On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 21 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! While receiving mixed masking messages from Oval Office and Dr. Anthony Fraud-ci, you can read news in your office all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Duke basketball All-Americans Dick Groat and Billy Werber provided significant MLB offensive performances on this date. Ex-San Diego State hoopers Tony Gwynn and Jim Wilson also 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 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 21

  • Toronto Blue Jays 2B Danny Ainge (three-time Brigham Young All-American and national basketball player of year as senior in 1980-81) stroked three hits and scored three runs against the Cleveland Indians in his MLB debut in 1979.

  • LF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Chicago Cubs in 1936.

  • Seattle Mariners RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) notched his third victory in 11 days in 1980.

  • Minnesota Twins 3B John Castino (medical redshirt for Rollins FL in 1973-74 under coach Ed Jucker) went 4-for-4 in a 1980 game against the Chicago White Sox.

  • Hall of Fame C Mickey Cochrane (Boston University hooper in early 1920s) clobbered three homers as a Philadelphia Athletics rookie in a 20-4 rout of the St. Louis Browns in 1925. Six years later, Cochrane collected five hits and four RBI against the Detroit Tigers in a 1931 contest.

  • New York Giants 2B Pat Crawford (Davidson hoops captain in early 1920s) contributed two extra-base hits and four RBI for the second time in a 10-game span in 1930.

  • Atlanta Braves 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice in a 1975 outing against the Montreal Expos.

  • In 1962, Pittsburgh Pirates SS Dick Groat (two-time All-American with Duke in 1950-51 and 1951-52 when finishing among nation's top five scorers each season) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs in the midst of a career-high 15-game hitting streak.

  • LHP Don Gross (Michigan State freshman hooper in 1949-50) permitted his lone run in first 10 relief appearances with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1958.

  • Atlanta Braves rookie RHP Kevin Gryboski (backup hooper for Wilkes PA in 1991-92 and 1992-93) contributed his 13th consecutive scoreless relief appearance in 2002.

  • San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-Western Athletic Conference second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies en route to a N.L.-high 211 hits in 1986.

  • New York Yankees LHP Steve Hamilton (Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) registered a save by getting the last two outs to preserve a 2-0 shutout against the Washington Senators in 1970 after starter Mel Stottlemyre issued 11 walks.

  • Cleveland Indians RHP Wynn Hawkins (Little All-American was all-time leading hoops scorer for Baldwin-Wallace OH upon graduation in 1957) hurled his lone MLB shutout (9-0 against Minnesota Twins in opener of 1961 twinbill).

  • INF-OF Rick Herrscher (All-SWC first-team selection led Southern Methodist with 17.5 ppg in 1957-58) shipped by the Milwaukee Braves to the New York Mets in 1962 to complete an earlier deal.

  • Boston Red Sox C Duane Josephson (Northern Iowa's scoring leader in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Norm Stewart) jacked two homers in an 8-4 victory against the Baltimore Orioles in 1971.

  • Cincinnati Reds RF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) smacked a pinch three-run homer to break a 6-6 deadlock against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1950.

  • CF Don Lock (led Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58) ended an 18-inning marathon in 1967 when his two-out single gave the Philadelphia Phillies a 2-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds.

  • San Francisco Giants LF Terrell Lowery (two-time All-West Coast Conference first-team selection and league-leading scorer for Loyola Marymount in 1990-91 and 1991-92) banged out five hits, including three doubles, in a 16-10 victory against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2000.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) had five hits against the Chicago White Sox in a 1934 outing.

  • Chicago Cubs rookie C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49), igniting a career-high 11-game hitting streak through end of month, stroked game-winning single in bottom of ninth inning in a 4-3 win against the New York Giants in 1957.

  • Hall of Fame RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) signed by Baltimore Orioles in 1962 after he was released by the New York Yankees.

  • Brooklyn Dodgers INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) supplied six RBI in a 15-6 romp over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1949.

  • Cleveland Indians 3B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) smacked two taters in a 6-5 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1996.

  • Boston Red Sox 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) collected three stolen bases and scored four runs against the Chicago White Sox in a 1934 game.

  • RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) traded by the Baltimore Orioles to the Chicago White Sox in 1956.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 20 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If sittin' at home masked adverse to attending so many no-hittin' games, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Big Ten Conference basketball players Frank Howard (Ohio State) and Jerry Kindall (Minnesota) each hit two homers in an American League game on this date. Four hoopers from Pennsylvania colleges - Glenn Beckert (Allegheny), Al Downing (Muhlenberg), Charlie Gelbert (Lebanon Valley) and Fritz Knothe (Penn) - also 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 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 20

  • Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year basketball letterman for Allegheny PA) stroked an inside-the-park HR in a 20-3 romp over the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1967. RF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) rounded out the Cubbies' scoring by stealing home in the seventh inning, prompting Dodgers P Don Drysdale to wave a white handkerchief of surrender.

  • Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) provided three extra-base hits among his four safeties against the New York Giants in a 1922 game.

  • Chicago White Sox rookie 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) belted two homers in his second consecutive contest in 1934, giving him 10 round-trippers in his first 25 outings.

  • Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (captain and starting hoops center for Colby ME) went 4-for-4 with three RBI and scored three runs in 14-12 win against the Detroit Tigers en route to switch-hitter posting A.L.-leading 28 victories in 1911.

  • SS Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for Louisiana State and Southwestern Louisiana during World War II) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to Chicago Cubs in 1958.

  • Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but left before ever playing) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Houston Astros in 1972.

  • St. Louis Cardinals SS Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of last three seasons in late 1920s for Lebanon Valley PA) collected five RBI against the Chicago Cubs in a 1930 contest.

  • Oakland Athletics rookie 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona hoops leader in assists in 1974-75) contributed five RBI against the Seattle Mariners in a 1977 outing.

  • RHP Rich Hand (averaged 6.2 ppg for Puget Sound WA in 1967-68) traded by the Texas Rangers to the California Angels in 1973.

  • Washington Senators LF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when he led Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) hammered two homers against the Baltimore Orioles in a 1967 game.

  • Cleveland Indians 2B Jerry Kindall (averaged 6.9 ppg for Minnesota as junior in 1955-56) clubbed two homers against the Detroit Tigers in the opener of a 1962 doubleheader.

  • Boston Braves rookie 3B Fritz Knothe (member of Penn's freshman hoops squad in 1923-24) stroked three doubles among his four hits in a 1932 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.

  • Detroit Tigers LF Don Lund (Michigan hoops starter in 1943-44 and 1944-45) delivered four hits against the New York Yankees in a 1953 contest.

  • St. Louis Cardinals RHP Lindy McDaniel (hooper for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) tossed a shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1958.

  • In the midst of a 14-game hitting streak, Cleveland Indians RF Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) manufactured four RBI against the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1930 doubleheader.

  • Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) saw his record of 273 consecutive errorless chances come to an end in 1946. Four years earlier, Passeau homered for the second time in back-to-back starts in 1942.

  • Detroit Tigers LF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) banged out four hits and scored four runs in a 10-4 triumph against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1994.

  • RF Ted Tappe (leading scorer in 1949 NJCAA Tournament was Washington State's third-leading scorer following year), batting just before Hall of Famer Ernie Banks in the Chicago Cubs' lineup, ripped a homer in his second straight contest in 1955.

  • C Birdie Tebbetts (Providence hooper in 1932) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Boston Red Sox in 1947.

  • Cleveland Indians 3B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) whacked decisive three-run homer in top of eighth inning of 7-5 win against the Boston Red Sox in 1995.

  • In the midst of seven straight seasons hurling more than 200 innings, Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 for Benedictine KS) won his first six decisions in 1967.

  • Washington Senators RHP Monte Weaver (hoops center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1920s) hurled a five-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1933.

  • New York Giants rookie 1B Bill White (two-year Hiram OH hooper in early 1950s) went 5-for-7 in 1956 doubleheader sweep of the St. Louis Cardinals. Three years later as member of Cards, White supplied three hits for the third time in a four-game span in 1959.

  • In the midst of a career-high 20-game hitting streak, San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) registered his third three-hit outing in a span of six contests in 2007.

  • Boston Braves 3B Chuck Workman (two-time All-MIAA first-five selection was leading hoops scorer in 1937 when Central Missouri won inaugural NAIA Tournament) contributed three hits in both ends of a 1945 doubleheader split against the Cincinnati Reds.

  • Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) was issued at least one walk in his ninth consecutive contest in 1950 en route to A.L.-leading 141 bases on balls. Nine years later with the Detroit Tigers, Yost homered twice, scored three of his league-leading 115 runs and amassed six RBI in a 1959 game against the New York Yankees.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 19 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! Unless you're hamstrung from public education hampered by teachers' union, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former hoopers for colleges in Mississippi - Joe Gibbon (Ole Miss), Paul Gregory (Mississippi State) and Claude Passeau (Millsaps) - supplied significant performances as MLB pitchers on this date. Ex-Louisiana State hoopers Joe Adcock and Mark Freeman also 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 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 19

  • Cleveland Indians 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) contributed two homers and six RBI in a 7-6 loss against the Minnesota Twins in the nightcap of a 1963 twinbill.

  • Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year hoops letterman for Allegheny PA) had his 26-game hitting streak snapped by Ken Brett of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1973.

  • Tossing his second shutout in less than three weeks in 1981, Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup hooper and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) hurled a one-hitter against the Atlanta Braves.

  • Milwaukee Braves 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) banged out four hits against the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a 1963 doubleheader.

  • LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing his career) traded by the Kansas City Athletics to the New York Yankees in 1960.

  • 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 four hits and four RBI in an 8-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a 1957 twinbill.

  • San Francisco Giants 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice in a 1978 game against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

  • RHP Mark Freeman (averaged 3.6 ppg for LSU as a senior in 1950-51) traded by the New York Yankees to the Chicago Cubs in 1960.

  • Cincinnati Reds LHP Amir Garrett (averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg for St. John's under coach Steve Lavin in 2011-12 and 2012-13 before redshirt transfer year at Cal State Northridge) had a 1.35 ERA through first 21 relief appearances of 2018 campaign after notching hold in 5-4 triumph against the Chicago Cubs in opener of a doubleheader.

  • In 1968, LHP Joe Gibbon (two-time All-SEC forward for Ole Miss was nation's second-leading scorer as senior in 1956-57) yielded his only earned run in first 13 relief appearances with the San Francisco Giants.

  • In 1933, Chicago White Sox RHP Paul Gregory (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1929-30) tossed his second complete-game victory in three weeks when allowing only one run.

  • Raising his batting average to .306, Chicago White Sox 1B Ron Jackson (second-team All-Mid-American Conference hoops choice from 1951-52 through 1953-54 led Western Michigan in scoring and rebounding his last two seasons) extended hitting streak to a career-high 10 games but finished the 1956 campaign with a .214 mark.

  • Philadelphia Phillies RF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops team with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) went 4-for-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1942 contest.

  • Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) went 4-for-4 against the Baltimore Orioles in a 1993 outing.

  • Chicago Cubs LF Les Mann (Springfield MA hooper in 1913 and 1914) went 4-for-4 against the Brooklyn Robins in a 1916 game.

  • LF Irv Noren (player of year for California community college state hoops champion Pasadena City in 1945) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs in 1959.

  • Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) pounded a grand slam in a 14-1 romp over the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941. Passeau's blast was his first of three circuit clouts in a span of five starts.

  • In the midst of surrendering fewer than three earned runs in 15 of 17 starts from late April to early July, Cleveland Indians RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) tossed a one-hit shutout against the Baltimore Orioles in nightcap of a 1968 doubleheader.

  • Detroit Tigers 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) smacked two homers against the Minnesota Twins in a 1975 game.

  • Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) contributed four hits and four RBI in 1998 game against the Kansas City Royals.

  • San Diego Padres RF Will Venable (All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under Princeton coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05) scored four runs and supplied three extra-base hits in a 10-5 win against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2010.

  • 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 Oakland Athletics in a 1980 contest.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 18 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If double-masked still staying at home because you put too much stock in dynamic duo Plagiarist Bi-dumb and Dr. Fraud-ci mixed messaging, you have time to read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (Louisiana State), George Altman (Tennessee State), Dick Gernert (Temple), Don Lock (Wichita State) and Dave Winfield (Minnesota) each hit two homers in a MLB game on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 18

  • In a 1958 game, Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) smacked two homers against his original team (Cincinnati Reds).

  • Cincinnati Reds CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) went 4-for-4 in a 7-6 win against the Brooklyn Robins in 1928.

  • Chicago Cubs RF George Altman (hooper appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State) provided two homers for the second time in three contests in 1962.

  • OF Brant Alyea (Hofstra's leading scorer and rebounder in 1960-61 after being runner-up in both categories the previous season) traded by the Oakland Athletics to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1972.

  • New York Yankees RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in 1979.

  • Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) scored five runs in a 14-2 victory against the Boston Red Sox in 1959.

  • Detroit Tigers 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in WAC games in 1991-92) stroked four hits against the Kansas City Royals in a 1997 outing.

  • Boston Red Sox RHP Gene Conley (All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection led the North Division in scoring as Washington State sophomore in 1949-50) tossed a four-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers in 1961.

  • Philadelphia Athletics 1B Chubby Dean (reserve guard for Duke in 1936) ripped a game-winning, three-run homer in bottom of the eighth inning in 8-7 win against the Detroit Tigers in 1937. Five years later as a LHP, Dean won his first three appearances of the 1942 season with the Cleveland Indians.

  • In 1985, Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered in his fourth consecutive contest, going 4-for-4 for the second time in that span.

  • OF Hoot Evers (hoops starter for Illinois in 1939-40) awarded on waivers from the Boston Red Sox to the New York Giants in 1954.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Eddie Fisher (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) posted his sixth save in as many relief appearances in a seven-day span in 1965.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Dick Gernert (Temple letterman in 1948-49 swatted two homers in an 8-4 win against the Baltimore Orioles in 1958.

  • Philadelphia Phillies 1B Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) went 4-for-4 for the second time in a five-game span in 1934. Five years earlier in the midst of a career-high 25-game hitting streak for the Brooklyn Robins, Hendrick homered in back-to-back contests against the Phillies in 1929.

  • San Francisco Giants LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) allowed his only earned run in first 17 relief appearances of 1966 season.

  • Washington Senators LF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when All-American led Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) tied an A.L. record with a homer in six consecutive contests in 1968.

  • New York Giants OF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper for 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) clobbered a grand slam in a rain-shortened, 10-4 triumph over the Chicago Cubs in 1950.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Bart Johnson (averaged 30.5 ppg for Brigham Young's freshman squad in 1967-68) hurled a three-hit shutout against the California Angels in 1976.

  • New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (three-year hoops letterman with Maryland from 1934-35 through 1936-37) contributed three extra-base hits against the St. Louis Browns in a 1948 outing.

  • Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 collected four hits and scored four runs in a 1970 game against the Cincinnati Reds.

  • Washington Senators CF Don Lock (led Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller) smashed back-to-back homers against the Detroit Tigers in a 1964 contest.

  • LF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring the previous season), pinch-hitting for Richie Hebner, slapped a game-winning, three-run homer for the Philadelphia Phillies in 8-5 victory against the Houston Astros in 1978.

  • Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD hoops guard for two years in mid-1930s) amassed five RBI against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1945 game.

  • INF-OF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Anaheim Angels in 1997.

  • New York Yankees RF Sammy Vick (three-sport athlete for Millsaps MS), subbing for legendary Babe Ruth (sidelined by mild strain), stroked a three-run double in 1920 game against the Cleveland Indians.

  • New York Yankees RF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) whacked two homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 2-1 win in 1987.

  • Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) reached base eight times in nine plate appearances (five singles and three walks) in a 1952 doubleheader split against the Chicago White Sox.

