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Hall of Famers

Hall of Famer

Robert Isbister Sr.

Inducted in 1975

Member Details

Date of Birth: June 9, 1885
Place of Birth: Hamilton, Ontario
Date of Passing: April 29, 1963
Sport: Football
Member Category: Athlete

Career Highlights

1905-15,19

Hamilton Tigers

1912,13,15

Grey Cup - Hamilton Tigers

1920

President, Interprovincial Rugby Football Union

1933

Member, Board of Governors of Hamilton Tigers Football Club

Hall of Famer Robert Isbister Sr.
Sport

Story

One of Hamilton's all-time great football players, Bob Isbister came out of the Hamilton city league in 1905 to star with the Tigers. Described as 'one of those tall, burly, fast moving men who could fill in practically any place on a club,' Isbister played with the Tigers until 1915, then returned for one final season in 1919 when league play resumed after the war. Though he could effortlessly tackle his opponents on the field, Isbister was a gentle giant known for his honest, humble personality. He could easily play any position, but was particularly adept as a flying wing. 'Big Bob' led the Tigers to three Grey Cup championships--1912, 1913, and 1915. After retiring from the field, Isbister was appointed president of the Big Four in 1920. Much respected for his knowledge of the game, he refereed in the Intercollegiate league for several years and was appointed to the Hamilton Club Board of Governors in 1933. For his brilliant performance on the field, Isbister was inducted in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1965.