Shoe Wars: NCAA DI Coaches Seek Total Control But Zero Accountability
September 28th, 2017 - 22:09
Potentially, this could be the equivalent of the Time's Up movement. March Madness morphed into September Sadness amid a FBI sting with no end in sight. If the feds genuinely know "the playbook" of an institutional crime family of coaches, it's doubtful there will be enough teams with winning records to stock an NCAA tourney field of 68. Let's be real! Coaches know when prize prospects take a knee or dump or exam affecting eligibility. Nonetheless, there was an instantaneous Sgt. Schultz "I Know Nothing" routine among a colossal collection of contemptible characters as ugly as disrobed #HollyweirdHarveySwinestein and his legion of leftist enablers such as NBC failing to do the right thing.
Closing-time release took longer than 15 seconds, but the dominoes started falling sooner than originally expected. Embracing holier-than-thou Slick Rick's own words, "we got lucky on this one" when the Pompous Pilot finally received a swift kick in the ass of his Louisville white suit rather than another proverbial slap on the wrist. Interim Cardinals coach David Padgett seems to be a pleasant enough person, but how perceptive can three-year teammate of thrown-under-the-bus former assistant Andre McGee possibly be not to discern what has been going on in Get-Your-Fill-In-The-Ville's basketball brothel et al? If the NCAA wants to help the FBI break the code of silence, it should force Rick Pitino's son and the 13 other former assistants serving as current head coaches to take truth serum to tell what they really know (nine of them at former Final Four schools).
Keep heading South for the next sweaty segment spotlighting Shoe Wars and check suit label of Auburn's smug coach for his tailor. Bruce on the Loose's "Pearl of Wisdom" prior to becoming an ESPN "expert" featured a failure to recognize his own residence. Despite "Rifle" along his side, he likely won't even know the all-time leading scorer Person who chucked away his college coaching career via dumber-than-doorknob decisions. If not rehired by ESPN again akin to demented Keith Overbite despite dismal demonstration at first post-scandal press conference, Pearl's next gig could be as NCAA investigator or FBI mole since he has experience with surreptitious recording of a phone conversation with prize prospect.
If FBI doesn't switch gears because of bigger fish to fry or whale if include Swinestein, it's just the tip of the iceberg as list of tainted schools increases weekly, if not daily. Where have the predictably pathetic press and toothless/clueless NCAA enforcement been for decades, anyway? With huge story staring them right in their beer goggles, inept national #MessMedia relied on cliches ("surprise commitment out of nowhere" and "late recruiting coup") when Brian Bowen Jr. affiliated late in the spring this year with Louisville. The FBI sting gives predictably pathetic press pundits such as The Undefeated to go on another silly racial crusade. Black chief recruiters (including one with $600,000 salary) are the latest victims among the oppressed as they wander off plantations, warranting kneeling players or marches on major highways blocking traffic. Meanwhile, the politically-correct NCAA has been more concerned with devoting time and energy to switching Indian nicknames for schools and gender-neutral restrooms as contributor to shifting national motto from "Tear Down This Wall" to "Tear Down This Stall."
Michael Jordan, the pre-endorsement Airness, donned Converse All-Star sneakers with North Carolina in the 1982 NCAA Tournament title game while Georgetown wore Nike. When did these shoe shenanigans start? The sneaker-linked fraud and corruption caught fire in mid-1980s when Nike owned the 1985 Final Four with each entrant donning the Swoosh. By the end of the "Gotta-Be-the-Shoes (Bribe)" decade, Final Four coaches connected to Nike such as ebullient Dana Kirk (Memphis State) and Jim Valvano (North Carolina State) either were imprisoned or well on their way to receiving a pink slip. Nike comrade Jerry Tarkanian (UNLV) was on suspect "sneaker" heels of Kirk and Valvano. Elsewhere on the scandal front in the Wild West days when shoes started orchestrating everything, Lefty Driesell left Nike for Reebok, which agreed to terms with Len Bias shortly before the Maryland All-American's cocaine-induced death. And guess who switched probation-shackled Kentucky from Nike to Converse upon succeeding Eddie Sutton? Yes, Slick Rick!
It's noxious to informed observers when they hear an announcer profusely identify a school by a coach's name although one can't deny college basketball fosters larger-than-life coaches. The players come and go, but the personable coaches remain, and their names become synonymous with the universities. The coaches virtually have perpetual cult followings in their propitious kingdoms. In other words, an ultra-successful coach such as Duke's Mike Krzyzewski is the King of Krzyzewskiville and isn't held accountable for multiple recruiting forays involving AAU player pimps, mediocre player with $100G in jewelry, Sullen-man Title IX incident and All-American already having abortion contract as NBA rookie.
A potential conflict-of-interest exists, however, when high-profile coaches receive astonishing supplemental six-figure incomes to endorse certain brands of sneakers. No different than looters stealing from outlet store during hurricane or #ShoeLivesMatter riot, there is simply no business like sneaker business. As the endorsement paychecks increased despite all-school deals commencing in the late 1980s, the questions multiplied concerning the marriage between college athletics and shoe companies. Consider:
In the 1980s before contract numbers went crazy, where was a coach's allegiance at times after selling his "sole" and receiving more compensation from an outside interest at the time than he earned in base salary from his school?
Should a coach receive any remuneration at all, let alone a fat paycheck, for outfitting his players in apparel they would don anyway? How much are the overpaid pariahs spending on medication these days to try to secure a decent night's sleep?
What about the majority of a roster or even just one player who prefers a brand other than the one with which the coach and school is affiliated? Don't the exploited players warrant a piece of the action inasmuch as they are the primary running, walking and jumping human billboards?
Where is the institutional control when coaches cut outrageous outside deals? Times really haven't changed from when coaches formed lines to sell their allotted Final Four tickets to brokers and took unreported-income bribes behind closed doors from promoters to participate in in-season tournaments.
Doesn't this involvement in a corporate battle where coaches earn significantly more than university presidents shove college athletics deeper into commercialization and further away from the spirit of competition as part of the textbook overall educational experience? Schools shifted comprehensive athletic department-wide arrangements with shoe manufacturers, but much of the largess is still funneled to the marquee coaches.
Converse, with its Chuck Taylors, was king of the shoe industry before Nike aggressively started signing prominent coaches to endorsement deals in the late 1970s. In the 1980s, other companies such as Reebok, Puma, Pony, L.A. Gear and adidas entered the "shoe wars." When the can-you-top-this perks seemingly turned obscene, some of the companies chose to invest their promotional dollars elsewhere at the grassroots level (AAU). Although detractors suggest Odor-Eaters should be in vogue because the arrangement stinks when coaches and not players are paid by sneaker companies, the bidding war for celebrated coaches and their schools escalated in intensity more than ever after Under Armour arrived on the scene.
The grand payoff for shoe companies arrived each March when the NCAA playoffs provide untold millions of dollars in free advertising. While Nike appeared to be overdosing on signing as many coaches as possible on its advisory board, adidas was more selective for several years in the early 1990s and had just two coaches under contract - Bob Knight (Indiana) and protege Krzyzewski. It is difficult to dispute the argument that adidas, with five championship game appearances in seven years from 1986 through 1992, might have received the best return on its investment in that period. But that was before Nike, the Beaverton, Ore.-based conglomerate turned Tobacco Road into Nikeville prior to the start of the 1993-94 season by luring Krzyzewski away from adidas and North Carolina's Dean Smith away from Converse, ending a 22-year marriage. At the time, the 15-year contract cooked up with "Shoe-chefski" included a $1 million signing bonus, $375,000 annually plus stock options. Talk about "feet-first" coaches who want to "Be Like Mike!" although current Carolina coach Roy Williams claims Nike was a "no-show" and never helped the Tar Heels secure a recruit. Of course, Roy knows this "fact" but wasn't aware of type of classes his scholars took enabling him to "earn" academic progress contractual bonuses.
Bench bosses got down on their hands and knees and thanked the Lord (or Devil) for Sonny Vaccaro when he started the supply-and-demand shoe-endorsement scheme. Vaccaro concocted the idea of personal-services contracts for Nike and initiated signing coaches to multi-year promotional deals. Sonny left Nike and subsequently headed adidas' fortunes. This move triggered raising the stakes under George Raveling, Vaccaro's spread-the-wealth successor at Nike. Depending upon your level of cynicism, the cozy relationship paid two-way street dividends. No wonder Nike nabob Raveling got plenty of support from coaching community regarding HOF enshrinement despite "sugar daddy" registering grand total of two NCAA playoff victories and zero league titles in 22 seasons as power-conference mentor (12 second-division finishes). During March on Washington in August 1963, Raveling worked security and came to possess the hard copy of civil rights leader Martin Luther King's famed "I Have a Dream" speech. By offering inside info, perhaps Raveling can also secure originals of recently-released Hall of Shame documents from intelligence agencies' files including a secret FBI analysis portraying MLK in a harshly-negative light.
Who benefited the most from Raveling and Vaccaro individually and shoe companies in general? Based on Slick Rick's 98% confiscation of Louisville shoe deal, it's time for some enterprising reporters to cite cumulative bounty prominent coaches received from sneaker manufacturers over the years. If not, we'll continue to hear drivel from Syracuse coach Jim Boeheim such as the following: "I sure as hell would rather have them (FBI) looking into terrorism and not spending three years investigating AAU programs or shoe companies. It's the least of our concern."
Similarly, why else would Krzyzewski say: "Shoe companies have been great for our sport. Understand the total positive impact shoe companies have on our sport. It pays for a lot." Meanwhile, UNC's Williams claims sneaker underworld is "foreign to me."
Countered AAU coach Myron Piggie, who wound up in prison: "Well, that's (expletive)," he told Yahoo Sports. "I mean, come on! You know Roy knew. He was in the mix. He knew what was going on. Roy's got amnesia."
Yes, coaching profiles for elite mentors such as Boeheim, John Calipari, Tom Izzo, Krzyzewski, Pitino, Bill Self and Williams should include career sneaker-endorsement payouts alongside totals of victories, league titles and NCAA playoff appearances.
By any measure and in many sordid ways, gimme-gimme-gimme Shoe Wars remains in an out-of-control spiral, exhibiting me-myself-and-I attitude with little integrity and no moral compass. If ESPN belatedly informs the masses that Kevin Love (UCLA) was worth $250,000, what was value of Anthony Davis before guiding Kentucky to 2012 national title as a freshman despite school threatening to sue Chicago Sun-Times for implying a significantly lower fee(t)-for-services? In the meantime, if Pitino really does "love the players," he should donate the millions remaining on his salary, at least the sneaker proceeds since the Cards were adidas' flagship school after UCLA departed for Under Armour, to try to help Louisville's arena (KFC Yum! Center) from defaulting on debt payments. Hall of Shamer Pitino and other feet-elite/father-figure coaches owe the sport that and so much more. Instead, they're circling the wagons similar to hypocritical Dimorats such as creepy Clinton cronies Lisa Bloom, David Boies, Lanny Davis and Anita Dunn protecting denizen donor #HollyweirdHarveySwinestein as if movie mogul was #SickWillie clone. In the same way they subsequently abandoned a sinking ship like so many rats, there eventually will be similar self-preservation of about three dozen prominent programs maneuvering through the minefield in a corrupted coaching community in 2018.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 28 MLB Games
September 28th, 2017 - 7:46
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former DI conference all-league hoopers Ted Lyons (Baylor), Bill McCahan (Duke) and Will Venable (Princeton) made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 28 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 28
2B Frank Baker (Southern Mississippi hoops letterman in 1965-66 and 1966-67), replacing Bobby Grich in the Baltimore Orioles' lineup, belted his only MLB homer, a grand slam, and finished with six RBI in an 18-4 trouncing of the Cleveland Indians in the nightcap of a 1973 doubleheader.