Creative Recruiting: Strings Frequently Attached When Schools Hire Assistant

Ethical questions are raised when hiring the coach or family member of a prize high school prospect. But the family reunion when regal recruit Cade Cunningham reunited with his brother, Cannen, an assistant coach, at Oklahoma State represented nothing new when it comes to high school reunions. Package deals have been a relatively common practice over the years. Josh Hart, who led Villanova to 2016 NCAA title before becoming a unanimous first-team All-American the next season, aligned with the Wildcats during a period when his AAU coach (Doug Martin) departed after a short stint as Nova assistant coach because of resume fabrication. In 1989, Michigan was the 10th different school in a 20-year span to reach the Final Four with the help of a "coattail" franchise (assistant coach Perry Watson/starting guard Jalen Rose). There also were 10 first- and second-team consensus All-Americans in that stretch stemming from such high school reunions.

There have also been some other unique recruiting cases over the years. For instance, consensus first-team All-American Danny Manning was recruited by Kansas' Larry Brown, who brought in Manning's father as an assistant in the mid-1980s although Ed Manning had been working as a truck driver. Similarly, standout guard Dajuan Wagner went from New Jersey to Memphis, where his father, former NBA guard Milt Wagner, was working under Tigers coach John Calipari. Elsewhere, Daniel Hackett played for USC under Tim Floyd when his former Syracuse All-American father Rudy Hackett was hired as strength and conditioning manager.

Michael Porter Sr., taking care of his entire family including both genders, became a brother-in-law-of-head-coach assistant for women's team at Missouri with two daughters before accepting position as aide at Washington, where he was slated to be joined by two sons (Michael Jr. and Jontay). The elder Porter, eschewing moving over to men's staff at Mizzou under Kim Anderson, reversed course and aligned with the male Tigers after Cuonzo Martin departed Cal to become bench boss in Columbia. Porter, who averaged 8.8 ppg and 3.4 rpg for New Orleans in 1985-86 and 1987-88, was slated to receive a whopping $1.125 million over a three-year contract for someone with one year experience as a DI men's assistant coach. No word on how much of prolific pact was value-added for delivering his sons.

Australian Ben Simmons, the nation's premier prep prospect six years ago, joined his godfather (former LSU assistant David Patrick) with the Tigers. Prior to AAU posses, high school reunions were routine recruiting ploys. There are usually more than a dozen active Division I head coaches who got their start as a college assistant by tagging along directly or being reunited with one of their prize high school prospects. Virginia Tech likely hopes new assistant Mike Jones attracts Rodney Rice and/or Tyrell Ward to the Hokies' roster next year. Following is an alphabetical list of NCAA DI schools featuring star players whose high school coach was reunited with that standout as a college assistant:

AKRON: Lannis Timmons joined Dan Hipsher's staff directly with Darryl Peterson in 2001. Peterson was the Zips' second-leading scorer (13.1 points per game) and rebounder (5 rebounds per game) as a freshman and third-leading scorer (13.8 ppg) and second-leading rebounder (4.4 rpg) as a sophomore. . . . Former Central Michigan coach Keith Dambrot joined Hipsher's staff one year before high-scoring junior college recruit Derrick Tarver arrived in 2002 and two years before Dru Joyce III and Romeo Travis. Tarver led the Mid-American Conference in scoring in 2003-04. Travis and Joyce paced the Zips in scoring and assists, respectively, in 2005-06. Dambrot, who succeeded Hipsher as Akron's head coach in March 2004, coached Tarver, Joyce, Travis and acclaimed NBA prospect LeBron James locally at St. Vincent-St. Mary.

ARIZONA STATE: Scott Pera joined Herb Sendek's staff directly with point guard Derek Glasser in 2006 and one year before James Harden in 2007. Glasser paced ASU in assists each of his first two seasons while averaging more than 6 ppg. Harden led the Sun Devils in scoring (17.8 ppg) and steals (2.1 spg) as a freshman in 2007-08.

BAYLOR: J.C. coach Troy Drummond joined Darrel Johnson's staff directly with Jerome Lambert, who led the nation in rebounding in 1993-94 before transferring to Oklahoma State following an academic scandal. . . . Harry Miller joined Johnson's staff directly with his son, Roddrick, and teammate Brian Skinner in 1994. Miller became interim head coach shortly before the start of the season and then was given a five-year contract two months later. Roddrick Miller averaged 10.2 ppg in his career and was the Bears' third-leading scorer as a senior with 11.9 ppg. Skinner finished his career as their all-time leading rebounder and No. 3 scorer before becoming a first-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Clippers. . . . Brian O'Neill joined Dave Bliss' staff at New Mexico one year before center R.T. Guinn enrolled in 1999. They both subsequently moved with Bliss to Baylor where Guinn was the Bears' third-leading rebounder (4.3 rpg) as a sophomore in 2001-02 and second-leading rebounder (5.6 rpg) as a junior in 2002-03. . . . Jerome Tang joined Scott Drew's staff one year before forward Richard Hurd enrolled in 2004. Hurd averaged 4 ppg and 2 rpg as a freshman in 2004-05 before playing sparingly the next three seasons. . . . AAU coach Dwon Clifton joined Drew's staff in 2009 two seasons before Quincy Miller and Deuce Bello arrived. Miller, the school's first "one-and-done" in school history, averaged 10.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg in 2011-12. Bello averaged 2.8 ppg in two seasons with the Bears before transferring to Missouri and East Tennessee State.

BETHUNE-COOKMAN: Owen Harris, Kevin Bradshaw's high school assistant coach, joined Cy McClairen's staff with Bradshaw in 1984. Bradshaw was the Wildcats' second-leading scorer with a 19-point average as a sophomore. He subsequently enrolled at U.S. International after a hitch in the U.S. Navy and led the nation in scoring in 1990-91 with 37.6 ppg.

BOSTON COLLEGE: Kevin Mackey joined Tom Davis' staff directly with Joe Beaulieu in 1977, which was one year before former high school teammate Dwan Chandler enrolled. Beaulieu, a transfer from Harvard, led the Eagles in rebounding in 1979 and 1980 and has the third-highest career field-goal shooting (57.1%) in school history. Chandler, a two-year starter, was runner-up to John Bagley in assists in 1980-81 and held the school record for most games played when his eligibility expired. Mackey went on to coach Cleveland State for seven seasons from 1983-84 through 1989-90, guiding the Vikings to the 1986 East Regional semifinals.

BRIGHAM YOUNG: Quincy Lewis joined Dave Rose's staff in 2015 directly with Nick Emery, one year before TJ Haws, two years after Eric Mika and four years after Nate Austin. Emery averaged 12.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.4 spg through 2018-19. Haws averaged 14.2 ppg and 4.1 apg from 2016-17 to 2019-20. Mika averaged 16.1 ppg and 7.8 rpg in 2013-14 and 2016-17. Austin averaged 3.5 ppg and 5.2 rpg from 2011-12 through 2015-16. Pipeline almost included gifted guard Frank Jackson, but he reneged on BYU commitment and played one season with Duke in 2016-17 before declaring early for the NBA draft.

BUFFALO: Eric "Rock" Eisenberg joined Tim Cohane's staff in 1998 before Mike McKie led the Bulls in rebounding in 1999-00 and Kerry Hendrickson averaged 6.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg in half a checkered season. . . . Detroit area coach Nate Oats joined Bobby Hurley's staff directly with junior college recruit Justin Moss in 2013 before Moss became Mid-American Conference Player of the Year the next season and one year before center Raheem Johnson aligned with the Bulls as another J.C. signee. Oats was promoted to head coach by UB after Hurley accepted a similar position at Arizona State, where Christian Pino transferred from to become a backup guard for the Bulls from 2014-15 through 2016-17. Oats subsequently was appointed coach at Alabama.

CAL STATE FULLERTON: Phil Mathews joined George McQuarn's staff directly with Tony Neal in 1981. Neal, the Titans' all-time leader in rebounding and steals, was their No. 3 career scorer in Division I when his eligibility expired. He was a sixth-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Lakers in 1985. Mathews eventually became coach at San Francisco.

CAL STATE LOS ANGELES: Caldwell Black, Raymond Lewis' high school assistant coach, joined Bob Miller's staff with him in 1971. After finishing runner-up in the nation in scoring as a sophomore with 32.9 ppg, Lewis became a first-round draft choice of the Philadelphia 76ers in the initial NBA draft where players could claim hardship status.

CANISIUS: Phil Seymore joined Marty Marbach's staff with Damone James, who averaged 10.3 ppg as a sophomore and was a key member for the Golden Griffins' NIT teams his last two years in 1994 and 1995.

CENTENARY: Ron Kestenbaum joined Riley Wallace's staff directly with Kevin Starke in 1976, which was the same year former high school teammate George Lett transferred from Hawaii. Lett, the Gents' No. 2 all-time leading rebounder (behind Robert Parish) and No. 3 scorer (behind Parish and former NBA player Tom Kerwin) when his eligibility expired, was a fifth-round draft choice of the Warriors in 1979. Starke led the Gents in assists as a freshman before transferring back home to St. Francis (N.Y.). Kestenbaum coached Arkansas-Little Rock for five seasons from 1979-80 through 1983-84, including a 23-6 record in 1982-83.

CINCINNATI: Mick Cronin, Damon Flint's high school assistant coach, joined Bob Huggins' staff two seasons after Flint started playing for the Bearcats in 1994-95. Flint was co-captain as a senior in 1996-97 after averaging 12.8 ppg and 3.5 apg as a junior. Cronin went on to become Murray State's head coach before accepting a similar position with the Bearcats in 2006.

COLORADO STATE: Ronald "Chin" Coleman joined Tim Miles' staff only months before Chicago product Jermaine Morgan signed in the fall of 2011. Miles and Coleman subsequently departed at the end of the season for Nebraska.

DAYTON: Larry Miller joined Jim O'Brien's staff one year before Chip Jones and Derrick Dukes enrolled in 1990. Jones, a junior college transfer, was Midwestern Collegiate Conference Newcomer of the Year in 1991 (20.2 ppg and 5.6 rpg) but he didn't play as a senior because of academic problems. Dukes, the Flyers' principal playmaker during his career, was their second-leading scorer as a junior in 1992-93 (12.8 ppg). Dukes had 13 assists in a game against Southern.

DELAWARE: Larry Davis joined Steve Steinwedel's staff one year before Elsworth Bowers enrolled in 1986. Bowers was the Blue Hens' leading scorer and rebounder in his senior season. Davis went on to become Furman's coach for nine seasons from 1997-98 through 2005-06.

DePAUL: Billy Garrett Jr. was named Big East Conference Rookie of the Year in 2013-14, which was four seasons after his father became an assistant under Jerry Wainwright and remain on staff after Oliver Purnell assumed control. . . . Shane Heirman joined Dave Leitao's staff in 2017 one season after Brandon Cyrus started every game as a freshman for the Blue Demons and one year before prize prospect Tyger Campbell was slated to join the team. Al Eichelberger tagged along same time as Cyrus. In Leitao's previous stint with DePaul, he coached Garrett Sr. protege LeVar Seals.

DETROIT: Jim Boyce joined Dick Vitale's staff with Terry Tyler, who averaged 15 ppg and 10.5 rpg for the Titans from 1974-75 through 1977-78 before playing 11 seasons in the NBA with the Detroit Pistons, Sacramento Kings and Dallas Mavericks. Boyce eventually coached Eastern Michigan for seven seasons from 1979-80 through 1985-86. . . . Charlie Coles joined Don Sicko's staff directly with Kevin McAdoo in 1982, which was one year before former high school teammate Brian Humes enrolled. McAdoo is the Titans' all-time assists leader. Humes was the Titans' 11th all-time leading scorer when his eligibility expired in 1987. Coles went on to become coach at Central Michigan and Miami (Ohio).

DUKE: Notre Dame coach Mike Brey, Danny Ferry's high school assistant coach, joined Mike Krzyzewski's staff two years after Ferry enrolled in 1985. Ferry, a first-team consensus All-American in 1988-89 after being a second-teamer the previous year, was the Blue Devils' No. 4 all-time leading scorer and No. 5 rebounder when he graduated. Ferry, the second pick overall in the 1989 NBA draft, played 13 seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers and San Antonio Spurs after spending one year in Italy.

DUQUESNE: Mike Rice Sr. joined John Cinicola's staff directly with Baron "B.B." Flenory in 1976. Flenory was the Dukes' No. 5 all-time leading scorer and No. 2 in assists when his eligibility expired in 1980. Rice was promoted to head coach in 1978 and directed the Dukes for four seasons before coaching Youngstown State for five years. . . . Barry Brodzinski joined Mike Satalin's staff one year before Clayton Adams enrolled in 1987, which was one year before former high school teammate Mark Stevenson transferred from Notre Dame. Adams passed Norm Nixon to become the Dukes' all-time assists leader. Stevenson set an Atlantic 10 Conference record for scoring average in 1989-90 (27.2 ppg).

FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL: Junior college recruit Marshod Fairweather rejoined coach Shakey Rodriguez in 1997, averaging 10.7 ppg in two seasons.

GEORGETOWN: Local center Merlin Wilson followed directly with head coach John Thompson Jr. in 1972. Three-time season leader in rebounding retrieved 20 or more missed shots eight times with the Hoyas through 1975-76.

HARTFORD: AAU coach Chris Pompey joined Larry Harrison's staff in 2000 directly with guard Shaun Swann, who averaged 2 ppg in 2000-01 and 2001-02.

ILLINOIS: Ted Beach followed directly with head coach Harry Combes in the late 1940s. Beach averaging 6.4 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51, was member of two national third-place finishers and runner-up in scoring as senior. . . . Wayne McClain joined Bill Self's staff three years after All-American guard Frank Williams enrolled in 1999. Williams averaged 14.3 ppg and 4.3 apg in three seasons with the Illini before entering the 2002 NBA draft as an undergraduate and becoming a first-round draft choice. McClain's son, Sergio, and J.C. recruit Marcus Griffin, a former high school teammate, were regulars for the Illini under Lon Kruger and Self in the seasons immediately before Wayne arrived.

ILLINOIS STATE: Ron Ferguson joined Will Robinson's staff three years after Mike Bonczyk enrolled in 1972. Bonczyk was the Redbirds' all-time leader in assists when his eligibililty expired in 1976.

INDIANA: Jerry Oliver joined Lou Watson's staff in 1968 one year before arrival of eventual All-Americans Steve Downing and George McGinnis. . . . Ron Felling joined Bob Knight's staff after Illinois "Mr. Basketball" Marty Simmons enrolled in 1983. Simmons transferred to Evansville following the 1984-85 campaign and was the Purple Aces' leading scorer two seasons before eventually becoming their head coach in 2007-08. Knight paid $25,000 to Felling, fired in December 1999, after signing an agreement in which he admitted to shoving him in anger into a television. Felling claims Knight assaulted him after eavesdropping on a private conversation with a former colleague in which he discussed Knight's propensity to "rant and rage." IU settled with Felling for $35,000. . . . AAU coach Travis Steele was hired as video coordinator by Kelvin Sampson in 2006 one year before Eric Gordon reneged on a commitment to Illinois and averaged 20.9 ppg with the Hoosiers in 2007-08 as a freshman All-American. Steele went on to become bench boss for Xavier. . . . AAU coach Kenny Johnson joined Tom Crean's staff in 2012 three years after Maurice Creek, two years after Victor Oladipo and one year before Stanford Robinson arrived. Creek averaged 7.2 ppg and 2.1 rpg with IU before transferring to George Washington. Oladipo averaged 10.7 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.5 spg from 2010-11 through 2012-13 before declaring early for the NBA draft. Robinson averaged 4.7 ppg and 2.2 rpg in two season with the Hoosiers before transferring to Rhode Island.

INDIANA STATE: James Martin joined Tates Locke's staff directly with Darrin Hancock in 1993 when the forward transferred from Kansas. But Hancock, who played for Martin in Griffin, Ga., before attending junior college, dropped out of school to play professionally in Europe.

