Pete Yousaitis

Began his 25-year basketball playing career at the age of 10 in the YMCA junior leagues. He graduated from Reading High School (1936) after playing three years of basketball for the Red Knights. His scoring exploits at Reading High, YMCA-play and later pro-ball, earned him the nickname of “Pistol Pete”. After graduation, he helped spark the Regars Sweet Shop club for three years, when the team posted a 144-8 record and averaged 78 points per game – an unheard of total in those days. The team won three consecutive City League and Berks Amateur titles and, during one season, added the state YMCA and international YMCA tournament crowns (1939). Yousaitis scored 2,436 points during those three seasons (a 16 PPG average), earning numerous honors for his play and capped by his selection as the most valuable player in the international competition at Jamestown, NY, where he averaged just under 20 PPG. He was named outstanding Berks amateur athlete (1937).His professional career covered the Tri-County League (Reading GOP), Penn State and Eastern leagues (Hazelton, Pottsville, Reading) and the American League (Lancaster). Pete wrapped up his playing days with the Reading Keys of the Eastern League (1952). Pete coached the basketball team at Central Catholic High School (1942) and the East Ends team of the City League (1943). He also had a 35-year officiating career at the high school and collegiate levels (1942-77). Pete is a lifetime member of the Naismith National Basketball Hall of Fame and the Reading and Berks Basketball Old-Timers.

Deceased