Transfer Talk: Pac-12's Rodman Another Example of Intra-Conference Move
May 13th, 2023 - 7:50
Since they frequently can't trust their counterparts, forbidding intra-conference player transfers usually was on league meeting agendas for coaches and ADs. But many alliances finally saw the light and backed off their dogma. For instance, DJ Rodman, son of NBA rebounder deluxe Dennis Rodman, is part of power-league surge after transferring from Washington State to Southern California in the Pac-12 Conference.
Previously, there was little mention of the double standard whereby coaches aren't denied a right to do the same thing. We don't recall former UW coach Bo Ryan raising a stink about intra-conference transfers when Sharif Chambliss led Wisconsin in assists and three-pointers in nearly guiding the Badgers to the 2005 Final Four in his lone season with them after leaving Penn State. But Ryan, clearly perturbed when Jarrod Uthoff left UW and wound up at Iowa, likely would still be on the Badgers' sideline gunning for another top four finish in the Big Ten Conference if Uthoff had remained in Madison and the mentor exercised a mite more self-control. Instead, Uthoff joined John Lucas III (Baylor to Oklahoma State in Big 12) as the only players in NCAA history to become an All-American after transferring within a league. OSU may have another potential A-A guard on its roster when Bryce Thompson joined the Cowboys after leaving league rival Kansas.
In regard to priorities, there is virtually no word on coaches and conferences wanting the NCAA to introduce guidelines to determine a penalty to enforce if a player is caught doing drugs, committing domestic violence or taking no-show classes. At any rate, CollegeHoopedia.com is unaware of the following players extensive trouble because they transferred within a league:
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 12
May 12th, 2023 - 9:14
Extra! Extra! Rather than be dismayed by outgoing Chi-raq Mayor Lori "Ms. Beetlejuice" Lightweight more exorcised about conceptual legislation regarding queer peers than widespread authentic brutality on her citizenry, you can read news 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 Washington State hoops starters Gene Conley and Ted Tappe contributed significant National League performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 12 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 12
In 1984, Seattle Mariners RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected basketball team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) registered his second shutout in last four starts.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) suffered a broken leg sliding into second base, missing most of the remainder of the 1978 season.
Milwaukee Braves RHP Gene Conley (All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection led North Division in scoring as Washington State sophomore in 1949-50) toiled 12 innings in prevailing, 2-1, ending the Dodgers' streak from the start of the 1955 season of 25 consecutive contests where they led at some point in the game. It was one of five straight wins for Conley during the month following a setback when he went 11 1/3 innings at Brooklyn.
CF Billy Cowan (Utah letterman from 1957-58 through 1959-60 was co-captain of NCAA playoff team as senior) rapped a game-winning, two-run single in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the California Angels a 6-5 win against the Boston Red Sox in 1970.
In 1940, Cincinnati Reds CF Harry Craft (four-sport letterman with Mississippi College in early 1930s) contributed three hits in a game against the St. Louis Cardinals for the second straight day.
In 1930, Philadelphia Athletics RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1922) committed three balks and Cleveland Indians counterpart Milt Shoffner had five balks (three in third inning).
Los Angeles Dodgers RF Joe Ferguson (played in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) jacked a homer in his third consecutive contest against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1976.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) supplied four hits against the Brooklyn Robins in a 1929 game.
LHP Johnny Gee (sixth-leading scorer in Big Ten Conference for Michigan's 16-4 team in 1936-37) purchased from the Pittsburgh Pirates by the New York Giants in 1944.
Boston Red Sox LF Dick Gernert (Temple hoops letterman in 1948-49 when averaging 2.7 ppg) contributed two homers and six RBI but it wasn't enough to prevent a 12-9 reversal against the Washington Senators in 1956.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) struck out the side on nine pitches in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1969. At the plate, Gibson went 3-for-3, knocked in two runs and walked once in a 6-2 triumph.
After seven scoreless relief appearances, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Dallas Green (Delaware's runner-up in scoring and rebounding in 1954-55) made his first start of 1963 campaign. The next year, Green yielded his only run covering first eight relief stints of 1964.
Washington Senators 3B Chuck Hinton (played multiple sports for Shaw NC before serving two years in U.S. Army in mid-1950s) hammered a homer for the Nats' lone safety in the nightcap of a 1963 twinbill at Boston.
New York Mets 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) hit a ninth-inning, game-ending HR in the nightcap of a 1962 doubleheader. Teammate Hobie Landrith did the same thing in the opener against the Milwaukee Braves.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Ben McDonald (started six games as 6-6 freshman for Louisiana State in 1986-87 under coach Dale Brown) squared off against 6-10 Randy Johnson of the Seattle Mariners in 1991 in the tallest starting pitching matchup in MLB history.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie CF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) notched his second five-hit game and scored five runs in a 13-5 pounding of the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1954.
In 1981, San Francisco Giants CF Billy North (played hoops briefly for Central Washington in 1967-68) stole three bases as a 33-year-old for the second time in his last four games.
New York Yankees rookie RHP Al Shealy (Newberry College SC hooper in early 1920s) won his first five decisions in a 17-day span in 1928.
Chicago Cubs RF Ted Tappe (leading scorer in 1949 NJCAA Tournament was Washington State's third-leading scorer following year) opened the game's scoring with an RBI double and closed scoring with a homer off Vern Law when Sam Jones no-hit the Pittsburgh Pirates, 4-0, in 1955.
Washington Senators 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan averaged 5.6 ppg in final season in 1947-48) stroked four hits against the Detroit Tigers in a 1953 outing.
Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) smacked two homers in a 2009 game against the Cleveland Indians.
SS Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) purchased from the New York Yankees by the Boston Red Sox in 1933.
Boston Braves 3B Chuck Workman (two-time All-MIAA first-five selection was leading scorer in 1937 when Central Missouri won inaugural NAIA Tournament) slugged a homer in his third consecutive contest in 1945.
LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) awarded on waivers from the New York Yankees to the Boston Braves in 1930.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 11
May 11th, 2023 - 8:39
Extra! Extra! Rather than joining juvenile jubilation rejoicing about proud-as-a-peacock Plagiarist Biledumb and his spokesperson ("The Binder Babe") resembling grade schoolers after learning a new word (Ultra-MAGA) focus-group tested by #AudacityofHype leftist lunatic leftover Anita Dunn, you can read news 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 Texas A&M hoopers Beau Bell and Wally Moon supplied significant offensive performances as National League outfielders on this date. Ditto ex-Santa Clara hoopers Bruce Bochte and Randy Winn making American League news. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 11 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 11
Cincinnati Reds LF Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) cracked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1952 game.
St. Louis Browns RF Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) went 4-for-4 in a 7-5 win against the Washington Senators in 1937.
OF-1B Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's 1970 NCAA playoff team) traded by the California Angels to the Cleveland Indians in 1977.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1950 contest.
1B Cal Emery (scored four points in three Penn State basketball games in 1957-58) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by Los Angeles Angels in 1964.
Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) traded by the St. Louis Browns to the Boston Red Sox in 1933.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoop scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) socked a homer in his third consecutive contest in 1935.
New York Mets 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) whacked a homer among his four hits in 6-2 win against the San Francisco Giants in 1991.
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 two homers for the Washington Senators but they weren't enough to prevent a 6-5 defeat at Seattle in 1969.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54), continuing his comeback from a circulatory ailment in his left index finger, hurled a no-hitter against the San Francisco Giants in 1963.
INF Vance Law (averaged 6.8 ppg for Brigham Young from 1974-75 through 1976-77) contributed a 10th-inning squeeze bunt to give the Chicago Cubs a 1-0 victory against the San Diego Padres in 1988.
OF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) traded by the Boston Braves to the Cincinnati Reds in 1948.
Washington Senators OF Don Lock (Wichita State field-goal percentage leader in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller) banged out four hits against the California Angels in a 1966 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Les Mann (Springfield MA hooper in 1913 and 1914) lashed two homers against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1923 contest.
New York Yankees SS Gene Michael (Kent State scoring leader with 14 ppg in 1957-58) generated his fifth two-hit outing in first seven games of the month in 1973.
In the midst of a career-high 24-game hitting streak in 1957, St. Louis Cardinals LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) homered in four consecutive contests. Moon assembled a 20-game hitting string later in the season.
Boston Red Sox 1B Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) manufactured four hits against the Cleveland Indians in a 1934 contest.
Chicago Cubs CF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) knocked in six runs in 1921 outing against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie LF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) stroked four hits against the Chicago Cubs in a 1962 contest. Nine years later, Savage was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the Kansas City Royals in 1971.
Utilityman Roe Skidmore (scored 41 points for Millikin IL in game against Illinois College on 1-28-66) purchased from the St. Louis Cardinals by Houston Astros in 1974.
Boston Red Sox 3B Jim Tabor (Alabama hoops letterman in 1936-37) knocked in five runs against the New York Yankees in a 1941 game.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) contributed three homers and seven RBI against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1923 outing.
RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972), citing a no-trade clause in his contract with the New York Yankees, refused to report to the Angels after being traded in 1990. Five days later, he accepted the deal.
RF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) whacked a two-out, two-run homer in the ninth inning to give Tampa Bay a 6-4 victory over the Baltimore Orioles in 2002, snapping the Devil Rays' 15-game losing streak.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 10
May 10th, 2023 - 8:49
Extra! Extra! Rather than debating whether petty Plagiarist Biledumb knows anything about how to deal with inflation, Southern border and how many grandchildren he has (fewer than 20-plus shell companies concealing millions of dollars in foreign donations to his family members), you have time to read news 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 Minnesota small colleges - Rip Repulski (St. Cloud State) and Howie Schultz (Hamline) - made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 10 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 10
Baltimore Orioles 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's top three basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Hank Iba while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) jacked two homers against the Minnesota Twins in a 1961 game.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ray Benge (multi-year hoops letterman for Sam Houston State first half of 1920s) tossed a five-hit shutout against the Cincinnati Reds in 1932.
Cleveland Indians RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup player and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) hurled a 1-0 shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a 1977 doubleheader.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) banged out two hits in six straight games in 1942.
1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) went hitless in his first 18 at-bats with the St. Louis Cardinals until stroking two safeties against the Houston Astros in 1972.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (five-sport athlete with Boston University) collected four hits against the St. Louis Browns in a 1928 contest.
St. Louis Cardinals RF Grant Dunlap (Pacific hoops letterman in 1942-43 and 1946-47) hammered a pinch-hit homer against the Cincinnati Reds in 1953. The circuit clout was Dunlap's lone MLB round-tripper.
Brooklyn Robins 2B Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship squad for Washington College MD) contributed four hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1930 outing.
1B-OF Dick Gernert (hoops letterman with Temple in 1948-49 when he averaged 2.7 ppg) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Cincinnati Reds in 1961.
The first MLB shutout supplied by Kansas City Athletics RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 with Swarthmore PA Southern Division champions in Middle Atlantic States Conference), 10-0 against the Baltimore Orioles, was one of three complete-game triumphs for him this month in 1960.
Utilityman Chuck Harmon (freshman starter was Toledo's second-leading scorer for 1943 NIT runner-up) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) fanned three St. Louis Cardinals batters in one inning of relief in his seventh scoreless outing in first seven relief appearances of 1961.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) went 4-for-4 with five RBI in a 10-5 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1957.
Boston Red Sox OF Rip Repulski (started several basketball games for St. Cloud State MN) ripped a grand slam against the Chicago White Sox in 1960.
1B Howie Schultz (Hamline MN product played and coached professional basketball) purchased from the Brooklyn Dodgers by the Philadelphia Phillies for $50,000 in 1947.
Chicago Cubs RHP Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Northwestern State in 1976-77) posted a perfect three-inning save against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1983.
Minnesota Twins 3B Jay Ward (McKendree IL hooper in 1956-57 before forgoing hoops to concentrate solely on pro baseball) accounted for both of game's tallies with a two-run double in 2-0 decision over the Kansas City Athletics in 1963.
3B John Werhas (led Southern California in scoring average in 1958-59 and 1959-60) traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to the California Angels for fellow USC product Len Gabrielson in 1967.
San Francisco Giants OF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) collected four hits and scored four runs in a 7-5 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 2009 game. The next day, Winn chipped in with three hits and three runs against the Washington Nationals.