IOWA: Rick Moss joined Tom Davis' staff directly with Ray Thompson in 1988. Thompson scored more points than any freshman in Hawkeyes' history except for Roy Marble and was their leading scorer the next season when he was suspended. Thompson subsequently enrolled at Oral Roberts, where he averaged 24.6 ppg and 9.6 rpg.

JAMES MADISON: Ernie Nestor joined Lou Campanelli's staff three years after Sherman Dillard enrolled in 1973. Dillard, the Dukes' No. 2 all-time leading scorer with 2,065 points, was a sixth-round draft choice of the Indiana Pacers in 1978. Nestor eventually coached George Mason for five seasons from 1988-89 through 1992-93 before becoming head coach at Elon.

KANSAS: Bob Mulchay joined Dick Harp's staff in 1964 three years after George Unseld Jr. arrived, averaging 17.8 ppg and 7.7 rpg in two varsity seasons. Older brother of Louisville All-American Wes Unseld led the Jayhawks in scoring and rebounding in 1962-63 and 1963-64. . . . Duncan Reid joined Ted Owens' staff directly with Norm Cook in 1973. Cook, who declared early for the NBA draft after leading the Jayhawks in scoring in his junior season, still ranks among the top rebounders in school history. Cook, a first-round draft choice of the Celtics in 1976, also played briefly with the Nuggets. . . . Lafayette Norwood joined Owens' staff directly with Darnell Valentine in 1977. Valentine, the Jayhawks' all-time No. 4 scorer and third-leading assists man, was a first-round draft choice of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1981. He played nine seasons in the NBA with four different teams. . . . Ronnie Chalmers joined Bill Self's staff directly with his son, Mario, in 2005. Mario, a 6-1 guard, was a three-time Alaska 4A Player of the Year. He left college early for the NBA after being named Most Outstanding Player of the 2008 Final Four, finishing his Jayhawks career with 12.2 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 3.8 apg and 2.6 spg.

KANSAS STATE: Mark Reiner joined Jack Hartman's staff directly with Curtis Redding and Tyrone Ladson in 1976. Redding was the Wildcats' No. 2 scorer (behind eventual pro guard Mike Evans) in 1976-77 and 1977-78 before transferring to St. John's. Redding was an eighth-round draft choice of the Denver Nuggets in 1981. Ladson received one letter at K-State before transferring to Texas A&M. Reiner later coached Brooklyn College for 10 seasons from 1980-81 through 1989-90. . . . Dana Altman joined Lon Kruger's staff directly with J.C. standout Mitch Richmond in 1986. Richmond became an All-American as a senior. Altman went on to become Creighton's all-time winningest coach before guiding Oregon to its first Final Four in 78 years in 2017.

KENT STATE: Rob Murphy joined Jim Christian's staff in 2002 after previously serving as a Detroit high school assistant for Antonio Gates, the Golden Flashes' leading scorer and rebounder in 2002-03 after previously attending Michigan State, Eastern Michigan and a junior college. Murphy went on to become head coach for EMU.

KENTUCKY: Bob Chambers joined Joe B. Hall's staff one year after Derrick Hord enrolled in 1979. Hord, the Wildcats' leading scorer as a junior, was a third-round draft choice of the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1983. . . . Simeon Mars joined Rick Pitino's staff as an administrative assistant directly with center Jamaal Magloire in 1996. Magloire, UK's all-time leader in blocked shots, paced the team in scoring, rebounding and field-goal shooting in 1999-00. Mars remained on Tubby Smith's staff after Pitino departed.

LONG BEACH STATE: Bobby Braswell joined Joe Harrington's staff directly with Lucious Harris in 1989, which was one year after Tyrone Mitchell transferred from Arizona. Harris became the Big West Conference's all-time leading scorer. Mitchell led Long Beach State in assists in 1989-90 and 1990-91. Braswell coached Cal State Northridge, his alma mater, for 17 seasons from 1996-97 through 2012-13. . . . Rod Palmer joined Dan Monson's staff in 2007 directly with Colorado State transfer Jesse Woodard, a guard who started three games for the 49ers in 2009-10 after gaining his eligibility.

LOUISIANA-MONROE: Mike Vining joined Lenny Fant's staff three years after Calvin Natt and Jamie Mayo enrolled in 1975, which was one year before high school teammates Kenny Natt and Eugene Robinson arrived on campus at what was then called Northeast Louisiana. Calvin Natt, a second-team consensus All-American as a senior, is the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder. He was a first-round draft choice of the Nets in 1979 and played 10 seasons in the NBA with four different teams. Mayo is one of the school's all-time leaders in assists. Kenny Natt, who led NLU in scoring in his senior season, was a second-round draft choice of the Pacers in 1980 and played briefly in three seasons with three different NBA teams. Robinson is the school's all-time leader in field-goal percentage and led the team in rebounding his senior season. Vining went on to become the school's all-time winningest head coach, compiling a 401-303 record (.570) in 24 seasons from 1981-82 through 2004-05.

LOUISIANA STATE: Ron Abernathy joined Dale Brown's staff directly with Rudy Macklin in 1976. Macklin, a second-team consensus All-American in 1981, is the Tigers' all-time leading rebounder and second in career scoring (behind NCAA all-time leader Pete Maravich). Macklin, a third-round draft choice of the Atlanta Hawks in 1981, also played briefly for the New York Knicks in his three-year NBA career. Abernathy became coach at Tennessee State for two seasons in the early 1990s. . . . Rick Huckabay joined Brown's staff directly with Howard Carter in 1979. Carter, the Tigers' No. 3 all-time scorer, was a first-round draft choice of the Denver Nuggets in 1983. He also played briefly with the Dallas Mavericks in his two-year NBA career. Huckabay went on to become Marshall's coach for six seasons, directing the Thundering Herd to the NCAA Tournament three times in the mid-1980s. . . . Gary Duhe joined Brown's staff two years after Derrick Taylor enrolled in 1981. Taylor, who ranks among the Tigers' top 10 in career scoring and assists, was a fourth-round draft choice of the Indiana Pacers in 1986. . . . Mike Mallett joined LSU's athletic department as an aide directly with Nikita Wilson in 1983. Wilson, who ranks 10th in career scoring for the Tigers, was a second-round draft choice of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1987. . . . Jim Childers joined Brown's staff directly with Stanley Roberts in 1989. Roberts was the Tigers' No. 2 scorer and rebounder (behind Shaquille O'Neal) in his only season with them before turning pro. Roberts was a longtime backup center in the NBA after spending one year in Spain.

LOUISIANA TECH: Johnny Simmons joined Keith Richard's staff directly with Antonio "Tiger" Meeking in 1999. Meeking was the Bulldogs' leading rebounder and No. 3 scorer en route to becoming Sun Belt Conference Freshman of the Year. He was an All-WAC first-team selection as a senior in 2002-03 when he averaged 17.9 ppg and 7.3 rpg, finishing his career with 13.5 ppg and 7.1 rpg while shooting 52.1% from the floor.

LOUISVILLE: Wade Houston joined Denny Crum's staff directly with Darrell Griffith and Bobby Turner in 1976. Griffith, a first-team consensus All-American as a senior, is the Cardinals' all-time leading scorer. Griffith played 10 seasons with the Utah Jazz after being its first-round draft choice in 1980. Turner was a two-year starter before succumbing to scholastic shortcomings. Houston eventually coached Tennessee for five seasons from 1989-90 through 1993-94 where his son, Allan, became the Volunteers' all-time leading scorer. . . . Scott Davenport joined Crum's staff in guard DeJuan Wheat's senior season (All-American in 1996-97). Wheat, a second-round draft choice of the Los Angeles Lakers, finished runner-up to Griffith in career scoring at UL with 2,183 points (16.1 ppg). . . . Mark Lieberman joined Rick Pitino's staff in 2010 one year after Rakeem Buckles arrived. Buckles averaged 4.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg for the Cardinals from 2009-10 through 2011-12 before transferring to Florida International. . . . Kevin Keatts joined Rick Pitino's staff shortly before guard Luke Hancock transferred from George Mason and redshirted during the 2011-12 campaign before becoming Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 2013. Hancock had played for Keatts at Hargrave Military Academy (Va.). The next season, forward Montrezl Harrell aligned with the Cardinals after the Hargrave product de-committed from Virginia Tech following coach Seth Greenberg's firing. Keatts went on to become head coach for UNC Wilmington and North Carolina State.

MASSACHUSETTS: Ray Wilson joined Jack Leaman's staff one year after Julius Erving enrolled in 1968. Erving, the Minutemen's all-time leading scorer when he left college as an undergraduate in 1971, became MVP in both the ABA and NBA. Nine-time first-team All-Pro played 11 seasons in the NBA with the Philadelphia 76ers after five years in the ABA with the Virginia Squires and New York Nets. Wilson succeeded Leaman as UMass' head coach for two seasons in the early 1980s.

MEMPHIS: Lamont Peterson, Tyreke Evans' personal trainer was hired by John Calipari as an administrative assistant prior to Evans' lone season in 2008-09, spurring the NCAA to prohibit schools from hiring "associates" of recruits for non-coaching positions. . . . Keelon Lawson joined Josh Pastner's staff one year before sons Dedric and K.J. for 2015-16 campaign and remained another year after Tubby Smith succeeded Pastner. Dedric averaged 17.5 ppg, 9.6 rpg and 1.9 bpg in two campaigns while K.J. averaged 11.5 ppg and 7 rpg before they announced their intentions to transfer.

MICHIGAN: Bill Frieder joined Johnny Orr's staff one year after Wayman Britt enrolled in 1972. Britt, the Wolverines' all-time leader in assists when his eligibility expired, was the Los Angeles Lakers' fourth-round draft choice in 1976. Frieder succeeded Orr in 1980 and coached Michigan for nine seasons before accepting a similar position at Arizona State. . . . Perry Watson joined Steve Fisher's staff in 1991 directly with Jalen Rose, the leading scorer for the Wolverines' Fab Five Final Four team in 1992. Rose left for the NBA as an undergraduate while Watson coached the University of Detroit for 15 seasons from 1993-94 through 2007-08.

MINNESOTA: Jessie Evans joined Jim Dutcher's staff two years before swingman Trent Tucker enrolled in 1978. Tucker averaged 12.6 ppg in his career with the Golden Gophers before becoming a first-round draft choice of the New York Knicks in 1982 (sixth pick overall). Evans went on to coach Southwestern Louisiana, which is now known as Louisiana-Lafayette, and San Francisco.

MISSISSIPPI: Wayne Brent joined Rod Barnes' staff two years before his Provine Posse - academic redshirt Aaron Harper, freshman Justin Reed and J.C. transfer David Sanders - accounted for three of the Rebels' top six scorers in powering them to their first Sweet 16 appearance in school history and all-time winningest season (27-8 in 2000-01 as Barnes was named national coach of year). Reed became an All-SEC selection the next three seasons and Brent went on to become coach for Jackson State.

MISSOURI: Rich Grawer joined Norm Stewart's staff two years after Mark Dressler enrolled in 1978, which was one year before former high school teammate Steve Stipanovich arrived on campus. Dressler was the "super sub" for three Big Eight Conference championship teams. Stipanovich, a second-team consensus All-American as a senior, ranks No. 2 among the Tigers' all-time leading rebounders and is No. 4 in scoring. Stipanovich, the second pick overall in the 1983 draft, played five seasons with the Indiana Pacers before his pro career was curtailed by a knee ailment. Grawer went on to coach Saint Louis for 10 seasons from 1982-83 through 1991-92. . . . Rob Fulford joined Kim Anderson's staff in 2014 directly with wing Montaque "Teki" Gill-Caesar, who averaged 9.1 ppg and 3 rpg as a freshman before transferring to San Diego State.

MURRAY STATE: Kansas City AAU coach Isaac Chew joined Billy Kennedy's staff in 2007 directly with Creighton transfer Isaac Miles, who averaged 10.3 ppg, 2.7 rpg and 3.8 apg for the Racers from 2008-09 through 2010-11.

NEBRASKA: Arden Reid joined Danny Nee's staff in 1987 directly with his son, Beau, a forward who was the Huskers' top scorer as a sophomore before suffering a severe knee injury prior to the next season. . . . Cleo Hill Jr., the son of a former St. Louis Hawks guard, joined Nee's staff one year before forward Kenny Booker and junior college center George Mazyck, who started his college career with Missouri in 1997-98. Hill was an assistant at Mt. Zion Academy in Durham, N.C.

NEW MEXICO: Ron Garcia, Kenny Thomas' high school assistant coach in Albuquerque, joined Dave Bliss' staff one year after Thomas enrolled in 1995. Thomas, a third-team All-American as a junior, is the Lobos' all-time leading rebounder and No. 2 scorer. He was a first-round NBA draft choice of the Houston Rockets. . . . Brian O'Neill joined Bliss' staff one year before center R.T. Guinn enrolled in 1999. Guinn was the Lobos' third-leading rebounder (4.8 rpg) as a freshman. O'Neill and Guinn subsequently moved with Bliss to Baylor. . . . Indiana-based prep coach Alan Huss joined Craig Neal's staff two years after Sudanese center Obij Aget enrolled directly with Sam Logwood in 2014 after the wing was granted a release from his grant-in-aid by Auburn following a coaching change. Aget averaged 5.3 ppg, 4.2 rpg and 1.1 bpg in his four-year career.

NEW ORLEANS: Joey Stiebing joined Tim Floyd's staff directly with Melvin Simon in 1990, which was one year after high school teammate Darren Laiche enrolled and two years before high school teammates Gerald Williams and Dedric Willoughby arrived on campus. Simon, hailed as the top freshman prospect in the country who didn't attend a school in a high-profile conference that year, finished his career as the Privateers' No. 2 rebounder and No. 4 scorer. Laiche was a spot starter as a swingman. Williams was a starter after playing for Tyler (Tex.) Junior College. Willoughby became a star for Iowa State after transferring there with Floyd before playing for Floyd with the Chicago Bulls. Stiebing was promoted to head coach at UNO and guided the Privateers for four seasons from 1997-98 through 2000-01.

NORTH CAROLINA STATE: Mark Phelps joined Herb Sendek's staff directly with Damon Thornton in 1996, which was one year before former high school teammate Kenny Inge arrived on campus. Thornton and Inge were the top two rebounders for the Wolfpack for two seasons. Phelps went on to coach Drake for five seasons from 2008-09 through 2012-13.

NORTH TEXAS: Jimmy Gales joined Bill Blakeley's staff one year after Kenneth Williams enrolled in 1974. Williams, the Eagles' all-time leading rebounder, led the nation in rebounding as a senior (14.7 rpg in 1977-78). Gales eventually coached North Texas for seven seasons from 1986-87 through 1992-93.

NORTHERN ILLINOIS: Jay Bryant tagged along with coach John McDougal in 1976. Bryant averaged 4.3 ppg and 2 rpg through 1979-80, finishing career as the school's all-time leader in assists at the time with 367. McDougal went on to become NIU's all-time winningest coach. . . . Lou Dawkins joined Mark Montgomery's staff directly with Marquavese Ford in 2011. Ford averaged 4.5 ppg as a part-time starter in his only season with the Huskies.

OKLAHOMA: Mike Mims joined Billy Tubbs' staff one year before Wayman Tisdale enrolled in 1983. Tisdale, a first-team consensus All-American three straight seasons from 1982-83 through 1984-85, is the Sooners' all-time leader in scoring (2,661 points), rebounding (1,048) and field-goal shooting (57.8%) despite leaving school a year early. Tisdale, the second pick overall in 1985 draft, played 12 seasons in the NBA with the Indiana Pacers, Sacramento Kings and Phoenix Suns.

