George Kirchner probably no other man in the history of Lancaster ever devoted so much of his life to the coverage of participant and competitive sports as George, And few men in the history of Lancaster influenced the sports activities of the community as he did in the more than 40 years that was a sports writer and sports editor. George became a cub reporter for the Lancaster Newspapers and eventually the Sports Editor of the Lancaster New Era. He was born in Lancaster Eight Ward section known as "Cabbage Hill" and attended St Joseph's Parochial school and St Joseph Business College. He played a leading role in bringing professional back to Lancaster in 1940 when the Lancaster Red Roses came here as a entry in the old Interstate League. In 1946 at George suggestion the Lancaster New Era inaugurated a midget baseball tournament. The tourney was such a instant success and the finals that first year drew over 7,000 persons to Stumph Field. For over 30 years he covered all Franklin & Marshall football games home and away. He was elected for 30 years dedication service to the American Legion baseball into the American Legion Sports Hall of Fame. In 1966 the Headliner sports award was renamed the George W. Kirchner Memorial Award, which is the most prestigious sports award in Lancaster.
