During the 1930\u2019s and 1940\u2019s, this individual\u2019s presence sent horror and fear into the many opponents who dared face him.\u00a0 A tall, talented center in basketball, a formidable pitcher and first baseman in softball and baseball, and a high roller in bowling, 1995 Branford Sports Hall of Famer Joe Resjan accomplished many high-mark achievements to bring pride and distinction to his hometown.<\/p>\n
Born in Branford on January 20, 1913, Joe attended Branford High School from 1927 to 1930.\u00a0 While there, he was known for his height.\u00a0 He represented the Hornets well on the basketball team during his senior season.\u00a0 In that year of 1930, the varsity basketball team won the State Championship (Class C) and was awarded runners up in the Housatonic League.\u00a0 Coached by 1988 Branford Sports Hall of Famer, the legendary John Knecht Jr. and teammates of other Hall of Famers including captain Dominick \u201cMink\u201d Swirsky (1990), Harry \u201cHeb\u201d Williams (1990), Paul Pauk (1991), and Joe Russell (1991), he aided the basketball team to a 14-3 record, including wins in 10 of its 11 games, some of which were victories in the Storrs Tournament against Woodbury (26-19), Madison (23-19) and Putnam (32-6).\u00a0 For the season, Branford outscored its opponents 362 to 255.<\/p>\n
After graduating from Branford High School in 1930, Joe found employment with the National Biscuit Company for 20 years as a delivery man and as a foreman in the shipping and receiving departments.\u00a0 He was also part of the M.P. Rice Hose Company for 50 years.\u00a0 While in the United States Army from 1942 to 1946, he played softball and basketball at Fort Devens (Ayer, Massachusetts.)\u00a0 In July of 1944, Resjan\u2019s Post softball team, deemed New Station Hospital, competed for the league title against Lovell General Hospital.\u00a0 Away for reconditioning at Camp Frant, Illinois, Joe came back to help lift New Station over Lovell General 3-1 and capture the softball championship.\u00a0 In the game, he collected three hits, scored a run and was the winning pitcher.\u00a0 Later, in 1945, Resjan was awarded a spot on an all-star softball team, which captured yet another crown as he pitched his team to victory and scored one of the runs in a four run sixth inning handling Resjan\u2019s All-Star the win 4-3.<\/p>\n
Tonight\u2019s inductee played in many recreational basketball, baseball and softball leagues.\u00a0 In softball, Joe played on the Sportsmen Tavern team which won a league title, along with the Croation Fraternal Union team, the M.P. Rice Hose Company and in the Shore Line Summer League.\u00a0 On the hardwood, he participated on such teams like Branford Alumni, Croation Fraternal Union and the East Haven Jeffs.\u00a0 Along with 1993 Branford Sports Hall of Famer Chet Tisko, Joe was part of seven consecutive bowling championship teams in the New Haven Big Pin League from 1950 to 1956.\u00a0 Resjan\u2019s team rolled an 1154 series which was an association record until 1970 for the Branford Combers, as they were called.<\/p>\n
Married to the former Betty Blackstone for 36 years, Joe enters tonight\u2019s Branford Sports Hall of Fame with dignity.\u00a0 \u201cThis award means a lot to me.\u00a0 It is a great honor to be mentioned in the same breathe with those already honored who I played with and against.\u00a0 To be recognized in sports, in the town of Branford, and with such great athletes is certainly an honor for me,\u201d said Resjan.<\/p>\n
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