Father Knows Best: Davis Ranks Among Top 10 Players Under Dad/Coach
May 10th, 2023 - 8:44
After returning to Detroit for his unique fifth season of eligibility as senior graduate due to COVID-19 considerations, Antoine Davis eventually became runner-up to LSU's Pete Maravich as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history. Where does Davis clan rank among the most successful father-son, coach-player combinations in NCAA annals (including Maravich and his dad)? The Davis worksheet together (59-88 record) resembles the modest marks manufactured by the Houstons (Tennessee) and Berrys (San Jose State) more than the the regal records registered by the McDermotts (Creighton) and Drews (Valparaiso). Despite losing mark, Davis cracked the Top 10 on the following list of luminaries playing under dear old dad (with emphasis on winning percentage):
| Rank | Coach/Father | School(s) | Record | Player/Son | Pos. | Son's Career Summary Under Father |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Greg McDermott | Creighton | 107-38 | Doug McDermott | F | Doug was three-time NCAA first-Team All-American from 2011-12 through 2013-14 after originally signing with old MVC rival Northern Iowa. As a sophomore and junior, he was MVC MVP before earning same award when Bluejays moved to the Big East Conference. |
| 2. | Press Maravich | Louisiana State | 49-35 | Pete Maravich | G | Pete, a three-time unanimous NCAA first-team All-American, became the NCAA's career record holder for total points (3,667 in three years from 1967-68 through 1969-70) and scoring average (44.2 ppg). In his senior season, the Tigers had their highest SEC finish (2nd) and only postseason tournament appearance (NIT) in a 24-year span from 1955 through 1978. |
| 3. | Wade Houston | Tennessee | 60-68 | Allan Houston | G | Allan, a four-time All-SEC first-team selection, averaged more than 20 ppg each of his four seasons en route to becoming the Volunteers' all-time leading scorer (2,801 points from 1989-90 through 1992-93). They participated in the NIT in his freshman and junior campaigns. |
| 4. | Bill Berry | San Jose State | 46-41 | Ricky Berry | G-F | Ricky, after playing his freshman season with Oregon State, averaged 21 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 3.2 apg for the Spartans from 1985-86 through 1987-88 en route to becoming their all-time leading scorer (1,767 points). He was a three-time All-Big West Conference first-team selection. |
| 5. | Dick Acres | Oral Roberts | 47-34 | Mark Acres | C | Dick coached his sons (including Jeff) from midway through the 1982-83 campaign through 1984-85. Mark, a three-time All-Midwestern City Conference first-team selection, averaged 18.5 ppg and 9.6 rpg and shot 56.4% from the floor. Mark was a two-time Midwestern City MVP who led the Titans in scoring and rebounding all four seasons. ORU participated in the 1984 NCAA Tournament. |
| 6. | Homer Drew | Valparaiso | 88-36 | Bryce Drew | G | Bryce, who averaged 17.7 ppg, 5.2 apg and 1.5 spg from 1994-95 through 1997-98 en route to becoming the school's all-time leader in scoring and assists, was the Mid-Continent Conference MVP his last two seasons. The Crusaders won the MCC regular-season and league tournament championships all four years. |
| 7. | Dick Bennett | Wisconsin-Green Bay | 87-34 | Tony Bennett | G | Tony, a three-time All-Mid-Continent Conference first-team selection, averaged 19.4 ppg and 5.1 apg from 1988-89 through 1991-92, finishing as UWGB's all-time leading scorer (2,285 points). He holds the NCAA career record for highest three-point field-goal percentage (.497/minimum of 200 made) and won the Frances Pomeroy Award his senior year as the nation's top player shorter than six feet tall. The Phoenix won the 1991 MCC Tournament and 1992 regular-season title. |
| 8. | Mike Davis | Detroit | 59-88 | Antoine Davis | G | Antoine finished runner-up to Pistol Pete in all-time scoring despite minimal postseason competition because of four losing records in five seasons. |
| 9. | Ron Hunter | Georgia State | 65-35 | R.J. Hunter | G | R.J. became the most prolific freshman scorer in Panthers history, averaging 17 ppg in 2012-13. Finished his three-year career with averages of 18.4 ppg and 4.8 rpg before declaring early for the NBA draft. |
| 10. | Sonny Allen | SMU/Nevada-Reno | 64-48 | Billy Allen | G | Billy averaged 13.1 ppg and 8.2 apg in 1981-82 and 1982-83 after transferring from SMU. The two-time All-Big Sky Conference selection set a UNR single-season record with 8.6 apg as a junior when he was a second-team choice before moving up to first-team status the next year. Billy led the SWC in assists as a freshman in 1978-79 (9 apg) and sophomore in 1979-80 (9.1 apg). He also paced the Mustangs in free-throw percentage both years. In his sophomore season, SMU tied its highest win total (16) in a 15-year span from 1967-68 through 1981-82. |
| 11. | Steve Alford | UCLA | 96-45 | Bryce Alford | G | Won nearly 2/3 of games from 2013-14 through 2016-17 when Bryce averaged 13.7 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 3.9 apg. As part of the Alfords boosting the Bruins back to national prominence, Bryce supplied school-record nine three-pointers at Colorado. |
| 12. | Jerry Tarkanian | UNLV | 77-19 | Danny Tarkanian | G | Danny led the Rebels in assists and steals each of his three seasons from 1981-82 through 1983-84 after transferring from Dixie Junior College (Utah). The All-Pacific Coast Athletic Association second-team selection finished second in the nation with 8.5 apg as a senior. UNLV participated in the NIT in 1982 and NCAA Tournament in 1983 and 1984. The Rebels captured the PCAA regular-season championship in 1983 and 1984. |
| 13. | Fred A. Enke | Arizona | 60-18 | Fred W. Enke | G | Fred W., a future NFL quarterback, was a three-time All-Border Conference first-team selection from 1945-46 through 1947-48. The Wildcats participated in the 1946 NIT after their first of three consecutive league championships. |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 9
May 9th, 2023 - 8:42
Extra! Extra! Rather than poke fun at Dimorats as the party of weak woke men and baby-butchering shrill women, you can read news 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 Louisiana State hoopers Joe Adcock and Alvin Dark delivered significant MLB performances on this date. Elsewhere in National League games, lefthanded ex-college cagers Danny Coombs (Seton Hall) and Eric Stults (Bethel IN) hurled shutouts on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 9 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 9
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) clobbered two homers against the Chicago Cubs in a 1961 game.
In his final game with the California Angels, DH Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's NCAA playoff team in 1969-70) collected four hits in a 5-3 win against the Kansas City Royals in 1977.
New York Giants 2B Andy Cohen (Alabama hoops letterman in 1924 and 1925) cracked a leadoff homer but they wound up losing to the Pittsburgh Pirates, 3-2, in 1929.
Houston Astros LHP Danny Coombs (Seton Hall's third-leading scorer and rebounder as sophomore in 1961-62) tossed his lone MLB shutout (two-hitter against Montreal Expos in 1970).
New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for Louisiana State and Southwestern Louisiana in mid-1940s) amassed four hits and four RBI for the second time in a four-game span in 1951.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) stroked four hits against the Boston Braves in a 1930 contest.
Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) traded by the St. Louis Browns to the Boston Red Sox in 1933.
Pittsburgh Pirates 3B Lee Handley (Bradley hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) banged out four hits against the Boston Braves in a 1938 outing.
Cleveland Indians 1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) supplied five RBI against the Oakland Athletics in a 1982 game.
Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) collected two homers and five RBI against the Colorado Rockies in a 1993 contest.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Lynn King (All-Missouri Valley Conference second-team hoops selection with Drake from 1928-29 through 1930-31) collected a career-high three hits against the Chicago Cubs in 1936.
OF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) reached base in his first six pinch-hit appearances for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1965.
C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1962.
Washington Senators RF Carl Reynolds (Southwestern TX hoops MVP and captain in mid-1920s) registered multiple safeties in his sixth successive contest and 11th time in 13-game span in 1932.
INF-OF Mel Roach (averaged 9.3 ppg in 1952-53 in Virginia's final season prior to helping form ACC) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to the Chicago Cubs for OF-INF Frank Thomas in 1961.
New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) delivered four hits and scored three runs in 1916 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
In his first game outside of New York City, Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) collected two hits and scored two runs in a 6-5 loss at Philadelphia in 1947.
RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) homered for the Cleveland Indians in the nightcap of a 1965 doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Eric Stults (hooper for 1999 NAIA D-II Tournament runner-up and 2000 NCCAA Tournament titlist with Bethel IN) fired a four-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants in 2009.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) won for the fourth time in first five relief appearances of the month in 1980.
New York Yankees CF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) delivered three extra-base hits against the Cleveland Indians in a 1984 game.
Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) provided multiple hits in his fifth consecutive contest in 1950. Seven years later, he went 4-for-4 in a 1957 game against the Detroit Tigers.
The Way We Were: Hartford Heads to DIII After First DI Tournament in 2021
May 9th, 2023 - 8:36
Hartford supporters, in the aftermath of the school's initial NCAA Tournament appearance in 2021, couldn't get Division I hoops out of their blood. They aspired to convince the school to reverse its decision to de-emphasize program to Division III in 2023-24 but were unsuccessful. The Hawks' premier player in history is Vin Baker, who ranked among the nation's top four scorers in back-to-back seasons (1991-92 and 1992-93).
Abilene Christian, Houston Baptist, New Orleans, Northern Colorado and Seattle returned to the DI ranks after stints competing at the small-college level. Which school might be next to return? Following is a trip down memory lane assessing historical tidbits on the impact of former major-college programs (listed alphabetically):
In 1944-45, Baldwin-Wallace (OH) handed NIT runner-up Bowling Green State its only regular-season loss to a collegiate opponent. Bowling Green State, which compiled the seventh-best record in the nation during the decade of the 1940s, also lost against Baldwin-Wallace four years later in a season the Falcons finished third in the NIT (extras/nit-summary). Baldwin-Wallace had two players finish among the national statistical leaders in the early 1950s - John Popp was fourth in free-throw shooting (83.1%) in 1949-50 and Dick Retherford was seventh in scoring (21.8 ppg) in 1951-52.
Baltimore's Terry Copeland led the ECAC Metro in free-throw percentage in 1982-83 (84.4%).
The only non-winning season for Birmingham-Southern (AL) in its six years at the NCAA Division I level was 2001-02 when it went 13-14. BSC tied for the Big South Conference regular-season title in its first season in the league in 2003-04 when the Panthers led the nation in three-point field-goal shooting (43%).
Brooklyn defeated Toledo to open the 1985-86 season the same year the Rockets beat Houston in coach Guy Lewis' 30th and final campaign with the Cougars. Brooklyn's Glen James finished sixth in the nation in assists with 7.5 apg in 1984-85 (higher than Wake Forest's Tyrone Bogues and North Carolina's Kenny Smith). The Kingsmen finished fourth in the country in field-goal shooting in 1990-91 (52%).
Case Western Reserve (OH) featured two All-Americans in a four-year span in the mid-1930s - Eddie Finnigan in 1933 and William Fleishman in 1936. In its final season at the major-college level, Dick Howard finished 16th in the nation in scoring (24.3 ppg in 1954-55).
Glenn Kolonics finished 15th in the nation in scoring with 23.5 ppg for Catholic (DC) in 1976-77 in its debut season at the major-college level. Catholic defeated NIT-bound Saint Joseph's in 1979-80, which was one season before St. Joe's upset top-ranked DePaul in the 1981 NCAA Tournament.
Centenary (LA) compiled an 87-21 record during center Robert Parish's four-year career from 1972-73 through 1975-76 when he averaged 21.6 ppg and 16.9 rpg while shooting 56.4% from the floor. Parish led the nation in rebounding his last two seasons after finishing among the top five his first two campaigns. The Gentlemen, after winning the 1990 TAAC regular-season title, paced the country in steals in 1992-93 with 14.1 per game. Centenary's Willie Jackson is the Trans America Athletic Conference's all-time leading scorer (2,535 points from 1981-84) and Ronnie McCollum led the nation in scoring in 2000-01 with 29.1 ppg.
The University of Chicago won four consecutive Western Conference (predecessor to Big Ten) championships from 1907 through 1910. The school had three all-league first-team selections in 1909.
City College of New York had three Jewish All-Americans - Moe Goldman (1934), Red Holzman (1942) and Irwin Dambrot (1950). In 1950, the Beavers became the only school to win the NCAA playoffs and NIT in the same year. CCNY's Lionel Malamed finished sixth in the nation in free-throw shooting in 1947-48 (83.3%) and Ed Roman ranked 22nd in scoring in 1950-51 (18.6 ppg).
Ron Warner of Gettysburg (PA) finished among the nation's top 15 scorers in back-to-back seasons (1960-61 and 1961-62). Gettysburg ranked third in the nation in team defense in 1963-64 (56.8 ppg) after finishing fifth in team offense in 1950-51 (73.8 ppg).
Grinnell (IA) posted only one losing record in Missouri Valley Conference competition in its last six years in the league from 1933-34 through 1938-39.
Six different Hamline (MN) products played in the NBA in the early 1950s when the league had far fewer franchises.
Hardin-Simmons (TX) averaged 18.5 victories annually from 1963-64 through 1966-67, finished runner-up to Purdue in team offense in 1968-69 with 91.9 ppg and had four straight non-losing records in Trans America Athletic Conference competition from 1984-85 through 1987-88. Hardin-Simmons had eight different players rank among the nation's top 10 in a variety of statistical categories - Eric Adams (9th in FT% in 1986-87), Lee Dixon (6th in scoring in 1975-76), Tommy French (8th in FG% in 1989-90), Cliff Harris (9th in rebounding in 1970-71), Buddy Matthews (7th in FT% in 1950-51), Bill Preston (10th in FG% in 1951-52), Ronnie Ryan (6th in FT% in 1954-55) and Ray Williams (10th in FG% in 1970-71). Nate Madkins scored a school-record 52 points against West Texas State in 1963-64.
Center George Dalton of John Carroll (OH) ranked among the nation's major-college scoring leaders four straight seasons in 1952 (20th), 1953 (8th), 1954 (14th) and 1955 (21st).
Norm Hankins of Lawrence Tech (MI) led the nation in scoring with 22.5 ppg in 1947-48.
In 1973-74, Los Angeles State finished in second place in the Pacific Coast Athletic Association standings behind Lute Olson-coached Long Beach State (24-2 record). The previous year, Los Angeles State's Raymond Lewis established the PCAA single-season standard for scoring average (32.9 ppg as a sophomore before leaving early for the NBA draft as a hardship case).
Loyola (LA) participated in back-to-back NCAA playoffs in 1957 and 1958 when the tourney field was comprised of no more than 24 entrants. In 1970-71, the school finished fourth in the nation in field-goal shooting (50.9%) and fifth in scoring (92.1 ppg). In Loyola's final season at the major-college level, Charles Jones finished sixth in the nation in rebounding in 1971-72 with 15.8 rpg (ahead of UCLA's Bill Walton). Loyola's Charley Powell finished seventh in the country in free-throw shooting in 1968-69 (87.6%) after ranking 13th in scoring the previous year (26 ppg). Loyola had three of the nation's top 25 field-goal shooters in 1952-53
Muhlenberg (PA), in the midst of 21 consecutive seasons with double digits in wins from 1939 through 1959, led major colleges in field-goal percentage in 1948-49 after finishing national runner-up the previous year. Muhlenberg had three different players rank among the nation's top three in field-goal shooting - Daniel Mackin (2nd in 1947-48), Denny Roth (3rd in 1956-57) and Mel Kessler (3rd in 1958-59). The Mules appeared in the NIT three consecutive years from 1944 through 1946.
NYU participated in national postseason competition seven times in an eight-year span from 1959 through 1966. The Violets had three different All-Americans in an eight-year span in the 1960s - Tom "Satch" Sanders (1960), Barry Kramer (1963 and 1964) and Mal Graham (1967).
Northeastern Illinois led the nation in steals per game with 12.8 in 1991-92 when one of its players (Victor Snipes) paced the country in that category with 3.4 spg.
Oklahoma City ranked among the nation's top five in team defense four consecutive years from 1951 through 1954 and appeared in six straight NCAA Tournaments from 1952 through 1957. On the other end of the court, OCU led the nation in scoring in 1966-67 before ranking fourth the next year and third in 1980-81. OCU's Ernie Hill holds the Trans America Athletic Conference's single-season record for scoring average (26.6 points per game as a junior in 1978-79). OCU's Arnold Short led the nation in free-throw shooting in 1951-52 (86.1%). Short (1953 and 1954), Hub Reed (1957 and 1958), Bud Koper (1963 and 1964) and Rich Travis (1968 and 1969) are OCU players who ranked among the nation's top 20 scorers in back-to-back years. Hill (1979) was among the following OCU players who each ranked once among the country's top 13 scorers: Jerry Lee Wells (1966), Gary Gray (1967), Ozie Edwards (1973), Marvin Rich (1973) and Rubin Jackson (1981).
Regis (CO) finished fifth in the nation in rebounding in 1962-63.
Scranton (PA) hired Buck Freeman as coach just before the start of the 1937-38 campaign after he won more than 85% of his games with St. John's in nine seasons from 1927-28 through 1935-36.
Sewanee (TN), also known as the University of the South, competed against Alabama (1933) and Louisiana State (1939) in the SEC Tournament after defeating defending champion North Carolina State in the first round of the 1930 Southern Conference Tournament.
Felix Thruston of Trinity (TX) finished 18th in the nation in scoring in 1970-71 with a Southland Conference-leading 25 ppg.
U.S. International (CA) led NCAA Division I in points per game in 1985-86 with 90.8. USIU's Kevin Bradshaw paced the nation in scoring in 1990-91 with 37.6 ppg.
Keith Walker of Utica (NY) led the nation in field-goal shooting in 1984-85 (71.3%).
Washburn (KS) finished ahead of eventual NIT champions Saint Louis and/or Tulsa in the Missouri Valley Conference standings five times in a seven-year span from 1935 through 1941.
Washington (MO) won three consecutive Missouri Valley Conference championships from 1928 through 1930. The Bears finished fourth in the nation in team defense in 1949-50 (46.3 ppg).
