International Volleyball Hall of Fame - Holyoke, Massachusetts USA
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class of 2006

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Bernie Holtzman

Enshrined: 2006
Country: United States
Category: Male Beach Player

BIOGRAPHY

Bernie Holtzman, who once said that "Volleyball is God's gift to the beach bum," started playing volleyball on the beach in 1935. At age 13, he would find ways to travel from Hollywood to the Santa Monica Pier area to spend time at the "Playground" Promenade and Arcadia Terrace. A few years later while still in his teens, Holtzman teamed with Carl Stewart and became the best player on the Playground.

Later, Holtzman competed during an era when only two or three "Open" tournaments were held each year. He and Manny Saenz formed a near-unbeatable tandem on the beach, winning 10 "Open" tournaments beginning with the 1948 State Beach Men's Open. Holtzman and Gene Selznick formed another almost unbeatable combination as the two won 18 out of 20 "Open" tournaments beginning in 1955. 

Holtzman also excelled in the indoor game, competing for the Hollywood YMCA Team. In 2000, Holtzman was still playing volleyball two to three nights a week at the age of 77. He stopped playing volleyball in 2004 at the age of 82 when the Hollywood YMCA rescheduled "Volleyball-Play" in the gym at 10 p.m. However, he remained active and took up racquetball since the courts were available at all hours. 

Holtzman was inducted into the California Beach Volleyball Association Hall of Fame in 1992. USA Volleyball recognized him on its 75th Anniversary Beach All-Era Team (1928-1952). 

CLASS OF 2006

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Bernie Holtzman
Male Beach Player
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Edward Skorek
Male Indoor Player
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Endre Holvay
Leader / Official
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Nina Smoleeva
Female Indoor Player
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Jackie Silva
Female Beach Player
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Shigeo Yamada
Coach
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International Volleyball ​Hall of Fame
444 Dwight Street
Holyoke, MA  01040  USA
Phone: +1 413.536.0926
Email: info@volleyhall.org
Volleyball is the Official Recreational and Team Sport ​of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

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  • PLAN YOUR VISIT
    • Hours & Admission
    • BUY MUSEUM TICKETS
    • Group Tours
    • PRIVATE EVENT RENTALS
  • HALL OF FAMERS
    • Inductees
    • Eligibility & Nominations
    • Awards
    • Induction Celebration
  • Events
    • Induction >
      • Induction Celebration
      • Induction Tickets
      • Induction Yearbook
    • Morgan Classic
    • Battle of the Badges
  • MUSEUM
    • Virtual Museum Tour
    • In The Museum
    • Digital Exhibits >
      • William G Morgan - Father of Volleyball
      • History of Volleyball
      • Basketball & Volleyball
  • SUPPORT
    • Donate Today
    • Donor Listing
    • Memberships
    • AmazonSmile
    • Hall of Fame Training
  • NEWS
  • SHOP
  • About Us
    • Internship Program
    • Leadership & Staff