Kosman, Anthony

Anthony Kosman – (1991)

 

ANTHONY KOSMAN

Founder of the Lorain Glass Company, Tony Kosman was the “Granddaddy” of all team sponsors in the Lorain sports scene. Beginning in the 1930’s, under the Lorain Glass banner, he backed more teams, in more leagues, in more years than any other individual or firm. During the depression years when money was scarce, he was constantly aware of the need for backers so that the sandlot kids could have athletics in some form to keep them busy. After World War II with Husti Cafe, Yale Clothes, Kirby Sweepers, Pulaskis and other staunch supporters, Tony was instrumental in the continuance of the sandlot and round-ball leagues in the Lorain area. As time progressed many of Tony’s sponsored teams won city and county championships.

In the late 1940’s the Lorain Glass Basketball Quintet captured City and County A titles in four successive years. Team captain Bill Knight intimated that the team had some of the area’s finest players including Harry Conn – Buddy Cate – Bob Hersman and Lee Goss. According to Knight’s memory this aggregation must have played together 15 years with new blood coming in from time to time and Eddie Solomon probably still playing the game. “But it was Tony who kept this team going” commented Knight. “If you needed anything Tony would hand you a blank check. More often than not, Tony and wife Helen would be spectators at our games. Outgoing and friendly, Tony was a beloved backer.”

In the 1950’s the Lorain Glass baseball nine was extremely successful in Class A. From 1953 thru 1955 the team captured the city championship under manager Ed Molnar. The 1954 club went all the way to the NABF semi-finals at Youngstown before bowing out. Players such as Mitroff – Berens – Meyers – Fossie – Telatnik – Abraham – Hodkey and Betts sprinkled the line-up. When Glen Bobel succeeded Molnar, the success continued with additional names like Reichert – Hartman – Pressick and Bobel.

The 1960’s brought forth softball titles under Rath Garrett. From 1960 thru 1964 the Glassmen won successive City B crowns. Joe Chapla – Jim Kidd – The Caco and Bartlome brothers were some of the standouts.

In the 30-35 years preceding his death in 1967, Tony Kosman backed many teams in the younger C-D-E leagues. Many won titles and some went to the Hot Stove finals. Many men and women participated in and won titles for Lorain Glass in the various bowling leagues in Lorain. Even golf teams did not escape Tony’s sponsorship.

Although he enjoyed winning championships he was most proud and happy for his team members and titles were not his ultimate goal. The business Tony had founded progressed and flourished in Lorain to such a point that he had a comfortable living, raised a fine family and in some measure repaid the populace by furnishing the tools and equipment for athletes, young and old to enjoy their game. That was the ultimate!