Washington & Lee (VA) captured back-to-back Southern Conference regular-season titles in 1936 and 1937 ahead of eventual ACC members Clemson, Duke, Maryland, North Carolina, North Carolina State, South Carolina, Virginia and Virginia Tech. Washington & Lee opposed North Carolina or Duke in four straight southern Conference Tournament finals. Washington & Lee's Jay Handlan led the nation in free-throw shooting in 1950-51 (86%) when he was runner-up in scoring (26.2 ppg). Handlan finished 11th in scoring the next year. Washington & Lee had at least one all-league selection all but one season (1952-53) in an eight-year span from 1950-51 through 1957-58.
West Chester State's Joe Senser led the nation in field-goal shooting in 1976-77 and 1977-78, finishing his career at 66.2%.
West Texas State finished among the top three in the Missouri Valley Conference standings three times in a five-year span from 1975-76 through 1979-80. West Texas State's Jim Scott led the nation in free-throw shooting in 1954-55 (89.5%) and Steve Davidson finished third in rebounding in 1971-72 (17.5 rpg ahead of Providence's Marvin Barnes and UCLA's Bill Walton). WTSU paced the country in free-throw shooting in 1966-67; ranked among the top three in field-goal shooting in 1963-64 and 1976-77; finished runner-up in rebounding average in back-to-back seasons (1970-71 and 1971-72), and placed runner-up in scoring in 1980-81 (85.5 ppg).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 8
May 8th, 2023 - 8:47
Extra! Extra! Rather than deriding bloodthirsty abortion advocates encircling homes of Conservative Supreme Court justices, you can read news 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 Duke basketball All-Americans Dick Groat and Billy Werber supplied significant performances as MLB infielders on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 8 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 8
Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's three leading basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Hank Iba while ranking among the nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) committed an eighth-inning miscue for the Baltimore Orioles against the Detroit Tigers in 1965, ending his MLB-record streaks for consecutive errorless games by a 2B (89) and consecutive chances handled without an error (458).
San Diego Padres RHP Mike Adams (Texas A&M-Kingsville hooper in 1996-97) notched his fourth hold in nine days but was scored upon for the first time in last 16 relief appearances in 2011.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) supplied five RBI in a 13-6 triumph against the Chicago Cubs in 1934.
Brooklyn Dodgers C Ferrell Anderson (Kansas hoops letterman in 1936-37 and 1937-38) furnished four hits in an 8-5 win against the Cincinnati Reds in 1946.
Washington Senators 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) banged out three hits for third time in four-game span in 1938.
LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 at conclusion of career) acquired from the Los Angeles Angels by the New York Yankees in 1961 for his third tour of duty in pinstripes.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (five-sport athlete with Boston University) collected three doubles against the Cleveland Indians in a 1932 game.
Cincinnati Reds 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) clobbered two homers in a 7-6 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1957.
In 1948, Cleveland Indians RF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA titlist) whacked the longest home run at Washington's Griffith Stadium since Babe Ruth in 1922.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) contributed four hits against the Boston Braves in the first of six straight outings with multiple safeties in 1929.
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) provided three hits in each game of a 1955 doubleheader split against the New York Giants.
After dismal debut in 1976, California Angels rookie RHP Paul Hartzell (averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Lehigh in 1972-73) yielded only one earned run in seven-game span covering 23 1/3 innings.
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs in a 1934 contest.
RHP Jay Hook (Northwestern's third-leading scorer with 10.7 ppg as a sophomore in 1955-56) traded by the New York Mets to the Milwaukee Braves in 1964.
Atlanta Braves 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg for Texas A&M in 1961-62) delivered two homers and five RBI against the New York Mets in a 1973 outing.
LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State hoops teammate of legendary HBCU coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) traded by the Milwaukee Braves with cash to the Detroit Tigers in 1963.
Chicago White Sox RHP Bob Keegan (Bucknell hoops letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) yielded three homers to Boston Red Sox Hall of Fame OF Ted Williams in a 4-1 defeat in 1957.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV hoops squad previous season) registered his second four-hit outing in a six-game span in 1956.
Chicago Cubs 3B Vance Law (averaged 6.8 ppg for Brigham Young from 1974-75 through 1976-77) went 3-for-3 with six RBI against the San Francisco Giants in a 1988 game.
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) hit safely as a pinch-hitter for the third straight time in 1963.
Chicago Cubs CF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring previous season) stroked four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1979 contest.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Ben McDonald (started six times as freshman forward for Louisiana State in 1986-87 under coach Dale Brown) won his first seven starts in 1994.
New York Giants LF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) stole three bases in a 1911 game against the Boston Rustlers.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD hoops guard for two years in mid-1930s) provided five RBI against the Cincinnati Reds in the nightcap of a 1949 twinbill.
Boston Red Sox 2B Marv Olson (All-Iowa Conference hoops selection in 1929-30 with Luther IA) manufactured four hits in a 7-5 win against the St. Louis Browns in 1932.
Brooklyn Dodgers C-OF Don Padgett (freshman in 1934 excelled in multiple sports for Lenoir-Rhyne NC) smacked a decisive three-run pinch homer in an 8-5 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds in 1946.
Philadelphia Athletics 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) supplied five RBI in a 7-6 victory against the Detroit Tigers in 1938.
New York Giants rookie 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) collected four hits and four RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1940 game.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 7
May 7th, 2023 - 8:54
Extra! Extra! Rather than cursing Plagiarist Biledumb for his porous border as cartel corrupt as hideous Hunter, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Three former hoopers from PA universities - Cal Emery (Penn State), Red Murray (Lock Haven) and Jack Ogden (Swarthmore) - generated MLB news on this date. Two former Michigan small-college hoopers - Freddy Spurgeon (Kalamazoo) and Matt Thornton (Grand Valley State) - manufactured significant MLB performances on this date, joining ex-University of Michigan hooper Leon Roberts. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 7 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 7
Baltimore Orioles DH Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in basketball scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) provided four hits for the second time in a four-game span in 1975.
Minnesota Twins 3B John Castino (medical redshirt for Rollins FL in 1973-74 under coach Ed Jucker) hit safely in all eight games of his final MLB season in 1984 before retiring because of chronic spine issues.
1B Cal Emery (scored four points in three Penn State basketball games in 1957-58) purchased from the California Angels by Arkansas (Pacific Coast) in 1965.
INF-OF Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) traded by the Brooklyn Robins to the Cincinnati Reds in 1931.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) won his first four MLB starts, hurling complete games in last three of outings. Henry hit safely in all four contests.
LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) jacked two homers while going 4-for-4 to help the Cleveland Indians erase a 9-1 deficit and defeat the Tampa Devil Rays, 20-11, in 1999. The next year, Justice provided three extra-base hits and five RBI against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 2000 contest.
In 1946, Philadelphia Athletics 1B Bruce Konopka (Southern California hoops letterman in 1940-41) collected his third extra-base pinch-hit the first week of the month.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV hoops squad previous season) contributed four hits against the Chicago White Sox in a 1955 outing.
Boston Braves LF Les Mann (Springfield MA hooper in 1913 and 1914) notched multiple-hit games in his first five outings of the month in 1920.
1B Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) hit safely in first 14 starts of the 1934 campaign with the Boston Red Sox before he was blanked by the Detroit Tigers.
New York Giants RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) banged out four hits in a 1910 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
RHP Jack Ogden (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1918) traded by the Cincinnati Reds with Leo Durocher to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1933.
Seattle Mariners RF Leon Roberts (grabbed one rebound in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) collected six RBI in 9-7 win against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1978. The next year, Roberts contributed three extra-base hits in a 12-4 victory against the New York Yankees in 1979.
Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) amassed multiple-hit outings in 13 of first 19 games in 1951.
RHP Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY hooper) combined with New York Giants teammate Carl Hubbell to toss back-to-back shutouts in a 1932 doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds.
Cleveland Indians rookie 3B Freddy Spurgeon (Kalamazoo MI hooper in 1921-22) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago White Sox in a 1925 game.
Chicago White Sox LHP Matt Thornton (averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Grand Valley State MI from 1995-96 through 1997-98) fanned five Toronto Blue Jays in two innings as he went unscored upon in 10 relief appearances during the month in 2010.
1B-OF Preston Ward (second-leading hoops scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) tripled after three teammates walked to spur the Brooklyn Dodgers to a 9-5 victory at Chicago in 1948.
New York Giants 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) homered in his first MLB at-bat in 1956 (against St. Louis Cardinals).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 6
May 6th, 2023 - 9:00
Extra! Extra! Rather than listening to #MessMedia coverage of King Charles coronation with royalty has-been Harry sitting a few rows back or Senate Majority Moron Schmucky Schumer threaten Supreme Court justices again, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State) and Graig Nettles (San Diego State) each delivered three doubles as lefthanded hitters for the Cleveland Indians in a MLB game on this date. Ex-NYU hoopers Hank Greenberg and Eddie Yost provided outstanding offensive outputs in the American League on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 6 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 6
Hall of Fame C Mickey Cochrane (Boston University basketball player in early 1920s) clobbered his first MLB homer with the Philadelphia Athletics in 1925.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but left before ever playing) tossed a two-hit shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.
Boston Red Sox rookie RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) hurled his second straight shutout in 1945, whitewashing the New York Yankees, 5-0.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) furnished four hits against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1924 game.
RF Jim Gleeson (NAIA Hall of Famer was all-league hoops pick for Rockhurst MO in early 1930s) traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1942.
Detroit Tigers LF Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoop scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) contributed three extra-base hits in a 6-4 victory against the New York Yankees in 1940. Safeties came on seventh anniversary of his first MLB homer in 1933. Tigers C Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) chipped in with a two-run, pinch-hit homer to knot the score with two outs in top of eighth inning.
Cleveland Indians 1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) collected three doubles against the Chicago White Sox in a 1983 outing.
In 1970, Washington Senators 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) launched his milestone 300th of 382 MLB career homers.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) supplied at least three hits for the third consecutive contest in 1959.
In 1968, San Francisco Giants RHP Lindy McDaniel (Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) established a N.L. record with his 225th consecutive errorless game.
New York Yankees LF Bud Metheny (William & Mary hoops letterman from 1935-36 through 1937-38) stroked four hits in a 4-3 win against the Boston Red Sox in 1944.
In 1967, 1B Cotton Nash (three-time All-American averaged 22.7 ppg and 12.3 rpg for Kentucky from 1961-62 through 1963-64) traded by the California Angels with cash to the Chicago White Sox for 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (scored 18 points in eight games for Purdue in 1949-50).
Cleveland Indians 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) stroked three doubles against the Chicago White Sox in a 1972 game.
A two-out, seventh-inning single by CF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) was the Detroit Tigers' lone safety when they were blanked, 4-0, by Dave Leonard of the Baltimore Orioles in 1968.
Chicago White Sox rookie LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper in mid-1950s) won his first MLB start in 1963, limiting the Kansas City Athletics to four hits and one run over eight innings.
Oakland Athletics 3B Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) banged out four hits, scored three runs and chipped in with three RBI in a 1986 game against the Toronto Blue Jays.
LF Rip Repulski (started handful of hoops games for St. Cloud State MN) traded by the Los Angeles Dodgers to the Boston Red Sox in 1960.
Los Angeles Angels RHP Jack Spring (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) hurled 4 2/3 innings of hitless relief in posting victory against the Baltimore Orioles in 1962.
Cincinnati Reds 1B Champ Summers (led SIUE in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) went 4-for-4 and chipped in with five RBI against the Houston Astros in the opener of a 1979 doubleheader.
Boston Red Sox C Birdie Tebbetts (Providence hooper in 1932) blasted two homers against the Chicago White Sox in a 1950 game.
Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) provided three extra-base hits (two doubles/one homer) and five RBI in a 1998 game against the Baltimore Orioles. Five years later with the Philadelphia Phillies, he hammered a pair of round-trippers in 2003 game against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) homered twice in a 5-4 win against the New York Giants in 1924.
Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) knocked in four runs in opener of a 1951 twinbill against the Cleveland Indians, igniting a career-long 16-game hitting streak.