OKLAHOMA STATE: Steve Henson joined Leonard Hamilton's staff directly with Royce Jeffries in 1986. In his senior season, Jeffries was the Cowboys' No. 2 scorer and rebounder (behind Byron Houston).

OLD DOMINION: James Johnson, who went on to become Virginia Tech's coach, joined the staff of Jeff Capel Jr. directly with guard Michael Williams in 1997 from Hargrave Military Institute. Williams averaged 7 ppg in his four-year career and was the Monarchs' runner-up in assists as a sophomore.

PITTSBURGH: AAU coach Troy Weaver joined Ralph Willard's staff in 1996 one season before the arrival of Attila Cosby, who averaged 8.8 ppg and 5 rpg with the Panthers in 1997-98 and 1998-99 before transferring to George Washington.

PROVIDENCE: Nick Macarchuk joined Dave Gavitt's staff three years after Ernie DiGregorio enrolled in 1969. DiGregorio, a first-team consensus All-American as a senior, is the Friars' all-time assists leader (7.7 per game) and among Top 10 in scoring (1,760 points). DiGregorio, the third pick overall in 1973 draft, played five seasons in the NBA with three different teams. Macarchuk went on to coach Canisius for 10 seasons and Fordham for 12 seasons before accepting a similar position at Stony Brook. . . . Jimmy Adams joined Gavitt's staff two years after Marvin Barnes enrolled in 1970 and one year before guard Rick Santos arrived. Barnes, a first-team consensus All-American as a senior when he led the nation in rebounding, is the Friars' all-time leading rebounder (1,592) and is fourth in scoring (1,839 points). Barnes, the second pick overall in the 1974 NBA draft, played four seasons in the NBA with four different teams after spending two years with the ABA's Spirits of St. Louis. Santos averaged 8.2 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 3.5 apg in 1973-74 and 1974-75.

RHODE ISLAND: Jerry DeGregorio, who coached Lamar Odom at St. Thomas Aquinas H.S. in New Britain, Conn., was on Jim Harrick's staff. Odom left the Rams after only one season to become the fourth pick overall in the 1999 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Clippers. DeGregorio was promoted to head coach after Harrick departed for Georgia.

RICHMOND: Gary DeCesare joined Jerry Wainwright's staff directly with point guard Daon Merritt in 2003. Merritt was a part-time starter as a freshman for the Spiders despite missing all of his high school senior season because of a broken foot. He averaged 11.1 ppg and 4.3 apg as a sophomore with the Spiders in 2004-05 before transferring to South Alabama.

ROBERT MORRIS: Jim Elias joined Matt Furjanic's staff two years after Chipper Harris enrolled in 1980. Harris is the Colonials' No. 2 all-time leading scorer (1,942 points) and ranks among the top five in career assists.

ST. JOHN'S: Lou Carnesecca joined Joe Lapchick's staff in 1958 directly with forward Willie Hall and one year before guard Donnie Burks from his undefeated Archbishop Malloy H.S. squad. Hall and Burks were regulars on 1961 NCAA playoff team and starters for NIT runner-up in 1962. . . . Darren Savino, a local assistant high school coach, joined Fran Fraschilla's staff in 1996 one year before celebrated center James Felton enrolled. Embattled Felton was booted off the squad for repeated violations before his freshman semester was over. . . . Dermon Player, an assistant high school coach in the Bronx, joined Mike Jarvis' staff in 1998 directly with Anthony Glover and two years after Chudney Gray enrolled. Player also coached in the Riverside Church program, where many New York standouts play, including Red Storm playmaker Erick Barkley, who became an NBA first-round draft choice in 2000 after his sophomore season. In 1999-00, Gray averaged 8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 2.8 apg and 1.3 spg as a senior while Glover contributed 10.2 ppg, 5.2 rpg and 1.5 spg as a sophomore. Glover was the school's leading rebounder and second-leading rebounder as a junior and senior. . . . AAU coach Oswald "Oz" Cross joined Norm Roberts' staff in 2008 one season before Omari Lawrence played his only season with the Red Storm (averaging 2.5 ppg in 2009-10) before transferring to Kansas State. . . . AAU coach Moe Hicks joined Steve Lavin's staff as director of operations in 2010 one season before Maurice "Mo" Harkless averaged 15.5 ppg and 8.6 rpg in his only season with the Red Storm after originally committing to UConn.

SAINT LOUIS: Dick Versace joined Bob Polk's staff directly with Leartha Scott in 1973. Scott was the Billikens' No. 2 scorer as a freshman with 12.4 ppg before encountering academic problems and transferring to Wisconsin-Parkside. Scott was a fourth-round pick of the Golden State Warriors in the 1977 NBA draft. Versace eventually coached Bradley for eight seasons from 1978-79 through 1985-86 before heading to the NBA and coaching the Indiana Pacers a couple of years. . . . Ron Coleman joined new coach Randy Albrecht's staff directly with Howard Jackson and one year before Missouri transfer Lamont Turner. Jackson averaged 9.6 ppg in four seasons while Turner averaged 8.2 ppg in only nine contests in 1975-76. . . . Mitch Haskins joined Ron Coleman's staff directly with Ricky Frazier in 1977 after Coleman was promoted to bench boss (for only one season). Frazier, the Billikens' leading scorer as a freshman before transferring to Missouri, was a second-round draft choice of the Chicago Bulls in 1982. . . . Lee Winfield, Darryl Anderson's high school assistant coach, joined Rich Grawer's staff two years after Anderson enrolled in 1980 when Ron Ekker was coach. Anderson averaged 7.2 ppg in his four seasons. Winfield went on become an assistant with Missouri when his versatile son, Julian, led the Tigers in a variety of categories (rebounding and field-goal percentage in 1994-95 and assists in 1995-96). . . . Larry Hughes, the Bills' standout who was C-USA Freshman of the Year in 1997-98 (20.9 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 2.2 spg) for coach Charlie Spoonhour, rejoined SLU assistant Derek Thomas, who had coached Hughes early in his career at a local high school. Prep teammate Justin Tatum joined SLU's roster the next season after sitting out a year because of academic deficiencies. Tatum, the father of Duke freshman phenom Jayson Tatum (2016-17), finished his SLU career with 8.2 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Thomas subsequently accepted similar assistant positions at Minnesota and UNLV before becoming head coach at Western Illinois for five seasons from 2003-04 through 2007-08.

SAN DIEGO STATE: Jim Tomey joined Steve Fisher's staff one year before Chris Walton enrolled for his freshman campaign in 2000-01. Chris, one of four sons of former national player of the year Bill Walton (UCLA) to play Division I basketball, averaged 5.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg in his four-year career with the Aztecs.

SAN FRANCISCO: Don Risley joined Bob Gaillard's staff directly with Bill Cartwright in 1975. Cartwright, a second-team consensus All-American as a sophomore and senior, is the Dons' all-time leading scorer (2,116 points) and is third in rebounding (1,137). Cartwright, the third overall pick in the 1979 draft, played 15 seasons with the New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls and Seattle SuperSonics.

SETON HALL: Dwayne "Tiny" Morton joined Kevin Willard's staff directly with Isaiah Whitehead and Desi Rodriguez in 2014. Whitehead had three 20-point outings against NCAA champion-to-be Villanova in 2015-16, averaging 15.8 ppg, 3.7 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.3 spg in two seasons before declaring early for the NBA draft. Rodriguez averaged 12.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg and 1.1 apg from 2014-15 through 2017-18. Morton's son, Trevonn, was a redshirt freshman with the Pirates in 2014-15.

SOUTH CAROLINA: Stan Hardin joined Steve Newton's staff one season before Carlos Turner was accused of stabbing his girlfriend seven times with butcher knife in mid-November 1991 two days after high schooler signed letter-of-intent with the Gamecocks.

SOUTH FLORIDA: Terrelle Woody, an aide/personal trainer at the private Maryland prep school home schooler Augustus Gilchrist played for as a senior, joined Stan Heath's staff directly with Gilchrist in 2008 when the 6-10 center transferred from Maryland. Gilchrist averaged 10.2 ppg and 4.4 rpg in 2008-09 and 13.4 ppg and 5.9 rpg in 2009-10.

SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA: Errol Gauff joined Jay Ladner's staff same year when Zay Jackson transferred from Murray State in 2014. Jackson led the Lions in scoring in 2014-15 and 2015-16.

SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA: Rudy Washington joined Bob Boyd's staff one year before Leonel Marquetti and Maurice Williams enrolled in 1978. Marquetti, who transferred to Hampton (Va.) Institute after two seasons with the Trojans, was a ninth-round draft choice as an undergraduate by the Spurs in 1981. Williams, whose last-second basket beat UCLA in Pauley Pavilion in 1981, was a two-year All-Pacific-10 first-team forward. Washington went on to coach Drake for six seasons from 1990-91 through 1995-96 before becoming executive director of the Black Coaches Association. . . . AAU coach Eric Mobley joined Andy Enfield's staff in 2018 one season before son Isaiah became freshman starter in 2019-20.

SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI: Former New Mexico/San Francisco player Billy Reid joined Larry Eustachy's staff directly with guard Sai'Quon Stone from Laurinburg Prep in 2006. Stone was the No. 2 scoring freshman in Conference USA in 2006-07 with 10.2 ppg before leading the Eagles in rebounding as a sophomore with 5.8 rpg.

TEMPLE: Bill Ellerbee joined John Chaney's staff in 2002 directly with Mardy Collins, one year before eligibility of Michael Blackshear, who led the Owls in rebounding average in 2003-04, and two years before Mark Tyndale. Blackshear transferred after one season to Cheyney State (Pa.), where his father, Michael, played under Chaney in the late 1970s. However, Michael was fatally shot in the back of the head just before 2:30 a.m. in late summer 2005. Collins was Temple's leading scorer his junior and senior seasons as an All-Atlantic 10 Conference first-team selection. Tyndale, an all-league second-team choice as a senior, was among the Owls' top two in scoring average three different years.

TENNESSEE: Ray Grant joined Jerry Green's staff directly with Vincent Yarbrough in 1998. Yarbrough's brother, backup guard Del Baker, aligned with the Volunteers the previous year. Yarbrough, a three-time All-SEC selection, finished his career with 13.7 ppg and 6.8 rpg.

TEXAS A&M: Barry Davis, a two-time All-SWC forward with the Aggies in the mid-1970s, joined Billy Gillispie's staff directly with nephew Bryan Davis in 2006. Bryan averaged 7.9 ppg, 5.6 rpg and 1.1 bpg through 2009-10. . . . AAU coach Byron Smith joined Mark Turgeon's staff in 2007 directly with center DeAndre Jordan, who averaged 7.9 ppg, 6 rpg and 1.3 bpg while shooting 61.7% from the floor in his only season with the Aggies. Smith went on to become head coach for Prairie View. . . . John Reese joined Billy Kennedy's staff in 2011 one year before his son, J-Mychal, arrived and averaged 6.2 ppg as a freshman. Father left the Aggies' program midway through the 2013-14 campaign after his sophomore son was booted from the squad reportedly for multiple violations of team rules involving drug use.

TEXAS CHRISTIAN: Richard Bacon joined Billy Tubbs' staff directly with Damion Walker in 1995. Walker was the nation's second-leading freshman scorer in 1995-96 (20.5 ppg along with 8.8 rpg) as an All-SWC second-team selection before transferring to New Mexico a couple of years later.

TOWSON: Kenny Johnson joined Pat Skerry's staff directly with Deon Jones in 2011 although Jones had transferred from Johnson's high school in Virginia to one in Delaware his final two prep seasons. Jones started every game as a freshman, averaging 7 ppg and 4.5 rpg, before Johnson departed for a similar position at Indiana.

TULANE: Brock Kantrow joined Perry Clark's staff one year before Nick Sinville enrolled in 2000 as a transfer from Minnesota. With the Green Wave, Sinville averaged 9.5 ppg and 5.5 rpg as a junior in 2001-02 and 8.4 ppg and 4.7 rpg as a senior in 2002-03.

UAB: Joe Evans joined Gene Bartow's staff three years after Eddie Collins enrolled in 1984, which was two years before former high school teammate Larry Rembert arrived on campus. Collins, a two-year starter, was selected to the All-Sun Belt Conference Tournament team in his junior season. Rembert, a three-year starter, led the Blazers in rebounding in his sophomore and senior seasons. . . . Jim Armstrong helped monitor UAB's strength and fitness program for Bartow when Alan Ogg enrolled. Ogg, who set school and Sun Belt single-season and career blocked shot records and led the Blazers in rebounding in 1989-90, was on the Miami Heat's roster a couple of seasons. . . . Robert Scott joined Murry Bartow's staff one year before LeAndrew Bass and Myron Ransom enrolled in 1997. Scott subsequently moved on to a similar position at his alma mater (Alabama). Bass and Ransom combined for 20.3 ppg and 9.4 rpg as juniors in 1999-00.

UCLA: Atlanta AAU coach Korey McCray joined Ben Howland's staff in 2011 one season before Jordan Adams and Tony Parker arrived. Adams averaged 16.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg and 2.4 spg in two seasons with the Bruins and Tony Parker averaged 8.3 ppg and 5.1 rpg through 2015-16.

UNLV: George McQuarn joined Jerry Tarkanian's staff three years after Lewis Brown enrolled in 1973. Brown, who ranks second in school history in rebounding (behind Sidney Green), was a fourth-round draft choice of the Milwaukee Bucks in 1977. Brown played briefly with the Washington Bullets in the 1980-81 campaign. McQuarn eventually coached Cal State Fullerton for eight seasons from 1980-81 through 1987-88. . . . Todd Simon, who previously served as a video coordinator for two years under former UNLV coach Lon Kruger, joined Dave Rice's staff in 2013 directly with Christian Wood, who led the Rebels in rebounding and was runner-up in scoring and blocked shots in 2014-15. Anthony Bennett, the top overall pick in the 2013 NBA draft, attended the same prep school when Simon was an assistant. Simon served as interim coach for UNLV half of the 2015-16 campaign before becoming bench boss for Southern Utah.

UTAH: Kerry Rupp joined Rick Majerus' staff one year after center-forward Lance Allred enrolled in 1999. Allred started six games in 2001-02 for the Utes. Rupp, who compiled a 24-9 record as the Utes' interim coach in 2003-04 when Majerus was sidelined for health reasons, eventually coached Louisiana Tech for four seasons from 2007-08 through 2010-11.

UTAH STATE: Jim Harrick joined Dutch Belnap's staff one year before Mike Santos and high school teammate Oscar Williams enrolled in 1974. Santos, the Aggies' fourth-leading all-time scorer when his eligibility expired, was a third-round draft choice of the Buffalo Braves in 1978. Williams still holds school assists records for a game, season and career. Harrick went on to direct four different schools to multiple NCAA Tournament appearances (Pepperdine, UCLA, Rhode Island and Georgia).

VILLANOVA: Jimmy Salmon joined Steve Lappas' staff directly with star forward Tim Thomas, who averaged 16.9 ppg and 6 rpg in 1996-97 as a freshman before turning pro early and becoming the seventh pick overall in the NBA draft.

VIRGINIA: Richard Schmidt joined Terry Holland's staff directly with Jeff Lamp and Lee Raker in 1977. Lamp, a consensus second-team All-American as a senior, is the Cavaliers' all-time No. 2 scorer (behind Bryant Stith). Lamp, a first-round draft choice of the Portland Trail Blazers in 1981, played six years in the NBA with four different teams. Raker, the seventh-leading scorer in school history when his eligibility expired, was a fourth-round draft pick of San Diego. Schmidt was head coach with Tampa for 25 seasons after the school resurrected its basketball program in 1983-84.

VIRGINIA TECH: Bob Schneider joined Charlie Moir's staff directly with his son, Jeff Schneider, in 1978. Jeff was the 11th-leading scorer in the Hokies' history when his eligibility expired. Jeff Schneider went on to coach Cal Poly for six seasons from 1995-96 to 2000-01.