In the finale of the 1952 campaign, Chicago Cubs lefthanded OF Frank Baumholtz (MVP in 1941 NIT and first player in Ohio University history to score 1,000 career points) reached base on an error after switching over and swinging righthanded at the only delivery Hall of Fame 1B-OF Stan Musial threw from the mound at the MLB level. Musial, who began his Organized Baseball career as a pitcher before incurring an injury, claimed his sixth N.L. batting crown (.336) and Baumholtz finished runner-up (.325).
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) provided his second extra-inning steal of home plate in 1928.
LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary HBCU coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) slugged a 12th-inning homer to give the Los Angeles Dodgers a 2-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds in 1965.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) provided three hits in both ends of a 1943 doubleheader split against the Boston Braves.
In a City Series duel, Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) blanked the Cubs on three hits in only 1 hour and 18 minutes in 1942. The 41-year-old Lyons then departed to enlist as a private in the Marine Corps for military service during World War II.
RHP Bill McCahan (three-year Duke hoops letterman named to All-Southern Conference Tournament team in 1942) traded by Philadelphia Athletics to Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949.
Baltimore Orioles rookie RHP Ben McDonald (started six times as freshman forward for LSU in 1986-87 under coach Dale Brown) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Cleveland Indians in 1990.
In 1952, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) registered his 28th victory (7-4 over New York Giants) with his 30th complete game.
Chicago Cubs LF Riggs Stephenson (Alabama hoops letterman in 1920), who hit safely in all nine World Series outings in his career, provided three safeties in the 1932 opener against the New York Yankees.
Detroit Tigers utilityman Champ Summers (led SIUE in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) socked a game-tying, two-run pinch homer off the New York Yankees' Goose Gossage in the bottom of the eighth inning in 1980.
In a 1938 contest, C Birdie Tebbetts (Providence hooper in 1932) blasted a grand slam (10th such homer of the season for the Detroit Tigers).
San Diego Padres RF Will Venable (All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under Princeton coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05) whacked his first MLB grand slam (against Chicago Cubs in 2011).
In 1965, St. Louis Cardinals 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) contributed three extra-base hits in a game against his original team (San Francisco Giants).
Rookie pinch-hitter Bob Will (Mankato State MN captain in 1954-55 with 8.5 ppg and 2.5 rpg) stroked a two-run single in the eighth inning to put the Chicago Cubs ahead to stay in a 6-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957. Five years later, Will's two-run pinch double catapulted the Cubbies to a 3-2 triumph against the New York Mets in 1962.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 27 MLB Games
September 27th, 2017 - 7:39
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Swarthmore PA hoopers Dick Hall and Curly Ogden supplied significant MLB pitching performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 27 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 27
Baltimore Orioles 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's three leading basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) smacked his first MLB homer (against Boston Red Sox in 1960).
St. Louis Cardinals 1B Walter Alston (Miami OH hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) fanned in his lone MLB at-bat (against Chicago Cubs in 1936).
In 1983, RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) hurled the first one-hitter in Seattle Mariners history.
Baltimore Orioles OF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) stroked four hits against the Detroit Tigers in a 1977 game. Three years later, Bumbry stole three bases against the Cleveland Indians in a 1980 contest.
LHP Danny Coombs (Seton Hall's third-leading scorer and rebounder as a sophomore in 1961-62) made his MLB debut in 1963 as a reliever for the Houston Colt .45s, who started nine rookies including 1B Rusty Staub, 2B Joe Morgan and C Jerry Grote.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) launched two homers for the fourth time in an 18-game span in 1938.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 for three Swarthmore PA Southern Division champions in Middle Atlantic States Conference) became the first pitcher in 51 years to end a season with more victories (10) than walks (6 in 61 innings).
C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) whacked a pair of homers to spark the San Francisco Giants to an 8-4 triumph against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. Three years later with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Haller delivered four RBI, including a go-ahead, two-run triple in the ninth inning of a 5-2 win against the Atlanta Braves in 1968.
New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) hurled a shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies to finish the 1950 campaign with a N.L.-leading ERA of 2.49.
Kansas City Royals LF Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT hoops letterman in mid-1960s) whacked back-to-back homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 1977 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals SS Doc Lavan (Hope MI hooper from 1908 through 1910) delivered four hits in a 16-1 romp over the Chicago Cubs in 1920.
Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) completed his 151st errorless game for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1942. He was the first OF to avoid an error the entire season.
Kansas City Athletics SS Jerry Lumpe (member of Southwest Missouri State's 1952 NAIA Tournament championship hoops team) went 4-for-4 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1960 game.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference Tournament MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring previous season) went 4-for-4 in a 5-4 win against the Montreal Expos in 1978.
RF Lyle Mouton (starter in LSU's backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson for 1989 NCAA playoff team) knocked in all of the Baltimore Orioles' runs in a 6-4 loss against the Boston Red Sox in 1998.
Winning LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper in mid-1950s) pounded a three-run homer in a 10-1 victory against the Washington Senators as the Boston Red Sox reached the 200-homer plateau for the first time in franchise history.
Boston Braves RHP Al Pierotti (Washington & Lee VA captain of school's undefeated 1917 hoops squad) posted his lone MLB victory (complete-game 3-2 verdict over New York Giants in 1920).
Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Jeff Shaw (freshman guard for Rio Grande OH hoops squad compiling 31-5 record and reaching second round of 1985 NAIA Tournament) secured his 10th save in as many relief appearances during the month in 1998.
In 1962, Houston Astros RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia hoops captain in 1951-52) won his fourth game of the month as a reliever.
Detroit Tigers SS Johnnie Watson (Marshall hoops letterman from 1926-27 through 1929-30) contributed a double and RBI in both ends of a 1930 doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.
In the midst of securing an RBI in 11 of final 12 outings of 1964, St. Louis Cardinals 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) doubled in his fourth consecutive contest.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 26 MLB Games
September 26th, 2017 - 7:19
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Two Iowa small-college hoopers - Larry Biittner (Buena Vista) and Paul Splittorff (Morningside) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 26 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 26
New York Yankees rookie SS Frank Baker (Southern Mississippi basketball letterman in 1965-66 and 1966-67) banged out three hits for the second consecutive contest against the Detroit Tigers in 1970.
In 1972, Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jerry Bell (Belmont hooper in 1965-66 and 1966-67) posted his fifth victory in as many decisions in the span of a month.
Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a 1924 doubleheader.
Chicago Cubs LF Larry Biittner (runner-up in scoring and rebounding in 1966-67 for Buena Vista IA) supplied three extra-base hits in a 10-7 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1977.
Chicago White Sox SS Sammy Esposito (averaged 7 ppg in 1951-52 as starting guard under Indiana coach Branch McCracken), who hit .207 in his 10-year MLB career, went 3-for-3 against the Kansas City Athletics in a 1958 game.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) stroked three extra-base hits against the San Diego Padres in a 1972 contest.
Intended as a sacrifice, Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) contributed a bunt single in 1941 that was the only hit for the St. Louis Browns against Cleveland Indians P Bob Feller.
Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for Massachusetts' 15-1 freshman squad in 1971-72) had his no-hit bid end with two outs in the ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in 1978.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) collected five extra-base hits, five runs and nine RBI in a 1934 twinbill sweep of the Chicago White Sox.
In 1954, 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) hammered his 25th homer at Ebbets Field (a new Brooklyn Dodgers single-season record). Hodges also finished the year with a MLB-high 18 sacrifice flies.
New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) delivered three extra-base hits and four of his N.L.-high 121 RBI against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1951 game.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Jim Konstanty (Syracuse hooper in late 1930s) made his 71st relief appearance of the 1950 campaign. It was a MLB record (subsequently broken).
In a 1986 outing, Toronto Blue Jays DH Rick Leach (averaged 15.5 ppg for Michigan's junior varsity team in 1975-76) went 3-for-3 against Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) capped off his 1954 Rookie of the Year season with an 11th-inning, two-run homer at Milwaukee.
RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer during two years he attended Mount Morris IL in early 1930s) purchased from the Boston Braves by the Cincinnati Reds in 1949.
In 1951, Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) annoyed the Boston Braves by stealing home with a 13-3 lead in the eighth inning.
New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU hoop teams compiling 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) fired his third three-hit shutout of the 1941 campaign.
Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) won his fifth straight start to finish the 1973 season with 20 victories.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia hoops captain in 1951-52) lost his MLB debut (against Cincinnati Reds in 1959).
Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) smacked two homers against the Washington Senators in a 1954 game.
San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) went 4-for-4 against the San Diego Padres in a 2005 contest.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 25 MLB Games
September 25th, 2017 - 7:50
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from four current Pac-12 Conference members - Taylor Douthit (California), Mark Hendrickson (Washington State), Hank Leiber (Arizona) and Gary Sutherland (Southern California) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 25 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 25
Philadelphia Phillies LHP Stan Baumgartner (played for University of Chicago's Big Ten Conference basketball champion in 1913-14) toiled 10 innings for his first MLB victory, a 3-2 nod over the Chicago Cubs in 1914.
St. Louis Browns RF Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) banged out four hits in the nightcap of a 1936 doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.
Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (captain and starting hoops center for Colby ME) had his 53-inning scoreless streak ended by the Chicago White Sox in 1910.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) contributed four hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1930 game.
In one of his eight multiple-hit contests in a nine-game span, Brooklyn Robins 3B Wally Gilbert (hoops captain played for Valparaiso from 1918-19 through 1920-21) manufactured four safeties in a 10-9 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a 1929 twinbill.
Toronto Blue Jays rookie LHP Mark Hendrickson (two-time All-Pacific-10 selection was Washington State's leading rebounder each season from 1992-93 through 1995-96) won his last three starts in 2002 after debuting as a MLB starter earlier in the month with a no-decision, yielding only three earned runs in 26 innings in those four assignments. Three years later, Hendrickson won his seventh straight verdict with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) tossed a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965, raising his season strikeout total of 356.
In his only MLB pitching appearance, New York Giants OF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) hurled a complete game in a 9-1 setback against the Philadelphia Phillies in the nightcap of a 1942 doubleheader. Teammate Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY hooper in early 1930s) earned the win in the opener, 6-3.
Boston Red Sox CF Jerry Mallett (two-time All-SWC first-team selection averaged 15.3 ppg and 12.7 rpg for Baylor from 1954-55 through 1956-57) supplied two of his four MLB hits and lone RBI in a 10-4 victory against the Washington Senators in 1959.
Cincinnati Reds SS Nolen Richardson (Georgia hoops captain in 1925-26 as All-Southern Conference Tournament selection) went 3-for-3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1938 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) registered his 28th victory in 1952, completing his 30th game in 37 starts.
Philadelphia Phillies 3B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) provided his fifth straight multiple-hit game in 1968.
Finishing regular season with four consecutive holds, LHP Matt Thornton (averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Grand Valley State MI from 1995-96 through 1997-98) went unscored upon in his 18 relief appearances with the Washington Nationals after he was acquired from the New York Yankees.
In the midst of an eight-game hitting streak, San Francisco Giants 1B Desi Wilson (Fairleigh Dickinson's all-time leading scorer was Northeast Conference player of the year in 1989-90) homered against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1996.
Detroit Tigers 1B John Young (played hoops sparingly for Chapman CA in late 1960s) went 2-for-3 in his lone MLB start (against New York Yankees in 1971).
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 24 MLB Games
September 24th, 2017 - 7:32
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from three New York small colleges - Billy Harrell (Siena), Jack Phillips (Clarkson) and Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 24 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 24
Boston Red Sox 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's top three basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) amassed four hits in an 11-7 win against the Baltimore Orioles in 1967.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Frank Callaway (Tennessee hoops letterman in 1918 and 1919) collected a career-high three hits in a 7-4 victory against the Chicago White Sox in 1921.