English Coarse: Overseas Entertainment Linked More to Hoops Than King
May 5th, 2023 - 18:17
Unless an American (Meghan Markle) stole the show by having another self-indulgent episode, it was difficult to understand why American news outlets focused so much on the pomp and circumstance of King Charles' coronation. It may be time to call a timeout to break away temporarily from overdosing on royalty. Compared to many European countries, England is more mediocre than hardwood haughty. The increasingly global NBA has showcased its talent across the pond for an extensive period but where were the Brits on NBA rosters? The nation's hoop monarch probably is Michael Olowokandi, a center from Pacific who was Big West Conference player of the year in 1998 before becoming first pick overall in NBA draft. Supplementing the obsessive focus on England's monarchy, following is an alphabetical list of prominent NCAA Division I players over the years from that nation:
| English Native | Pos. | College | Summary of NCAA Division I Playing Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amin Adamu | G | Montana State | Averaged 12.4 ppg and 5 rpg from 2019-20 through 2021-22. |
| Ogo Adegboye | G | St. Bonaventure | Averaged 8.4 ppg, 2.1 rpg and 2.9 apg in 2009-10 and 2010-11. |
| Daniel Akin | F | Maryland-Baltimore County/California Baptist/Utah State | Averaged 5.3 ppg and 4.8 rpg while shooting 58.2% from the floor from 2017-18 through 2020-21 with UMBC before averaging 10.8 ppg and team-high 8.1 rpg with Cal Baptist in 2021-22 and 12 ppg and 6.8 rpg with USU in 2022-23. |
| Sam Alajiki | F | California | Averaged 4.5 ppg and 2.7 rpg in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Fahro Alihodzic | F-C | Fordham | Averaged 4.5 ppg and 4 rpg as freshman in 2009-10. |
| David Aliu | F | Morehead State | Averaged 4.2 ppg and 2.8 rpg from 2000-01 through 2003-04. |
| Ben Allison | F | Davidson | Averaged 4.4 ppg and 3 rpg from 2008-09 to 2010-11. |
| John Amaechi | C | Penn State | Vanderbilt transfer averaged 15.6 ppg and 8.9 rpg in three years with PSU from 1992-93 through 1994-95. All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection as senior after earning third-team status the previous two seasons. |
| Michael Anumba | G | Winthrop | Averaged 6.9 ppg and 3.9 rpg from 2018-19 to 2022-23. |
| Olu Babaloa | F | Clemson | Averaged 7.6 ppg and 3.7 rpg as sophomore in 2002-03, 9 ppg and 4.6 rpg as junior in 2003-04 and 6.8 ppg and 3.7 rpg as senior in 2004-05. |
| Tariq Balogun | F | Eastern Kentucky/Binghamton | Averaged 3.2 ppg and 2 rpg from 2019-20 through 2021-22 with EKU before averaging 6.6 ppg and 2.8 rpg with BU in 2022-23. |
| Alan Bannister | C | Oklahoma State/Arkansas State | Led the Big Eight Conference in blocked shots per league game with OSU in 1985-86 before transferring to Arkansas State. |
| Jubrile Belo | F | Montana State | Averaged 13.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg while shooting 59.6% from the floor from 2019-20 through 2022-23. |
| Mike Bernard | C | South Florida | J.C. recruit averaged 4 ppg and 1.8 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02. |
| Andrew Betts | C | Long Beach State | C.W. Post transfer erupted for 31 points and nine rebounds in an 81-71 upset win over USC in just his second-ever Division I game. He finished his only season with the 49ers in 1997-98 with team-high averages of 18.7 ppg and 10.1 rpg as All-Big West Conference first-team selection. |
| Kavell Bigby-Williams | F-C | Oregon/LSU | J.C. recruit averaged 5.4 ppg, 4.7 rpg and 1.3 bpg for two different NCAA playoff participants in 2017 and 2019. |
| Eric Boateng | C | Arizona State | Duke transfer averaged 3.9 ppg and 2.6 rpg with team-high 61.5% field-goal shooting as sophomore in 2007-08 before his averages fell to 1.8 ppg and 2 rpg as junior in 2008-09. Rebounded with 8.8 ppg and team highs of 7.2 rpg, 26 blocked shots and 66.5% field-goal shooting as senior in 2009-10. |
| Matthew Bryan-Amaning | F | Washington | Averaged 4.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg with team-high 18 blocked shots as freshman in 2007-08, 6 ppg and 4 rpg as sophomore in 2008-09 and 8.8 ppg, 5.9 rpg with team highs of 1.5 bpg and 54% field-goal shooting as junior in 2009-10. |
| Steve Bucknall | G | North Carolina | Averaged 13.1 ppg as senior in 1988-89 when he was All-ACC second-team selection, finishing his four-year career with 7.5 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.9 apg. |
| Mantia Callender | C | Middle Tennessee State | J.C. recruit averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.7 rpg in 1996-97 and 1997-98. He had team-high 1.5 bpg as senior. |
| Danny Carter | F-C | Stony Brook | Averaged 3.4 ppg and 2.4 rpg from 2008-09 to 2010-11. |
| Silas Cheung | G | Mount St. Mary's | One of the top 10 three-point shooters in school history averaged 9.4 ppg as junior in 1995-96 after averaging 6.1 ppg as sophomore. |
| Martin Clark | F | Boston College | Selected to the Big East Conference's All-Freshman Team in 1980-81. He led the Eagles in rebounding his freshman and sophomore seasons. |
| Jason Crump | C-F | Towson State | Bowling Green transfer averaged 9 ppg and 6 rpg for Towson as senior in 1994-95. |
| Robert Dalley | C | The Citadel | Averaged 8.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg for the Bulldogs in 1989-90 and 11 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 1991-92. Missed 1990-91 season because of broken leg. |
| Luol Deng | F | Duke | Born in Sudan, he averaged 15.1 ppg and 6.9 rpg as All-ACC third-team selection in 2003-04. |
| Spencer Dunkley | C | Delaware | Finished fifth in the nation with 3.2 bpg in 1992-93 when becoming an All-North Atlantic Conference first-team selection by leading the league in rebounding (12.2 rpg). Paced the Blue Hens in scoring as senior (19.2 ppg) and led them in rebounding three consecutive seasons. |
| Shaun Durant | C | Lipscomb | Averaged 7.5 ppg and 6.5 rpg in 2004-05 and 2005-06. He led the Bison with 7.2 rpg in 2005-06. |
| Ben Eaves | F | Rhode Island | UConn transfer averaged 3.4 ppg with URI as sophomore in 2008-09, 3.1 ppg as junior in 2009-10 and 3.5 ppg and 3.1 rpg as senior in 2010-11. |
| AJ Edu | F | Toledo | Averaged 3.6 ppg, 3.9 rpg and 1.7 bpg in 2018-19. |
| Tosan Evbuomwan | F | Princeton | Averaged 12 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 3.7 apg from 2019-20 through 2022-23. |
| R.J. Eytle-Rock | G | Maryland-Baltimore County/Utah State | Averaged 9.5 ppg, 3.8 rpg and 2.5 apg for UMBC from 2018-19 through 2020-21 before averaging 5.4 ppg and 1.6 rpg with USU in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Ekechi Ezugwu | C-F | Eastern Michigan | Averaged 7.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg as senior starter for EMU's NCAA playoff team in 1998. |
| Oladapo Fagbenle | C | Campbell | Led team with 30 blocked shots as freshman in 2005-06 and 24 in 2007-08. |
| Neil Fingleton | C | Holy Cross | Redshirt with North Carolina in 2000-01 before transferring. Averaged 2.9 ppg with the Crusaders in 2002-03. |
| Tom Frederick | F | Morgan State | Averaged 3.5 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 1999-00 and 2000-01. |
| Caleb Fuller | G | UC Davis/Montana State | Averaged 7.8 ppg and 3.1 rpg with UCD from 2018-19 through 2021-22 before averaging 6.6 rpg and 3.3 rpg for MSU's NCAA tourney team in 2022-23. |
| Nick George | F | Virginia Commonwealth | CAA Rookie of the Year in 2002-03 when averaging 8.7 ppg and 6.7 rpg. Contributed 9.2 ppg and 5.9 rpg the next season before becoming an all-league first-team choice in 2004-05 (team highs of 16.8 ppg and 5.8 rpg) and 2005-06 (team-high 16.9 ppg and 5.1 rpg). |
| Paul Guede | G-F | Portland | Averaged 4.5 ppg and 3.3 rpg from 2008-09 to 2010-11. |
| Ashley Hamilton | F | Loyola Marymount | Averaged 8.3 ppg and 4.6 rpg in 2008-09 and 2009-10. |
| Martin Henlan | C | Virginia Commonwealth | Led the Rams in rebounding in 1988-89 (9 rpg) and 1989-90 (7.7 rpg). |
| Kayne Henry | G-F | Jacksonville State | Averaged 9.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg from 2019-20 through 2021-22. |
| Delme Herriman | F | Wright State | Averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 1994-95 and 9.3 ppg and 6.1 rpg in 1995-96. |
| Cameron Hildreth | G | Wake Forest | Averaged 8.2 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 2 apg in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Boban Jacdonmi | F | Southern Mississippi | Averaged 4.4 ppg and 2.9 rpg in 2018-19 and 2019-20. |
| Shaun James | F | Canisius | J.C. recruit averaged 3.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 2006-07 and 2007-08. |
| Gedi Juozapaitis | G | Georgia Southern/Maine | Flagler (Fla.) transfer averaged 7.7 ppg for GSU in 2020-21 and 2021-22 before averaging team-high 15.4 ppg with Maine in 2022-23. |
| Jonathan Komagum | F | Sacramento State | Williston State ND and Toledo transfer averaged 5.9 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.5 bpg in 2021-22. |
| Dazflo Larkai | F | La Salle | Averaged 4.4 ppg and 4 rpg as freshman in 2002-03 and started eight games as sophomore in 2003-04. |
| Dwayne Lautier-Ogunleye | G-F | Bradley | Averaged 8.1 ppg, 4.3 rpg and 2.4 apg from 2015-16 through 2018-19. |
| Andrew Lawrence | G | College of Charleston | Averaged 9.1 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.9 apg and 1.2 spg from 2009-10 through 2012-13. All-Southern Conference second-team selection each of his last two seasons. |
| Josh McSwiggan | F | Portland | Averaged 10 ppg and 3.7 rpg in 2017-18 and 2018-19. |
| Matt Meakin | C | Mount St. Mary's | Averaged 2.9 ppg and 3.2 rpg from 1991-92 through 1994-95. Member of school's first NCAA Division I team as senior. |
| Kojo Mensah-Bonsu | F | Washington State | J.C. recruit averaged 9.2 ppg and 4.5 rpg with team-high 51.5% shooting from the floor as junior in 1997-98 before averaging 13.1 ppg and team-high 6 rpg in 1998-99. |
| Pops Mensah-Bonsu | F | George Washington | Averaged 10.1 ppg and 5.7 rpg while shooting team-high 58.5% from the floor as a freshman in 2002-03 and 11.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg and team-high 61.6% field-goal shooting as a sophomore in 2003-04. Became an All-Atlantic 10 Conference second-team selection as junior in 2004-05 when he averaged 12.6 ppg and 6.6 while shooting team-high 57.1% from the floor and first-team choice as senior in 2005-06 with 12.6 ppg and 6.7 rpg plus team highs of 1.7 bpg and 56.4 FG%. |
| Aaron Menzies | C | Seattle/Saint Mary's | Averaged 8.7 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 1.4 bpg with Seattle from 2015-16 through 2017-18 before averaging 2.5 ppg and 1.7 rpg with the Gaels in 2019-20. |
| Alan Metcalfe | F | Vanderbilt | Averaged 3.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08. |
| Richard Midgley | G | California | Averaged 10.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 2.5 apg and 1 spg from 2002-03 through 2005-06. |
| Will Ohuaregbe | F | UNC Wilmington | Averaged 4 ppg and 4.8 rpg as freshman in 2009-10. |
| Mate Okros | F | Drexel | Averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.3 rpg from 2019-20 through 2022-23. |
| Michael Olowokandi | C | Pacific | Averaged 10.9 ppg and 6.6 rpg with 57% field-goal shooting in 1996-97 before becoming Big West Conference player of the year the next season as senior when posting team highs of 22.2 ppg, 11.2 rpg, 2.8 bpg and 60.8% from the floor. First pick overall in 1998 NBA draft. |
| Ugonna Onyekwe | F | Penn | Averaged 14.9 ppg and 6.4 rpg while hitting 50.6% of his field-goal attempts from 1999-00 through 2002-03. Ivy League player of the year as junior (17.5 ppg, 6 rpg) and senior (16.5 ppg, 6.4 rpg). Led the Quakers in rebounding (7.5 rpg) as sophomore. |
| Great Osobor | F | Montana State | Averaged 8 ppg and 4.4 rpg while shooting 64.5% from the floor in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Chris Pearson | F | Davidson | Averaged 7.8 ppg and team-high 6.8 rpg as sophomore in 2000-01. All-Southern Conference second-team selection the next year when averaging 11.7 ppg and 8.4 rpg, finishing his career with 7.7 ppg, 6.1 rpg and 1.2 bpg. |
| Liam Potter | C | Sacred Heart | Averaged 4.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg from 2005-06 through 2009-10. Shot team-high 65.9% from the floor as sophomore in 2006-07 and paced the Pioneers in rebounding (8.3 rpg) and blocks (2 bpg) as senior. Named Most Improved Player in the Northeast Conference in 2009-10 after redshirting the previous season. |
| Ethan Price | F | Eastern Washington | Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year averaged 9.7 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 1.8 apg in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Marc Pratt | F | Towson | Averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in 2005-06 and 2006-07. |
| Robert Reed | F-C | Rider | Averaged 4.5 ppg and 4.4 rpg from 1999-00 through 2002-03. Posted career-high 7.8 ppg and team-high 6.8 rpg as senior. |
| Justin Robinson | G | Rider | Averaged 11.2 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 3 apg from 2007-08 to 2010-11. Led the Broncs with 2.8 apg, 1.5 spg, 64 three-pointers and 88.3% free-throw shooting as junior. |
| Sam Robson | C | UC Santa Barbara | UNC Charlotte transfer was senior starter in 1991-92 when averaging 4.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg. |
| Jeremy Sochan | F | Baylor | Averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.4 rpg as a freshman in 2021-22 before becoming ninth pick overall in NBA draft. |
| Ovie Soko | F | UAB/Duquesne | Averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.9 rpg with UAB from 2009-10 through 2011-12 before averaging 18.4 ppg and 8 rpg with Duquesne in 2013-14. |
| Andrew Sullivan | F | Villanova | Averaged 3.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg from 1999-00 through 2002-03. |
| Chris Timms | C | Denver | J.C. recruit averaged 2.6 ppg and shot team-high 59.1% from the floor in 2006-07. |
| Zion Tordoff | F | Marist/Houston Baptist | Averaged 3 ppg and 2.4 rpg with Marist in 2019-20 and 7 ppg and 4.3 rpg with HBU in 2021-22. |
| Josh Uduje | G | Coastal Carolina | Averaged 9.9 ppg and 3.3 rpg in 2021-22 and 2022-23. |
| Shane Walker | F | Loyola (Md.) | Played sparingly with Maryland in 2007-08 before transferring to Loyola (Md.), where he averaged 8.7 ppg with team highs of 6.6 rpg and 1.5 bpg as sophomore in 2009-10 before contributing 11 ppg, 7.6 rpg and 1.9 bpg as junior in 2010-11. |
| Shaquille Walters | G-F | Santa Clara/Northeastern | Averaged 3.8 ppg for Santa Clara in 2017-18 before averaging 8.6 ppg and 4.3 rpg with Northeastern from 2018-19 through 2021-22. |
| Amari Williams | F | Drexel | Averaged 9.5 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.8 bpg from 2020-21 through 2022-23. |
| Akwasi Yeboah | F | Stony Brook/Rutgers | Averaged 13.9 ppg and 6 rpg with SBU from 2016-17 through 2018-19 before averaging 9.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg for the Scarlet Knights in 2019-20. |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 5
May 5th, 2023 - 8:16
Extra! Extra! Rather than try to understand lobotomy candidate Plagiarist Biledumb, the poster boy for early-cognitive impairments (Alzheimer's/dementia/Parkinson's) and grandfather abandonment, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (Louisiana State), Zeke Bonura (Loyola LA), Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN) and Bill White (Hiram OH) each hit two homers as a MLB first baseman on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 5 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 5
Los Angeles Angels 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) launched two homers against the Kansas City Royals in a 1964 game.
San Diego Padres RHP Steve Arlin (played two basketball games for Ohio State in 1964-65 under coach Fred Taylor) tossed his second of back-to-back shutouts in 1972.
Chicago White Sox SS Bosey Berger (Maryland's first hoops All-American led Southern Conference in scoring in league competition in 1930-31) banged out four hits against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1938 contest.
Seattle Mariners 1B Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's NCAA playoff team in 1969-70) contributed four hits against the Boston Red Sox in a 1979 outing.
Chicago White Sox 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) whacked two homers in an 8-5 setback against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1936.
In 1943, New York Giants LF Vic Bradford (Alabama hoops letterman in 1937) supplied his lone MLB hit with a single against the Boston Braves.
2B Marv Breeding (Samford hooper in mid-1950s) traded by the Atlanta Braves to the San Francisco Giants in 1966.
Boston Braves SS Dick Culler (#9 jersey retired by High Point for hoops Little All-American in 1935 and 1936) went 5-for-6 in a 1945 doubleheader against the New York Giants.
New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for LSU and USL in mid-1940s) went 4-for-4 and chipped in with four RBI in a 1951 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
After two shaky starts in 1951, Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Con Dempsey (played hoops for San Francisco during Golden Age of athletics on Hilltop) tossed two shutout innings of relief against the New York Giants in his third and final MLB appearance.
RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1922) ignited a 17-game winning streak for the Philadelphia Athletics in 1931 with a 4-1 triumph over the Boston Red Sox.
St. Louis Browns C Rick Ferrell (played forward for Guilford NC before graduating in 1928) furnished four hits for the second time in a three-game span in 1931.
Oakland Athletics 3B Wayne Gross (led Cal Poly Pomona in assists in 1974-75) went 4-for-4, including three extra-base hits, in a 6-2 win against the Detroit Tigers in 1981.
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 Cincinnati Reds in a 1951 contest.
Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) smacked two homers against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1996 game.
St. Louis Browns LHP Ernie Koob (Western Michigan hoops letterman in 1914) hurled a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox in 1917.
OF Don Lock (led Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58) traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Boston Red Sox in 1969.
In a twinbill sweep of the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) began a 24-game hitting streak, the longest of the 1957 season in the N.L.
