Ted Smigala
(Baseball, 1954)
This 1954 graduate was a standout basketball and baseball player, 2011 Hall of Fame inductee, Ted Smigala. Ted was a varsity basketball player for three seasons and was co-captain both his junior and senior seasons. In 1953 the basketball squad tied with Stamford for the FCIAC title. For the DHS baseball team, Ted was a varsity player for three years and co-captain his senior season. After graduating from Danbury High, he signed with the Philadelphia Phillies and played in the Appalachian League in Pulaski, Virginia in 1955. Ted went on to play baseball at Western Connecticut State University, being named their MVP in 1959. After his college graduation, he taught in the Danbury school system at both Hayestown and Broadview for 38 years. Ted continued his playing career and won a city league title with Martha's Sporting Goods in 1957 and was a city league all-star from 1954-59. Many old time baseball fans will remember Ted playing for the Merchants at Lee's Field. He, along with Ev Walens, were the long-time owners and operators of Green Knoll Day Camp. Ted was honored by the Danbury Old Timers Association in 1994. Ted and his wife of 53 years, Jean, have four children, Ted, Robin, Bethy and Glen and grandchildren Kelli, Matt, Tara, and Renee.