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Prospect Clinton LumberKings

Duke Slater Bobbleheads for Sale

September 2, 2021 - Prospect League (Prospect)
Clinton LumberKings News Release


CLINTON, IOWA - The LumberKings announced today that official Duke Slater bobbleheads are now on sale. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of the limited edition bobbleheads will go towards the start of a fund to establish a permanent marker honoring and recognizing Duke Slater at Clinton High School.

Slater, who recently was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, played at Clinton High School, the University of Iowa, and then in the National Football League from 1922-1931. He was inducted in the inaugural College Football Hall of Fame class of 1951.

"Clinton High School was very important to my uncle Duke. He loved that school," Duke Slater's niece, Sandra Wilkins, said. "I am so happy to hear they are honoring him, because Clinton meant a lot to him."

"The Slater family and I are extremely happy to see this come to fruition," Duke Slater's biographer, Neal Rozendaal, stated. "Duke was certainly a proud member of the Clinton community, and I am thrilled to see his legacy celebrated in this way. Using these bobbleheads to raise funds for a permanent recognition of Duke at Clinton High School is a wonderful gesture."

Slater was born in the south side of Chicago and moved to Clinton when he was 13 years old. He eventually settled down in Chicago after his playing days were over. In 1948, he was elected to the Cook County Municipal Court and received nearly a million votes. Slater was the second African-American judge in Chicago history.

"The Clinton Community School District supports the effort led by Ted Tornow and Neal Rozendaal to highlight and recognize the professional accomplishments of Duke Slater both on and off the football field. Duke broke many barriers on the football gridiron and in the justice system in Chicago," CCSD Superintendent Gary DeLacy stated.

"We couldn't be happier to share this endeavor with the Clinton Community School District and the Slater family. We wanted to honor a great man who made an impact both on and off the field," LumberKings General Manager Ted Tornow added.

The bobbleheads are now on sale at the LumberKings Team Store.

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