National Athletic Hall of Fame Announces 2026 Inductee – Student Athlete
Louisville, IL — The National Athletic Hall of Fame Selection Committee is proud to announce Jeff Mihlbachler as its 2026 inductee in the Student Athlete Division.
Mihlbachler was a standout muli-sport athlete at St. Anthony High School, competing in basketball and baseball from 1973–77. On the basketball court, he contributed to a varsity team that posted a 17–3 regular-season record and earned a #14 Associated Press state ranking during his junior year (1975–76). A two-year letterman, he received All-State Honorable Mention in 1977 and finished his career just shy of 1,000 points, achieving this in the era before the three-point shot.
On the baseball field, Mihlbachler anchored the Bulldogs’ pitching staff throughout National Trail Conference play and IHSA Class A regional competition A four-year letterman, he became one of the rare athletes drafted directly out of high school, selected in the 25th round of the MLB Draft by the Cincinnati Reds. Over two professional seasons, he logged 190 innings and led the Pioneer League in strikeouts in 1978.
Beyond his athletic accomplishments, Mihlbachler has been a long-time supporter of athletics and community recreation in Effingham. He currently serves as a Grand Ambassador for the Effingham Chamber of Commerce and is also a 22 year member of the Effingham Sunrise Rotary.
The 2026 Induction Ceremony will be held on Friday evening, November 13, 2026, at the Teutopolis Banquet Hall in Teutopolis
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