He wore many, many hats.

To some, Glenn Sample was the University of Cincinnati baseball coach and athletics administrator. To others, he was the magician. For others, he was the wrestling official. For many, he was the Cincinnati Reds' official scorer.

But to everyone who knew Glenn, he was one thing in particular – the consummate gentleman.

We at LaRosa's have lost a special friend in Glenn Sample, who passed away suddenly a week before the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday.

That word – "gentleman" – comes up consistently whenever anyone talks about Glenn Sample. Always dapper, always pleasant, Glenn always had a kind word to say, a genuine interest in your family, a smile for every situation.

Glenn was the last continuous member to serve on our Hall of Fame Committee – a position he thoroughly enjoyed for 34 years. He was a significant presence on our board. He was a Hall of Fame inductee himself in 1981 and never failed to attend the Hall of Fame Banquet ceremony each year.

He argued his points gently and everyone listened. Having played high school sports at Western Hills, having coached at UC, and having officiated high school wrestling, Glenn kept a finger on the prep pulse for more than 60 years.
Such insight into individuals for consideration will be keenly missed and impossible to replace. Glenn had a direct hand in helping induct many members of our Hall of Fame.

Glenn was truly an icon on the West Side of Cincinnati. He emceed or hosted countless fundraisers for elementary and high schools throughout Cincinnati for decades. He would dazzle children and adults alike with his magic tricks. He kept a smile on people’s faces with his stories and his own warm personality.

He was a giving man. A true gentleman in every sense of the word.