New York Mets 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) cracked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1969 game.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (Boston University hooper in early 1920s) contributed three doubles against the Washington Senators in a 1933 contest.
New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (LSU and USL letterman in mid-1940s) homered in both ends of a 1952 doubleheader sweep against his original team (Boston Braves), going 5-for-5 in the opener.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but departed before ever playing) hurled the second of his back-to-back shutouts, giving him six consecutive victories and a N.L.-leading five whitewashes in 1971.
Cleveland Indians rookie SS Billy Harrell (averaged 10.3 ppg in three seasons for Siena in early 1950s) banged out three hits against the Detroit Tigers for the second time in a week in 1955.
New York Mets manager Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) suffered a heart attack during a 1968 game against the Atlanta Braves.
Chicago White Sox 1B Ron Jackson (second-team All-MAC choice from 1951-52 through 1953-54 led Western Michigan in scoring and rebounding his last two seasons) registered four hits against the Kansas City Athletics in a 1957 contest.
In 1957, Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) appeared in relief in the final game at Ebbets Field. Koufax got a chance to go to the plate and struck out for the 12th time in as many at-bats this season.
Chicago Cubs C Gordy Massa (played hoops briefly for Holy Cross in 1956-57) supplied two safeties in his MLB debut against the Cincinnati Reds en route to securing hits in all six games the remainder of the 1957 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Jack Phillips (leading scorer for Clarkson NY in 1942-43) went 4-for-4 in a 3-2 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds in the nightcap of a 1950 twinbill.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) won his last eight relief decisions of the 1983 campaign.
Milwaukee Brewers LF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) provided three hits and four RBI in a 7-3 verdict over the California Angels in 1970.
RHP Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY hooper in early 1930s) drove in the winning run in the 10th inning of opener of a doubleheader against the Boston Bees as the New York Giants clinched the 1936 N.L. pennant.
RHP Joe Vance (Southwest Texas State hoops letterman in 1927-28 and 1928-29) won his lone decision with the New York Yankees in 1937 by allowing only four hits and one run in eight innings against the Boston Red Sox.
In 1992, Toronto Blue Jays DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) became the first 40-year-old in MLB history to knock in 100 runs in a season when he stroked a two-run double off Baltimore Orioles RHP Ben McDonald (started six games as 6-6 freshman forward for Louisiana State in 1986-87).
New York Yankees LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) posted his 12th victory in as many decisions in 1929. No hurler will have a better season without losing a game.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 23 MLB Games
September 23rd, 2017 - 8:03
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Santa Clara hoopers Bruce Bochte and Randy Winn supplied significant MLB hitting performances on this date. Ditto former Fordham hoopers Frankie Frisch and Babe Young for N.L. teams. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 23 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 23
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup basketball player and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) fired a three-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs in 1979.
Seattle Mariners LF Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's 1970 NCAA playoff team averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago White Sox in a 1982 game.
Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg in 1950-51 for Spring Hill AL) stroked four hits against the Cleveland Indians in a 1956 contest.
Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman team) hurled his fourth shutout in 1959 (5-0 against St. Louis Cardinals).
Milwaukee Braves 1B George Crowe (four-year letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for Indiana Central after becoming first high school player named state's Mr. Basketball) smashed two homers in a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955.
Cleveland Indians CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) delivered a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers in a 1950 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) collected four hits and four runs against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1930 game.
California Angels RHP Dave Frost (averaged 10.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Stanford from 1971-72 through 1973-74) hurled a complete game, beating the Texas Rangers, 6-1, to finish tied with Nolan Ryan for the team high in victories (16) during the 1979 campaign.
San Francisco Giants LHP Atlee Hammaker (averaged 5.3 ppg as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 as a sophomore in 1977-78 under East Tennessee State coach Sonny Smith), matching Los Angeles Dodgers P Orel Hershiser in zeroes the first seven innings, yielded a homer in the eighth as Hershiser extended his streak of consecutive shutout frames to 49 in 1988.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) homered twice against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a suspended game in 1956.
New York Yankees LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) homered twice against the Detroit Tigers in a 2000 contest.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) went 5-for-5 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1956 outing.
Washington Senators CF Don Lock (paced Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller) had a 15-game hitting streak snapped by the Detroit Tigers in 1963.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS) stole three bases against the San Francisco Giants in a 1976 contest. Lopes pilfered at least one base nine times in a 10-game span earlier in the month.
Boston Red Sox 3B Buddy Myer (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1923-24) went 4-for-4 against the Detroit Tigers in a 1928 game.
C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) clubbed a 10th-inning homer to give the Chicago Cubs a 9-8 triumph against the San Francisco Giants in 1959.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (hoops guard for Washington College MD two years in mid-1930s) homered twice against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1943 contest.
Detroit Tigers LF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered twice against the Boston Red Sox in a 1973 outing.
Detroit Tigers LHP Phil Page (Penn State hoops letterman in 1926-27) didn't allow an earned run in winning his second start in as many MLB appearances (both complete games in 1928).
New York Giants RHP Roy Parmelee (Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) fired his second four-hit shutout of the 1934 campaign.
Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) scattered four hits and helped cause with a homer in a 10-0 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals as he posted his 20th triumph in 1940.
Detroit Tigers rookie 3B Nolen Richardson (Georgia captain in 1925-26 as All-Southern Conference Tournament selection) notched his fourth consecutive multiple-hit contest in 1931.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) improved his record to 22-2 in 1951 with a 6-3 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU teams compiling 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers in 1943.
2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s) awarded on waivers from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Washington Senators in 1952.
Cincinnati Reds 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) homered in both ends of a 1939 doubleheader sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 and scored three runs in a 7-6 win against the Boston Braves in the opener of a 1920 twinbill.
San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) registered three doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 2006 game.
New York Giants 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) blasted two homers in a 1939 game against the Boston Braves.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 22 MLB Games
September 22nd, 2017 - 7:26
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former HBCU hoopers George Altman (Tennessee State), Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC) and Al Bumbry (Virginia State) supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 22 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 22
Rookie CF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Basketball Tournament with Tennessee State) whacked a ninth-inning, two-run homer to give the Chicago Cubs a 5-4 triumph against the San Francisco Giants in 1959.
Cleveland Indians RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup hooper and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) tossed his second shutout of the month in 1976.
Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) supplied four hits for the second time in an eight-game span in 1922.
In 1965, 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) blasted a grand slam off Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman squad in 1953-54) as the Braves end their 13-year stint in Milwaukee.
A.L. Rookie of the Year DH Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring 16.7 ppg as a freshman in 1964-65) tied a MLB single-game mark with three triples against the Milwaukee Brewers, helping the Baltimore Orioles clinch the 1973 East Division title.
Philadelphia Athletics RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1922) earned victory #21 in 1931.
RHP Dallas Green (Delaware's second-leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55) released by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1967.
San Francisco Giants C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) hammered a game-ending homer in the ninth inning to account for the only run in a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1967.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) knocked in five runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1949 contest.
Chicago Cubs RHP Cal Koonce (Campbell hoops standout in 1960 and 1961 when North Carolina-based school was junior college) blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers for eight innings en route to posting his first of three victories the last 10 days of the 1964 campaign.
Washington Senators CF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California junior college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) tied an A.L. nine-inning record with 11 putouts in 1951.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Elmer Ponder (Oklahoma letterman in 1913-14 and 1915-16) tossed a two-hit shutout against the New York Giants in the nightcap of a 1917 doubleheader.
In his fourth straight complete-game triumph, New York Yankees RHP Roy Sherid (Albright PA hoops center in 1926-27 and 1927-28) didn't allow an earned run in a 3-1 verdict over the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1929 twinbill.
Detroit Tigers rookie C Birdie Tebbetts (Providence hooper in 1932) went 5-for-10 and scored five runs against the St. Louis Browns in a 1936 doubleheader. Five years later, Tebbetts stroked three extra-base hits against the Chicago White Sox in a 1941 outing.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) whiffed 15 Milwaukee Braves batters but the strikeout total wasn't enough to extend his five-game winning streak in 1964.
San Diego Padres RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00) took a no-hitter into the ninth inning before finishing with a 6-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006 after Joe Randa ripped a two-run homer.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 21 MLB Games
September 21st, 2017 - 20:34
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (LSU), George Altman (Tennessee State) and Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona) hit two homers in a MLB game on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 21
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (LSU's top basketball scorer in 1945-46) clobbered two homers against the Chicago Cubs in a 1957 game.
Chicago Cubs rookie RF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State) smacked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1959 contest.
Montreal Expos RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) yielded only three hits in 10 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1981 performance.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) contributed four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1935 outing.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only semester) contributed six RBI in an 8-6 win against the Philadelphia Athletics in the opener of a 1938 twinbill.
Oakland Athletics 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) collected two homers and five RBI in a 9-3 triumph against the Kansas City Royals in 1980.
Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) smacked two triples against the Montreal Expos in a 1975 game. Nine years earlier, Kessinger amassed four hits against the Cincinnati Reds for the second time during the month in 1966.
Chicago Cubs CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) knocked in five runs against the New York Giants in a 1939 outing. The next year, Leiber supplied his fifth consecutive contest with multiple hits.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century), appearing for the third time in four games, notched his 30th victory in 1903.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie RF Don Padgett (freshman in 1934 with Lenoir-Rhyne NC excelled in multiple sports) went 4-for-4 against the Brooklyn Robins in the nightcap of a 1937 doubleheader.
Philadelphia Athletics rookie RHP Jim Peterson (Penn hoops letterman from 1928-29 through 1930-31) lost his lone MLB complete game (6-5 against Detroit Tigers in nightcap of 1931 twinbill).
Chicago Cubs SS Paul Popovich (averaged 3.3 ppg for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) went 3-for-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals, igniting a six-game hitting streak closing out the 1969 campaign.
Chicago Cubs RHP Don Prince (Campbell hooper in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when school was junior college) made his lone MLB appearance (one inning against New York Mets in 1962).
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) hurled a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in the nightcap of a 1949 doubleheader.
New York Yankees 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (scored 18 points in eight games for Purdue in 1949-50) supplied five hits but they stranded a MLB-mark 20 baserunners in a 13-7 setback against the Boston Red Sox in 1956.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 20 MLB Games
September 19th, 2017 - 7:12
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A couple of former small-college hoopers from Virginia - Al Bumbry (Virginia State) and Monte Weaver (Emory Weaver) - made A.L. news on this date. Ditto ex-Pasadena City CA community college hoopers Darrell Evans and Irv Noren. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 20
Cincinnati Reds CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati basketball letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) contributed four hits against the Boston Braves in the nightcap of a 1928 doubleheader.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) delivered three doubles against the Boston Red Sox in a 1984 game.
Baltimore Orioles RF Angelo Dagres (averaged 6 ppg for Rhode Island in 1954-55) provided a hit and scored a run in both ends of a 1955 twinbill sweep against the Boston Red Sox.
Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) launched his 400th career homer in 1988.
Baltimore Orioles bonus baby C Tom Gastall (hoops captain of Boston University's team in 1954-55) died at the age of 24 in 1956 when he crashed into Chesapeake Bay while secretly flying his previously-damaged light plane.
C Frank Grube (hoops starter for Lafayette in 1926-27) purchased from the St. Louis Browns by the Chicago White Sox in 1935.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) stole five bases against the Houston Astros in 1986, tying the modern N.L. record for thefts in a single contest.
Cincinnati Reds RHP Jay Hook (Northwestern's third-leading scorer as sophomore with 10.7 ppg in 1955-56) hurled a two-hit shutout, chilling the Milwaukee Braves' pennant aspirations in 1960.
