Class of 1948

Thomas R. Dorsey

Professional Baseball Player

Established Kay-Dee Farms, Howell (Thoroughbred breeding farm)

1981, 1995-1999, Deputy Racing Commissioner State of Michigan

Inducted into Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame, 2001

Thomas R. Dorsey graduated from Royal Oak High School with the class of 1948. Tom was a renowned student athlete. He won ten varsity letters in high school and was the recipient of the Morrison Trophy. He captained the football team, received state honors in basketball, tied for first place in the regional high jump event and excelled in baseball. The school yearbook described his baseball skills to include terrific power and aggressive play. The yearbook went on to predict that he would become the future catcher for the Detroit Tigers. Although Tom did have an outstanding minor league career with Detroit and Philadelphia farm teams, his greatest achievements would come in another field.

In 1949 Thomas Dorsey purchased and established Kay-Dee Farms in Howell, Michigan. There he bred and trained prize winning thoroughbred horses. Kay-Dee Farms became the largest thoroughbred breeding farm in the state of Michigan, and its clients included celebrities such as Elizabeth Arden and Rosemary Clooney. He also established a working agreement with Calumet Farms.

In 1968 Mr. Dorsey began a distinguished career as an executive and held positions with the Detroit Race Course, the Wolverine Harness Raceway and the Michigan Horsemen Association. He later served as the Deputy Racing Commissioner for the state of Michigan and was the Executive Director of the National Thoroughbred Trainers Association. He has twice been the recipient of the Eclipse Award--an award named after a famous racehorse and sire. The award is presented annually by the Thoroughbred Racing Association in recognition for outstanding contributions and achievements in thoroughbred horse racing.

Thomas Dorsey was inducted into the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame in 2001.