Following high school, John was the co-founder of the current Branford Recreation Department’s men’s basketball league in the early 1970’s. His biggest claim to fame came in the realm of softball. “Sobe” played A.S.A. slo-pitch softball from 1967 to 1996.