WESTERN CAROLINA: Terry Rogers joined Phil Hopkins' staff directly with his son, Casey Rogers, and prep teammate Cory Largent in 1998. They both started in their initial seasons. Casey was named Southern Conference Freshman of the Year after leading all league freshmen in scoring and finishing second in the entire conference in assists. Casey averaged 10.2 ppg, 3.3 rpg and 5.7 apg while Largent contributed 12 ppg and 4.3 rpg in their four-year careers with the Catamounts.

WESTERN KENTUCKY: Shammond Williams, godfather of center Mitchell Robinson, joined Rick Stansbury's staff in 2016 one year before WKU's highest-rated prospect ever enrolled for summer-school classes. However, Williams (two-time All-ACC guard for North Carolina) and Robinson both departed before the end of summer. . . . Hennssy Auriantal, the legal guardian of Charles Bassey, joined Stansbury's staff directly with Bassey in 2018. Bassey, a native of Nigeria. averaged 14.6 ppg, 10 rpg and 2.4 bpg while shooting 62.7% from the floor as a freshman.

WICHITA STATE: Tyson Waterman joined Gregg Marshall's staff in 2018 directly with guard Dexter Dennis, who was named to the AAC All-Freshman Team.

WYOMING: Alumnus Tom Asbury joined Don DeVoe's staff one year after Joe Fazekas in 1976-77. After lettering one year with the Cowboys, Fazekas transferred to Idaho State, where he led the Bengals in scoring, rebounding, both shooting categories and blocked shots in 1979-80. He is the father of eventual Nevada All-American Nick Fazekas. Asbury went on to coach Pepperdine and Kansas State.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 17 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If still remaining home confused by bureaucratic mask recommendations/orders, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Several former hoopers from Michigan colleges - Ron Jackson (Western Michigan), Jim Northrup (Alma) and Roy Parmelee (Eastern Michigan) - made MLB news on this date. Ditto ex-Drury MO hoopers Roy Smalley Jr. and Bill Virdon. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 17

  • Milwaukee Brewers 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) collected a homer among his four hits in a 9-4 triumph against the New York Giants in 1955.

  • Philadelphia Phillies LF Morrie Arnovich (Wisconsin-Superior hooper in early 1930s) went 5-for-5, raising his batting average to .426, in a 7-3 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1939.

  • Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year hoops letterman for Allegheny PA) went 4-for-4 against the St. Louis Cardinals in the midst of a 26-game hitting streak in 1973.

  • 1B-OF Larry Biittner (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Buena Vista IA in 1966-67) traded with RHP Steve Renko (averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg as a Kansas sophomore in 1963-64) by the Montreal Expos to the Chicago Cubs for 1B Andre Thornton in 1976. The next year, Biittner belted two of the Cubs' seven homers in a 23-6 romp over the San Diego Padres.

  • Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) swatted a homer in his third consecutive contest in 1958.

  • Detroit Tigers 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in WAC games in 1991-92) socked two homers for the second time in a six-game span in 1997.

  • New York Mets 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) clubbed two homers against the Atlanta Braves in a 1971 outing.

  • California Angels OF Billy Cowan (Utah hoops letterman from 1957-58 through 1959-60 was co-captain of NCAA playoff team as senior) hit safely for the fourth time in a span of five pinch-hit appearances in 1970.

  • Boston Braves SS Dick Culler (#9 jersey retired by High Point for Little All-American in 1935 and 1936) went 4-for-4 in a 3-2 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1947.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Walt Dropo (first player in Connecticut history to average 20 ppg in single season with 21.7 in 1942-43) homered twice in 1950 game against the Detroit Tigers.

  • Detroit Tigers CF Hoot Evers (hoops starter for Illinois in 1939-40) broke up a scoreless duel with a two-run homer in the ninth inning against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1947.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Dick Gernert (Temple letterman in 1948-49 when averaging 2.7 ppg) went 4-for-4 in a 10-1 triumph against the Detroit Tigers in 1959.

  • San Francisco Giants RHP Ed Halicki (NAIA All-American third-team choice in 1971-72 when leading Monmouth in scoring with 21 ppg after setting school single-game rebounding record with 40 the previous season) hurled his second straight two-hitter in 1979.

  • Philadelphia Phillies RHP Jim Holloway (Southwestern Louisiana hoops letterman from 1926-27 through 1928-29) tossed a hitless inning of relief in his MLB debut in 1929.

  • 1B Ron Jackson (All-MAC second-team choice from 1951-52 through 1953-54 led Western Michigan in scoring his last two seasons) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Milwaukee Braves for INF Ray Boone in 1960.

  • Atlanta Braves CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling a 35-3 record) supplied his third five-hit game of the 1997 campaign in an 11-6 triumph against the St. Louis Cardinals. Three years earlier with the Cleveland Indians, Lofton smacked two homers against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1994.

  • RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team hoops selection for Baylor in early 1920s) started the first of eight straight doubleheader openers for the Chicago White Sox in 1942.

  • Washington Senators 1B Sam Mele (NYU's leading hoops scorer in 1943 NCAA playoffs) supplied two triples among his four hits in 1951 game against the Detroit Tigers.

  • CF Billy North (played four basketball games with Central Washington in 1967-68) traded by the Oakland Athletics to the Los Angeles Dodgers for OF Glenn Burke in 1978.

  • CF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) drilled a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Detroit Tigers a 7-3 victory over the Washington Senators. It was one of Northrup's five grand slams in 1968.

  • In 1935, New York Giants RHP Roy Parmelee (Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) lost for the only time in his first 10 decisions to early July.

  • Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) supplied three extra-base safeties against the Chicago Cubs in 1949, triggering a streak where he had multiple-hit outings in 2/3 of his next 39 contests en route to a N.L.-high .342 batting average. Two years later, Robinson went 4-for-4 against the Cubs in 1951.

  • Chicago Cubs SS Roy Smalley Jr. (one of top scorers for Drury MO in 1942-43 and 1943-44) went 4-for-5 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1953 doubleheader.

  • LHP Eric Stults (hooper for 1999 NAIA D-II Tournament runner-up and 2000 NCCAA Tournament titlist with Bethel IN) awarded on waivers from the Chicago White Sox to the San Diego Padres in 2012.

  • CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1956 only one year after being named N.L. Rookie of the Year. He finished runner-up in the N.L. batting race with a .319 mark (.211 for Cards and .334 for Pirates).

  • Chicago Cubs CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 with five RBI in a 7-2 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1916.

  • New York Yankees LF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) cracked two homers against the Detroit Tigers in a 1983 game.

  • In the midst of a career-high 20-game hitting streak in 2007, San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) drove in the decisive run in the 12th inning of a 2-1 triumph against the Houston Astros.

  • In 1925, Washington Senators LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) yielded the 3,000th hit of Cleveland Indians OF Tris Speaker's Hall of Fame career.

The Way We Were: Hartford Supporters Aspire to Remain at Division I Level

Hartford supporters, on the heels of the school's initial NCAA Tournament appearance, can't get Division I hoops out of their blood. They aspire to get the school to reverse its decision to de-emphasize program to Division III by 2024-25. 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 Made News in May 16 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If double-masked staying at home because you put stock into opinions of feeble baseball thrower/doctor Anthony Fraud-ci, you have time to read news to cardboard cut-out all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Springfield, MO-based small college Drury had two former hoopers - Roy Smalley Jr. and Bill Virdon - impact MLB on this date. Ditto in-state hoopers Jim Gleeson (Rockhurst), Sonny Siebert (Missouri) and Preston Ward (Southwest Missouri State). Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 16 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 16

  • Chicago Cubs RF Frankie Baumholtz (MVP in 1941 NIT and first player in Ohio University history to score 1,000 career points) banged out three extra-base hits in a 14-4 rout of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1951.

  • Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1948 twinbill.

  • St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) amassed five hits and four RBI in a 9-8 win against the Chicago Cubs in 1930.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Walt Dropo (first player in Connecticut history to average 20 ppg in single season with 21.7 in 1942-43) homered twice in a 1951 game against the Chicago White Sox.

  • Los Angeles Dodgers RF-C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) furnished four hits, including a game-winning homer, in an 8-6 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds in 1973.

  • St. Louis Cardinals SS Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of last three seasons in late 1920s for Lebanon Valley PA) went 5-for-5 and scored four runs in 9-8 victory against the Chicago Cubs in 1930.

  • Cleveland Indians rookie RF Jim Gleeson (hoops captain and all-league honoree graduated in 1933 from Rockhurst MO) registered four hits in a 10-3 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in the opener of a 1940 doubleheader.

  • Atlanta Braves RHP Kevin Gryboski (backup hooper for Wilkes PA in 1991-92 and 1992-93) collected his second relief victory within a week in 2003.

  • San Francisco Giants LHP Atlee Hammaker (averaged 5 ppg for East Tennessee State in 1976-77 and 1977-78) allowed only two hits in first 6 1/3 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies while providing three safeties himself along with three RBI.

  • Utilityman Chuck Harmon (freshman starter was Toledo's second-leading scorer for 1943 NIT runner-up) traded by the Cincinnati Reds to the St. Louis Cardinals for INF Alex Grammas and OF Joe Frazier in 1956.

  • 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) notched his third two-homer contest in a four-game span in 1968.

  • Atlanta Braves 1B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg for Texas A&M in 1961-62) smacked two homers against the San Diego Padres in a 1974 contest.

  • Boston Red Sox rookie LHP Vic Johnson (Wisconsin-Eau Claire hoops letterman in 1942-43) hurled 11 2/3 innings in a loss against the St. Louis Browns in a 1944 start.

  • Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) stroked three extra-base hits against the Colorado Rockies in a 1995 outing.

  • Boston Braves RHP Andy Karl (Manhattan letterman from 1933 through 1935) sustained his first defeat of the 1947 season after failing to allow a run in first six relief appearances.

  • Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1972 game.

  • A bases-loaded pinch triple by Rick Leach (averaged 15.5 ppg for Michigan's JV hoops squad in 1975-76) put the Toronto Blue Jays ahead to stay in an 8-7 triumph against the Minnesota Twins in 1984.

  • New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) had his string of 47 straight innings without issuing a walk end against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1913.

  • St. Louis Cardinals RHP Lindy McDaniel (hooper for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) fired a four-hit shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1957.

  • New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) whacked two homers against the Detroit Tigers in a 1979 contest.

  • INF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) became first member of Oakland Athletics to hit for the cycle, going 5-for-5 against the Baltimore Orioles in 1986.

  • Chicago White Sox RF Carl Reynolds (Southwestern TX hoops MVP and captain in mid-1920s) stroked two safeties in his seventh straight contest in 1931.

  • Philadelphia Phillies LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1912 and 1914) hurled a 15-inning complete game at Cincinnati and won, 3-2, via his sacrifice fly in 1920.

  • Detroit Tigers RF Leon Roberts (grabbed one rebound in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) provided three safeties against the Texas Rangers to extend his career-high hitting streak to 17 games since the opening of 1975 campaign. Nine years later as LF with the Kansas City Royals, Roberts drilled a decisive run-scoring triple in 7-6 win against the Chicago White Sox in 1984.

  • Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 hoops honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Texas Rangers in 1990.

  • Cincinnati Reds RHP Jeff Shaw (freshman guard for Rio Grande OH squad compiling 31-5 record and reaching second round of 1985 NAIA Tournament) allowed his only earned run in 13 relief appearances during the month in 1997.

  • RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) traded by the San Diego Padres to the Oakland Athletics in 1975.

  • Washington Senators RHP Dave Sisler (All-Ivy League second-team selection for Princeton's first NCAA Tournament team in 1952) didn't allow an earned run in his first 12 relief appearances of the 1961 campaign.

  • In his debut with the Milwaukee Braves, SS Roy Smalley Jr. (one of top scorers for Drury MO in 1942-43 and 1943-44) smacked a pinch homer against the New York Giants in the nightcap of a 1954 doubleheader.

  • Washington Senators rookie RHP Dave Stenhouse (three-time All-Yankee Conference hoops selection for Rhode Island from 1952-53 through 1954-55), lowering his ERA to 0.88 through initial seven outings, won first three MLB starts in 1962.

  • Cincinnati Reds utilityman Jimmy Stewart (All-VSAC hoops selection for Austin Peay's NCAA DII Tournament teams in 1959-60 and 1960-61) contributed a pinch-hit, three-run homer against the New York Mets in a 1969 game.

  • Boston Red Sox rookie 3B Jim Tabor (Alabama hoops letterman in 1936-37) knocked in five runs against the Chicago White Sox in a 1939 contest.

  • Pittsburgh Pirates CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) stroked two triples against the Milwaukee Braves in a 1962 outing.

  • 1B-OF Preston Ward (second-leading scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Cleveland Indians in 1956.

  • Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) hurled a 13-inning shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935 after allowing one earned run in each of his previous two complete-game starts.

Political Perspective: A-A May Help Democrats Look More Favorably on Israel

Just give peace a chance! Sounds great conceptually but probably not practical in the Middle East as Odd Squad-supported Hamas reigns rockets upon Israelis. Few liberal lunatics, let alone Arab states, recognize the existence of the state of Israel, which is roughly the size of New Jersey and surrounded by hostile dictatorships with 40 times as many citizens.

Factitiously, perhaps former President Barack Obama, a JV basketball player for Occidental (Calif.) and one of a number of politicians who played the game, could steer Plagiarist Di-dumb and fellow Democrats into looking more favorably upon Israel if the landscape resembled several decades ago when there was a striking number of impact Jewish hoopers. In a 30-year span from 1933-34 through 1962-63, occasional powerhouses CCNY, LIU, NYU and St. John's each featured three different Jewish All-Americans on CollegeHoopedia's comprehensive list.

Obama, who received more than 3/4 of the Jewish vote in 2008, said his commitment to Israel was "unshakable," but many Jewish State advocates think such an "I've-got-your back" claim is the height of diplomatic chutzpah. His White House administration refused to allow non-official photographers to record a multi-layer lecturing of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and no statement was issued afterward upon the PM being ushered out the back door like a scorned referee. The administration subsequently reinforced its stance by insisting that Israel stop building homes in Jerusalem, demanding it move back to pre-1967 indefensible borders and attempting to stall Israeli military action while neighboring Iran develops its nuclear technology.

Thus the remedy for Israel generating more political support might be another prophet Moses surfacing for the Jewish community as it copes with a current U.S. basketball exodus of sorts for them. They're in the midst of wandering 40-plus years across the hoop desert seeking another All-American from this country. And the Promised Land isn't within sight since Tennessee's Ernie Grunfeld was the last American Jewish honoree (1976 and 1977).

Israel native Doron Sheffer, a Connecticut guard, was named an All-American in 1995-96. Three additional Israeli products earned all-conference recognition - Connecticut forward Nadav Henefeld (Big East in 1989-90), Wright State center Israel Sheinfeld (Midwestern Collegiate in 1999-2000 and 2000-01) and California forward-center Amit Tamir (Pacific-10 in 2002-03). More than half of the following American Jewish All-Americans secured such an honor before the State of Israel declared independence in mid-May 1948:

U.S. Jewish All-American, School (Year)
Irv Bemoras, Illinois (1953)
Jules Bender, Long Island (1937)
Meyer "Mike" Bloom, Temple (1938)
Harry Boykoff, St. John's (1943)
Tal Brody, Illinois (1965)
Howie Carl, DePaul (1961)
Marvin Colen, Loyola of Chicago (1937)
Irwin Dambrot, CCNY (1950)
William Fleishman, Western Reserve (1936)
Don Forman, New York University (1948)
Larry Friend, California (1957)
Moe Goldman, CCNY (1934)
Don Goldstein, Louisville (1959)
Hyman "Hy" Gotkin, St. John's (1944)
Ernie Grunfeld, Tennessee (1976 and 1977)
Art Heyman, Duke (1961 through 1963)
William "Red" Holzman, CCNY (1942)
Barry Kramer, New York University (1963 and 1964)
Jerry Nemer, Southern California (1933)
Bernie Opper, Kentucky (1939)
Lennie Rosenbluth, North Carolina (1956 and 1957)
Oscar "Ossie" Schectman, Long Island (1941)
Alan Seiden, St. John's (1959)
Sid Tanenbaum, New York University (1946 and 1947)
Irv Torgoff, Long Island (1939)
Neal Walk, Florida (1968 and 1969)

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 15 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If infected by Plagiarist Bi-dumb's policies and afraid to go unmasked to outside sporting event, you have time to read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former Bucknell hoopers Bob Keegan and Christy Mathewson provided premium MLB pitching performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 15 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 15

  • Chicago Cubs RF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State basketball team) made an eighth-inning leaping catch in 1960 to help preserve Don Cardwell's no-hitter against the St. Louis Cardinals. It was Cardwell's first start for the Cubbies after he was acquired from the Philadelphia Phillies.