Utilityman Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) traded by the Kansas City Royals to California Angels in 1972.
Chicago White Sox LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper in mid-1950s) pounded a grand slam off Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship) in a 5-1 win against the New York Yankees in opener of 1968 twinbill.
In the midst of a career-high 17-game hitting streak at start of 1934 campaign, Boston Red Sox CF Carl Reynolds (Southwestern TX hoops MVP and captain in mid-1920s) went 4-for-4 against the St. Louis Browns. It was the first of three consecutive contests where he secured two extra-base hits among at least three safeties.
Philadelphia Phillies LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1911-12 and 1913-14) went 3-for-3 at the plate in game against the Boston Braves. Outburst was one of eight multiple-hit outings for him in 1920.
Kansas City Athletics 1B Norm Siebern (member of Southwest Missouri State's back-to-back NAIA Tournament titlists in 1952 and 1953) went 5-for-6 and scored five runs in an 18-6 romp over the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a 1962 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers SS Ken Szotkiewicz (Georgia Southern hoops letterman in 1966-67) supplied career highs of two hits and two RBI against the Minnesota Twins in a 1970 contest.
San Diego Padres OF 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) stroked a game-winning, two-run single in bottom of 12th inning in a 6-5 win against the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
St. Louis Cardinals 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) belted two homers against the San Francisco Giants in a 1965 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) homered twice against the New York Giants in a 1925 game.
San Diego Padres RF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) delivered two homers against the Montreal Expos in a 1979 outing.
Chicago Cubs RHP Zip Zabel (premier hooper for Baker KS from 1913 to 1915) hurled his second shutout and third complete-gave victory in nine-day span in 1915.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 4
May 4th, 2023 - 8:40
Extra! Extra! Rather than putting any stock into what sue-happy Mary Poppins karaoke reject Ms. Misinformation says, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former Notre Dame hoopers Ron Reed and Cy Williams made National League news in games involving the Philadelphia Phillies on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 4 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 4
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) cracked a grand slam in the bottom of the 10th inning of a 10-6 triumph against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1961.
RHP Ray Benge (multi-year hoops letterman for Sam Houston State first half of 1920s) won his first four appearances with the Boston Bees in 1936.
Chicago Cubs 1B Larry Biittner (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Buena Vista IA in 1966-67) banged out four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in the nightcap of a 1980 doubleheader.
Boston Red Sox 2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63) delivered four hits against the Kansas City Royals in a 1976 game.
Oakland Athletics 3B Wayne Gross (led Cal Poly Pomona in assists in 1974-75) contributed two homers and five RBI in an 11-5 win against the New York Yankees in 1979.
In the midst of a career-high 23-game hitting streak in 1980, Cleveland Indians 1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) supplied at least one RBI in his eighth consecutive contest.
LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) traded by the Cincinnati Reds to San Francisco Giants in 1965.
Los Angeles Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 plus Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) went 4-for-4, including two homers and two doubles, against the Milwaukee Braves in a 1959 game.
In 1927, New York Giants RHP Mul Holland (Virginia hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1926-27 was All-Southern Conference Tournament selection as sophomore) posted his lone MLB victory.
Chicago White Sox 3B Irv Jeffries (posted team-high scoring average of 11.5 ppg for Kentucky in 1927-28) hit safely in his first five starts in 1931.
San Francisco Giants RHP Frank Linzy (listed on Oklahoma State's freshman hoops roster in 1959-60) notched his third save in a week en route to not allowing an earned run in his first 12 relief appearances of 1967 season.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) logged three doubles in a 9-4 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1953.
San Diego Padres 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) whacked two homers against the Chicago Cubs in a 1985 contest.
Kansas City Royals rookie CF Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) went 6-for-6 against the California Angels in 1969. Four years later as an Angels 1B, Oliver provided the contest's lone RBI against the Baltimore Orioles while supplying three hits for second time in a three-game span.
St. Louis Browns LHP Joe Ostrowski (leading scorer in 1942-43 for Scranton PA) tossed his second complete-game victory in as many starts in 1950.
Atlanta Braves RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) incurred the defeat in a 20-inning marathon against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1973.
In 1966, Houston Astros RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) tossed the last of 45 MLB shutouts in his 19-year Hall of Fame career.
RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) shipped by the Boston Red Sox to the Texas Rangers as part of a conditional deal in 1973.
RHP Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg with Northwestern State in 1976-77) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the St. Louis Cardinals for OF Tom Brunansky in 1990.
Cleveland Indians 2B Freddy Spurgeon (Kalamazoo MI hooper in 1921-22) supplied four hits and four RBI against the St. Louis Browns in a 1926 outing.
Detroit Tigers 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) stroked four hits against the Minnesota Twins in a 1976 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) collected three extra-base hits against the New York Giants in a 1923 game.
Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Active DI Mentors Departing Their Alma Maters
May 3rd, 2023 - 21:22
We don't know if the song "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" was the background music when recently-retired Mike Krzyzewski chose to leave his alma mater (Army) four decades ago for Duke in the early 1980s. Coach K departed after five campaigns with the Cadets. Four years ago, Mick Cronin left following 13 seasons at Cincinnati - the same tenure Keith Dambrot had at Akron before abandoning ship for Duquesne. Pat Conroy (The Citadel) and Thad Matta (Butler) have returned to their alma maters they previously shunned. Following is an alphabetical list of active mentors who voluntarily left their Division I alma maters after Danny Sprinkle departed Montana State for Utah State:
| Active Coach | Alma Mater (Coaching Years) | Subsequent Job (Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Mick Cronin | Cincinnati '96 (2006-07 through 2018-19) | UCLA (since 2019-20) |
| Keith Dambrot | Akron '82 (2004-05 through 2016-17) | Duquesne (since 2017-18) |
| Ed DeChellis | Penn State '82 (2003-04 through 2010-11) | Navy (since 2011-12) |
| Bryce Drew | Valparaiso '98 (2011-12 through 2015-16) | Vanderbilt (2016-17 through 2018-19) |
| Joe Golding | Abilene Christian '98 (2011-12 through 2020-21) | Texas-El Paso (since 2021-22) |
| Fred Hoiberg | Iowa State '95 (2010-11 through 2014-15) | NBA's Chicago Bulls (2015-16 to 2018-19) |
| Darrin Horn | Western Kentucky '95 (2003-04 through 2007-08) | South Carolina (2008-09 through 2011-12) |
| Greg McDermott | Northern Iowa '88 (2001-02 through 2005-06) | Iowa State (2006-07 through 2009-10) |
| Nick McDevitt | UNC Asheville '01 (2013-14 through 2017-18) | Middle Tennessee State (since 2018-19) |
| Danny Sprinkle | Montana State (2019-20 through 2022-23 | Utah State (since 2023-24) |
| Wayne Tinkle | Montana '89 (2006-07 through 2013-14) | Oregon State (since 2014-15) |
NOTE: Drew (Grand Canyon), Hoiberg (Nebraska), Horn (Northern Kentucky) and McDermott (Creighton) currently coach other colleges.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 3
May 3rd, 2023 - 9:10
Extra! Extra! Rather than lose your lunch over loathsome liberals claiming they support families while allowing Plagiarist Biledumb to get away with his shabby treatment of seventh grandchild (Joan Navy Roberts in Arkansas), you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former NCAA Tournament hoop starters Steve Hamilton (Morehead State) and Rollie Sheldon (Connecticut) became MLB pitchers involved in American League trades on this date during first half of 1960s. Ex-Penn hoopers Fritz Knothe and Tommie Upton also made MLB news on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 3 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 3
En route to hitting safely in 15 of his first 18 MLB starts, Philadelphia Phillies rookie 1B Ed Bouchee (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) went 4-for-4 in a 9-6 win against the Chicago Cubs in 1957 outing.
In 1977, Chicago Cubs RHP Ray Burris (basketball-baseball standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) fired a five-hit shutout against the Houston Astros for his first of five victories in the month.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) cracked two-run homers in the 8th and 12th innings in a 5-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds in 1966.
Detroit Tigers C Mickey Cochrane (five-sport athlete with Boston University) collected four hits, including three for extra bases, against the Chicago White Sox in a 1937 contest.
New York Yankees LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but left before ever playing) tossed a three-hit shutout in the opener of 1964 doubleheader against the Washington Senators, notching 13 of his A.L.-leading 217 strikeouts.
Boston Red Sox LF Hoot Evers (Illinois hoops starter in 1939-40) scored four runs against the St. Louis Browns in the opener of a 1953 doubleheader.
Washington Senators C Rick Ferrell (played forward for Guilford NC before graduating in 1928) registered four hits against the St. Louis Browns in a 1939 game.
First triumph in 1982 campaign for Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for UMass' freshman squad in 1971-72) was a three-hit shutout against the Seattle Mariners. Seven years later with the Toronto Blue Jays, Flanagan provided the final whitewash of his 18-year career (four-hitter against the Oakland Athletics in 1989).
INF Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship hoops squad for Washington College MD) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Brooklyn Robins in 1927.
LHP Steve Hamilton (Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Washington Senators in 1962.
In 1998, Cleveland Indians RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) jacked milestone 200th of his 305 MLB career homers.
Boston Braves 3B Fritz Knothe (member of Penn's freshman hoops squad in 1923-24) knocked a go-ahead, two-run homer in bottom of the eighth inning in 6-4 win against the Cincinnati Reds in 1933.
Teammates OF Irv Noren (hoops player of year for California junior college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) and INF Tommie Upton (led Southeast Missouri State in scoring three years last half of 1940s and was school's career scoring leader upon graduation; while serving in military, Upton was All-EIBL first-team selection with Penn in 1945-46) traded by the Washington Senators to the New York Yankees for promising OF Jackie Jensen and three other players in 1952. Upton never played for the Yanks.
New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) went 4-for-4 and swiped two bases in a 3-2 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1915.
RHP Steve Roser (hoops center for Clarkson NY before passing up senior season after signing professional baseball contract in 1940) purchased from the New York Yankees by the Boston Braves in 1946.
RHP Rollie Sheldon (third-leading scorer as sophomore for Connecticut's 1960 NCAA Tournament team) traded by the New York Yankees to the Kansas City Athletics in 1965.
Chicago Cubs SS Roy Smalley Jr. (one of top scorers for Drury MO in 1942-43 and 1943-44) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1950 contest.
Boston Red Sox 3B Jim Tabor (Alabama hoops letterman in 1936-37) jacked two homers against the St. Louis Browns in a 1940 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA scoring leader in 1958-59 and 1959-60 when named All-Evergreen Conference) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Cincinnati Reds in 1967.
Chicago Cubs RF Bob Will (all-league athlete was hoops captain for Mankato State MN in 1954-55) stroked two doubles in midst of four consecutive two-hit contests in 1960.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 2
May 2nd, 2023 - 8:57
Extra! Extra! If you're still not evaluating NFL draftees, you have time to read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Graig Nettles, John Wathan and Jim Wilson - former hoopers from San Diego-based universities - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 2 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 2
Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year basketball letterman for Allegheny PA) contributed three extra-base hits against the Atlanta Braves in a 1972 game.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) stroked four hits against the Seattle Mariners in a 1979 contest.
Chicago Cubs CF Billy Cowan (hoops co-captain of Utah's 1970 NCAA playoff team) knocked in five runs against the Houston Colt .45s in a 1964 game.
Cincinnati Reds 1B George Crowe (four-year letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for Indiana Central after becoming first high school player named the state's "Mr. Basketball") drove in six runs in a 7-3 victory at St. Louis in 1958.
Boston Red Sox C Gene Desautels (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1929 and 1930) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1938 outing.
San Francisco Giants 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered in both ends of a 1981 doubleheader split against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After winning four straight starts in April, Florida Marlins LHP Mark Hendrickson (two-time All-Pacific-10 Conference selection paced Washington State four straight seasons in rebounding 1992-93 through 1995-96) earned the triumph in a 6-4 verdict over the San Diego Padres in 2008.
Philadelphia Phillies 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) went 4-for-4 (including three doubles) along with five RBI in a 1990 game against the Houston Astros.
New York Yankees rookie LF Charlie Keller (three-year hoops letterman with Maryland from 1934-35 through 1936-37) scored four runs and chipped in with six RBI against the Detroit Tigers in a 1939 contest.
INF Buddy Myer (hoops letterman for Mississippi State in 1923-24) traded by the Washington Senators to the Boston Red Sox in 1927.
3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) swatted a pinch-hit grand slam for the Atlanta Braves in a 12-4 victory against the Houston Astros in 1987.
RHP Jim Perry (averaged more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for former juco Campbell) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Minnesota Twins in 1963.
Kansas City Royals LF Lou Piniella (averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.4 rpg for Tampa as freshman in 1961-62) provided three safeties for the third time in a four-game span in 1972.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) struck out 13 Chicago Cubs in a 4-2 triumph in 1957. No Philly infielder had an assist in the contest.
In 1958, Boston Red Sox RHP Dave Sisler (All-Ivy League second-team selection for Princeton's first NCAA Tournament team in 1952) fired his lone MLB shutout (against Detroit Tigers). The next year, Sisler was traded by the Red Sox to the Tigers on this date.
Kansas City Royals C John Wathan (averaged 3.7 ppg in 11 games for San Diego in 1968-69) went 4-for-5 against the Boston Red Sox in 1980.
Chicago Cubs CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 with two triples against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1914 game.
First MLB win for RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) was a four-hit shutout for the Boston Red Sox against the Washington Senators in 1945.
Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) drew four walks in a game for the second time in less than two weeks in 1951.
College Intelligence Agency: Ex-DI Hooper Aided Tracking Down Terrorist UBL
May 2nd, 2023 - 8:42
Do you want to be an authentic hero or a textbook zero resembling petty politicians, press pestilent pundits and big tech termites futilely trying to intimidate resourceful Conservatives? For several years, Fox News aired a riveting two-part program featuring Navy SEAL Team 6 member Robert O'Neill (senior chief petty officer is recipient of two Silver and five Bronze Stars) as "The Man Who Killed Usama Bin Laden." Amid focusing on the 12th anniversary ridding Planet Earth of UBL, it seems we should also be celebrating authentic courage from the college basketball ranks stemming from an individual instrumental in tracking down the terrorist ringleader of 9/11 attack. But the selfless ex-athlete from a Midwest major university hasn't "come out of the closet" for security reasons and might be underground with a fake identification unless, of course, ax-grinding Left Coast Sen. Dianne "Fossil" Feinstein rats him out amid another of her vendettas or some sycophant from the old Obama Administration eventually unmasks him via a smut merchant Michelle Wolf monologue while Lurch Kerry exhibits loose lips with the Iranians.
In the documentation about dispatching UBL to hell (equivalent status even if nonsense about satisfying 72 virgins transpired in some towelhead aspirational dream), the White House unveiled a photograph of President Barack Obama and his Cabinet inside the Situation Room, watching the daring commando raid unfold on May 1, 2011. But POTUS (JV player for Occidental CA) apparently wasn't the tallest ex-college hooper in the room. Standing just outside the frame of that famous pic was an anonymous Central Intelligence Agency officer ("CIA John") who pursued UBL as a dogmatic deputy chief and reportedly was also influential as one of the principal proponents of drone deterrence. Two days after the world's most-wanted man was transformed into marine treat when deposited in the North Arabian Sea, "CIA John" accompanied then CIA Director Leon Panetta to Capitol Hill, where the Senate Intelligence Committee received a full briefing on the mission.
