10/06/2026
For generations of Wilmington families, Al’s Sporting Goods has been more than a sporting goods store - it’s been a beloved part of the community and their memories.
This year, as DSMHOF celebrates 50 years of preserving and celebrating Delaware’s sports history, we’re proud to recognize Bob Hart, who has spent the last 50 years running Al’s Sporting Goods.
Al’s has been a Wilmington institution for 91 years, helping generations of athletes find the shoes, equipment, and gear they needed to play the sports they loved. For many, a trip to Al’s was part of growing up.
Our Board President, Mark White, recently stopped in to see Bob and share his appreciation. Mark remembers shopping at Al’s as a young boy, when a pair of canvas Chuck Taylor sneakers cost $16.99! Those kinds of memories are what make places like Al’s so special and remind us that sports are about so much more than the games themselves. They connect us, create memories, and bring generations together.
As Al’s prepares to close its doors at the end of December, we want to thank Bob for 50 years of dedication to the store, our community, and Delaware sports.
It’s fitting that in our 50th anniversary year, we get to celebrate someone who has dedicated the same five decades to keeping sports a part of everyday life in Wilmington.
Thank you, Bob, and congratulations on an incredible 50-year run!
