5 Super Athletes With Ties To Portsmouth

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Portsmouth area, these values have shaped some truly remarkable athletes from different eras, whose accomplishments continue to inspire.

Patch has teamed up with T-Mobile to spotlight five standout athletes whose achievements have left a lasting mark on our community. While this list is just a snapshot, there are countless others who have helped shape the rich sports culture in our area.

1. Michelle Sechser (Rowing)

Michelle Sechser is a decorated American rower with an impressive career, including competing in the lightweight double sculls events at both the 2020 and 2024 Summer Olympics. She has earned numerous medals, such as a bronze at the 2011 Pan American Games and silver at the 2022 World Rowing Championships. Sechser, who now calls Portsmouth her home, also holds multiple American records for indoor rowing.

2. Jane Blalock (Golf)

Jane Blalock, a professional golf legend and Portsmouth native, grew up competing in New England before joining the LPGA Tour in 1969. She is best known for her record-setting 299 consecutive cuts made, the longest streak in professional golf history. Blalock won the Dinah Shore Colgate Winner's Circle in 1972, earning the largest prize in women's golf at the time. Today, she continues to inspire women golfers with her involvement in PGA of America Women’s Clinics and Legends of the LGPA.

3. George Haddock (Baseball)

Portsmouth native George Haddock was a prominent pitcher in 19th-century baseball, earning the nickname "Gentleman George." Haddock, known for his skill and versatility on the field, played in various major leagues, including the National League, American Association and Players' League. He achieved notable success with a 34-11 record for the Boston Reds in 1891, leading his team to a pennant in the American Association's final season.

4. Eric Jenkins (Track)

Portsmouth native Eric Jenkins built a standout career as a long-distance runner, starting at Northeastern University, where he delivered a record-breaking 7:46.21 in the 3,000m. After transferring to the University of Oregon, he claimed two NCAA indoor titles in the 3,000m and 5,000m and finished second at the 2014 NCAA Cross Country Championships. As a professional athlete with Nike, Jenkins won the prestigious Wanamaker Mile and 5th Avenue Mile and qualified for the 2017 World Championships. Renowned for his talent and intensity, Jenkins retired after eight years, leaving a lasting mark on track and field.

5. Dick Scott (Baseball)

Dick Scott, a professional pitcher born in Portsmouth, played for the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs during the early 1960s. Known for his left-handed relief pitching, Scott made his MLB debut in 1963 after years in the Dodgers' farm system. Scott later settled down in Thomasville, Georgia, where he became a skilled bowler and was even inducted into the town’s bowling Hall of Fame.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.