According to AP accounts at the time, the meticulous senior intelligence analyst was the first individual to put in writing that a legitimate CIA lead had been assembled on possibly locating UBL. He spearheaded the collection of clues for nearly 10 years, leading the agency to a fortified compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan, and its epic counter-terrorism success. Our freedom-loving nation is eternally grateful that his manhunt accuracy as a deep-cover agent in pinpointing UBL's whereabouts stood in stark contrast to his free-throw marksmanship as a deep-bench player (barely over 30%) as a member of multiple NCAA playoff teams.
Sy Hersh muckraking notwithstanding, box-office hit "Zero Dark Thirty" was an inspiring movie focusing on a young female CIA operative allegedly also from flyover country. She exhibited her tenacity, dedication and courage in primarily monitoring a vital courier for al-Qaeda's upper brass. According to Esquire, the shooter who killed UBL (subsequently acknowledged as Butte MT native O'Neill) gave the magazine out of his gun as a souvenir to bloodhound "Maya." While the film doesn't do justice to the male super spy, the patriot is likely to defer anyway to the concept "there is no 'I' in team" insofar as it was a remark his college hoops coach frequently cited. Naturally, Langley issued a perfunctory "no comment" because concern exists about publishing his name and running biographical details might make him a target for Muslim radical retribution.
Over the decades, there have been other notable "Secret Agent Men" in the CIA who were former college hoopsters. In fact, a Final Four player isn't required to hit a decisive basket or be selected Most Outstanding Player to be a hero. He doesn't even need to participate on the court. Bob Ames, a member of the Tom Gola-led La Salle teams in 1954 (national champion) and 1955 (runner-up to San Francisco), never got off the bench at the Final Four those two years although he was the only La Salle player to hit more than three-fourths of his free throws the season the Explorers won the NCAA title.
"Our coach, Ken Loeffler, only used seven guys, and Bob was the eighth man," said Frank Blatcher, a starter for the Explorers each season and their leading scorer with a total of 42 points at the Final Four on the championship team. "He had the talent. He just never got a chance to show it."
Ames, a pre-law major who scored a total of eight points in three NCAA playoff games in 1955, did have an opportunity to show his ability in another more vital endeavor, however. He joined the CIA and worked his way up the chain of command to become the Director of the CIA's Office of Analysis of the Near East and South Asia. "The Spy Who Loved Basketball" worked closely with both the Carter and Reagan administrations.
Regrettably, Ames was killed in Beirut in 1983. A truck loaded with TNT on a suicide mission rammed into the facility where Ames was staying while serving as a liaison trying to allay contacts among the Lebanese, Syrians and Israelis in hopes of calming the escalating discord.
"Here was a guy that turned out to have had a greater influence on our lives than just about any 1,000 other basketball players you can name," Blatcher said. "It just shows you that you don't have to be a star to accomplish something." Something like becoming a genuine American hero.
Elsewhere, the CIA's deputy director under George Bush in 1976 was Hank Knoche, the leading scorer in the Mountain States (Big Seven) Conference with 16.4 points per game for Colorado's 1946 NCAA Tournament team. Knoche, the father of former American University coach Chris Knoche, reputedly was the first player selected in the NBA's first college draft in 1947 after enrolling at Washington and Jefferson (Pa.) to play on a 16-4 team with two of his brothers. But he never appeared in the then-fledgling league, which doesn't have any official draft records prior to 1949. The franchise that selected him, the Pittsburgh Ironmen, folded shortly after the draft, and his rights reverted to the New York Knicks.
"I didn't know I was the first No. 1 pick until a writer from Atlanta called me for a story," Knoche said. "An NBA historian had informed him of my alleged status."
The elder Knoche, who went to live in the Denver area, chose not to play in an uncertain situation for little money. "I never received any contact from the Ironmen," he said. "The Knicks sent a contract offer in the mail, but it was for just $3,500 and that's if I made the team (many NBA standouts earn five times that amount every quarter).
"I chose to play industrial basketball, where I remember playing six times one year against seven-footer Bob Kurland (Oklahoma State three-time first-team All-American who never played in the NBA). That wasn't much fun going against Kurland because I was just a 6-4 center."
Knoche was recalled to the military during the Korean War, where he was assigned to intelligence work for the Navy and later embarked on a civilian career leading to a job with the CIA.
Another former college hooper who carved out a CIA career was Pete Sivess, a center for Dickinson PA in 1935-36 before compiling a 7-11 record as a righthanded pitcher with the Philadelphia Phillies in three years from 1936 through 1938. While Moe Berg is the most famous MLB player linked with the CIA, his career as a spy pales in comparison to baseball contemporary Sivess, who is credited with defining CIA policy for handling Eastern Bloc defectors. During the height of the Cold War, Sivess conducted a "first haven" on Maryland's Eastern Shore where defectors were shipped to be debriefed. Probably the highest-profile spy Sivess monitored was "notorious double agent" Nicholas Shadrin, who died on a trip to Vienna in 1975 in a kidnapping attempt by Moscow's counterspies.
In the shadowy world of the CIA, no precise clues exist as to whether a basketball background for "CIA John" contributed to helping POTUS develop a comfort-zone bond with him similar to other ex-college hoopers in his inner circle - Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (Harvard), Attorney General Eric Holder (Columbia), "body man" Reggie Love (Duke) and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mike Mullen (Navy). But it isn't ridiculous to suggest there might not have been a second inauguration for President Obama if he didn't trust "CIA John."
A vital hurdle approving the raid came when the SEAL Squadron leader briefed Mullen on merits of the mission. According to O'Neill's anonymous interview with Esquire, Vice Admiral William McRaven, head of Joint Special Ops Command, compared the raid and its fighters to the basketball movie Hoosiers in a final briefing with the participants in Operation Neptune's Spear.
A pithy precept occasionally surfaces in basketball trash talking that "some talk a good game and some play a good game." Depending upon your point of view, Time's Person of the Year in 2011 and each subsequent year could have been "CIA John." Surely, ex-Time managing editor Rick Stengel, a backup for Pete Carril-coached Princeton in the mid-1970s, would have encouraged leftist lunatic co-workers to give "CIA John" special consideration after the White House acknowledged him and his colleagues as "unbelievably competent professionals" prior to joining Obama's State Department.
The dumber-than-doorknob Obama Administration admitted doctoring State Department videos. Wanna bet whether "CIA John" was photo-shopped out of the famous Situation Room pic? Perhaps Plagiarist Biledumb of Logan Act lore was involved in similar General Flynn intrigue while donning aviator sunglasses and profanely instruct his German Shepherd (Major) to bite underlings annoying him. In midst of feeling so clever switching from unmasking opponents to masking entire nation, "the big guy's" alleged e-mail pseudonym - Peter Henderson - seems to have been "borrowed" straight from KGB mole in Tom Clancy's Jack Ryan series.
Deserved or not, other ex-college hoopers may get the bulk of the glory ranging from taking credit for UBL's demise to some searing social issue actually paling in comparison. When, if ever, will our nation get the opportunity to pay homage to a genuine hoop hero comparable to Ames, Knoche and Sivess? Heaven only knows we need an authentic hero these days to offset riots in major U.S. cities, lying by eventual Presidential nominee in front of caskets as former server-swiping Secretary of State #ShrillaryRotten, lawless #Demonrat West Wings supported by ideologically-driven lame-stream media, punk politicians peppering opposing views with inane questions plus collegiate academic scandals and athletes treating women as bad as Sharia-Law zealot Islamic radicals. But at the moment, the stirring tale will simply be "The Greatest Hoop Story Never Fully Told."
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on May 1
May 1st, 2023 - 8:38
Extra! Extra! As a new season reaches its second full month, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former New England university hoopers Jim Beattie (Dartmouth) and Rollie Sheldon (Connecticut) hurled MLB shutouts on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 1 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
MAY 1
Seattle Mariners RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected basketball team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in 1985.
After teammate Bill Parsons walked the first three Oakland A's batters, RHP Jim Colborn (Whittier CA in mid-1960s before studying for master's at Edinburgh where he was All-Scotland in basketball) came in and pitched a complete-game 4-3 victory for the Milwaukee Brewers in 1973.
California Angels RHP Eddie Fisher (hooper for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) permitted his lone earned run in first 12 relief appearances in the 1970 campaign.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) furnished three extra-base hits and four RBI against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1927 contest.
Pittsburgh Pirates 3B Lee Handley (Bradley hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) banged out four hits against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1941 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) contributed four hits, three RBI and two stolen bases in a 1984 confrontation against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Cleveland Indians LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) delivered two homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 1997 game.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (three-year hoops letterman with Maryland from 1934-35 through 1936-37) collected seven RBI against the St. Louis Browns in a 1941 contest.
Detroit Tigers RF Rusty Kuntz (J.C. hooper for Cuesta CA) went 3-for-3 with three RBI against the Boston Red Sox in a 1984 outing.
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) went 4-for-4 in a 4-2 loss against the San Francisco Giants in 1962.
Kansas City Athletics RHP Rollie Sheldon (third-leading scorer as sophomore for Connecticut's 1960 NCAA Tournament team) hurled a three-hit shutout against his original team (New York Yankees) in the opener of 1966 doubleheader.
Kansas City Athletics 1B Norm Siebern (member of Southwest Missouri State squads capturing back-to-back NAIA Tournament hoop titles in 1952 and 1953) smacked two homers against the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a 1960 doubleheader, igniting a streak of five consecutive two-hit contests.
3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) contributed a homer and double for the Cincinnati Reds during their eight-run fourth inning in 1940 when they defeated the Brooklyn Dodgers, 9-2.
A seventh-inning single by Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) represented the only hit Hall of Fame P Bob Feller yielded in a 2-0 win for the Cleveland Indians in the opener of a doubleheader in 1955. It was Feller's MLB-record 12th one-hitter.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) homered twice among his four hits and scored four runs against the Boston Braves in a 1923 game.
INF Dib Williams (Hendrix AR hooper in mid-1920s) purchased from the Philadelphia Athletics by the Boston Red Sox in 1935.
Happy Birthday! May Celebration Dates for All-Americans and HOF Coaches
May 1st, 2023 - 8:27
Four Notre Dame players named All-American in 20-year span from 1936 through 1955 were born this month. The Fighting Irish and Kentucky are tied for most A-As born this month with five apiece. May 9 is the day to celebrate the most birthdays this month for former All-Americans. Syracuse (May 10), UK (May 12) and Michigan State (May 18) each had two A-As born on the same day. Following are birthdates in May for All-Americans and Hall of Fame coaches:
MAY
1: All-Americans Billy Owens (born in 1969/attended Syracuse) and Alan Seiden (1937/St. John's) plus Hall of Fame coach Amory "Slats" Gill (1901/bench boss at Oregon State).
2: All-Americans Troy Murphy (1980/Notre Dame), William "Red" Stroud (1941/Mississippi State) and Keith Wilkes (1953/UCLA).
3: All-Americans Ken Owens (1959/Idaho) and Kelvin Ransey (1958/Ohio State).
4: All-Americans Sam Clancy Jr. (1980/Southern California), Johnathan Motley (1995/Baylor) and Kyle Singler (1988/Duke).
5: All-Americans Alfred "Butch" Beard (1947/Louisville), Bill Buntin (1942/Michigan), Bill Haarlow (1913/Chicago), Paul Hoffman (1925/Purdue), Harold Miner (1971/Southern California), Mike Silliman (1944/Army) and Anthony "P.J." Tucker (1985/Texas).
6: All-American Chris Paul (1985/Wake Forest).
7: All-Americans Ethan Happ (1996/Wisconsin), Jerry Harkness (1940/Loyola of Chicago) and Paul Unruh (1928/Bradley).
8: All-Americans Quentin Grimes (2000/Houston), Juan "Pepe" Sanchez (1977/Temple) and Kemba Walker (1990/Connecticut).
9: All-Americans Ed Beisser (1919/Creighton), Kevin "Yogi" Ferrell (1993/Indiana), Erick Green (1991/Virginia Tech), Howard "Butch" Komives (1941/Bowling Green State), Calvin Murphy (1948/Niagara), Chris Porter (1978/Auburn), Elmore Smith (1949/Kentucky State) and George Wilson (1942/Cincinnati).
10: All-Americans Eddie Finnigan (1911/Western Reserve OH), Malachi Flynn (1998/San Diego State), Rudy Hackett (1953/Syracuse), Mike Maloy (1949/Davidson) and Rony Seikaly (1965/Syracuse) plus Hall of Fame coach Jim Calhoun (1942/Northeastern and Connecticut).
11: All-Americans Leo Barnhorst (1924/Notre Dame), Price Brookfield (1920/West Texas State), Darrell Floyd (1932/Furman), Ed Gayda (1927/Washington State) and Barry Parkhill (1951/Virginia).
12: All-Americans Keith Bogans (1980/Kentucky), Jack Gray (1911/Texas), Kevin Grevey (1953/Kentucky) and Gene Tormohlen (1937/Tennessee) plus Hall of Fame coach Everett Shelton (1898/Wyoming).
13: All-Americans Louis "Bosey" Berger (1910/Maryland), Mike Bibby (1978/Arizona), Wayne Estes (1943/Utah State), Trajan Langdon (1976/Duke) and Dean Meminger (1948/Marquette).
14: All-Americans Jim Ashmore (1935/Mississippi State), Walter Berry (1964/St. John's) and Vern Gardner (1925/Utah).
15: All-Americans Gene Banks (1959/Duke), Don Nelson (1940/Iowa), Freeman Williams (1956/Portland State) and Nate Wolters (1991/South Dakota State).
16: All-Americans Charles "Tub" Bradley (1959/Wyoming) and John Salley (1964/Georgia Tech).
17: All-Americans Winford Boynes (1957/San Francisco), Bill "Pickles" Kennedy (1938/Temple), Jon Koncak (1963/Southern Methodist) and Danny Manning (1966/Kansas).
18: All-Americans Chester "Chet" Aubuchon (1916/Michigan State), Donyell Marshall (1973/Connecticut), Ron Mercer (1976/Kentucky), John "Jack" Stephens (1933/Notre Dame) and Sam Vincent (1963/Michigan State).
19: All-Americans Michael Smith (1965/Brigham Young) and Jarrod Uthoff (1993/Iowa).
20: All-Americans Larry Hennessy (1929/Villanova), Howard Wood (1959/Tennessee) and Julian Wright (1987/Kansas).
21: All-Americans James Bailey (1957/Rutgers), Isaiah Canaan (1991/Murray State), Leo Klier (1923/Notre Dame) and Jack Twyman (1934/Cincinnati) plus Hall of Fame coaches Clarence "Big House" Gaines (1923/Winston-Salem State) and Gene Keady (1936/Western Kentucky and Purdue).
22: All-Americans Lauri Markkanen (1997/Arizona), John Moir (1915/Notre Dame) and Larry Siegfried (1939/Ohio State).
23: All-American Rod Thorn (1941/West Virginia) and Hall of Fame coach Tom Penders (1945/Columbia, Fordham, Rhode Island, Texas, George Washington and Houston).
24: All-Americans Howie Dallmar (1922/Penn), Irwin Dambrot (1928/CCNY) and Mitch Kupchak (1954/North Carolina).
