DAPPER DAN

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette sports editor Al Abrams created Dapper Dan in 1936 as a sports club where dapperly dressed businessmen called “Dapper Dans” staged sporting events to raise money for local charities. The first Sportsman of the Year banquet was formed that year and became an annual tradition. Over the years, Dapper Dan hosted professional golf tournaments and brought championship prizefights to Pittsburgh, including the only Pittsburgh appearance of an up-and-coming heavyweight named Cassius Clay in 1961. Western Pennsylvania sports fans saw the stars of tomorrow at the annual Roundball Classic high school basketball all-star game and the Dapper Dan Wrestling Classic. A cigar smoker featuring Steelers alumni honors Ray Mansfield, friend of event chair Andy Russell.

Today the beneficiary of Dapper Dan Charities is the Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania and their youth sports programs including flag football, wrestling, hockey, basketball, RBI baseball and golf. We pursue our mission to raise the spirits and fortune of Western Pennsylvania by celebrating athletic tradition and accomplishment, and by supporting athletic opportunities for under-served youth.