  • Chicago White Sox CF Ken Berry (freshman hooper for Wichita in 1959-60) homered twice in a 1970 game against the Kansas City Royals.

  • Kansas City Athletics LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing his career) blasted three homers against the Detroit Tigers in a 1960 doubleheader.

  • 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 five RBI in a 9-4 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1958.

  • RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1922) purchased from the Chicago White Sox by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935.

  • Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) furnished two homers and five RBI against the Houston Astros in a 1974 game.

  • Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) traded by the Washington Senators to the St. Louis Browns in 1941.

  • Philadelphia Athletics 2B Gene Handley (Bradley hoops letterman in 1932-33 and 1933-34) had four hits in a 14-inning game against the Detroit Tigers in 1947.

  • Cincinnati Reds LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) secured his fifth save in first five relief appearances of month in 1960.

  • 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 Chicago Cubs in a 1951 contest.

  • Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) sidelined for the remainder of the 1996 campaign after dislocating his right shoulder swinging at a pitch.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Bob Keegan (Bucknell hoops letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) went the first 21 2/3 innings of the 1956 season without yielding an earned run. The previous year, Keegan went 3-for-3 at the plate in nightcap of a 1955 twinbill against the Washington Senators.

  • 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 five hits in a 14-inning outing against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1974, triggering a 13-game hitting streak.

  • New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed his third straight shutout in 1901.

  • In 1984, Philadelphia Phillies 1B Len Matuszek (starter for Toledo's 18-7 team in 1975-76) smashed a homer in his fourth contest in a five-game span.

  • The first MLB victory for San Francisco Giants rookie LHP Phil Nastu (averaged 13.6 ppg and 4.2 rpg as senior for Bridgeport CT 1976 DII Elite Eight team compiling 24-5 record) ended up as his lone complete game (8-1 nod over Houston Astros in 1979).

  • New York Yankees LF Irv Noren (hoops player of year for California junior college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) stroked an inside-the-park grand slam in an 8-4 win over the Kansas City Athletics in 1955.

  • 2B Marv Olson (all-conference hoops selection was team MVP for Luther IA) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the New York Yankees in 1933 but never played for the Bronx Bombers.

  • RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer during two years attended Mount Morris IL in early 1930s) purchased from the St. Louis Browns by the Philadelphia Athletics for $17,500 in 1948.

  • New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) went 3-for-3, scored three runs, knocked in three teammates and swiped two bases in 1915 contest against the Chicago Cubs.

  • Kansas City Athletics 1B Norm Siebern (member of Southwest Missouri State squads capturing back-to-back NAIA Tournament hoops titles in 1952 and 1953) smashed two homers against the Cleveland Indians in a 1962 game.

  • LHP Jack Spring (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) purchased from the Los Angeles Angels by Chicago Cubs in 1964.

  • San Diego Padres RF Will Venable (All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under Princeton coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05) banged out four hits in a 6-1 win against the Washington Nationals in 2012.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) tossed his second of back-to-back shutouts en route to an AL-leading five whitewashes in 1957.

  • Minnesota Twins DH Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) smacked two homers against the Boston Red Sox in a 1993 contest.

Transfer Talk: Thompson Could Become Intra-Conference A-A Like Lucas III

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 are seeing the light and backing off their dogma. 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, including Louisville coach Chris Mack and new Minnesota mentor Ben Johnson, causing extensive trouble because they transferred within a league:

Transfer Player Pos. Conference Two League Members Played For
Al Akins ? Pacific Coast Washington State 42-43/Washington 44
Spike Albrecht G Big Ten Michigan 13-16/Purdue 17
Carvell Ammons F Big Ten Northwestern 97/Illinois 99
Alex Anderson G Ohio Valley Jacksonville State 13/UT-Martin 15-16
DeMario Anderson G Northeast Central Connecticut State 04-05/Quinnipiac 07-08
Luke Axtell F-G Big 12 Texas 98/Kansas 00-01
Twany Beckham G Southeastern Mississippi State 09-10/Kentucky 12-13
Markedric Bell F SWAC Arkansas-Pine Bluff 20-21/Prairie View 22
Max Bielfeldt F Big Ten Michigan 13-15/Indiana 16
Lamarquis Blake G SWAC Arkansas-Pine Bluff 02-03/Alabama State 05-06
Quincy Bowens G Midwestern Collegiate Butler 93/Detroit 95
Jalen Bradley G Summit League Nebraska-Omaha 14/Oral Roberts 16-17
Mel Braxton F PCAA New Mexico State 85/Long Beach State 87
Josh Bright G MEAC Morgan State 07/Maryland-Eastern Shore 08-11
Lincoln Browder F SWAC Prairie View 90/Southern 91
Jack Carby F Big Seven Kansas 50/Kansas State 52
Chris Carter C SWAC Texas Southern 94/Grambling 97-98
Jason Carter F Southeastern Alabama 11/Mississippi 13
Sharif Chambliss G Big Ten Penn State 01-03/Wisconsin 05
Matt Chastain G-F Missouri Valley Loyola of Chicago 17/Illinois State 19-21
Patrick Cole G MEAC Coppin State 13/North Carolina Central 16-17
Jalen Coleman-Lands G Big 12 Iowa State 21/Kansas 22
Corban Collins G Southeastern Louisiana State 13/Alabama 17
Richard Congo F East Coast Lafayette 80/Drexel 82-84
Andrew Dakich G Big Ten Michigan 14-16/Ohio State 18
Javian Davis F Southeastern Alabama 20/Mississippi State 21
Kevin Degnan C-F MAAC Fairfield 15-16/Siena 18
Lucas Devenny F Big West UC Santa Barbara 10-11/UC Riverside 13-14
Riley Didion G Atlantic Sun Jacksonville 03-04/North Florida 06
Thomas Dodd C-F SWAC Texas Southern 95-96/Grambling 98-99
Charles Dorsey G Midwestern Collegiate Loyola of Chicago 81-82/Oral Roberts 84-85
Terrance Duncan F SWAC Grambling 95/Arkansas-Pine Bluff 99
Tristan Enaruna G-F Big 12 Kansas 20-21/Iowa State 22
Gary Ervin G Southeastern Mississippi State 04-05/Arkansas 07-08
Isaiah Felder G MEAC Savannah State 16-18/South Carolina State 20
Jamel Fields G Metro Atlantic Fairfield 11-12/St. Peter's 14-15
Brenden Floyd G Northeast St. Francis (N.Y.) 96/Central Connecticut State 98-99
Cedric Foster G SWAC Alcorn State 94-95/Mississippi Valley State 97-98
Josh Fox F Big West UC Riverside 13/UC Davis 15-16
Lawrence Funderburke F Big Ten Indiana 90/Ohio State 92-94
Antonio Gates F Mid-American Eastern Michigan 00/Kent State 02-03
Michael Gbinije G-F Atlantic Coast Duke 12/Syracuse 14-16
Deremy Geiger G Western Athletic Utah State 09/Idaho 11-12
John Gordon G America East Maine 96-97/Delaware 99-00
Richard Griffin G SWAC Mississippi Valley State 04/Alcorn State 07-08
Derick Grubb C West Coast Pepperdine 03-06/Loyola Marymount 07
Jason Grunkemeyer G Mid-American Ohio University 97/Miami (OH) 99-01
P.J. Hardwick G Sun Belt North Texas 13/Arkansas State 15-16
Damontre Harris C Southeastern South Carolina 11-12/Florida 14
Jovan Harris G West Coast Saint Mary's 00-01/San Francisco 03-04
James Harrison G Southland New Orleans 14/Lamar 18
Jarrett Hart G Big 12 Oklahoma 00/Kansas State 03-04
Charles Hatcher G Northeast Loyola (Md.) 89/St. Francis (N.Y.) 92-93
Allen Hatchett G Ohio Valley Southeast Missouri 96-97/Middle Tennessee State 99
Jason Hernandez G America East New Hampshire 97/Hofstra 99-01
John "Babe" Higgins G-F PCC California 44/Stanford 47-48
Derek Holcomb C Big Ten Indiana 77/Illinois 79-81
Randy Holcomb F WAC/Mountain West Fresno State 99/San Diego State 01-02
David Hollaway G Big West San Jose State 89/UC Irvine 91-92
Jeff Holmes G ECAC North Boston University 84/Maine 86-88
Robert Hooper F Mid-Continent Cleveland State 94/Youngstown State 97-98
Bobby Horodyski G CUSA Marshall 10/UCF 12-13
Johnny Hudson G Trans America Athletic Houston Baptist 88-89/Hardin-Simmons
David Huertas G Southeastern Florida 05-06/Mississippi 08
Lindsey Hunter G SWAC Alcorn State 89/Jackson State 91-93
Quintrius Hutchinson F SWAC Alabama A&M 11/Alabama State 12
Derek Jackson G Mid-American Central Michigan 11-12/Kent State 14-15
Tony Jamison G Mid-American Kent State 75-76/Eastern Michigan 78
Avery Johnson Jr. G Southeastern Texas A&M 15/Alabama 16-17
Ben Johnson G Big Ten Northwestern 00-01/Minnesota 03-04
Cam Johnson G-F ACC Pittsburgh 16-17/North Carolina 18-19
Durand Johnson F Big East Pittsburgh 13/St. John's 16
K.D. Johnson G Southeastern Georgia 21/Auburn 22
Napoleon Johnson C SWAC Texas Southern 80-81/Grambling 83-84
Trey Johnson G SWAC Alcorn State 04/Jackson State 06-07
Yondarius Johnson G SWAC Grambling 11/Southern LA 13-14
Curtis Jones Jr. G Big Ten Indiana 17-18/Penn State 20
Jamal Jones G Southeastern Mississippi 12/Texas A&M 14
Rob Jones F West Coast San Diego 08-09/Saint Mary's 11-12
Tyler Jones F MEAC Maryland-Eastern Shore 17-19/North Carolina A&T 21
Pierre Jordan G ACC Florida State 09-11/Georgia Tech 12-13
Oggie Kapetanovic C Ivy League Brown 97-98/Penn 00-01
Shannon Kennedy G Missouri Valley Memphis State 73/Drake 75
Ellis Kidd Jr. G Big 12 Oklahoma State 01/Baylor 03-04
Michael Knight G America East Maryland-Baltimore County 05/Albany 07
Ray Knight C Big East Georgetown 81/Providence 83-85
Rob Koch F Mid-American Kent State 80-81/Central Michigan 83-84
Miller Kopp F Big Ten Northwestern 19-21/Indiana 22
Willy Kouassi C Southeastern Auburn 12/Arkansas 16
Dan Leighton F Mid-American Toledo 84/Western Michigan 86-88
John Lucas III G Big 12 Baylor 02-03/Oklahoma State 04
Mike Lucas G SWC Arkansas 85-86/Southern Methodist 88-89
Chris Mack G Midwestern Collegiate Evansville 89-90/Xavier 93
Cameron Madlock F Mid-American Bowling Green 08/Northern Illinois 11
Jonathan Malloy G Big Sky Montana State 07/Cal State Sacramento 09-10
Derick Malone F SWAC Prairie View 96/Texas Southern 98-00
Jim Manuel C Mid-American Miami (Ohio) 82-83/Western Michigan 84
Dominick Martin C Ivy League Princeton 02/Yale 04-06
Royal Maxwell F SWAC Grambling 98-99/Jackson State 01-02
Matt McClelland F Northeast Monmouth 93/St. Francis (Pa.) 95-96
John McDonald G Metro Atlantic Athletic Loyola MD 95-96/Iona 97-98
Darrick McGriff G SWAC Prairie View 93-94/Alabama State 96-97
Horace "Bones" McKinney C Southern North Carolina State 41-42/North Carolina 46
Clay McKnight G Big West UC Irvine 96/Pacific 98-00
Dominique McKoy F Atlantic 10 Rhode Island 12/Duquesne 14-15
Jamar Miles F SWAC Alabama A&M 99/Prairie View 01-03
Hunter Miller G Atlantic Sun Florida Gulf Coast 10-11/Stetson 13-14
Torrey Mills F Mid-American Central Michigan 93-94/Eastern Michigan 96-97
Charles Mitchell F ACC Maryland 13-14/Georgia Tech 15-16
Gary Moeller F PCAA UC Santa Barbara 81-82/Cal State Fullerton 84-85
Tim Morris G Pacific-10 Stanford 05-06/Washington 08
Antwine Murchison F Big Sky Idaho 82/Northern Arizona 85-86
Ross Neltner F-C Southeastern Louisiana State 04-05/Vanderbilt 07-08
Tyrone O'Garro F Northeast Monmouth 13/Fairleigh Dickinson 16-17
Sam Okey F Big Ten Wisconsin 96-97/Iowa 99
Kevin Olekaibe G Mountain West Fresno State 13/UNLV 14
Andy Oliveira G PCAA Pacific 73/UC Santa Barbara 77
Patrick Onwenu F SWAC Texas Southern 12/Alcorn State 16
Jack Owens G Ohio Valley Murray State 96/Eastern Illinois 98-99
Marvin Owens G-F Midwestern Collegiate Oklahoma City 84-85/Detroit 87-88
Jason Parker F Southeastern Kentucky 01/South Carolina 03
Darrell Patterson G PCAA Cal State Fullerton 82/Long Beach State 85
Fenorris Pearson F Mid-American Central Michigan 89-90/Eastern Michigan 91-93
Sam Pearson G Ohio Valley UT-Martin 08/Southeast Missouri 10
Carl Pierce F WCAC Santa Clara 76-77/Gonzaga 80
Xavier Pinson G SEC Missouri 19-21/Louisiana State 22
Marquis Poole G Big Sky Eastern Washington 01/Idaho State 03-04
Franklin Porter G West Coast Saint Mary's 16/Portland 18-20
Micah Potter F Big Ten Ohio State 17-18/Wisconsin 20
Justin Powell G Southeastern Auburn 21/Tennessee 22
Charles Price F SWAC Grambling 86-87/Texas Southern 89-90
Mark Price G Metro Atlantic Fairfield 00/Siena 02
C.J. Prince G Mid-Eastern Athletic Maryland-Eastern Shore 06/Howard University 09-10
Jim Ray F Southeastern Georgia Tech 46/Mississippi State 48-49
Luke Recker G-F Big Ten Indiana 98-99/Iowa 01
Eric Rhodes G-F Southland Stephen F. Austin 88/Sam Houston State 91
Ben Rishwain G Big West UC Irvine 90/Pacific 92-94
Nican Robinson G Pacific-10 UCLA 06/California 08-09
Kirk Rocheleau G Big Sky Montana State 74/Montana 76-77
Jason Rogers G Southland Texas State 06/Stephen F. Austin 08
Earnest Ross F Southeastern Auburn 10-11/Missouri 13-14
Steve Ross G West Coast San Diego 99/Santa Clara 01-02
Andres Sandoval G Atlantic 10 Richmond 05/Dayton 07-08
Nate Schindewolf G Mid-American Miami (Ohio) 97/Akron 99-01
Brian Schmall G Big South Augusta 89-90/Radford 92-93
Rodney Scott G PCAA UC Irvine 85/San Jose State 87-88
Bo Segeberg C Big Sky Cal State Sacramento 00/Montana State 02-03
Glen Selbo G Big Ten Wisconsin 44 & 47/Michigan 46
Brad Sellers F Big Ten Wisconsin 82-83/Ohio State 85-86
Zach Sellers G MEAC Savannah State 17-19/South Carolina State 20
Frank Sillmon F SWAC Alabama State 85-86/Alabama A&M 88-89
Trant Simpson G SWAC Alabama A&M 07-09/Prairie View 11
Jason Smeathers F Summit League IUPUI 09/IPFW 11-12
Adam Smith G ACC Virginia Tech 14-15/Georgia Tech 16
Jevon Smith G-F SWAC Mississippi Valley State 17/Jackson State 20
Vinson Smith G Mid-Continent Youngstown State 93/UMKC 97
Marcus Stewart F Big South Coastal Carolina 98-99/Winthrop 01-02
Curtis Stuckey G Missouri Valley Drake 88/Bradley 90-91
Rashaan Surles G SWAC Prairie View 14/Mississippi Valley State 16-17
Kenny Taylor G Big 12 Baylor 02-03/Texas 04
Michael Taylor G Big Sky Eastern Washington 07/Montana 09-10
Charles Terrell G Big West San Jose State 90-91/Pacific 93-94
Bryce Thompson G Big 12 Kansas 21/Oklahoma State 22
Derryck Thornton G ACC Duke 16/Boston College 20
Riley Trone G CAA George Mason 94-95/James Madison 98
Tyler Troupe F Southern Chattanooga 06-07/Georgia Southern 09-10
Kevon Tucker G Southern Wofford 17/East Tennessee State 19
Cory Underwood F Northeast St. Francis (N.Y.) 00/Wagner 02
Jarrod Uthoff F Big Ten Wisconsin 12 (RS)/Iowa 14-16
Eloy Vargas C Southeastern Florida 09/Kentucky 11-12
Jason Walberg G West Coast Saint Mary's 05/Pepperdine 07-08
Damion Walker C-F WAC Texas Christian 96-97/New Mexico 99-00
Ryan Wall G Mountain West New Mexico 04-05/Texas Christian 07-08
Blake Wallace F West Coast Pepperdine 07/San Francisco 09-10
Bubba Walther G Mid-American Akron 05-06/Ohio University 07-08
Jerome Washington G ECAC Metro St. Francis NY 83-85/Long Island 87
Marcus Watkins G Big 12 Texas A&M 03-04/Missouri 05-06
David Wear Sr. C PCAA Fresno State 77-78/Cal State Fullerton 81
David Weaver F Ivy League Princeton 94/Harvard 96-97
Jamari Wheeler G Big Ten Penn State 18-21/Ohio State 22
Sahvir Wheeler G Southeastern Georgia 20-21/Kentucky 22
Malcolm White F Southeastern Mississippi 08-09/Louisiana State 11-12
Dwain Whitfield F SWAC Mississippi Valley State 15-16/Arkansas-Pine Bluff 18-19
Trent Whiting G Mountain West Utah 00/Brigham Young 01
Jacob Wiley F Big Sky Montana 13/Eastern Washington 17
LeRon Williams F Southeastern Florida 95-96/South Carolina 98-99
Josh Wittensoldner G Mid-American Bowling Green State 96/Akron 98