25: All-Americans Chester "Chet" Giermak (1927/William & Mary), Kendall Gill (1968/Illinois), K.C. Jones (1932/San Francisco), Bill Sharman (1926/Southern California) and Derrick Williams (1991/Arizona).
26: All-American Tom McMillen (1952/Maryland).
27: All-Americans David Greenwood (1957/UCLA), George McCloud (1967/Florida State) and Dick Schnittker (1928/Ohio State) plus Hall of Fame coach George "Jud" Heathcote (1927/Montana and Michigan State).
28: All-Americans Bob Brannum (1925/Kentucky), Armon Gilliam (1964/UNLV), Glen Rice Sr. (1967/Michigan), Elwood "Woody" Romney (1911/Brigham Young) and Jerry West (1938/West Virginia) plus Hall of Fame coach Ward "Piggy" Lambert (1888/Purdue).
29: All-Americans Carmelo Anthony (1984/Syracuse), Bob Burrow (1934/Kentucky), Bill Curley (1972/Boston College), Markelle Fultz (1998/Washington), Stanley Johnson (1996/Arizona) and Raef LaFrentz (1976/Kansas).
30: All-Americans Harrison Barnes (1992/North Carolina), Evan Eschmeyer (1975/Northwestern), Morris "Moe" Goldman (1913/CCNY), Bob Mattick (1933/Oklahoma A&M) and Billy McCaffrey (1971/Vanderbilt).
31: All-Americans Ron Bonham (1942/Cincinnati), Bob Ferry (1937/St. Louis), Matt Harpring (1976/Georgia Tech) and Nate Robinson (1984/Washington).
Birthdays in January for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in February for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in March for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in April for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in May for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in June for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in July for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in August for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in September for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in October for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in November for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
Birthdays in December for All-Americans and Hall of Fame Coaches
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 30
April 30th, 2023 - 9:44
Extra! Extra! Rather than listening to misguided #MessMedia and petty politicians on Sunday morning corrosive chit chat, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former Big Ten Conference hoopers Frank Howard (Ohio State), Harvey Kuenn (Wisconsin) and Dave Winfield (Minnesota) provided significant MLB performances on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 30 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 30
California Angels 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) contributed four hits against the Boston Red Sox in a 1966 outing.
Detroit Tigers 1B Dale Alexander (starting hoops center for Milligan TN in mid-1920s) supplied his sixth straight multiple-hit game and 10th in last 17 contests to finish the first month of the 1931 season with a .519 batting average.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) went 4-for-4 in a 5-4 win against the Boston Braves in 1934.
Chicago White Sox CF Ken Berry (freshman hooper for Wichita in 1959-60) collected four straight singles in a 1968 game against the Washington Senators.
Chicago White Sox rookie 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) knocked in five runs in a 20-10 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1934.
New York Giants 2B Pat Crawford (Davidson hoops captain in early 1920s) went 3-for-3 with two extra-base hits in a 1930 game against the Brooklyn Robins.
California Angels 2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63) delivered five hits in a 1974 contest against the Boston Red Sox.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 5-for-5 against the New York Mets in a 1993 game before adding four safeties against the Mets the next day.
Chicago Cubs LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) won his first two of N.L.-high 65 relief appearances during 1959 season.
Los Angeles Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN hooper in 1947 and 1948) homered in fifth of last seven games of the month in 1958.
Washington Senators LF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding) closed out the month by homering in three consecutive contests against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1970.
Baltimore Orioles rookie 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) jacked two homers against the Detroit Tigers in a 1966 game. Twelve years later with the Philadelphia Phillies, Johnson whacked a pinch grand slam against the San Diego Padres in 1978.
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) contributed his 10th multiple-hit outing in April of 1968.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) went 5-for-5 against the Washington Senators in a 1955 game.
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 and becoming All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) stole four bases against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1978 contest.
In 1937, Philadelphia Athletics INF Clarence "Ace" Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1935-36) became the first A.L. player to hit a pinch-hit homer in his MLB debut (against Wes Ferrell of Boston Red Sox).
1B Jack Phillips (leading scorer for 14-1 Clarkson NY in 1942-43) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Boston Red Sox in 1957.
Oakland Athletics OF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) banged out four hits in a 13-9 victory against the Boston Red Sox in 1999.
Four days removed from his initial MLB victory, Chicago White Sox rookie RHP Charlie Robertson (Austin College TX hooper before joining U.S. Army during WWI) hurled a perfect game in 2-0 decision against Hall of Famer Ty Cobb's Detroit Tigers in 1922. Detroit set an A.L. single-season team record for batting average (.316) the previous year and went on to have six starters finish with marks over .300 this campaign.
RF Richie Scheinblum (averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg for C.W. Post NY in 1962-63 and 1963-64) traded by the California Angels to the Kansas City Royals in 1974.
SS Roy Smalley Jr. (one of top hoops scorers for Drury MO in 1942-43 and 1943-44) purchased from the Milwaukee Braves by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1955.
RHP Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg with Northwestern State in 1976-77) posted saves in his first 12 relief appearances with the Baltimore Orioles in 1994 by failing to permit an earned run in a span covering 10 2/3 innings.
Rookie SS-LF Gary Sutherland (averaged 8.1 ppg and 2.2 rpg for Stanford from 1960-61 through 1962-63) smacked a two-run pinch double in the top of the ninth inning to give the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-4 win against the Atlanta Braves in 1967.
RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972), who was on base at least once in every game this month, tied a MLB record for RBI in April with 29 for the New York Yankees in 1988.
No-No News: Ex-Cincy Frosh Hooper Koufax Remains King of MLB No-Hitters
April 30th, 2023 - 9:34
In the aftermath of several near combined no-hitters, it's time to take a look at former college hoopers who went on to hurl a no-no at the major-league level. Brooklyn native Sandy Koufax attended Cincinnati one year on a combination baseball/basketball scholarship under coach Ed Jucker in both sports before signing a pro baseball contract. Koufax was the third-leading scorer with 9.7 ppg for the Bearcats' 12-2 freshman squad in 1953-54 before hurling no-hitters in four straight seasons during first half of the 1960s.
Two former Bucknell products - Bob Keegan and Christy Mathewson - are among the following ex-college basketball players going on to toss a MLB no-hitter (listed in reverse order):
| Date | No-Hit Ex-Hooper | MLB Team | Opponent | Score | Basketball College |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-14-1977 | Jim Colborn | Kansas City Royals | Texas Rangers | 6-0 | Whittier CA |
| 8-24-1975 | Ed Halicki | San Francisco Giants | New York Mets | 6-0 | Monmouth NJ |
| 7-30-1973 | Jim Bibby | Texas Rangers | Oakland A's | 6-0 | Fayetteville State NC |
| 8-14-1971 | Bob Gibson | St. Louis Cardinals | Pittsburgh Pirates | 11-0 | Creighton |
| 9-18-1968 | Ray Washburn | St. Louis Cardinals | San Francisco Giants | 2-0 | Whitworth WA |
| 6-10-1966 | Sonny Siebert | Cleveland Indians | Washington Senators | 2-0 | Missouri |
| 9-9-1965 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers | Chicago Cubs | 1-0* | Cincinnati |
| 6-4-1964 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers | Philadelphia Phillies | 3-0 | Cincinnati |
| 5-11-1963 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers | San Francisco Giants | 8-0 | Cincinnati |
| 6-30-1962 | Sandy Koufax | Los Angeles Dodgers | New York Mets | 5-0 | Cincinnati |
| 8-20-1957 | Bob Keegan | Chicago White Sox | Washington Senators | 6-0 | Bucknell |
| 6-12-1954 | Jim Wilson | Milwaukee Braves | Philadelphia Phillies | 2-0 | San Diego State |
| 9-3-1947 | Bill McCahan | Philadelphia Athletics | Washington Senators | 3-0 | Duke |
| 8-21-1926 | Ted Lyons | Chicago White Sox | Boston Red Sox | 6-0 | Baylor |
| 4-30-1922 | Charlie Robertson | Chicago White Sox | Detroit Tigers | 2-0* | Austin College TX |
| 5-5-1917 | Ernie Koob | St. Louis Browns | Chicago White Sox | 1-0 | Western Michigan |
| 6-13-1905 | Christy Mathewson | New York Giants | Chicago Cubs | 1-0 | Bucknell |
| 7-15-1901 | Christy Mathewson | New York Giants | St. Louis Cardinals | 5-0 | Bucknell |
*Perfect game.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 29
April 29th, 2023 - 8:45
Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether Plagiarist Biledumb should include Arkansas girl hideous Hunter sired with an escort as one of his grandchildren, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former Notre Dame hoop starters Ron Reed and Cy Williams extended significant MLB streaks on this date. Four ex-hoopers for PA small colleges - Joe Buzas (Bucknell), Lynn Jones (Thiel), Red Murray (Lock Haven) and Gary Peters (Grove City) - also made MLB news. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 29 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 29
In 1953, Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) launched a homer into the center-field bleachers against the New York Giants at the Polo Grounds, a feat that had never been done before and would only be achieved twice more (by Hank Aaron and Lou Brock).
Detroit Tigers rookie 1B Dale Alexander (starting center for Milligan TN in mid-1920s) hit safely in his first 12 MLB games in 1929 before he was held hitless by the St. Louis Browns.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) banged out four hits against the St. Louis Browns in a 1948 contest.
New York Yankees SS Joe Buzas (Bucknell hoops letterman from 1938-39 through 1940-41) hit safely in his first 10 MLB games.
CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) awarded on waivers from the Cincinnati Reds to the Chicago Cubs in 1933.
In 1930, Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Ralph Erickson (Idaho State hooper in mid-1920s) won his lone MLB decision.
Atlanta Braves 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice in a 1989 game against the Montreal Expos.
Houston Astros C Joe Ferguson (played in 1967 NCAA basketball tourney with Pacific) pounded two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1977 outing.
In his MLB debut, Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1940-41) hurled a shutout and went 3-for-3 against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1945.
Brooklyn Robins 2B Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship squad for Washington College MD) provided four hits, including three doubles, in a 19-15 win against the New York Giants in 1930. It was one of five games that month where he had at least three safeties.
Oakland Athletics rookie 3B Wayne Gross (led Cal Poly Pomona in assists in 1974-75) whacked two homers against the Boston Red Sox in a 1977 game.
Los Angeles Dodgers 1B Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding) collected two homers and six RBI against the Chicago Cubs in a 1961 outing.
Philadelphia Phillies 2B Irv Jeffries (posted team-high scoring average of 11.5 ppg for Kentucky in 1927-28) provided three hits for the second game in a row against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1934.
In the midst of a 15-game hitting streak, 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) scored four runs against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1969 contest.
Detroit Tigers rookie CF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) finished his first month with a .389 batting average after notching fourth straight two-hit game in 1979.
Toronto Blue Jays 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) sustained his fifth setback of the month in as many starts in 1978.
San Francisco Giants RHP Frank Linzy (listed on Oklahoma State's freshman hoops roster in 1959-60) toiled five innings for his first of 14 victories as a reliever during the 1969 campaign.
RHP Roger Mason (multiple-year hoops letterman for Saginaw Valley State MI in late 1970s) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the New York Mets in 1994.
2B Dutch Meyer (Texas Christian hoops letterman in 1934-35 and 1935-36) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Cleveland Indians in 1945.
New York Giants RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) collected four hits and five RBI in a 7-3 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1911. Four years later as a CF, he scored four runs in 1915 contest against the Boston Braves.
In a 17-inning marathon where both starting pitchers went the distance, St. Louis Cardinals RHP Roy Parmelee (Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) outdueled New York Giants Hall of Famer Carl Hubbell, 2-1, in 1936.
Washington Senators rookie C Les Peden (Texas A&M letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) provided his lone MLB homer (against the Chicago White Sox in 1953).
Cleveland tied a MLB record by winning its first 10 games of the 1966 campaign before the Indians lost, 4-1, to Chicago White Sox LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper in mid-1950s).
In the midst of 11 straight scoreless appearances in 1979, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) won his third successive relief outing.
Chicago White Sox CF Carl Reynolds (Southwestern TX hoops MVP and captain in mid-1920s) homered twice in an 8-6 win against the Detroit Tigers in 1930.
In 1975, LF Champ Summers (team-high scoring averages of 15.7 ppg for Nicholls State in 1964-65 and 22.5 ppg for SIUE in 1969-70) shipped by the Oakland Athletics to the Chicago Cubs to complete a deal made earlier in the month.
Atlanta Braves RHP Cecil Upshaw (led Centenary in scoring as junior while averaging 13.7 ppg and 6 rpg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) earned his sixth save in a row in 1969.
Washington Senators rookie RHP Monte Weaver (hoops center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1930s) hit safely as lefthanded swinger in his first four starts in 1932.
St. Louis Cardinals CF-1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) contributed four hits for the second time in a six-game span in 1960.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) provided at least three hits in each of his first four contests in 1919.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 28
April 28th, 2023 - 8:38
Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether hideous Hunter Biledumb should be forced to don ankle monitor at White House Correspondents' Dinner, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former Texas A&M hoopers Davey Johnson and Wally Moon delivered significant MLB offensive performances on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 28 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 28
Oakland Athletics RHP Ray Burris (baseball-basketball standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Minnesota Twins in 1984.
In 1966, CF Billy Cowan (co-captain of Utah's 1960 NCAA playoff team) traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Chicago Cubs for cash and 3B Bobby Cox, who went on to become one of MLB's all-time winningest managers with the Braves.
Cincinnati Reds 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) collected two homers and five RBI against the Chicago Cubs in a 1956 game.
In 1928, St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) collected four hits against the Chicago Cubs, giving him 13 safeties over a four-game span.
California Angels RHP Dave Frost (averaged 10.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Stanford from 1971-72 through 1973-74) fired a six-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in 1979.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) collected five hits in a 7-3 victory over the Chicago Cubs in 1998, registering the ninth game of at least five hits in his career.
Chicago Cubs 1B Jim Hickman (freshman hooper for Ole Miss in 1955-56) hammered a three-run homer in each of his first two plate appearances in 10-8 win against World Series-bound Cincinnati Reds in 1972.
Baltimore Orioles 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) hit safely in first 17 games of the 1971 campaign (career-high).
RF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring the previous season) accounted for all of the Philadelphia Phillies' offense with a three-run homer in a 3-2 victory against the San Diego Padres in 1978.
In 1960, Los Angeles Dodgers OF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) manufactured three hits in his third consecutive contest.
INF Tim Nordbrook (hoops letterman in 1968-69 for Loyola LA) traded by the Toronto Blue Jays to the Milwaukee Brewers in 1978.
Cincinnati Reds LF Gary Redus (J.C. hooper for Athens AL and father of Centenary/South Alabama guard with same name) stole four bases in a 1984 game against the San Francisco Giants.
1B-OF Bud Sharpe (Penn State hoops letterman in 1902) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to Boston Doves in 1910.
RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Mizzou in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) defeated the Angels, 2-1, as the Cleveland Indians tied a MLB record by winning their first 10 contests of the 1966 season.
Baltimore Orioles RF Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops team in mid-1960s) grounded into a double play against the Chicago White Sox to snap his streak of 10 consecutive safeties in 1981.