3B Ryan Minor (two-time All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection for Oklahoma was league player of year as a junior in 1994-95 when averaging 23.6 ppg and 8.4 rpg) replaced Cal Ripken Jr. in the Baltimore Orioles' starting lineup, ending Ripken's MLB record consecutive-game streak at 2,632.
Washington Senators rookie CF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California community college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) knocked in five runs against the St. Louis Browns in a 1950 contest.
Detroit Tigers CF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered twice against the Washington Senators in a 1968 outing.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) yielded a MLB-record 40th homer in 1955.
Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) contributed his fifth steal of home in the 1949 campaign.
Baltimore Orioles DH Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops team in mid-1960s) socked his 246th and final MLB homer in 1984. Singleton's last three round-trippers were grand slams.
In his MLB debut in 1961, St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA scoring leader in 1958-59 and 1959-60 when All-Evergreen Conference selection) tossed 4 1/3 innings of hitless relief.
Washington Senators RHP Monte Weaver (hoops center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1920s) won his MLB debut (eight innings as starter against Chicago White Sox in 1931).
Washington Senators LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) fired a two-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1921.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 19 MLB Games
September 19th, 2017 - 6:38
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Two former small-college hoopers from Minnesota - Rip Repulski (St. Cloud State) and Wes Westrum (Bemidji State) - made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 19
Milwaukee Braves 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg in 1950-51 for Spring Hill AL basketball squad) contributed four hits against the San Francisco Giants in a 1961 game.
Chicago Cubs RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) fired his second straight shutout in 1976.
New York Yankees Hall of Fame RF Earle Combs (three-year hoops captain for Eastern Kentucky) scored five runs in an 18-9 romp over the Chicago White Sox in 1930.
Harry Craft (four-sport letterman with Mississippi College in early 1930s) fired as Houston Colt .45s manager in 1964. Twenty-seven years earlier as a Cincinnati Reds CF, Craft collected three hits in his MLB debut in the opener of a 1937 doubleheader against the Boston Braves.
Cleveland Indians CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) walked five times and scored four runs in a 15-2 rout of the Boston Red Sox in 1951.
Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice for the second time in a 1985 three-game series against the New York Yankees.
In a 1961 contest, Cincinnati Reds 3B Gene Freese (West Liberty WV hoops captain of 1952 NAIA Tournament team) launched two homers against his original MLB team (Pittsburgh Pirates).
2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) and INF Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of his last three seasons with Lebanon Valley PA in late 1920s) each stroked three hits for the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-1 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) amassed two homers and six RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a 1950 doubleheader.
Washington Senators 1B-OF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) fanned five times against the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a 1970 twinbill.
Los Angeles Dodgers LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State hoops teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) jacked two homers against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1966 outing.
Detroit Tigers LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) contributed two homers and five RBI against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1950 game.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) went 5-for-5 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1954 contest.
Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) had a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning broken up by a single from Bobby Veach of the Washington Senators in the nightcap of a 1925 doubleheader.
RF Bill Nicholson (hooper for Washington College MD in mid-1930s), the N.L. leader in homers and RBI in 1943, collected a single, two doubles and a homer to help the Chicago Cubs snap an 11-game losing streak with a 6-0 victory against the World Series-bound St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a twinbill. Nicholson also homered in the nightcap.
In his first at-bat with the Boston Red Sox in 1997, OF Curtis Pride (led William & Mary in steals three times and assists twice from 1986-87 through 1989-90) helped the Boston Red Sox tie the score with a ninth-inning pinch-hit homer but the Chicago White Sox went on to prevail in the 10th.
A 12th-inning homer by LF Rip Repulski (started a few basketball games for St. Cloud State MN) gave the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 win against the Chicago Cubs in 1955.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1912 and 1914) tossed a 1-0 shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a 1923 twinbill.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) improved his record to 21-2 in 1951 with a 3-0 shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1997, Cincinnati Reds RHP Jeff Shaw (freshman guard for Rio Grande OH hoops squad compiling 31-5 record and reaching second round of 1985 NAIA Tournament) secured his 15th straight save in as many appearances en route to a N.L.-leading 42 saves.
In 1973, New York Mets LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) won his fifth straight start and eighth decision in a row.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) hurled a 10-inning, one-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1965. It was Veale's third shutout in span of six starts.
Boston Red Sox rookie SS Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) banged out three extra-base hits in a 4-3 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1933.
Wes Westrum (Bemidji State MN hooper for one season before serving in military during WWII) resigned as New York Mets manager in 1967.
Power Transfers: Playing For 3 Different Elite Schools Becomes More Common
September 18th, 2017 - 19:13
Guard Kevin Brown averaged a modest 5.7 ppg in his college career but generated news by competing with four different NCAA Division I schools (Tulane 11/Louisiana-Lafayette 13-14/New Orleans 15/American 16-17). None of the institutions was a power-conference member. Brown duplicated forward Andy Jensen's feat of performing for three different DI colleges in the same state (Southern Utah 93/Utah 95-96/Weber State 98-99).
Triple transfers are becoming more commonplace. Following are individuals who played for three different power-league members or schools reaching Final Four at some point in their history:
| Triple Transfer Player | Pos. | First School | Second School | Third School |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kale Abrahamson | F | Northwestern 13-14 | Drake 16 | Duquesne 17 |
| Ben Carter | F | Oregon 13-14 | UNLV 16-17 | Michigan State 18 |
| Eli Carter | G | Rutgers 12-13 | Florida 14-15 | Boston College 16 |
| Aaron Cosby | G | Seton Hall 12-13 | Illinois 15 | Western Kentucky 16 |
| Bryce Dejean-Jones | G | Southern California 11 | UNLV 13-14 | Iowa State 15 |
| Sterling Gibbs | G | Texas 12 | Seton Hall 14-15 | Connecticut 16 |
| Derrick Gordon | G | Western Kentucky 12 | Massachusetts 14-15 | Seton Hall 16 |
| Tyler Harris | F | North Carolina State 12 | Providence 14-15 | Auburn 16 |
| Matt Humphrey | G | Oregon 09-10 | Boston College 12 | West Virginia 13 |
| Ronnie Johnson | G | Purdue 13-14 | Houston 16 | Auburn 17 |
| Rick Kreklow | G | Missouri 11 | California 13-14 | Creighton 15 |
| Mike Moser | F | UCLA 10 | UNLV 12-13 | Oregon 14 |
| Uche Ofoegbu | G-F | Southern Methodist 13 | San Francisco 15-16 | UNLV 17 |
| Jeff Peterson | G | Iowa 08-09 | Arkansas 11 | Florida State 12 |
| Katin Reinhardt | G | UNLV 13 | Southern California 15-16 | Marquette 17 |
| Antwan Space | F | Florida State 12 | Texas A&M 14-15 | Massachusetts 16 |
| Eric Wallace | F | Ohio State 08 | DePaul 10 | Seattle 12 |
| Andrew White III | G | Kansas 13-14 | Nebraska 16 | Syracuse 17 |
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 18 MLB Games
September 18th, 2017 - 7:17
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A couple of former hoopers from current power-conference members based in Indiana - Oral Hildebrand (Butler) and Cy Williams (Notre Dame) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 18
In 1963, CF Billy Cowan (Utah basketball letterman from 1957-58 through 1959-60 was co-captain of NCAA playoff team as senior) cracked his first MLB homer, a ninth-inning, two-run blast giving the Chicago Cubs a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Joe Gibbon (two-time All-SEC forward for Ole Miss was nation's second-leading scorer as senior in 1956-57).
In 1987, Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) became the first 40-year-old to reach the 40-homer plateau in a single season.
Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) and his brother (P Wes Ferrell) thrown out of the game by an umpire after the Boston Red Sox teammates protest a call too vehemently in 1934.
In 1928, Brooklyn Robins 2B Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship hoops squad for Washington College MD) supplied back-to-back three-hit outings to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games in a row.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) extended his hitting streak to a career-high 25 games.
Cleveland Indians RHP Oral Hildebrand (Butler hoops All-American in 1928-29 and 1929-30) tossed a two-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, finishing the 1933 campaign with an A.L.-leading six shutouts.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) homered twice against the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a 1946 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers RHP Dave Lemanczyk (averaged 4.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Hartwick NY teams compiling 51-21 record from 1969-70 through 1971-72) lost his third straight complete game in a 13-day span in 1975.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) cracked two homers against the Kansas City Royals in a 2001 contest.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed his 11th shutout en route to 33rd victory in 1908.
Boston Red Sox RHP Gordon McNaughton (hooper for Loyola of Chicago in late 1920s) lost his lone MLB decision (6-5 against Detroit Tigers in 1932).
Boston Red Sox rookie RF Sam Mele (NYU's leading scorer in 1943 NCAA playoffs) went 5-for-5 against the St. Louis Browns in a 1947 game.
Chicago Cubs SS Pinky Pittenger (set Toledo's single-game scoring standard with 49 points in 1918-19) went 4-for-4 against the New York Giants in a 1922 contest.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA leading scorer when named All-Evergreen Conference in 1958-59 and 1959-60) hurled a no-hitter at San Francisco. The gem came the day after Gaylord Perry of the Giants no-hit the Cards, handing RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57) one of his five 1-0 defeats in 1968. Washburn was in the midst of not allowing more than three earned runs in his last 20 starts of this campaign and all 16 starts the following season before a trade to the Cincinnati Reds.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) collected three extra-base hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the nightcap of a 1924 twinbill.
Going 7-for-8, New York Yankees LF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) homered in both ends of a 1983 doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 17 MLB Games
September 17th, 2017 - 7:34
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Fordham hoopers Frankie Frisch and Babe Young provided significant N.L. hitting performances for the New York Giants on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 17
Cincinnati Reds CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati basketball letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) accumulated four hits in an 8-7 setback against the New York Giants in the nightcap of a 1927 doubleheader.
New York Yankees C Benny Bengough (Niagara hoops letterman from 1916-17 through 1918-19) went 3-for-3 for the second time in 17 days in 1926.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) supplied four hits against the Washington Senators in a 1949 game.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) banged out four hits against the New York Yankees in a 1984 contest.
Chicago Cubs RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) won his fifth straight start in 1975.
Arizona Diamondbacks 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in WAC games in 1991-92) homered twice in back-to-back games against the Colorado Rockies in 2005.
C Gene Desautels (hoops letterman for Holy Cross in 1929 and 1930) awarded on waivers from the Cleveland Indians to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1945.
Houston Astros RF Cameron Drew (averaged 15.4 ppg and team-high 8.9 rpg as sophomore in 1983-84 before becoming NECC first-team selection in 1984-85 when leading New Haven CT in scoring and rebounding) collected two of his three MLB hits, including a triple, against San Francisco Giants P Rick Reuschel in a 1988 contest.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) jacked two homers against the Atlanta Braves in a 1979 outing.
Philadelphia Athletics RF Walt French (letterman for Rutgers and Army) contributed three hits in a game for the second day in a row in 1925.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) smacked a decisive homer in the 10th inning of a 5-4 decision over the Cincinnati Reds in 1926.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) homered in third consecutive contest, sixth out of last seven games and eighth out of last 11 outings.
Baltimore Orioles 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) cracked a grand slam against the New York Yankees in a 1984 contest.
New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) hurled a shutout against the Chicago Cubs in 1952.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) tossed his 11th shutout of the 1963 campaign, a modern MLB record for a lefthander.
Cleveland Indians rookie 3B Jack Kubiszyn (All-SEC first-team guard as senior averaged 18.3 ppg for Alabama from 1955-56 through 1957-58) provided a career-high three hits against the Minnesota Twins in the opener of a 1961 twinbill.
