Is it really true that in Massillon every newborn baby boy is given a football at the hospital? (Cleveland: high school, live)

[Doughboy1918]

Having watched the trailer to the 2001 documentary “Go Tigers” (couldn’t find anywhere online where the whole thing is available) about the enormous high school football rivalry between Washington and McKinley and from also just doing additional research on the town itself, I was left wondering; is it really true that in Massillon every newborn baby boy is given a football at the hospital they are born in, and is the culture surrounding football in the area really as intense as so many people say it is?

[ohioaninsc]

It was true back in the 80s when my cousin was born at Massillon Community Hospital.

I don't know if that hospital is still open any longer though.
The Massillon-McKinley is very intense...although seems to go in cycles as to which team dominates a decade.

Football in general is very big throughout Northeast Ohio...it's every bit as rabid here as it is in TX. Many small communities, everyone goes to the games on Fri nights...then we have Ohio State football on Saturdays and Sundays is either Cleveland Browns or Pittsburgh Steelers....Akron/Canton areas leans more to Cleveland while the Youngstown-Warren area leans more to Pittsburgh.

[IonRedline08]

Originally Posted by Doughboy1918

Having watched the trailer to the 2001 documentary “Go Tigers” (couldn’t find anywhere online where the whole thing is available) about the enormous high school football rivalry between Washington and McKinley and from also just doing additional research on the town itself, I was left wondering; is it really true that in Massillon every newborn baby boy is given a football at the hospital they are born in, and is the culture surrounding football in the area really as intense as so many people say it is?

I graduated from McKinley, and its huge here (the rivalry). Go Tigers is a good watch.

I know in the 90s, they were doing the footballs. An article I just read said its changed because they aren't doing live births at that hospital anymore, but, you can request a football for your son from the booster club.

There is another documentary called Timeless Rivals you can watch on Youtube that will give you some insight.

[ciceropolo]

You may find this of interest in your study of Ohio and Football culture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_of_Coaches

[Doughboy1918]

Originally Posted by ciceropolo

You may find this of interest in your study of Ohio and Football culture.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cradle_of_Coaches

Thank you.

[Doughboy1918]

It's the big game tomorrow with McKinley. Who here is going?

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by Doughboy1918

It's the big game tomorrow with McKinley. Who here is going?

When I was much younger, my family would take me to the Massillon parade/pep rally the night before. But I don't think any of us have attended the game, in person, unless a relative was on the team.

[Doughboy1918]

Originally Posted by JR_C

When I was much younger, my family would take me to the Massillon parade/pep rally the night before. But I don't think any of us have attended the game, in person, unless a relative was on the team.

Forgive the late response, but do you remember when fullback Chris Spielman was playing for the tigers in the early 80s?

[JR_C]

Originally Posted by Doughboy1918

Forgive the late response, but do you remember when fullback Chris Spielman was playing for the tigers in the early 80s?

No, I was too young, and I've never really been into sports/football. But I think I remember that my cousin was a teammate.

[Doughboy1918]

Originally Posted by JR_C

No, I was too young, and I've never really been into sports/football. But I think I remember that my cousin was a teammate.

I have to correct myself, he was actually a linebacker.

Do you know what jersey number your cousin was?