Red Mihalik
Inducted:
1986
Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born
September 22, 1916
Ford City, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died
October 25, 1996
Ford City, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position
NBA referee
College
NA
Zigmund "Red" Mihalik was arguably the most respected official in the history of the game, a man whose "fetish for fairness" and commanding presence earned him the title of the best referee in the United States.
He was among the early referees who helped professional basketball establish credibility and professionalism, maintaining respect from players, coaches, and fans alike. Mihalik also played a key role in training and mentoring future generations of NBA officials.
Red Mihalik was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1986 in recognition of his outstanding career as an official and his lasting impact on the game.
Mihalik's Awards & Records
- Best Official in the United States (Named by Dell Publications, 1951)
- Inducted into the National Polish-American Sports Hall of Fame (1996)
- Inducted into the WPIAL Hall of Fame (2012)
- Pioneer in professional basketball officiating
- Mentor to future NBA referees
Career
NBA referee
NBA Achievements
Career Length:
40+ Years
Seasons Officiated:
15+
Games Officiated:
800+
NCAA Championship Finals:
6
Olympic Games Officiated:
2
NIT Finals Officiated:
3
NAIA Finals Officiated:
3