Joe Christopher was a three-sport athlete at Bartlett High School during the mid-to-late 1940s.

Joe played three years each on the Indian’s baseball, basketball, and football varsity teams. He received letters all three years in baseball and basketball, and lettered two years in football.

His prime talents were in basketball and baseball.

In basketball, Joe was a leading scorer and rebounder for the Indians, playing both forward and guard positions.

In baseball, he was an outstanding hitter and superb defensive shortstop, and was a three-year starter at the position.

Joe also played baseball for local powerhouse Stevens Boys Club and the East Douglas semi-pro team made up of college-bound players.

After graduating from Bartlett, he went to Worcester Academy where he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. During his time there, he received the Presson Award for Athletics.

Joe then went on to Brown University where he lettered in basketball and baseball. Possessing a very strong arm, Joe was converted to a catcher when playing for the Bears. He served as captain of the freshman baseball team.

Joe eventually became the principal at Dudley Junior High School, a position from which he retired a few years ago. He also taught at that school and coached basketball and baseball teams before being named principal.

Joseph Christopher died recently. His wife Janet lives in Dudley and has a son Joseph R. Christopher, 45.