New York Giants CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) provided three extra-base hits and five RBI against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1936 game.
The longest hitting streak of the 1940 season ended at 21 games when Philadelphia Phillies rookie RF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) went hitless against the Cincinnati Reds.
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) went 4-for-4 against the New York Giants in the opener of a 1944 doubleheader.
Cleveland Indians 1B Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) manufactured four hits in back-to-back games in 1930.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) supplied a go-ahead homer in the 11th inning of a 5-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (hoops guard for Washington College MD two years in mid-1930s) went 4-for-4 with four RBI against the New York Giants in the nightcap of a 1947 twinbill.
Detroit Tigers OF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered in both ends of a 1971 doubleheader sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
Montreal Expos OF Curtis Pride (led William & Mary in steals three times and in assists twice from 1986-87 through 1989-90), born with 95% hearing disability, stroked his first MLB hit in 1993 (pinch two-run double against Philadelphia Phillies).
Philadelphia Phillies SS Don Rader (Oregon hoops letterman in 1912) registered a career-high three hits in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1921.
Chicago Cubs 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s) cracked a two-run homer in the seventh inning to account for decisive blow in a 3-2 triumph at Brooklyn in 1950.
New York Yankees CF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) launched two homers in a 1983 game against the Cleveland Indians.
New York Giants rookie 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) knocked in five runs against the Chicago Cubs in a 1940 contest. Two years later as a CF, Young had seven RBI in 1942 outing against the Cincinnati Reds.
HBCU Players Matter: Daniel in Lion's Den Known as Power-Conference SEC
September 16th, 2017 - 21:58
A total of seven MEAC and SWAC schools comprise the bottom seven of 351 ranked NCAA Division I squads for 2017-18 as projected by The Forecast Factory. We're a long way from "the good ole days" when Historically Black College and University hoopers included standouts such as Darrell Armstrong (Fayetteville State NC), Al Attles (North Carolina A&T), Ken Bannister (St. Augustine's NC), Dick Barnett (Tennessee State), John Barnhill (Tennessee State), Billy Ray Bates (Kentucky State), Zelmo Beaty (Prairie View A&M), Waite Bellamy (Florida A&M), Joe Binion (North Carolina A&T), Randy Bolden (Texas Southern), Alonzo Bradley (Texas Southern), Michael Britt (UDC), Cleveland Buckner (Jackson State), Bob Dandridge (Norfolk State), Mike Davis (Virginia Union), Monti Davis (Tennessee State), Terry Davis (Virginia Union), Tom Davis (Delaware State), A.J. English (Virginia Union), Lester Fonville (Jackson State), Alphonso Ford (Mississippi Valley State), Mike Gale (Elizabeth City State NC), Travis Grant (Kentucky State), Tommie Green (Southern), Charlie Hardnett (Grambling), Marques Haynes (Langston OK), Cleo Hill (Winston-Salem State), Fred Hilton (Grambling), Bob Hopkins (Grambling), Lindsey Hunter (Alcorn State/Jackson State), Jackie Jackson (Virginia Union), Lewis Jackson (Alabama State), Aaron James (Grambling), Jerome James (Florida A&M), Avery Johnson (Southern), Clemon Johnson (Florida A&M), George Johnson (Dillard LA), Caldwell Jones (Albany State GA), Charles Jones (Albany State GA), Earl Jones (UDC), Jimmy Jones (Grambling), Major Jones (Albany State GA), Sam Jones (North Carolina Central), Wil Jones (Albany State GA), Harry Kelly (Texas Southern), Julius Keye (Alcorn State), Pee Wee Kirkland (Norfolk State), Earnest Lee (Clark GA), Earl Lloyd (West Virginia State), Kevin Loder (Alabama State), Bob Love (Southern), Rick Mahorn (Hampton), Ed Manning (Jackson State), Anthony Mason (Tennessee State), Ted McClain (Tennessee State), Porter Merriweather (Tennessee State), Earl "The Pearl" Monroe (Winston-Salem State), Tony Murphy (Southern), Flip Murray (Shaw NC), Lloyd Neal (Tennessee State), Audie Norris (Jackson State), Willie Norwood (Alcorn State), Charles Oakley (Virginia Union), Joe Pace (Maryland-Eastern Shore), Bobby Phills (Southern), Timothy Pollard (Mississippi Valley State), David Pope (Norfolk State), Willie Porter (Tennessee State), Willis Reed (Grambling), Truck Robinson (Tennessee State), Carlos Rogers (Tennessee State), Frankie Sanders (Southern), Woody Sauldsberry (Texas Southern), Bruce Seals (Xavier LA), Eugene Short (Jackson State), Purvis Short (Jackson State), Tal Skinner (Maryland-Eastern Shore), Elmore Smith (Kentucky State), Larry Smith (Alcorn State), Adarrial Smylie (Southern), Larry Spriggs (Howard University), Larry Stewart (Coppin State), Stephen Stewart (Coppin State), Ben Swain (Texas Southern), Ralph Tally (Norfolk State), Carlos Terry (Winston-Salem State), Ben Wallace (Virginia Union), Ben Warley (Tennessee State), Cornell Warner (Jackson State), Trooper Washington (Cheyney State PA), Slick Watts (Xavier LA), Marvin Webster (Morgan State), Earl Williams (Winston-Salem State), Kenny Williams (Elizabeth City State NC), Tarvis Williams (Hampton), Travis Williams (South Carolina State), Bob Wilson (West Virginia State), Terrence Woods (Florida A&M), Damian Woolfolk (Norfolk State) and Larry Wright (Grambling).
Nevertheless, HBCU players such as Tennessee State's Robert Covington (Philadelphia 76ers) still matter. Guard James Daniel III led the nation in scoring in 2015-16 before playing only two games last season prior to a chipped bone in left ankle ending his campaign. What will he achieve after transferring from Howard University to Tennessee?
Perhaps the premier player ever to transfer from a HBCU to a major university was Tom Boswell. The 6-9 forward averaged 18 ppg and 13 rpg for South Carolina State in 1971-72 and 1972-73 before switching to South Carolina, an independent school at the time where he averaged 16.5 ppg and 8.7 rpg in 1974-75. Daniel joined the following alphabetical list of rare players, including ex-Howard product Xavier Singletary, transferring from a HBCU to NCAA DI power-league member in the previous 20 years:
| Player | Pos. | HBCU | HBCU Statistics | Power-League Member | Power-League Member Statistics |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Adams | G | Prairie View 14 | 1.5 ppg, 1.1 apg | Arizona State 17 | 1.4 ppg, 1.3 rpg |
| Malcolm Bernard | G-F | Florida A&M 16 | 14.4 ppg, 7 rpg, 4.3 apg, 2.3 spg | Xavier 17 | 6.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 1.5 apg, 1 spg |
| James Daniel III | G | Howard University 14-17 | 21.5 ppg, 2.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.7 spg | Tennessee 18 | TBD |
| Barry Honore' | F | Southern LA 08-09 | 8.8 ppg, 4.8 rpg | Oklahoma 11-12 | 1 ppg, 0.9 rpg |
| Sam Hunt | G | North Carolina A&T 16-17 | 14 ppg | North Carolina State 18 | 5.5 ppg |
| Gerald Jordan | F-C | Morgan State 94 | 13.5 ppg, 10.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg | Pittsburgh 96-97 | 8.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg |
| Darryl Labarrie | G | Florida A&M 97 | 12.1 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.3 apg | Georgia Tech 99-01 | 4 ppg, 1.3 rpg |
| Femi Olujobi | F | North Carolina A&T 18 | 16.3 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 53.6 FG% | DePaul 19 | TBD |
| Richaud Pack | G | North Carolina A&T 14 | 17 ppg, 4.6 rpg | Maryland 15 | 5.8 ppg, 3.3 rpg |
| Matt Pilgrim | F | Hampton 07-08 | 9.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 1.3 spg, 1 bpg | Oklahoma State 10-11 | 6.7 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.1 spg |
| M.J. Rhett | F | Tennessee State 12-14 | 6.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg | Mississippi 15 | 7.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg |
| Gerald Robinson | G | Tennessee State 08-09 | 16.5 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 2.5 apg, 1.8 spg | Georgia 11-12 | 13.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg, 3.8 apg |
| Johnnie Rogers | F | Jackson State 95 | 2.4 ppg, 2.9 rpg | Mississippi 97-99 | 3.6 ppg, 3.1 rpg |
| Frank Russell | C | Hampton 03-04 | 2.3 ppg, 1.5 rpg | Rutgers 06-07 | 2 ppg, 1.8 rpg |
| Xavier Singletary | F | Howard University 97-98 | 18.7 ppg, 6 rpg | Boston College 00-01 | 11.8 ppg, 4.5 rpg |
| LaRon Smith | F | Bethune-Cookman 16 | 7.1 ppg, 6.9 rpg | Auburn 17 | 2.6 ppg, 2.4 rpg |
| Sterling Smith | G | Coppin State 13-15 | 10 ppg, 4.4 rpg, 1.2 spg | Pittsburgh 16 | 4.5 ppg, 3 rpg |
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 16 MLB Games
September 16th, 2017 - 5:08
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from three different Michigan colleges - Don Lund (Michigan), Jim Northrup (Alma) and Robin Roberts (Michigan State) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 16 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 16
Switch-hitting C Mark Bailey (Southwest Missouri State's top basketball rebounder in 1980-81) homered from both sides of the plate as Houston Astros rookie in 1984 game against the San Diego Padres.
Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year hoops letterman for Allegheny PA) established a dubious MLB record (subsequently tied by Todd Helton in 1998) by stranding 12 baserunners in an 18-5 victory against the New York Mets in 1972. Five years earlier, Beckert provided multiple hits for the sixth consecutive contest in 1967.
Baltimore Orioles RF Angelo Dagres (averaged 6 ppg for Rhode Island in 1954-55) delivered a hit and scored a run in both ends of a 1955 doubleheader sweep against the Washington Senators.
Cleveland Indians rookie RF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) extended his hitting streak to 21 games with a first-inning grand slam against the Washington Senators in 1948.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924), en route to amassing 84 RBI as a leadoff hitter, singled in the contest's only run against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the 10th inning in 1930.
New York Giants 3B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) furnished four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a 1922 doubleheader.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) homered twice against the New York Giants in a 1955 game.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) stroked five hits against the Florida Marlins in a 2005 contest.
St. Louis Browns RF Don Lund (Michigan starter in 1943-44 and 1944-45) went 4-for-4 in a 3-1 triumph against the Boston Red Sox in 1948.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California community college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) homered in his third consecutive outing in 1958.
Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered in fifth different and final contest during seven-game road trip in 1969. Five years later, Northrup was purchased from the Montreal Expos by the Baltimore Orioles in 1974.
In 1954, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) became the first N.L. hurler to reach the 20-win plateau five successive seasons since Carl Hubbell in the mid-1930s.
New York Yankees 3B Red Rolfe (played hoops briefly with Dartmouth in 1927-28 and 1929-30) knocked in five runs against the Detroit Tigers in a 1939 game.
RHP Dave Sisler (All-Ivy League second-team selection for Princeton's first NCAA Tournament team in 1952) traded with cash by the Washington Senators to the Cincinnati Reds for P Claude Osteen in 1961.
New York Mets C John Stephenson (scored 1,361 points for William Carey MS in early 1960s) swatted two homers against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1965 contest.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) permitted his only earned run in final 17 relief appearances of the 1984 campaign.
St. Louis Browns SS Bud Thomas (Central Missouri hoops letterman in late 1940s) belted his lone MLB homer (third-inning blast against Philadelphia Athletics in nightcap of 1951 doubleheader).
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) hurled his second shutout in an 11-day span in 1963.
