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Class of 1948

Zauchin

Norm Zauchin

Professional Baseball Player

Army Veteran

One of few American League players to drive in 10 runs in one game

Norm Zauchin graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1948. He served two years in the United States Army during the Korean War and became a major league baseball player.

Mr. Zauchin was a first baseman. He began his minor league career in 1950 with the Double-A Birmingham Barons. There, he set a Rickwood Field record with 35 home runs for the season.

In his six seasons in the major leagues, Norm Zauchin played with the Boston Red Sox (1951; 1955-57) and the Washington Senators (1958-59). He had a career batting average of .233 while collecting 244 hits, 50 home runs, and 159 RBI's.

In 1955, he led all American League first basemen with a fielding percentage of .995. On May 27, 1955, Mr. Zauchin collected 10 RBI's in a single game hitting three home runs and a double.

Norm Zauchin died in Birmingham, Alabama at the age of 69. He was inducted into the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame in 1997.

Class of 1948

Martin

George A. Martin, Jr.

Royal Oak Educator for 40 years

Principal at Dondero High School and Jane Addams Junior High School

Albion College Hall of Fame Inductee

Inducted into Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame, 2001

George A. Martin graduated from Royal Oak High School in 1948 and served as its principal from 1975 to 1980. George loved sports in high school and served as the student manager for the football, basketball and baseball teams. He was elected president of the varsity Letterman's club which later became known as the RO club.

Mr. Martin is a proud graduate of Albion College where he continued to serve as student manager for three different sports teams. He earned nine letters as he provided invaluable service to the players and coaches. After graduation George stayed involved with Albion. He served as president of the Alumni Association and completed two terms as an Albion trustee. In 1991 he was inducted into the Albion College Hall of Fame.

Prior to beginning his career in education, George Martin served two years in the United States Army Signal Corp where he earned a Soldiers Medal Award. As an educator for forty years George taught social studies and coached before becoming a counselor. He was an assistant principal before assuming duties as principal of Jane Addams Junior High and Dondero High Schools. He was also held the position of director of secondary instruction for the school district and completed his service as the director of vocational placement at Oakland Technical Center S.E.

George has quietly and modestly expressed sincere interest in his staff and students. They in turn have the highest respect for him and treasure his friendship. His impeccable integrity and strong concern for others is well known in the district. A man of character, he has devoted many hours and considerable financial support to a wide variety of worthy causes in the community.

George Martin was inducted into the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame in 1997.

Class of 1948

Dorsey

Thomas R. Dorsey

Professional Baseball Player

Established Kay-Dee Farms, Howell (Thoroughbred breeding farm)

1981, 1995-1999, Deputy Racing Commissioner State of Michigan

Inducted into Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame, 2001

Thomas R. Dorsey graduated from Royal Oak High School with the class of 1948. Tom was a renowned student athlete. He won ten varsity letters in high school and was the recipient of the Morrison Trophy. He captained the football team, received state honors in basketball, tied for first place in the regional high jump event and excelled in baseball. The school yearbook described his baseball skills to include terrific power and aggressive play. The yearbook went on to predict that he would become the future catcher for the Detroit Tigers. Although Tom did have an outstanding minor league career with Detroit and Philadelphia farm teams, his greatest achievements would come in another field.

In 1949 Thomas Dorsey purchased and established Kay-Dee Farms in Howell, Michigan. There he bred and trained prize winning thoroughbred horses. Kay-Dee Farms became the largest thoroughbred breeding farm in the state of Michigan, and its clients included celebrities such as Elizabeth Arden and Rosemary Clooney. He also established a working agreement with Calumet Farms.

In 1968 Mr. Dorsey began a distinguished career as an executive and held positions with the Detroit Race Course, the Wolverine Harness Raceway and the Michigan Horsemen Association. He later served as the Deputy Racing Commissioner for the state of Michigan and was the Executive Director of the National Thoroughbred Trainers Association. He has twice been the recipient of the Eclipse Award--an award named after a famous racehorse and sire. The award is presented annually by the Thoroughbred Racing Association in recognition for outstanding contributions and achievements in thoroughbred horse racing.

Thomas Dorsey was inducted into the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame in 2001.

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