5 Super Athletes With Ties To Robinson-Moon

Sports have a way of teaching invaluable life lessons — building character, fostering teamwork and strengthening the bonds within a community. In the Robinson-Moon 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. Nicole Sleith (Softball)

Nicole Sleith, a Smithton native, became one of the most dominant pitchers in Robert Morris University (Moon Township) softball history. She was a three-time Northeast Conference (NEC) Pitcher of the Year and the 2012 NEC Rookie of the Year. Sleith’s name is etched in RMU’s record books, holding career records in wins, strikeouts, and saves, among others. Her crowning achievement came in 2015 when she pitched the program’s first perfect game during the NEC Tournament. With these accomplishments, Sleith was named the 2014-15 NEC Female Student-Athlete of the Year and even made the RMU Athletic Hall of Fame in 2022.

2. Leah Henry (Track)

Leah Henry, a standout track athlete from Moon Township, earned three varsity letters and multiple accolades during her time at Moon Area High School. She was a two-time WPIAL star athlete and received the Freshman Girls "Star Award" (MVP) in her first year. Henry contributed to her team’s success as a state champion while excelling individually. She has also participated in the Wings of Moon track club, enhancing her skills through years of dedicated training. Off the track, Henry plans to study early childhood education at PennWest Edinboro and pursue a career as an elementary art teacher.

3. James Baechtold (Basketball)

James Baechtold, a graduate of Moon Area High School, left an indelible mark on basketball during a stellar career at Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) and in the NBA. A two-time All-American and three-time All-Ohio Valley Conference selection, he scored 1,137 career points and was named Eastern’s Most Valuable Player. In 1952, Baechtold was the second overall pick in the NBA Draft, playing for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks before retiring in 1957. After his playing days, he returned to EKU as an assistant and later head coach, guiding the team to a conference championship and earning OVC Coach of the Year honors in 1965.

4. Barry Bonds (Baseball)

Barry Bonds, widely regarded as one of the greatest baseball players of all time, resided in Moon Township while playing for the Pittsburgh Pirates. A seven-time National League MVP and 14-time All-Star, Bonds holds MLB records for most career home runs, single-season home runs and career walks. During his time with the Pirates, he established himself as a premier hitter and outfielder, earning three of his eight Gold Gloves. Bonds later solidified his legacy with the San Francisco Giants, becoming one of the sport’s most iconic figures.

5. A.Q. Shipley (Football)

Football star Allan Quay (A.Q.) Shipley enjoyed a 12-year career in the NFL as a center after excelling at Penn State University. At Moon Area High School, Shipley earned accolades as a football and basketball star, helping his teams reach state championships. In college, he received the prestigious Rimington Trophy as the nation’s best center. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2009, Shipley played for several teams, including the Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning a Super Bowl ring with the Buccaneers in 2021. After retiring due to a neck injury, he transitioned into coaching, broadcasting and spending time with his family.

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