SUNY Cortland C-Club Hall of Fame
Ben Becker, who died at age 80 on May 28, 1987, was one of the all-time great sports figures in upstate New York, and arguably the most influential person in U.S. Amateur Boxing from post World War II until the 1970's. A member of the U.S. Olympic Boxing Hall of Fame, Becker touched many many lives in his hometown and across the nation. His immeasurable accomplishments as an educator, athlete, and humanitarian have been formally recognized by President George Bush (Sr.), the U. S. Congress, New York Governor Mario Cuomo, the New York State Legislature, Mayors Thomas Whalen and Gerald Jennings of Albany, N.Y., United States Olympic Boxing Organizations, and a number of internationally renowned sports champions including Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Sugar Ray Robinson, and Wilma Rudolph, among others.
His career involved a 42 year span serving as a successful teacher, coach and principal at Albany's Philip Schuyler High School, and over 60 years serving the United States Olympic Program in a number of distinguished positions. Those included chairman of the National Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) Boxing Committee (1968-1972), chairman of the National Boxing Committee (1977), and a member of the USA Olympic Boxing Commission (1967-1987). In 1960, he received his most coveted award: recognition as manager/coach of the 1960 U.S. Olympic Boxing Team. In this capacity, he took Cassius Clay (now Muhammad Ali) to Rome and guided him to a gold medal. In the process, a lifelong friendship developed.
Born in New York City and raised in Albany, Becker graduated from Cortland State Teachers College in 1928. He was one of Cortland's most versatile athletes during his years there. Becker played varsity soccer, baseball, football and lacrosse. A member of the Varsity "C" Club, Becker boxed intercollegiately and coached the freshman boxing team all three years at Cortland. A Kappa Kappa Kappa fraternity brother, Becker served as president of the Cortland Interfraternity Council. He was also involved with the Dramatic Club and Senior Demonstration. In 1927, while still at Cortland, Becker was appointed chairman of the A.A.U. Adirondack District, a post he held for more than 50 years.
After graduating from Cortland, Becker earned a bachelor's degree from New York University, where he won the school boxing championship. In 1930, he returned to Schuyler High where, with the exception of a military stint during World War II, he would remain until his retirement in 1972. He experienced an extraordinarily successful career as an educator, athlete, and humanitarian.
Over the years, he became a household word for his unusual “tough love” control of “discipline needy” youngsters, for his major contributions to U.S. Olympic Boxing, and for his never ending unselfish humanitarian efforts.
Despite his love for boxing, Becker insisted education was always his first love. From the editorials and testaments following his death, one might assume that his caring for others, especially those in need, was his first love. Whether it was developing a college scholarship, giving his camel's hair coat to a student who came to school in winter without a coat or keeping a closet full of prom dresses for students who might not otherwise be able to attend their Junior Prom, Becker touched people's lives for the better, literally thousands of them. In the process, Becker co-founded the Big Brothers of Albany in the 1950's and was vice president of the Albany County Cerebral Palsy Association. In 1967, his unusual program was highlighted across the country in a Time Magazine article, and on the television show, “To Tell The Truth”.
Ben Becker’s legacy continues through several memorials. They include:
The Ben M. Becker Memorial Exhibit (1990) - A 32 linear foot glass enclosed showcase at the Times Union Center, Albany, N.Y. (Bust, Memorabilia, Etc.), designed by Mr. Gerry Goodman of the NFL Hall of Fame. The Ben Becker bust on exhibit was created by internationally renowned sculptor, Blair Buswell.
The Ben M. Becker Memorial Scholarship (1991) - An annual college scholarship to the State University of New York (SUNY) which can be used at any of the 64 campuses of the State University system.
The Becker Foundation (1996) - Established in Ben Becker’s name to carry on his legacy of helping underprivileged youngsters, particularly through education. Recipients must have been involved in interscholastic sports, attain high academic achievement, and require financial assistance.