Boston Red Sox 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) whacked two homers against the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1934 twinbill.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the nightcap of a 1924 doubleheader.
In 1993, Minnesota Twins DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) singled against the Oakland A's for his 3,000th hit.
Homering in his first of three consecutive contests in 2005, San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) went 4-for-4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 15 MLB Games
September 15th, 2017 - 7:28
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Bucknell hoopers Bob Keegan and Christy Mathewson provided noteworthy MLB pitching performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 15 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 15
California Angels 1B Bruce Bochte (starting forward with Santa Clara's 1970 NCAA playoff basketball team averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg) went 5-for-5 against the Minnesota Twins in a 1975 game.
Washington Senators RHP Carl Bouldin (All-NCAA Tournament selection for Cincinnati in 1961) posted his first MLB victory with his only complete game (3-1 nod over Chicago White Sox in 1962).
California Angels 2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63) delivered four hits in a 1974 contest against the Chicago White Sox.
Detroit Tigers rookie CF Hoot Evers (Illinois hoops starter in 1939-40) slugged two homers against the Washington Senators in a 1946 outing.
In the opener of a 1946 doubleheader, Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) registered his 25th triumph, a 4-1 verdict over the Chicago White Sox.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 4-for-4 against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1996 game.
Los Angeles Dodgers RF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) went 4-for-4 and contributed two assists in a 6-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs in 1962.
Chicago White Sox rookie RHP Bob Keegan (Bucknell letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) tossed his first of back-to-back shutouts in 1953.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) homered twice against the St. Louis Browns in the opener of a 1945 doubleheader.
In 1961, Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) set a N.L. single-season record for most strikeouts by a lefthander.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) supplied first four-hit game in his MLB career (against Washington Senators in 1952).
Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s), en route to pacing the A.L. in ERA (2.10), hurled a three-hitter against the Boston Red Sox in 1940 on a day commemorating his career.
In 1908, New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) defeated the St. Louis Cardinals for the 24th straight time.
In his MLB debut, Philadelphia Athletics RHP Bill McCahan (three-year Duke hoops letterman named to All-Southern Conference Tournament team in 1942) tossed a seven-inning, 2-0 shutout against the Cleveland Indians in the nightcap of a 1946 doubleheader, outdueling Hall of Famer Bob Feller.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) whacked two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the nightcap of a 1957 twinbill.
RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) traded by the Houston Astros to the New York Yankees in 1985.
Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) jacked two homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 1968 contest.
2B Mel Roach (averaged 9.3 ppg for Virginia in 1952-53) delivered a pinch-hit single in the bottom of the ninth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to a 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) homered twice against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1952 outing.
Washington Senators LHP Orlin "Buck" Rogers (Virginia hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) lost his lone MLB decision in debut as a starter against the Cleveland Indians in 1935.
Milwaukee Brewers LF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) collected two triples and a homer against the Oakland Athletics in a 1970 game.
An eighth-inning bloop single by Philadelphia Athletics 1B Dick Siebert (Concordia-St. Paul MN hooper in 1929 and 1930) broke up a no-hit bid by Cleveland Indians P Bob Feller in 1940.
Cleveland Indians RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Mizzou in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) closed out the 1966 campaign with seven straight quality starts, compiling a 1.61 ERA in that span.
Atlanta Braves rookie LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) won his fourth straight start in 1968, notching a 1.69 ERA in that span.
Montreal Expos 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) stroked four hits against the Chicago Cubs in a 1969 contest.
Washington Senators LHP Eddie Wineapple (averaged 13.9 ppg with Providence in 1928-29) made his lone MLB appearance, toiling four innings in the opener of a 1929 doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers.
Cleveland Indians rookie RF Ab Wright (Oklahoma A&M hoops letterman in 1928-29) contributed four hits and four against the Washington Senators in the opener of a 1935 twinbill.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 14 MLB Games
September 14th, 2017 - 6:55
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former NYU hoopers Ralph Branca and Hank Greenberg supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 14 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 14
New York Yankees RHP Rich Beck (listed on Gonzaga's basketball roster in 1961-62) fanned eight batters and walked none while allowing one earned run in his seven-inning debut against the Washington Senators in 1965.
St. Louis Browns RF Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) banged out three extra-base hits against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1937 contest.
Showing no indication of 20-year-old jitters in a pennant race, Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Ralph Branca (sixth-leading scorer for NYU in 1943-44) hurled a 5-0 shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1946.
New York Yankees rookie LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing his career) collected two homers and five RBI against the Detroit Tigers in a 1954 game. Four years later with the Kansas City Athletics, Cerv clubbed a homer in both ends of a 1958 doubleheader against the Yankees.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (Boston University hooper in early 1920s) contributed three extra-base hits and four RBI against the St. Louis Browns in a 1932 game.
Detroit Tigers CF Hoot Evers (Illinois hoops starter in 1939-40) provided four hits against the Washington Senators in the opener of a 1947 twinbill.
Boston Red Sox LF Dick Gernert (Temple hoops letterman in 1948-49 when averaging 2.7 ppg) contributed seven RBI in a 13-10 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1957.
Boston Red Sox RHP Dave Gray (hooper for Weber State in early 1960s when school was junior college) made his lone MLB start in 1964.
Detroit Tigers LF Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) launched a homer for the fifth consecutive contest and extra-base hit for the 10th straight outing in 1940. Six years later, Greenberg contributed two homers and seven RBI in a 7-4 win against the New York Yankees.
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Dick Groat (two-time All-American with Duke in 1950-51 and 1951-52 when finishing among nation's top five scorers each season) went 4-for-4 against the San Francisco Giants in 1962.
Oakland Athletics 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) smacked a pinch-hit grand slam in an 8-3 victory against the Chicago White Sox in 1979.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Andy Karl (Manhattan hoops letterman from 1933 through 1935) collected his sixth save the first half of the month in 1945.
Houston Astros CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) collected three hits and three runs in his MLB debut against the Cincinnati Reds in 1991.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie CF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) provided his third four-hit game in a four-day span in 1974.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Lindy McDaniel (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman hoops squad) fanned four Cincinnati Reds batters in 2 1/3 innings but yielded his only earned run in 11 relief appearances during the month in 1960.
In 1974, 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) homered for the New York Yankees in the first inning before brother Jim Nettles homered for the Detroit Tigers in the second. Four years later, Graig Nettles clobbered two homers against the Tigers in a 1978 outing.
St. Louis Browns CF Ray Pepper (Alabama hoops letterman in 1926-27) provided at least four hits in a game for the fifth consecutive month in 1934.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) improved his record to 20-2 in 1951 with a 3-1 triumph against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cincinnati Reds OF Ted Tappe (leading scorer in 1949 NJCAA Tournament was Washington State's third-leading scorer following year) smacked a pinch-hit homer in his first MLB at-bat (against Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950).
Washington Senators 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s) went 4-for-4 against the Detroit Tigers in a 1953 contest.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS), supported by Roberto Clemente's pair of homers, blanked the New York Mets, 6-0, in 1968. It was Veale's second shutout in a week.
California Angels RF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) collected two homers and five RBI in a 1990 game against the Seattle Mariners.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 13 MLB Games
September 13th, 2017 - 7:59
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Arizona hoopers Hank Leiber and Kenny Lofton supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 13 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 13
Detroit Tigers 1B Dale Alexander (starting basketball center in mid-1920s for Milligan TN) delivered four hits in an 11-10 win against the New York Yankees in the opener of a 1930 doubleheader.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) provided four hits in a 5-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935.
Philadelphia Phillies LF Harry Anderson (averaged 7.7 ppg and 8.9 rpg for West Chester PA in 1951-52) went 5-for-5 against the San Francisco Giants in a 1958 game.
Final MLB triumph for RHP Elden Auker (All-Big Six first-five selection with Kansas State in 1931-32) was a three-hit shutout with the St. Louis Browns against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1942.
California Angels RHP Mike Barlow (Syracuse hooper from 1967-68 through 1969-70) won his third game in six days in 1977, yielding zero earned runs in 10 2/3 innings in that span.
RHP Bill Beckmann (Washington MO hooper in late 1920s) posted a clutch victory in his next-to-last MLB appearance and St. Louis Cardinals' debut to help them win 1942 N.L. pennant.
Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Andy Benes (played briefly for Evansville in 1985-86) hurled a one-hitter against the Cincinnati Reds in 1998.
RHP Ownie Carroll (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1922) purchased from the New York Yankees by the Cincinnati Reds in 1930.
In 1997, San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) reached the 200-hit plateau in a lone season for the fifth time in his career.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Tom Haller (Illinois backup forward in 1956-57 and 1957-58) smacked a pinch-hit, three-run homer in the 10th inning in a 5-3 win against the San Francisco Giants in 1970.
In 1972, Detroit Tigers 1B Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) socked his 13th career homer off his apparent favorite pitcher - Baltimore Orioles starter Dave McNally.
Los Angeles Dodgers LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) smacked two homers against the New York Mets in a 1966 contest.
Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) went 4-for-4 against the Atlanta Braves in a 1966 outing.
Chicago Cubs CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) went 4-for-4 with four runs, two homers and six RBI against the Boston Braves in a 1939 contest.
Washington Senators CF Don Lock (paced Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller) secured his fifth two-homer game of the 1964 campaign.
In 1992, Cleveland Indians rookie Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) broke the A.L. record for stolen bases by a first-year player with thefts #53 and #54. Lofton went on to finish the campaign with a league-high 66 steals and 14 assists by a center fielder.
Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) made his first MLB start for the New York Giants in 1900.
Cincinnati Reds rookie LF Greasy Neale (hooper graduated in 1915 from West Virginia Wesleyan) had his 12-game hitting streak snapped by the New York Giants in 1916.
In 1967, Chicago White Sox LHP Gary Peters (played for Grove City PA in mid-1950s) and Cleveland Indians RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Mizzou in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight second-team selection) each tossed 11 shutout innings as starters before the White Sox finally won by scoring in the 17th frame.
Atlanta Braves RHP Cecil Upshaw (Centenary's leading scorer as junior in 1962-63) scored upon for only time in span of 14 relief appearances until his final regular-season outing in 1969. Six years later with the Chicago White Sox, Upshaw permitted an earned run for the only time in his last 11 MLB relief appearances over the final two months of the 1975 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Preston Ward (second-leading scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) pounded two homers against the Cincinnati Reds in the nightcap of a 1953 doubleheader.
Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) made an unassisted double play against the Chicago White Sox in 1953.
Grand slam by Seattle Mariners LF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) proved to be the difference in a 5-1 victory against the Anaheim Angels in 2003.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 12 MLB Games
September 12th, 2017 - 7:53
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Manhattan hoopers Buddy Hassett and Xavier Rescigno supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Ditto three ex-hoopers from small colleges in Pennsylvania - Al Downing (Muhlenberg), Frank Grube (Lafayette) and Monte Irvin (Lincoln). Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 12 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 12
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) tied a MLB single-season mark in 1956 when swatting his 13th homer against a single team (Brooklyn Dodgers).
Washington Senators OF Brant Alyea (Hofstra's leading scorer and rebounder in 1960-61 after being runner-up in both categories the previous season) debuted in 1965 with a pinch-hit homer on the first pitch to him against the California Angels.
Detroit Tigers RHP Elden Auker (All-Big Six first-five selection with Kansas State in 1931-32) posted his second win streak of at least six games en route to leading the A.L. in winning percentage in 1935.
Boston Braves rookie 2B Jack Dittmer (played hoops briefly for Iowa in 1949-50), entering a 1952 doubleheader hitting .182, belted a homer in both ends of the twinbill while going 5-for-8 and scoring five runs against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but departed before ever playing) tossed a two-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants in 1974.
