Johnny JAAP
Born: Bellshill, Scotland, August 12, 1895. Died: Pittsburgh,
Pennsylvania, May 1974. Inside Right. Diminutive in stature but noted for his skilful manipulation of the ball and his ability to outjump taller opponents for headers. Although born in Scotland he grew up in the Pittsburg area and played for Castle Shannon, Arden, Vestaburg and Jennette in western Pennsylvania from 1912 to 1920. In 1921 he joined Bethlehem Steel and played for them in the American Soccer League until 1930. During that time
the team won the American Soccer League championship in 1921-22 (as Philadelphia) and 1926-27 as well as the Lewis Cup in 1928. In 1926 he was a member of the Bethlehem team that won the National Challenge Cup and he scored one of the goals in the 7-2 win over St. Louis Ben Millers in the final. In the fall of 1930 he returned to Scotland and spent one season. In Edinburgh playing for Hearts. After that it was back to the U.S. in 1931 to play for Newark and on his retirement from playing to coach junior teams.
Inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 1953.
Source: Colin Jose, Historian, National Soccer Hall of Fame
Player Biographies
Bethlehem Steel Soccer Club