Former MLB Pitcher Inducted Into Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame

Zach McAllister, an IVC high school star and longtime major-league baseball pitcher, was honored at the 2025 induction ceremony.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 9:34am

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Zach McAllister, a former MLB pitcher and IVC high school star, was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025. McAllister, who spent most of his nine-year big-league career with the Cleveland Indians, was joined by other inductees including renowned pool player Judex James, longtime NFL assistant coach Pete Hoener, Dunlap High School and ICC softball star Brigit Cornish Grunow, and legendary bowler Gary Smith.

Why it matters

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony celebrates the area's rich sports history and honors athletes, coaches, and other sports figures who have made significant contributions to the local community. McAllister's induction recognizes his success at the high school, college, and professional levels, as well as his continued involvement in the sport as a pitching consultant.

The details

McAllister led Illinois Valley Central High School to the 2006 IHSA Class A state championship, going 12-1 with a 1.04 ERA and 116 strikeouts as a senior. He was also a standout basketball player, averaging 16.8 points and 7.9 rebounds. McAllister was drafted by the New York Yankees in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft and later traded to the Cleveland Indians, where he spent most of his nine-year big-league career. He had 287 appearances in the majors, including 219 as a reliever, and appeared for the Indians in Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

  • McAllister led IVC High School to the 2006 IHSA Class A state championship.
  • McAllister was drafted by the New York Yankees in the third round of the 2006 MLB Draft.
  • McAllister appeared for the Cleveland Indians in Game 2 of the 2016 World Series against the Chicago Cubs.

The players

Zach McAllister

A former MLB pitcher and IVC high school star who was inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2025.

Jim Thome

A Hall of Famer who McAllister said he looked up to and was honored to share a clubhouse with during his MLB career.

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What they’re saying

“Being inducted into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame feels like everything coming full-circle. From the fields of central Illinois, to the major leagues, and back home again. This honor belongs not just to me, but to the community that raised me.”

— Zach McAllister

“I remember walking into the Cleveland Indians clubhouse, seeing Jim Thome's name above his locker. Jim isn't just a Hall of Famer, he's part of the story of what's possible. He set the standard not only with his performance, but the way he carried himself. I remember thinking how surreal it was that a kid from central Illinois, who grew up watching him, is now sharing a clubhouse with him.”

— Zach McAllister

What’s next

The Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame will continue to honor the area's top athletes, coaches, and sports figures at future induction ceremonies.

The takeaway

Zach McAllister's induction into the Greater Peoria Sports Hall of Fame is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and community support in achieving success at the highest levels of sports. His journey from the sandlot fields of central Illinois to the major leagues and back home again serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes in the region.