Bob Canessa

Joining the 2008 Astoria High School Hall of Fame is Bob Canessa. He was a leader on the baseball field, basketball court and in the classroom, serving as President of National Honor Society and graduating with high academic honors. Outside of athletics, Bob also participated in homecoming activities, class dances, student council and Quill and Scroll.

While lettering in basketball three seasons, it was really on the baseball diamond where Canessa made his mark. As a team, Astoria High School struggled in the tough Metro League. With an outstanding work ethic, Bob persevered and became an accomplished third baseman and hitter. Playing the hot corner earned him several honors throughout his four year varsity baseball career. Bob led the Metro League in batting his senior year with a .400 batting average, a feat few high school baseball players ever achieve. This accomplishment earned him All-Metro honors in hitting in 1957.

Defensively, Canessa stood his ground at third base. In 1956, he earned All-Metro League honors as third baseman and followed up his senior season as a unanimous selection at third base. Bob also played for the Seaside Connie Mack team during the high school off season where he continued his outstanding play at third base. Not only did his Connie Mack teams win the West Coast and Northwest Championships, respectively, in 1956 and 1957, Bob was also named to the all-tournament team as a third baseman both those years.

After high school, Bob received an athletic scholarship at the University of Oregon where he played baseball from 1958-1961. He married his wife, Barbara, has two sons, Jim and Jeff and two grandchildren. He recently retired after a very successful career as an insurance professional and business owner. It can be said that Bob is a true sportsman, enjoying hunting, fishing, athletics and golf. He is a past champion in the Oregon Coast Invitational Golf Tournament.

Bob has taken the lessons he learned on the athletic field and applied them to his life. A person of quality, integrity, a true family man, friend and active community member, we welcome Bob Canessa to the 2008 Hall of Fame