Atlanta Braves 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice in a 1973 game against the San Francisco Giants. The next year as a 1B, Evans homered in both ends of a 1974 doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds.
Chicago White Sox RHP Eddie Fisher (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman hoops squad) toiled 11 innings to beat the Minnesota Twins, 2-1, in 1962.
In 1931, Chicago White Sox rookie C Frank Grube (Lafayette starting hoops guard as senior in 1926-27) launched his lone MLB homer.
Brooklyn Robins rookie 1B Buddy Hassett (hooper for Manhattan teams winning school-record 17 consecutive contests in 1930 and 1931) supplied a pair of doubles in both ends of a 1936 twinbill split against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Los Angeles Dodgers RF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) went 4-for-4 against the New York Mets in a 1964 contest. Four years later as a 1B with the Washington Senators, Howard homered twice against the Baltimore Orioles in a 1968 outing.
Extending his hitting streak to a career-high 14 games in a row, New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) provided three hits in each contest of a 1952 doubleheader split with the Cincinnati Reds.
Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) homered twice against the Houston Astros in a 1992 game.
Cleveland Indians 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) drilled two homers against the New York Yankees in a 1971 contest.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (hoops guard for Washington College MD two years in mid-1930s) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1940 outing.
RHP Cotton Pippen (Texas Western hoops letterman in 1929-30) awarded on waivers from the Philadelphia Athletics to the Detroit Tigers in 1939.
LHP Dennis Rasmussen (sixth-man for Creighton averaged 5.1 ppg in three seasons from 1977-78 through 1979-80) shipped by the New York Yankees to the San Diego Padres in 1983 to complete an earlier deal.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie RHP Xavier Rescigno (Manhattan hooper in 1932 and 1933) registered his lone MLB shutout (four-hitter against Cincinnati Reds in nightcap of 1943 doubleheader).
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) tallied his seventh save in less than a month in 1976.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) launched two homers and triple among his four hits in a 1924 game against his original team (Chicago Cubs).
Chicago Cubs RHP Jim Willis (Northwestern State hoops letterman in 1944-45 and from 1947-48 through 1949-50) tossed back-to-back complete-game victories in 1953.
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 11 MLB Games
September 11th, 2017 - 7:43
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former NYU hoopers Ralph Branca and Hank Greenberg made MLB headlines on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 11 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 11
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) suffered a broken hand, ending his 1954 season.
St. Louis Browns RHP Elden Auker (All-Big Six first-five selection with Kansas State in 1931-32) fired his second five-hit shutout in a 10-day span in 1940.
Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) banged out four hits for the second time in a seven-game span in 1919.
Although only 21 years old, Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Ralph Branca (sixth-leading scorer for NYU in 1943-44) notched his 20th victory in 1947.
Baltimore Orioles rookie OF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) provided four hits for the second time in a five-game span in 1973.
Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club that won 1967 state community college crown) went 4-for-4 in a 1984 contest against the Baltimore Orioles.
Boston Braves 1B Kerby Farrell (key hooper for couple of strong Freed-Hardeman TN squads in mid-1930s) supplied four hits against the New York Giants in a 13-inning game in 1943.
Chicago Cubs LF Jim Gleeson (captain and all-conference honoree graduated in 1933 from Rockhurst MO) stroked three doubles in an 8-5 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the opener of a 1940 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) secured four hits against the Washington Senators in a 1935 outing.
San Francisco Giants All-Star LHP Atlee Hammaker (averaged 5.3 ppg as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 as a sophomore in 1977-78 under East Tennessee State coach Sonny Smith) fanned 14 Houston Astros in a 1983 game.
Brooklyn Robins CF Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a 1928 twinbill.
New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) contributed his fifth steal of home during the 1951 campaign.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (played for Binghamton in 1948-49) contributed four hits for the second time in three games in 1955.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed shutouts in 1906 and 1909.
CF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) scampered all the way home from first base after an errant pickoff attempt for the decisive run, giving the St. Louis Cardinals a 25-inning, 4-3 win at New York in 1974. The marathon was the longest game to a decision in MLB history, lasting 7 hours 4 minutes.
Detroit Tigers 2B Dutch Meyer (TCU hoops letterman in 1934-35 and 1935-36) manufactured two doubles among his four hits in a 5-4 triumph against the New York Yankees in 1941.
Los Angeles Dodgers LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) delivered two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a 1959 twinbill. Moon also homered in his next three contests.
Washington Senators 2B Buddy Myer (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1923-24) went 4-for-4 and scored four runs against the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1932 doubleheader.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) cracked two homers against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 1975 outing.
Cincinnati Reds 2B Pinky Pittenger (set Toledo's single-game scoring standard with 49 points in 1918-19) went 6-for-8, including his lone MLB homer, and scored five runs against the Boston Braves in a 1927 twinbill.
Chicago Cubs INF Paul Popovich (averaged 3.3 ppg for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) pounded a grand slam in a 7-0 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1971.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) hurled a three-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants in 1959, ending rookie 1B Willie McCovey's 22-game hitting streak.
A pinch-hit, three-run homer in the 12th inning by OF Champ Summers (led SIUE in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) powered the Chicago Cubs to a 4-1 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1976.
OF Evar Swanson (played all five positions for Knox IL when it was known as Lombard College) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago White Sox for two players to be designated in 1932.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) stroked three doubles against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1920 game. Three years later, Williams homered twice against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1923 contest.
San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) doubled in his fifth consecutive outing with multiple hits in 2005.
Let's Roll: 16th Anniversary of 9/11 Beams Bright on Former Wheaton Hooper
September 11th, 2017 - 7:37
Rather than wasting time dwelling on reprobate kneeling knucklehead NFL social scholars, ESPN's female version of Al "Not So" Sharpton, dismantling statues or cockroach hurricane looters, focus instead on college basketball having a contemplative connection to a sacred day (9/11). Oracle Corp account manager Todd Beamer, who collected 24 points and 12 rebounds as a sophomore guard for Wheaton (Ill.) in 1988-89, was traveling from New Jersey to California on United Airlines Flight 93 for a business meeting on September 11, 2001, when he was instrumental in leading a takeover by passengers from radical Islamic terrorists, forcing the plane down in Pennsylvania countryside about 80 miles southeast of Pittsburgh.
Beamer and courageous cohorts were credited with foiling hijackers bent on crashing the Boeing 757 into a second target in Washington, D.C., possibly the Capitol or the White House. Beamer recited the 23rd Psalm with a GTE/Verizon supervisor over the plane's in-flight telephone before getting her via a gut-wrenching promise she would call his family. "I don't think we're going to get out of this thing," he told her. "I'm going to have to go out on faith." The phone line was still open when the operator heard him say following a gut-wrenching passenger vote: "Are you guys ready? Let's roll."
Beamer's bravery is a stark contrast to the Washington waffling exhibited by vacation-obsessed Congressmen, who still have not held sufficient number of the human debris in Libya and in U.S. accountable for additional 9/11 terrorism in Libya several years ago. Will they interview State Department stooges involved in silencing contractors? And now we're supposed to trust them amid the Syria and Iranian shenanigans. The stonewalling Obama Administration featuring #DirtyRice as unmasked panties-ta propagandist - either grossly incompetent or purposefully in "crude and disgusting" fraud - dealt with a terrorist assault on the U.S. consulate in Benghazi by shamelessly standing in front of caskets at an airport hangar (plus the White House press corps, the U.N. and national politically-oriented shows such as Meet the Depressed) offering an orchestrated al-Qaeda on-the-run narrative claiming the nondescript video was responsible for the murder of the American ambassador and three other Americans. Their most despicable act was regurgitating the same outrageous ruse face-to-face to grieving family members.
How authentic or outright evil were those narcissistic embraces from Big Balls Biden and fellow fatal finaglers? Any miserable individual who irrationally emphasized a movie lie in one-on-one conversations with mourners doesn't possess the dignity worthy of setting foot on White House grounds with a pooper scooper. Did you watch the disgusting displays by top State Department officials trying to deflect criticism during Congressional testimony concerning Benghazi? Their warped accountability equivalency for four murders was four relatively brief employee reassignments.
Incredibly, a Navy SEAL among the deceased violated stand-down orders to help save numerous individuals at the death-trap embassy and then fought the terrorists for 7 1/2 hours while his pleas for backup at a nearby annex were ignored by government officials real-time watching events unfold. Weeks and months later, the evasive apologist-in-chief and cowardly cronies were still striving to supply a cogent response to their deflect-and-deny sacrificial-lamb inaction all for the sake of propping up progressive policies.
Where's a photograph of the vaunted Obama Team deliberating at least 7 1/2 minutes or even 7 1/2 seconds during the Benghazi attack? Was Mr. Teleprompter even there at all to provide any input possibly "sending in the cavalry"? Bracing for a cross-country campaign trip, did malingerer "That's Not What We Do" go to bed while brave Americans were savaged or is it indeed "an irrelevant fact" less important than raising funds in Las Vegas? If not, then be transparent enough to at least conduct a stand-up, man-up press conference detailing what you did do during the "acting stupidly" stand-down. The Sgt. Schultz "I know nothing!" ploy simply isn't very becoming. Odds are he was tone deaf comparable to conducting five-year anniversary bank-default debacle of an event during the Navy Yard massacre in Building 197. If you can't be out campaigning to raise $197,000 or $197 million, then at least try to raise 197 political points.
Portraying the murderous attack in Benghazi, Libya, as if it occurred in the same war as the Battle of the Bulge, it might have been old news to "stylistic" Out House spokesperson Jay Blarney while the ex-TIME magazine Washington chief did his best zero-credibility imitation of Joseph Goebbels with a "hope and change (the topic)" routine hiding behind a phony scandal. But a classic example of the blame game and absence of accountability occurred when the feds were more concerned with detaining some obscure producer of an anti-Islamic film making light of the prophet Mohammed and DOJ threatened undercover FBI informant with jail regarding uranium collusion scandal. At least the dereliction-of-duty dunderheads didn't pull out the workplace-violence or man-made disaster card again during this convenient-truth process.
Infected by pop culture, reality shows, Al Bore's global-warming hoax and thrills going up noxious newscasters legs, the average shallow American dwells on Confederate statues, Angelina Jolie's mammary glands, the Kardashians' cans, #ShrillaryRotten's incessant excuses, Melania's stilettos, forlorn Amanda Knox's knife collection, Hollyweird and Gitmo hunger strikers but can't spell Benghazi or even know which continent it's located. When not exploiting children as human shields for an assortment of altruistic motives, our previous POTUS didn't mind hiding behind Her Thighness' pants suit via a YouTube film fabrication as her State Department lawyer told witnesses not to speak to House investigators. If you had a family member in dire straits pleading for assistance, would you rather summon support from brave Barry, Shrillary's truly deplorable hubris or Tyrone Woods?
The major TV networks and two principal liberal rags (New York Slimes and Washington Compost) refused to give coverage to a Fox News report acknowledging the Obama Administration denied aid multiple times to Americans attacked and murdered by terrorists in Benghazi on September 11 of all days. If they withheld evidence (such as emails from the National Security Advisor's office telling a counter-terrorism unit to stand down), they're as corrupt in a cover-up as the administration's self-righteous Siskel & Ebert wannabees more concerned with monitoring content of "Bible-clinger" prayers, doctoring talking points, collective salvation promotion and muzzling Benghazi survivors (forced to sign non-disclosure agreements) than transparency with the public.
Why didn't the lapdog media do its job and press the Benghazi issue providing accountable answers to the many questions accruing about what precisely occurred in the Celebrity-in-Chief's chamber? Why does the vast majority of establishment media remain so disinterested in pursuing the litany of "jaw-dropping" misstatements and dissembling regarding what was known before and after the Benghazi horror?