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 14 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If annoyed by masked confusion with PC poobahs shifting All-Star Game from Atlanta to Colorado, you can vote to invest time and energy reading news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Ex-Fordham hoopers Frankie Frisch and Babe Young were full of MLB extra-base hits on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 14 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 14

  • In 1977, RHP Jim Colborn (attended Whittier CA in mid-1960s before studying for master's at Edinburgh where he was All-Scotland in basketball) hurled the first no-hitter at Royals Stadium by a Kansas City pitcher (6-0 win against Texas Rangers).

  • New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for Louisiana State and Southwestern Louisiana in mid-1940s) went 5-for-5 in a 1954 game against the Chicago Cubs.

  • Boston Red Sox 1B Walt Dropo (first player in Connecticut history to average 20 ppg in single season with 21.7 in 1942-43) homered in both ends of 1950 twinbill against the Washington Senators.

  • San Francisco Giants 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college basketball crown) homered twice for the second time in a six-game span in 1983.

  • Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) threw only 78 pitches in a 3-0 shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1946.

  • Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for UMass' freshman hoops squad in 1971-72) fired his first MLB shutout, a five-hitter against the Oakland Athletics in 1977. Four years later, Flanagan hurled his second whitewash in a little over two weeks in 1981.

  • St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) supplied three extra-base hits against the New York Giants in a 1930 contest.

  • One of five victories by Kansas City Royals RHP Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) during the month in 1979 was a five-hit shutout against the Seattle Mariners.

  • Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) whacked two homers against the St. Louis Browns in the opener of a 1939 doubleheader.

  • California Angels RHP Paul Hartzell (averaged 5.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg for Lehigh in 1972-73) posted his fifth save in less than a month in 1978.

  • Philadelphia Phillies 1B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg for Texas A&M in 1961-62) jacked two homers against the San Diego Padres in a 1977 game.

  • Detroit Tigers RF Rusty Kuntz (J.C. hooper for Cuesta CA) registered two extra-base hits among his three safeties against the Seattle Mariners in a 1984 outing.

  • SS Doc Lavan (Hope MI hooper from 1908 through 1910) purchased from the Washington Senators by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1919.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team hoops selection for Baylor in early 1920s) hurled a shutout against the New York Yankees. The whitewash was one of four triumphs for Lyons in a 12-day span in 1925.

  • Mel McGaha (first Arkansas player to earn four letters from 1943-44 through 1946-47) fired as manager of the Kansas City Athletics by owner Charlie Finley in 1965.

  • New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) smashed two homers against the California Angels in a 1977 game.

  • Chicago Cubs rookie SS Paul Popovich (teammate of Jerry West for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) stroked four hits and scored three runs in a 6-3 victory against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the nightcap of a 1967 twinbill.

  • Boston Braves RHP Charlie Robertson (Austin College TX hooper before joining U.S. Army during WWI) toiled a mind-boggling 17 1/3 innings in a loss against the Chicago Cubs in 1927.

  • OF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) purchased from the St. Louis Cardinals by the Chicago Cubs in 1967.

  • 1B Dick Siebert (Concordia-St. Paul MN hooper in 1929 and 1930) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1938.

  • Chicago Cubs rookie 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year letterman for Western Michigan averaged 5.6 ppg in final season in 1947-48) stroked two doubles in each end of a 1950 doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

  • Cleveland Indians 3B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) whacked a homer in his fourth consecutive contest in 1996.

  • Minnesota Twins DH Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) collected two homers and five RBI against the Baltimore Orioles in a 1994 contest.

  • PH Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1936) contributed a double and triple in a 10-run, eighth-inning explosion propelling the New York Giants to a 12-6 triumph against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1942.

Twice Wasn't Enough: 15 Champions Lost > Once Against Same Opponent

The first 38 NCAA titlists, from Oregon (29-5 record in 1938-39) through Indiana (the last unbeaten team with a 32-0 mark in 1975-76), averaged barely over two setbacks per season. No kingpin sustained more than six reversals until Marquette's Al McGuire-coached squad was 25-7 in 1976-77. However, McGuire's swan song was a sign of things to come as six of the 11 championship clubs from 1981 through 1991 finished with at least seven losses. Two of the six - Villanova '85 and Kansas '88 - entered the playoffs unranked in a wire-service final Top 20 since the AP and UPI both were conducting polls in 1951.

In 2018-19, Duke, sparked by a total of 56 points from freshman R.J. Barrett in two victories against Virginia, defeated the eventual NCAA champion twice for the second time in three seasons. Feeling like a sixth-grader trying to collect $20G from ESPN after Bracket Boy tied for winning NCAA tourney contest several years ago, following is a list of the 15 titlists losing at least twice in their title season against a total of 20 different opponents:

Season NCAA Champion Record Team(s) Defeating Titlist at Least Twice
1953-54 La Salle 26-4 Niagara (24-6) defeated the Explorers twice by a total of 27 points before finishing in third place in the NIT.
1980-81 Indiana 26-9 Iowa (21-7) defeated the Hoosiers twice by a total of 16 points before losing its NCAA playoff opener in second round against Wichita State on the Shockers' home-court.
1982-83 North Carolina State 26-10 Maryland (20-10) defeated the Wolfpack twice by a total of 14 points before losing in second round against national runner-up Houston. Virginia (29-5) defeated the Wolfpack twice by a total of 19 points before losing against N.C. State by one point in West Regional final.
1984-85 Villanova 25-10 St. John's (31-4) defeated the Wildcats three times by a total of 22 points before losing against Georgetown in national semifinals. Georgetown (35-3) defeated the Wildcats twice by a total of nine points before losing against Villanova by two points in national final.
1985-86 Louisville 32-7 Kansas (35-4) defeated the Cardinals twice by a total of seven points before losing against Duke in national semifinals.
1987-88 Kansas 27-11 Kansas State (25-9) defeated the Jayhawks twice by a total of 26 points before losing against KU in Midwest Regional final. Oklahoma (35-4) defeated the Jayhawks twice by eight points in Big Eight Conference regular-season competition before losing against KU by four points in national final.
1988-89 Michigan 30-7 Illinois (31-5) defeated the Wolverines twice by a total of 28 points before losing against UM by two points in national semifinals. Indiana (27-8) defeated the Wolverines twice by one point before losing against eventual national runner-up Seton Hall in West Regional semifinals.
1996-97 Arizona 25-9 UCLA (24-8) defeated the Wildcats twice by a total of eight points before losing against Minnesota in Midwest Regional final.
2002-03 Syracuse 30-5 Connecticut (23-10) defeated the Orangemen twice by a total of 27 points before losing against Texas in South Regional semifinals.
2005-06 Florida 33-6 South Carolina (23-15) defeated the Gators twice by a total of 10 points before successfully defending its NIT championship. Tennessee (22-8) defeated the Gators twice by four points apiece before losing against Wichita State in second round of Washington (East) Regional.
2010-11 Connecticut 32-9 Notre Dame (27-7) defeated the Huskies twice by three points each time before losing against Florida State in second round of South Regional. Louisville (25-10) defeated the Huskies twice by a total of 14 points before losing against Morehead State in opening round of South Regional.
2013-14 Connecticut 32-8 SMU (27-10) defeated the Huskies twice by nine points each time before finishing NIT runner-up. Louisville (31-6) defeated the Huskies three times by a total of 55 points before bowing against eventual national runner-up Kentucky in Midwest Regional semifinals.
2014-15 Duke 35-4 Notre Dame (32-6) defeated the Blue Devils twice by a total of 14 points before losing against Kentucky in Midwest Regional final.
2016-17 North Carolina 33-7 Duke (28-9) defeated the Tar Heels twice by a total of 18 points before losing against Final Four-bound South Carolina in second round of East Regional.
2018-19 Virginia 35-3 Duke (32-6) defeated the Cavaliers twice by a total of 12 points before losing against Michigan State in East Regional final.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 13 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If cowering in corner in fetal position because of profiteering pitchman Dr. Fraud-ci afraid he'll heave another ceremonial first pitch, you have time to read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Duke basketball All-Americans Dick Groat and Billy Werber each hit at least three doubles in National League games on this date. Former college hoopers Beau Bell (Texas A&M), Ed Bouchee (Washington State), Larry Doby (Virginia Union), Hoot Evers (Illinois) and Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan) were involved in MLB transactions on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a May 13 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

MAY 13

  • Cincinnati Reds LF Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) socked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in the opener of a 1951 twinbill.

  • OF-1B Beau Bell (Texas A&M two-year hoops letterman in early 1930s) traded by the St. Louis Browns to the Detroit Tigers in a 10-player deal in 1939.

  • 1B Ed Bouchee (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) traded by the Philadelphia Phillies to the Chicago Cubs in 1960.

  • Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Ownie Carroll (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1922), in the midst of winning five straight decisions, didn't allow an earned run in a 10-inning, 1-1 tie against the Cincinnati Reds in 1933.

  • OF Larry Doby (reserve hoops guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA titlist) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by the Chicago White Sox in 1959.

  • RF Hoot Evers (hoops starter for Illinois in 1939-40) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Baltimore Orioles in 1956.

  • Los Angeles Dodgers RF Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) smacked a homer in his third consecutive contest against the Montreal Expos in 1979.

  • Boston Red Sox rookie RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) set an A.L. record for scoreless innings at the start of a MLB career by reaching 22 shutout frames before allowing a tally in 1945. Ferriss struck out Detroit Tigers 1B Rudy York four times - all on called third strikes in an 8-2 win in the opener of a doubleheader.

  • St. Louis Cardinals SS Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of last three seasons in late 1920s for Lebanon Valley PA) contributed four hits in an 8-7 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1932.

  • Pittsburgh Pirates SS Dick Groat (two-time hoops All-American with Duke in 1950-51 and 1951-52 when finishing among nation's top five scorers each season) went 6-for-6 (including three doubles) in an 8-2 triumph over the Milwaukee Braves in 1960.

  • In 1984, 3B Wayne Gross (led Cal Poly Pomona in assists in 1974-75) knocked in all of the Baltimore Orioles' runs in a 5-1 win against his former team (Oakland Athletics).

  • Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Dick Hall (averaged 12.8 ppg for three MASC Southern Division champions with Swarthmore PA from 1948-49 through 1950-51), a former big-league OF, singled in both ends of 1956 twinbill, igniting a 6-for-7 spurt at the plate for him through early August.

  • Chicago Cubs RF Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) banged out four hits in a 7-5 victory against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a 1933 doubleheader.

  • Cleveland Indians 1B Doug Howard (second-team All-WAC choice for Brigham Young in 1968-69 and 1969-70) delivered a career-high three hits against the Boston Red Sox in 1976.

  • New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (three-year hoops letterman with Maryland from 1934-35 through 1936-37) clobbered two homers against the St. Louis Browns in a 1947 game.

  • C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading hoops scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) traded by the Chicago Cubs to the Philadelphia Phillies in a four-player swap in 1960. The next year, Neeman's RBI double in fourth inning provided go-ahead run for Phils in 3-1 decision over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961.

  • Boston Red Sox rookie RHP Dick Radatz (center on Michigan State's freshman hoops squad in 1955-56) didn't allow an earned run in his first 12 relief appearances covering 16 1/3 innings.

  • Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) yielded a lead-off HR before retiring the next 27 Cincinnati Reds batters to prevail, 8-1, in 1954.

  • Chicago White Sox RHP Charlie Robertson (Austin College TX hooper before joining U.S. Army during WWI) hurled a three-hit shutout against the New York Yankees in 1925.

  • Baltimore Orioles LF Larry Sheets (All-ODAC hoops selection in 1981-82 and 1982-83 with Eastern Mennonite VA) socked two homers against the Kansas City Royals in a 1987 outing.

  • Baltimore Orioles DH Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops squad in mid-1960s) cracked two homers against the Texas Rangers in a 1983 game.

  • In 1940, Cincinnati Reds 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) became the only player to hit four consecutive doubles in a game in each league (14-inning, 8-8 tie with St. Louis Cardinals).

  • In the midst of an eight-game hitting streak, Chicago Cubs RF Bob Will (all-league athlete was hoops captain for Mankato State MN in 1954-55) supplied three hits against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 1961 contest.

Father Knows Best: Will Baldwin Unseat Davis as Best Son Playing Under Dad?

