Inducted 2005
Promoter-Organizer: Reinhard Backer was born May3, 1913 in
Dornum, Germany. He moved to the
USA with his parents at age 11 and enjoyed a career as a baker. He became involved in the sport when his
son Gary was invited to pitch at Liberty Park in Salt Lake City. In time, Reiny became Salt Lake City Club
President, served as Regional Director, and then was elected President of the
Utah Association, where he served for ten years. He was elected NHPA President in 1959
and may be the only non-pitcher ever elected as President. At that time, he worked to have the
World Tournament begin to rotate around to different states. After 11 consecutive years at Salt Lake
City, in 1960 the World Tournament was held in Muncie, Indiana. He was awarded the Stokes Memorial Award
in 1966. Reinhard passed away in
1978.