Utilityman Roe Skidmore (scored 41 points for Millikin IL in game against Illinois College on 1-28-66) shipped by Chicago White Sox to Cincinnati Reds in 1972 to complete a deal made the previous month.
Washington Senators RHP Dick Such (averaged 8.9 ppg and 7.4 rpg in 1964-65 and 10.5 ppg and 6.9 rpg in 1965-66 for Elon) posted his lone MLB victory (against Milwaukee Brewers in 1970).
C-UTL Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) purchased from St. Paul (American Association) by the Cincinnati Reds in 1935.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points for Benedictine KS from 1955-56 through 1957-58) fired his second three-hit shutout of the month in 1965.
New York Yankees rookie RF Sammy Vick (three-sport athlete for Millsaps MS) scored game-winning run in the bottom of 12th inning after his second triple in a 3-2 triumph against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1919.
Toronto Blue Jays DH Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) smacked two homers against the California Angels in a 1992 outing.
Gauging Garrett's MLB Influence Among Former NCAA DI College Hoopers
April 28th, 2023 - 8:24
Boom or bust? How will history determine the MLB impact of lefthander Amir Garrett? The former St. John's hooper excelled in his first three starts six years ago with 1.83 ERA before struggling mightily majority of next nine starts, leaving him with an ERA of 7.41 two months later in mid-June. Five seasons ago as a reliever, Garrett got off to a grand beginning again, notching a 1.35 ERA through his first 21 appearances prior to coming back to Earth. Ditto four campaigns ago, compiling a 1.33 ERA through 25 stints following fanning the side against the Milwaukee Brewers in late May. After Garrett was traded to the Kansas City Royals last spring, he didn't allow a hit in first six relief appearances prior to the St. Louis Cardinals scoring three earned runs in back-to-back games the first week in May. This year, he had a 2.08 ERA through his first 10 relief appearances.
Sandy Koufax, perhaps the finest lefty in MLB history, was a freshman basketball player with the University of Cincinnati in 1953-54 prior to walking 12 opponents in first four relief appearances covering 9 2/3 innings for Brooklyn Dodgers in 1955. The greatest beginning of a MLB pitching career by an ex-college hooper was assembled by Mississippi State's David "Boo" Ferriss, who hurled 22 scoreless innings and won his his first eight starts with the Boston Red Sox in 1945.
Following is a comprehensive summary of early rookie performances by other MLB pitchers who played varsity basketball for a school presently or formerly at the NCAA Division I level:
| College Hooper | Current/Former DI School | Summary of Early MLB Pitching Career |
|---|---|---|
| Mark Acre | New Mexico State | held foes scoreless in first five games as Athletics reliever in 1994 and yielded only one ER in first 10 appearances (0.82 ERA) |
| Elden Auker | Kansas State | 8.07 ERA through first 10 games (including four starts) with Tigers in 1933 |
| Curt Barclay | Oregon | 5.01 ERA in first three starts with New York Giants in 1957 |
| Mike Barlow | Syracuse | allowed four earned runs covering three innings in his first two relief appearances with St. Louis Cardinals in 1975 |
| Stan Baumgartner | University of Chicago | 4.82 ERA in first nine games with Philadelphia Phillies in 1914 |
| Jim Beattie | Dartmouth | 4.70 ERA in first five starts with New York Yankees in 1978 |
| Carl Bouldin | Cincinnati | 15.43 ERA in first six games with Washington Senators in 1961 and 1962 |
| Ralph Branca | NYU | 8.41 ERA in first nine games with Brooklyn Dodgers in 1944 |
| Ownie Carroll | Holy Cross | 0-2 mark in first three starts with Tigers in 1925, allowing 19 runs in 17 innings |
| Marty Clary | Northwestern | 6.14 ERA in seven games after September call-up by Atlanta Braves in 1987 |
| Vince Colbert | East Carolina | 10.02 ERA in first 16 relief appearances with Cleveland Indians in 1970 |
| Gene Conley | Washington State | lost first two starts with Boston Braves, surrendering 10 earned runs in 7 1/3 innings in 1952 |
| Danny Coombs | Seton Hall | 8.74 ERA in first six games with Houston Colt .45's in 1963 and 1964 |
| Bill Crouch | Eastern Michigan | won all four verdicts in September and compiled 2.58 ERA in six games with Brooklyn Dodgers in 1939 |
| Dave "Boo" Ferriss | Mississippi State | won first eight decisions, including four shutouts, while manufacturing microscopic 0.74 ERA with Boston Red Sox in 1945 |
| Dave Frost | Stanford | 2.68 ERA in 15 games with Chicago White Sox and California Angels in 1977 and 1978 |
| Rich Gale | New Hampshire | won 13 of first 16 decisions while compiling 2.59 ERA in first 21 starts with Kansas City Royals in 1978 |
| Johnny Gee | Michigan | lost four of five decisions while posting 4.67 ERA in first six outings with Pittsburgh Pirates in 1939 and 1941 |
| Joe Gibbon | Mississippi | won first two relief appearances with Pirates covering five innings in 1960 |
| Bob Gibson | Creighton | yielded HR to first batter he faced in 1959 en route to allowing five hits and three earned runs in 2 1/3 innings in first two relief appearances with St. Louis Cardinals |
| Dave Giusti | Syracuse | lost first three starts and compiled 7.49 ERA in first eight games with Houston Colt .45's in 1962 |
| Dallas Green | Delaware | 5.45 ERA in first five starts with Phillies, allowing 35 hits and 18 walks in 34 2/3 innings |
| Paul Gregory | Mississippi State | unscored upon in first four relief appearances covering 6 1/3 innings with Chicago White Sox in 1932 |
| Ed Halicki | Monmouth (N.J.) | lost eight of nine decisions as San Francisco Giants rookie in 1974 |
| Steve Hamilton | Morehead State | 2.94 ERA in first 15 games covering 33 2/3 innings with Cleveland Indians and Washington Senators in 1961 and 1962 |
| Atlee Hammaker | East Tennessee State | 5.68 ERA in first nine games with Kansas City Royals in 1981 |
| Paul Hartzell | Lehigh | after dismal debut with California Angels in early 1976, yielded only one earned run in seven-game span covering 23 1/3 innings |
| Jim Hearn | Georgia Tech | lowered ERA to 2.44 after hurling first MLB shutout in 16th appearance with St. Louis Cardinals in 1947 |
| Mark Hendrickson | Washington State | 5.91 ERA in 12 relief appearances with Toronto Blue Jays in 2002 before lowering mark to 2.45 at season's end by winning three of four September starts |
| Bill Henry | Houston | won first four starts with Boston Red Sox in 1952, hurling complete games in last three of said assignments |
| Oral Hildebrand | Butler | 8.38 ERA covering 9 2/3 innings in first three relief appearances with Cleveland Indians in September 1931 |
| Jay Hook | Northwestern | 6.23 ERA covering 13 innings with Cincinnati Reds in 1957 and 1958 |
| Walt Huntzinger | Penn | 5.13 ERA covering 40 1/3 innings with New York Giants in 1923 and 1924 |
| Andy Karl | Manhattan | 1.37 ERA in first eight relief appearances with Boston Red Sox in 1943 |
| Bob Keegan | Bucknell | 6.59 ERA in first seven games with Chicago White Sox in 1953 |
| Jim Konstanty | Syracuse | 2.17 ERA in first 10 games, including seven starts, with Cincinnati Reds in 1944 |
| Bill Krueger | Portland | 2.54 ERA in first seven starts with Oakland Athletics in 1983 |
| Ted Lyons | Baylor | eventual Hall of Famer posted 10.12 ERA in first five games as Chicago White Sox reliever in 1923 |
| Dave Madison | Louisiana State | yielded two earned runs in three innings in debut with New York Yankees in 1950 before going scoreless in first eight relief appearances covering 14 innings with St. Louis Browns in 1952 |
| Bill McCahan | Duke | 1.23 ERA in first five games with Philadelphia Athletics in 1946 and 1947 |
| Ben McDonald | Louisiana State | won first six decisions while notching 2.52 ERA in first 17 games covering 53 2/3 innings with Baltimore Orioles in 1989 and 1990 |
| Jim Mooney | East Tennessee State | won first six decisions while posting 1.13 ERA in first eight games, including five complete games, with New York Giants in 1931 |
| Roy Parmelee | Eastern Michigan | 9.32 ERA in 13 games with New York Giants in 1929 and 1930 |
| Dennis Rasmussen | Creighton | 1.27 ERA in first five games covering 21 2/3 innings with San Diego Padres and New York Yankees in 1983 and 1984 |
| Ron Reed | Notre Dame | won first six starts in initial full season with Atlanta Braves in 1968 |
| Paul Reuschel | Western Illinois | 2.22 ERA in first 20 relief appearances with Chicago Cubs in 1975 |
| Denny Riddleberger | Old Dominion | 0.82 ERA in first 10 relief appearances covering 11 innings with Washington Senators in 1970 and 1971 |
| Eppa Rixey | Virginia | eventual Hall of Famer registered 2.50 ERA in 23 games (including 20 starts) with Philadelphia Phillies in 1912 |
| Robin Roberts | Michigan State | eventual Hall of Famer registered 2.50 ERA in first 15 starts with Philadelphia Phillies in 1948 |
| Garry Roggenburk | Dayton | 1.44 ERA in 34 relief appearances with Minnesota Twins in 1963 (also lost two starts) |
| Marius Russo | NYU | won last eight starts of rookie season while compiling 2.41 ERA in 21 games covering 116 innings with New York Yankees in 1939 |
| Don Schwall | Oklahoma | All-Star as rookie posted 1.31 ERA in winning first five starts with Boston Red Sox in 1961 |
| Rollie Sheldon | Connecticut | 2.28 ERA in first 18 games upon winning six straight decisions after firing back-to-back shutouts with New York Yankees in 1961 |
| Sonny Siebert | Missouri | 5.67 ERA in first 12 games with Cleveland Indians in 1964 |
| Lee Smith | Northwestern State | 1.26 ERA in first 12 relief appearances with Chicago Cubs in 1980 |
| Mike Smithson | Tennessee | 5.01 ERA in eight starts as Texas Rangers rookie in 1982 |
| Dave Stenhouse | Rhode Island | All-Star as Senators rookie compiled 0.88 ERA in seven games after winning first three starts in 1962 |
| Tim Stoddard | North Carolina State | 8.78 ERA in first eight relief appearances with Chicago White Sox and Baltimore Orioles in 1975 and 1978 |
| George Stone | Louisiana Tech | 2.85 ERA in first 11 games covering 41 innings with Atlanta Braves in 1967 and 1968 |
| Darrell Sutherland | Southern California | 9.15 ERA in first eight games covering 20 2/3 innings with New York Mets in 1964 |
| Cecil Upshaw | Centenary | 1.95 ERA covering 37 1/3 innings in first 24 relief appearances with Atlanta Braves in 1966 and 1967 |
| Jim Wilson | San Diego State | 2.08 ERA in first six games covering 30 1/3 innings with Boston Red Sox in 1945 |
| Chris Young | Princeton | 5.85 ERA in first four starts with Texas Rangers in 2004 |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 27
April 27th, 2023 - 8:54
Extra! Extra! As a new season shifts into high gear, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Bill Almon (Brown), Lou Boudreau (Illinois), Walt Dropo (Connecticut), Tony Gwynn (San Diego State), Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN), David Justice (Thomas More KY), Vance Law (Brigham Young), Ken Singleton (Hofstra) and Roy Smalley Jr. (Drury MO) supplied multiple extra-base hits in MLB games on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 27 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 27
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Bill Almon (averaged 2.5 ppg in half a season for Brown's 1972-73 basketball team ending school's streak of 12 straight losing records) supplied three extra-base hits in a 13-5 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1986.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) blasted two homers in a 4-2 victory against the Detroit Tigers in 1940 game.
Minnesota Twins 3B John Castino (medical redshirt for Rollins FL in 1973-74 under coach Ed Jucker) contributed four hits and four RBI in 20-11 victory against the Oakland Athletics in 1980.
Two NBA players - Gene Conley of the Boston Celtics and Dave DeBusschere of the New York Knicks - opposed each other as RHPs in 1963. Conley (All-PCC first-team selection led North Division in scoring in 1949-50 as Washington State sophomore) hurled 4-plus innings as starter for the Boston Red Sox while DeBusschere (three-time All-American for Detroit from 1959-60 through 1961-62) relieved for 2/3 of the fourth inning with the Chicago White Sox.
First MLB hit for INF Pat Crawford (Davidson hoops captain in early 1920s) was a pinch homer for the New York Giants in a 1929 game against the Boston Braves.
Chicago White Sox 1B Walt Dropo (first player in Connecticut history to average 20 ppg in single season with 21.7 in 1942-43) homered twice and scored four runs in a 1955 outing against the New York Yankees.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) smacked two homers in a 6-4 victory against the San Francisco Giants in 1986.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 for Swarthmore PA Middle Atlantic States Conference Southern Division champions) hurled a two-hit shutout against the Washington Senators in 1961.
1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) stroked a bases-loaded double in the top of the 19th inning to spark the Cleveland Indians to an 8-4 win over the Detroit Tigers in 1984. Six years earlier with the Texas Rangers, Hargrove homered in his third consecutive contest in 1978.
Minnesota Twins 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) stroked four singles in a 7-6 win against the Baltimore Orioles 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 Philadelphia Phillies in a 1951 outing.
Cleveland Indians DH David Justice (Thomas More KY leader in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) delivered three extra-base hits against the Chicago White Sox in a 1998 contest.
Minnesota Twins LHP Bill Krueger (led WCAC in free-throw percentage as freshman en route to averaging 5.1 ppg for Portland from 1975-76 through 1979-80) won for the fourth time in as many starts this month in 1992, compiling an 0.84 ERA in first 32 innings.
Montreal Expos 2B Vance Law (averaged 6.8 ppg for Brigham Young from 1974-75 through 1976-77) banged out three extra-base hits against the Chicago Cubs in a 1986 game.
Cleveland Indians RHP Jim Perry (averaged more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for former juco Campbell) fired a four-hit shutout against the California Angels in 1974.
Detroit Tigers LF-2B Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) had a .403 batting average through first 19 contests in 1993 after extending his hitting streak to 12 games in a row.
C Hugh Poland (Western Kentucky hoops letterman from 1931-32 through 1933-34) traded by the New York Giants to the Boston Braves in 1943.
In 1981, Baltimore Orioles RF Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops squad in mid-1960s) went 4-for-4, including a pair of doubles for the second straight game.
Chicago Cubs SS Roy Smalley Jr. (one of top scorers for Drury MO in 1942-43 and 1943-44) tripled twice and scored three runs against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1949 game.
Cleveland Indians 2B Riggs Stephenson (Alabama hoops letterman in 1920) assembled three straight three-hit games against the Chicago White Sox in 1922.
RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college hooper in mid-1970s with Butler County PA) tossed his lone complete game with the Cincinnati Reds (two-hit, 2-1 win against San Francisco Giants in 1985).
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA scoring leader in 1958-59 and 1959-60 when named All-Evergreen Conference) notched his second shutout and fourth complete-game win in as many starts at the beginning of the 1963 campaign.
Boston Braves rookie RF Chuck Workman (two-time All-MIAA first-five selection was leading scorer in 1937 when Central Missouri won inaugural NAIA Tournament) went 8-for-11 against the New York Giants in his first three games of the 1943 campaign.
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