Will Patrick Baldwin Jr. (Milwaukee) supplant Antoine Davis (Detroit) as the premier player currently performing under his father? Where will the Baldwin and Davis clans finish among the most successful father-son, coach-player combinations in NCAA annals? The Davis worksheet together (31-53 past three years) 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). Baldwin and Davis likely will crack the Top 10 on the following list of luminaries playing under dear old dad:

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. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. 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.

Ricky Berry, Allan Houston and Tony Bennett each averaged more than 20 points per game in at least two campaigns in six-year span from 1986-87 through 1991-92. Last season, dynamo Davis (playing under father Mike Davis) joined Maravich as the only individuals averaging at least 24 ppg in three years as a son playing under his father:

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 12 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! If your stuck at home donning mask like Michael Jackson impersonator, you have time to read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former 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.

  • 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.

Road Well-Traveled: ETSU is 10th DI Pit Stop for Head Coach Desmond Oliver

Seems as if it took a vagabond to know one. When Tim Jankovich joined Larry Brown at Southern Methodist as coach-in-waiting before moving over one chair to become bench boss, it paired two wanderlust mentors. Florida A&M pilot Bobby McCullum is the only active coach to pack his suitcase as often for so many moves.

It is a battle of nomads when SEC head coaches Eric Musselman (Arkansas) and Buzz Williams (Texas A&M) oppose each other. SMU is the fifth different university Jankovich has worked for in the state of Texas (two shy of Texas' Chris Beard). East Tennessee State is the 10th NCAA Division I pit stop for Desmond Oliver as new bench boss joined the following list of 10 active head coaches working for a total of at least 10 different junior colleges, four-year universities and NBA franchises in a coaching capacity (listed chronologically):

Tim Jankovich (13) - Pan American, Kansas State, Texas, Colorado State, Baylor, Oklahoma State, *North Texas, *Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College, Vanderbilt, Illinois, Kansas, *Illinois State and *SMU.

Bobby McCullum (13) - South Alabama, Samford, Southern Illinois, Kansas State, Florida, Illinois, *Western Michigan, *South Florida, San Francisco, UCF, Georgia Tech, Oregon and *Florida A&M.

Chris Jans (11) - Elmhurst College (Ill.), Grand View College (Iowa), *Kirkwood (Iowa), *Independence (Kan.), Idaho, *Howard (Tex.), *Chipola (Fla.), Illinois State, Wichita State, *Bowling Green and *New Mexico State.

Chris Beard (10) - Texas, Incarnate Word (Tex.), Abilene Christian (Tex.), North Texas, *Fort Scott (Kan.), *Seminole State (Fla.), *Texas Tech, *McMurry (Tex.), *Angelo State (Tex.) and *UALR.

Lance Irvin (10) - Idaho, DePaul, Loyola of Chicago, Iowa State, Illinois State, Texas A&M, Missouri, SMU, Southern Illinois and *Chicago State.

Ritchie McKay (10) - Washington, Queens College (N.C.), Seattle Pacific, Bradley, *Portland State, *Colorado State, *Oregon State, *New Mexico, *Liberty and Virginia.

Eric Musselman** (10) - Minnesota Timberwolves, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, *Golden State Warriors, Memphis Grizzlies, *Sacramento Kings, Arizona State, Louisiana State, *Nevada and *Arkansas.

Desmond Oliver (10) - Niagara, Texas A&M, Cornell, St. Bonaventure, Rhode Island, Georgia, Canisius, Charlotte, Tennessee and *East Tennessee State.

Pat Skerry (10) - Tufts (Mass.), Stonehill (Mass.), *Curry (Mass.), Northeastern, William & Mary, College of Charleston, Rhode Island, Providence, Pittsburgh and *Towson.

Buzz Williams (10) - Navarro (Tex.), Oklahoma City, Texas-Arlington, Texas A&M-Kingsville, Northwestern State, Colorado State, *Texas A&M, *New Orleans, *Marquette and *Virginia Tech.

*Worked for team as head coach.
**Musselman also coached five different minor-league professional franchises.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 11 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! While fans other than Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves wait to attend games en masse, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former 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 in the American League. 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.

  • 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 a 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.

Breaking Up is Hard to Do: Joe Golding Latest Coach Departing Alma Mater

We don't know if the song "Breaking Up is Hard to Do" was the background music when he made up his mind. But new Texas-El Paso mentor Joe Golding is the latest coach to make gut-wrenching decision to leave alma mater for a similar coaching position with another school or NBA franchise. Golding departed after 10 campaigns with Abilene Christian. Two years ago, Mick Cronin left following 13 seasons at Cincinnati - the same tenure Keith Dambrot had at Akron before abandoning ship for Duquesne. Following is an alphabetical list of active mentors who voluntarily left their Division I alma maters:

Active Coach Alma Mater (Coaching Years) Subsequent Job (Years)
Jamion Christian Mount St. Mary's '04 (2012-13 through 2017-18) Siena (since 2018-19)
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)
Mike Krzyzewski Army '69 (1975-76 through 1979-80) Duke (since 1980-81)
Chris Mack Xavier '92 (2009-10 through 2017-18) Louisville (since 2018-19)
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)
Wayne Tinkle Montana '89 (2006-07 through 2013-14) Oregon State (since 2014-15)

NOTE: Christian (George Washington), Drew (Grand Canyon) and McDermott (Creighton) currently coach other colleges.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 10 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! Amid excessive number of strikeouts, you have time to read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Two former hoopers from 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.

  • 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.

Men For All Seasons: Will Family Connection Help MEAC MVP Make NFL as TE?

If you need more unassailable evidence proving who are the best team-sport athletes in the world, check out some of the premier tight ends in NFL history (past and present). Who will be the next former hardwood hero to become the a prominent hooper-turned-TE after stints learning their new craft? A striking number of the elite players at that rigorous position thus far this century have been former college basketball players. Could the next athlete in this category be 2019-20 MEAC Player of the Year Jibri Blount, who averaged 19.2 ppg, 9.5 rpg, 2.2 spg and 52.5 FG% as senior for North Carolina Central before son of Pittsburgh Steelers five-time Pro Bowl CB Mel Blount was signed as a free-agent tight end by the Miami Dolphins.

Decades ago, what kind of "picks" do you think imposing Mike Ditka (Pittsburgh) and John Mackey (Syracuse) set back in the day before the Big East Conference was formed? Wouldn't you love to see LeBron James maneuver down the field like Charles Atlas the same way he does when forcefully driving down the lane? It might be as entertaining as watching #TheDonald decide whether to have a New Jersey Generals (USFL) reunion or invite James and other NBA stars to Maralago for a social-engineering summit seeking scuttlebutt on all of their colleagues harassed by policemen.

There has been numerous Ivan Drago-like football specimens policing the gridiron after playing college hoops. Although ex-California hooper Tony Gonzalez failed to reach the 2013 postseason with the Atlanta Falcons in his quest to finally win a playoff game before retiring, succeeding in the NFL remains a "Battle of the Titans" at the TE position. Bursting on the scene at the same position was fellow ex-college hoopster Julius Thomas, the most sought-after free agent four years ago after originally being a relatively obscure player for the Denver Broncos until emerging as their runner-up in touchdowns with 12 and contributing a team-high eight pass receptions in an AFC title-game victory against the New England Patriots. Thomas, an All-Big Sky Conference hoopster with Portland State, flashed potential as the next game-changing tight end when he caught nine touchdown passes in the Broncos' first five games three seasons ago en route to signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars. A 74-yard TD strike to "It's So Easy" at San Diego in mid-season four years ago illustrated how QB Peyton Manning capitalized on Thomas' athleticism the same way he did ex-hooper Marcus Pollard (Bradley) with the Indianapolis Colts. Pollard, a J.C. transfer who was the Braves' leading rebounder in 1992-93, caught at least three touchdown passes each of Manning's first seven NFL seasons from 1998 through 2004.

Ditka, muzzled by ESPC for boasting sufficient fortitude to tackle mom-jeans POTUS, had a quality successor as an ex-hooper tight end with the Bears in Martellus Bennett (Texas A&M). Rather than fretting about #TheDonald nixing White House visit by Super Bowl LII champion (Philadelphia Eagles), consider the following list of Top 40 NFL/AFL tight ends who were former college basketball players:

Rank Former College Hooper Alma Mater Summary of NFL Tight End Career
1. Tony Gonzalez California First tight end in NFL history with 100 touchdowns completed his 17-year career in 2013 with 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards and 111 TDs. He was 13-time Pro Bowl selection.
2. Antonio Gates Kent State Eastern Michigan transfer set an NFL single-season record with 13 TD receptions in 2004 en route to becoming San Diego Chargers' all-time leader for TD catches, receptions and receiving yards.
3. Mike Ditka Pittsburgh Five-time Pro Bowl selection caught 427 passes for 5,812 yards and 43 TDs in 12 seasons.
4. John Mackey Syracuse Hall of Famer caught 331 passes for 5,236 yards and 38 TDs in 10 seasons.
5. Jimmy Graham Miami (Fla.) Led New Orleans Saints in pass receptions in 2012 and 2013. Twice has had streaks of at least four games with more than 100 yards in pass receptions. After only four years, he ranked second all-time among New Orleans Saints' tight ends in receiving before five-time Pro Bowler transitioned to the Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers.
6. Todd Heap Arizona State Caught 467 passes for 5,492 yards and 41 TDs with the Baltimore Ravens from 2001 through 2010, leading them in receptions in 2002 with 68.
7. Ben Coates Livingstone (N.C.) Established NFL single-season record for most receptions by a TE with 96 in 1994.
8. Marcus Pollard Bradley Finished his 13-year career with 349 receptions for 4,280 yards and 40 TDs (long of 86 yards in 2001 midway through stint as starter for the Indianapolis Colts).
9. Pete Metzelaars Wabash (Ind.) Played in more games at TE than any player in NFL history when he retired. Led the Buffalo Bills with 68 receptions in 1993.
10. Julius Thomas Portland State Began 2014 campaign with a bang by catching three first-half TD passes in season opener from Peyton Manning en route to nine TDs in first five games for the Denver Broncos. Thomas, Denver's runner-up with 12 TD receptions the previous year, went on to sign as a high-value free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
11. Marcedes Lewis UCLA Led NFL TEs in average per catch in 2009 and 2010. Pro Bowl selection in 2010 campaign when posting career highs of 58 receptions, 700 receiving yards and 10 TDs.
12. Martellus Bennett Texas A&M Caught 433 passes for 4,573 yards and 30 TDs with four different teams in 10 years from 2008 through 2017.
13. Joe Senser West Chester State (Pa.) Caught 165 passes for 1,822 yards and 16 TDs in four-year career with the Minnesota Vikings in early 1980s.
14. Andrew Glover Grambling State Caught at least one TD pass each of his 10 pro seasons from 1991 through 2000, finishing with 208 receptions for 2,478 yards and 24 TDs.
15. Rich McGeorge Elon (N.C.) Caught 175 passes for 2,370 yards and 13 TDs with the Green Bay Packers in nine years from 1970 through 1978.
16. Rickey Dudley Ohio State Scored 29 TDs in five seasons with the Oakland Raiders before hooking on with two other teams.
17. Tom Mitchell Bucknell Caught 239 passes for 3,181 yards and 24 TDs with three different teams in 11 years from 1966 through 1977.
18. Derrick Ramsey Kentucky Caught 188 passes for 2,364 yards and 21 TDs with three different teams from 1978 to 1987.
19. Jordan Cameron BYU/Southern California Blossomed in third year with Cleveland Browns in 2013, catching 80 passes for 917 yards and seven TDs (three in game at Minnesota). He had three contests with at least nine receptions.
20. Jean Fugett Amherst (Mass.) Caught 156 passes for 2,270 yards and 28 TDs with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins in eight years from 1972 through 1979.
21. Kevin Boss Western Oregon Caught 150 passes for 2,033 yards and 22 TDs with the New York Giants, Oakland Raiders and Kansas City Chiefs in six years from 2007 through 2012. His 45-yard pass reception sparked a fourth-quarter TD drive for the Giants in their 17-14 win against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XLII.
22. Reuben Gant Oklahoma State Caught 127 passes for 1,850 yards and 15 TDs with the Buffalo Bills in seven seasons from 1974 through 1980.
23. Bob Windsor Kentucky Caught 185 passes for 2,307 yards and 14 TDs with the San Francisco 49ers and New England Patriots in nine years from 1967 through 1975.
24. Keith McKeller Jacksonville State (Ala.) Caught 124 passes for 1,464 yards and 11 TDs with the Buffalo Bills in seven years from 1987 through 1993.
25. Darren Fells UC Irvine Caught 123 passes for 1,483 yards and 21 TDs in his first seven seasons from 2014 through 2020.
26. Robert Royal Louisiana State Caught 128 passes for 1,271 yards and 14 TDs with three different teams from 2002 through 2010.
27. Jeff King Virginia Tech Registered 156 receptions for 1,323 yards and 12 TDs with the Carolina Panthers and Arizona Cardinals in seven years from 2006 through 2012.
28. Gene Prebola Boston University Caught 133 passes for 1,823 yards and six TDs with the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos from 1960 through 1963.
29. Austin Seferian-Jenkins Washington Caught 116 passes for 1,160 yards and 11 TDs with three different teams from 2014 through 2018.
30. Greg Latta Morgan State (Md.) Caught 90 passes for 1,081 yards and seven TDs with the Chicago Bears in five years from 1975 through 1979.
31. Pat Richter Wisconsin Caught 99 passes for 1,315 yards and 14 TDs in nine seasons for the Washington Redskins after being their first-round pick in 1962.
32. Tom Rychlec American International MA Caught 87 passes for 1,089 yards and three TDs with three different NFL/AFL teams in late 1950s and early 1960s.
33. Al Dixon Iowa State Caught 84 passes for 1,248 yards and eight TDs with four different teams from 1977 through 1984.
34. Dee Mackey East Texas State Caught 94 passes for 1,352 yards and eight TDs in six NFL/AFL seasons from 1960 through 1965.
35. Mikhael Ricks Stephen F. Austin After switching from WR, he caught 64 passes for 773 yards and five TDs with the Detroit Lions in 2002 and 2003.
36. Ulysses Norris Georgia Best season of seven-year career was in 1983 when he had seven TDs with the Detroit Lions.
37. Ron Howard Seattle Caught 72 passes for 850 yards and two TDs with three different teams from 1974 through 1979. Appeared in Super Bowl X.
38. Oscar Roan Southern Methodist Caught 69 passes for 773 yards and nine TDs with the Cleveland Browns from 1975 through 1978.
39. Morris Stroud Jr. Clark Atlanta Believed to be the tallest TE (6-10) in NFL history, he caught 54 passes for 977 yards and seven TDs with the Kansas City Chiefs in five years from 1970 through 1974.
40. Jimmie Johnson Howard University Caught 61 passes for 723 yards and five TDs with four different teams from 1989 to 1998.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 9 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! As season continues to unfold with more vaccinated traveling on Mother's Day, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former 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 LSU and USL 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) 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.

On This Date: Former College Hoopers Made News in May 8 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! As "no-hit" season unfolds sans Albert Pujols, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.

Former 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.

  • 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.

How Will Garrett Be Gauged as MLB Hurler Following College Hoops Career?

Boom or bust? How will history determine the impact of lefthander Amir Garrett on the Cincinnati Reds? The former St. John's hooper excelled in his first three starts four 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. Three 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 two campaigns ago, compiling a 1.33 ERA through 25 stints following fanning the side against the Milwaukee Brewers in late May. But Garrett is struggling this season with ERA in excess of 10 when suspended for seven games as a result of inciting an adolescent incident with the Chicago Cubs.

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 Made News in May 7 MLB Contests

Extra! Extra! As 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.

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.

  • 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) 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).

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