What really happened during #ShrillaryRotten's sordid State Department regime? In an effort to help the buffoonish media shine the light of truth on the Benghazi bungling and scrubbed-a-dozen-times talking points, following are basic "who/what/when/why/where" questions for which the public still deserves answers via the president's acolytes:
* Who changed the original talking points and concocted "the (fanciful) spontaneous reaction" to a YouTube video explanation for the attack (framed before the final two deaths) and did the same individual help orchestrate a coordinated response at various venues in the days and weeks immediately following said attack?
* What portion of the entire 7 1/2 hours of the attack did POTUS himself spend in the Situation Room and was he directly involved with multiple "stand-down" orders while the attacks were in place? Perhaps he was too busy playing Spades again with body man Reggie Love.
* When precisely did POTUS and/or his national security staff first become aware that an attack was underway at the Benghazi compound? What happened at WH meeting with "key national security principals" the day before the attack?
* Why was the Obama Administration's response so lax despite an unmanned drone providing real-time live video feed of the scene?
* Where is evidence of the "Betray Us" administration's responses to repeated pleas to strengthen security for Americans in Libya, not only from the State Department security chief and man on the ground in charge of security, but from the ambassador?
Did previous POTUS and his administration, amid their color-coordinated red line and yellow streak, do everything humanly possible before and during the attack to protect and help these heroes? The Drone Ranger could also have been asked what did give-me-a-break trusted "comrade" Clinton mean when the former Secretary of State callously said during testimony: "What difference does it make?" Insofar as she wasn't interviewed by the less-than-thorough accountability review board, the difference could be a little honesty with the country's citizens vs. cover-up deception with much of the misguided media serving as corrupt accomplices. In a twisted version of Obama "care," the #MessMedia seemed as careless in unearthing authentic autopsy results for a virtually defenseless Ambassador Stevens as the administration was in resolutely rendering justice to the incorrigible Islamic perpetrators.
The "buck" couldn't find any place to stop at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue during Obama's reign. Amid trying to discern his State Department protocol during an attack, there was a preposterous assertion from Defense Secretary Leon Panetta that "assets couldn't get there (Benghazi) in time." Did pandering Panetta also commiserate with an omniscient Eleanor regarding upper-brass orders to save Americans? How did he know with such authority the length of "time" the siege would take as they fought for their lives? Maybe he was too busy on other travel-time matters planning his next cross-country commute home to California at tax-payer expense on military jets. Did this leech-filled leadership just cut their losses and "run" (let them die) rather than risk additional casualties?
The mangy media seems to serve as little more than the Praetorian Guard for liberal lunacy smearing whistle-blowers crestfallen over the "abandoned" murders of innocent colleagues. Clinton's credibility should be in shambles, but the press pays lip service to taking her to task, allowing #QueenofDenial to weigh in with alleged expertise on Syria on the anniversary of the Benghazi bungling. But if you've got a moral compass at all on 9/11, ignore the hypocrites and invest your time, emotion, energy and devotion elsewhere. It's a time to "roll" with the families of Beamer and his courageous cohorts; not shill for Shrillary and her contemptible "what-difference-does-it-make" cowardice. Do you aspire to affiliate with #MAGA "shining city on a hill" or unmask the "it-takes-a-village-idiot" crowd promoting climate-change crap after couple of hurricanes?
On This Date: Ex-College Cagers Make Their Mark on September 10 MLB Games
September 10th, 2017 - 6:45
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A couple of small-college hoopers from Missouri - Guy Curtright (Northeast Missouri State) and Bake McBride (Westminster) - supplied significant hitting headlines as MLB outfielders on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 10 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 10
In 1954, Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) broke a N.L. record by hitting his ninth homer on the road against a lone opponent (Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field).
Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year hoops letterman for Allegheny PA) contributed five RBI against the San Francisco Giants in the midst of a 20-game hitting streak in 1966.
Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jim Colborn (attended Whittier CA in mid-1960s before studying for master's at Edinburgh where becoming All-Scotland in basketball) went the distance against the Detroit Tigers for his 19th triumph in 1973.
Chicago White Sox CF Guy Curtright (two-time All-MIAA hoops selection led Northeast Missouri State in scoring each of four seasons in early 1930s) collected three extra-base hits against the Washington Senators in a 1945 contest.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) went 6-for-6 before grounding out in a 22-1 romp over the Boston Braves in the opener of a 1924 doubleheader.
INF Ben Geraghty (Villanova hoops letterman from 1933-34 through 1935-36) traded by the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Washington Senators in 1937.
In his first MLB game, Los Angeles Dodgers LF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) homered off Hall of Fame Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47). Howard fanned at least once in each last seven contests of his 1958 rookie campaign. Twelve years later as 1B for the Washington Senators, he hammered two homers in a game against the Cleveland Indians in 1970.
Atlanta Braves 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) put a jolt into one against the San Francisco Giants for his 40th homer in 1973.
Cleveland Indians LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) knocked in five runs against the Chicago White Sox in a 1999 outing.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) stroked four hits against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1954 game.
California Angels RF Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT hoops letterman in mid-1960s) amassed five RBI against the Kansas City Royals in a 1974 contest.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) accumulated four hits and six RBI in a 13-5 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1955.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) supplied his second four-hit start in a row in 1980.
Career-high 10-game hitting streak for New York Yankees SS Gene Michael (led Kent State in scoring with 14 ppg in 1957-58) ended in 1969 when the Washington Senators' Dick Bosman hurled a two-hitter.
Cleveland Indians 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) homered in his fourth consecutive contest in 1972.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Gary Redus (J.C. hooper for Athens AL and father of Centenary/South Alabama guard with same name) provided three extra-base hits against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1990 game.
C Nate Smith (hoops letterman for Tennessee State in 1953-54 and 1954-55) purchased from the Los Angeles Dodgers by the Baltimore Orioles in 1962.
San Diego Padres LHP Eric Stults (played for 1999 NAIA D-II Tournament hoops runner-up and 2000 NCCAA Tournament titlist with Bethel IN) won his fifth straight decision in 2012.
LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) won his debut as a Boston Red Sox reliever in 1972.
Boston Braves LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) tossed a four-hit shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates en route to winning five of his last six decisions in 1930.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on September 9 MLB Games
September 9th, 2017 - 8:00
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Two former hoopers from Kentucky small colleges - Sweet Lou Johnson (Kentucky State) and David Justice (Thomas More) - made hitting headlines as N.L. outfielders on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 9 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 9
Chicago Cubs 1B Larry Biittner (runner-up in basketball scoring and rebounding in 1966-67 for Buena Vista IA) stroked four hits in a 15-2 romp over the Philadelphia Phillies in 1979.
Pittsburgh Pirates RF Dan Costello (Mount St. Mary's hooper from 1910-11 through 1913-14) went 3-for-3 against the Chicago Cubs in a 1914 game.
SS Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for LSU and USL during World War II) accounted for all of the New York Giants' offense with two homers in a 2-0 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950 as teammate Sal Maglie hurled a MLB-tying fourth straight shutout.
Los Angeles Dodgers RF Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs for Pacific) launched a three-run homer, which was the game-winning hit in a 5-3 win against the San Diego Padres in 1973.
Brooklyn Robins 2B Jake Flowers (member of Washington College MD "Flying Pentagon" hoops squad in 1923) knocked in the winning run in the ninth inning in a 3-2 victory against the New York Giants in 1928.
Chicago Cubs 3B Howard Freigau (Ohio Wesleyan hooper) supplied four safeties, including three extra-base hits, in a 9-7 triumph against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1925.
LHP Steve Hamilton (Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) awarded on waivers from the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox in 1970.
In 1964, Los Angeles Dodgers 1B-OF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) hammered his eighth homer in 20 at-bats against San Francisco Giants P Bob Hendley, including four in a row the previous year (not in same game).
RHP Bobby Humphreys (four-year hoops letterman graduated from Hampden-Sydney VA in 1958) won his second game in relief in four days to help the St. Louis Cardinals advance toward the 1964 N.L. pennant.
Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85) amassed two homers and five RBI against the San Francisco Giants in a 1991 contest.
In 1965, Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) hurled his fourth no-hitter in as many years. It was a perfect game against the Chicago Cubs, who yielded a lone safety but incurred their second one-hit setback this season against L.A. LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary HBCU coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) secured the game's only hit and scored the lone run.
Minnesota Twins rookie RF Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) homered in his fourth consecutive contest in 1968.
INF Tim Nordbrook (Loyola LA hoops letterman in 1968-69) purchased from the Baltimore Orioles by the California Angels in 1976.
RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college hooper in mid-1970s for Butler County PA) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Cincinnati Reds in 1984.
Detroit Tigers 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with USC in 1963-64) provided four hits against the New York Yankees in a 1975 outing.
Chicago White Sox RF Evar Swanson (played all five positions for Knox IL) went 4-for-4 against the Washington Senators in the opener of a 1934 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers rookie SS Coot Veal (averaged team-high 10.9 ppg as Auburn sophomore in 1951-52 before transferring to Mercer) scored three runs in the first of five two-hit outings in a seven-game span in 1958.
Kansas City Athletics 1B-OF Preston Ward (second-leading scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) walloped three homers in a row against the Baltimore Orioles in a 1958 game.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) whacked homers in his first two at-bats but they weren't enough to prevent a 12-6 reversal against the Brooklyn Robins in 1926.
New York Giants 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) blasted two homers in a 1941 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make Their Mark on September 8 MLB Games
September 8th, 2017 - 7:40
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former San Diego State hoopers Tony Clark and Tony Gwynn supplied significant N.L. hitting performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 8 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 8
New York Yankees RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top basketball rebounder in 1974-75 when he was selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) secured a 13-2 win in 1978 when the Boston Red Sox committed seven errors.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) collected four hits and scored four runs against the Chicago White Sox in a 1942 game.
Detroit Tigers 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in [WAC](conferences/western-athletic-conference after transferring from Arizona) games in 1991-92) homered in his third consecutive contest in 1999. Six years later with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Clark collected two homers and five RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 2005 outing.
First MLB start for Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Bill Crouch (Eastern Michigan hoops captain in 1927-28) was a complete-game victory, 11-2, against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1939. Crouch closed out the month with two more complete-game wins.
After hitting only one homer in his first 269 MLB games, St. Louis Browns C Rick Ferrell (played forward for Guilford NC before graduating in 1928) smacked a round-tripper in back-to-back contests against the Detroit Tigers in 1931.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham captain) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1923 game.
Detroit Tigers LF Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) contributed five RBI against the New York Yankees in a 1945 contest.
Baltimore Orioles 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) walloped two homers against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 1984 outing.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) supplied five hits in a 16-inning setback against the San Francisco Giants in 1992.
Cleveland Indians RHP Oral Hildebrand (Butler hoops All-American in 1928-29 and 1929-30) won his MLB debut with 3 1/3 innings of two-hit relief against the Chicago White Sox in the opener of a 1931 doubleheader.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) went 4-for-4 against the Minnesota Twins in a 1993 game.
Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) handled 11 chances for the Philadelphia Phillies in a 5-3 victory at Chicago in 1978, tying the N.L. mark for right fielders.
Cleveland Indians 2B Dutch Meyer (TCU hoops letterman in 1934-35 and 1935-36) delivered three safeties for the second time in three contests during a career-high 16-game hitting streak in 1945.
Gene Michael (Kent State's leading scorer with 14 ppg in 1957-58) fired as Chicago Cubs manager in 1987.
Baltimore Orioles LF Ken Singleton (played for Hofstra freshman hoops team in mid-1960s) went 4-for-4 against the Boston Red Sox in a 1979 outing.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) whacked a decisive grand slam in an 8-4 triumph against the Brooklyn Robins in 1926.
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