Back to search

Charlie Gelbert

End

Inducted 1960

Date of Birth

12/24/1871

Birthplace

Hawley, PA

School

University of Pennsylvania (1893-1896)

Bio

Charlie Gelbert - height, 5-9; weight, 170 - was called "The Miracle Man" because he did so much with so little. He was a four-year starter for Pennsylvania. Walter Camp named him All-America end in 1894, 1895, 1896. He played guard in the "guards back" play devised by his coach, George Woodruff. The guards would drop into the backfield and lead interference for the ball carrier. He was recognized for his sharp blocking and tackling. In his last three seasons, Pennsylvania went 12-0, 14-0, 14-1 and had a 34-game winning streak. In Gelbert's four varsity seasons Penn outscored its opponents 1,594 to 130. Jack Kofoed, writing in the Philadelphia Record in 1912, named Gelbert to his all-time All-America team. Gelbert graduated in 1899 from the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. He practiced as a veterinarian until his death. His son, Charles M. Gelbert, was a major league baseball player 1929-1940, a shortstop for the Cardinals, Reds, Tigers, Senators and Red Sox.