Silverstein, "Bullet" Joe

Joseph L. Silverstein

Silverstein was a four-year letter winner for Washington & Lee and was named All-South Atlantic in 1919 and 1920. Besides being a great football player, Joe also lettered three times in track; in 1921, he set a school record in the discus throw with a toss of 112'11". After graduating in 1922, he helped organize a professional team in Charleston.

Birth and Death Dates:
b. June 18, 1898 - d. July 6, 1950

Career Highlights:
Silverstein began his college football career in 1917, and was third on the team in scoring with 42 points. The following season, he was named captain of the football team; they played only three games due to World War I. At the end of that season, the Official Football Guide noted, "...the slashing Generals' fullback...stood head and shoulders above anything in the division and was first choice for the mythical team."

In 1919, Joe led the Generals to a record of 8-1-0 and the Southern Atlantic Championship. Against Virginia Tech, Silverstein kicked the game-winning field goal in the final minute of the Generals' 3-0 win. He also led his team to a 3-0 victory over Georgia Tech, the first time Tech had lost to a Southern school since 1914. In 1920, "Bullet" Joe led the Generals to a record of 5-3-0. In 1999, Silverstein was inducted into the Washington and Lee Athletic Hall of Fame.

Origin:
Montgomery, West Virginia

Career Dates:
Silverstein played fullback at Washington & Lee from 1917-1920.

Physical description:
200 pounds

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