College Hoopedia

World Serious Versatility: Influence of Former College Hoopers on Fall Classic

October 20th, 2020 - 21:48

Numerous universities have had versatile athletes who played college basketball before going on to major league baseball careers including appearances in the World Series. Tim Stoddard (North Carolina State) and Kenny Lofton (Arizona) are the only two such athletes to participate in an NCAA Final Four before competing in a WS. Believe it or not, the duo attended the same high school (Washington in East Chicago, Ind., a town with population of only 28,000).

While many single-minded basketball fans are assessing polls and rankings in preseason hoop magazines and websites, following is an incisive "Who Am I?" quiz for well-rounded basketball/baseball enthusiasts taking a toll on their memories as they try to recall Fall Classic participants who played varsity basketball for a current NCAA Division I college. Keep your chin up if you need relief answering the following questions because they're almost as difficult as the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Rays find scoring off some of the sterling starting pitchers:

I was a 13-year major league second baseman who set several fielding records and played in the 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox after ranking among the nation's top 12 free-throw shooters both of my college basketball seasons with Oklahoma State.
Who am I? Jerry Adair

I was a 17-year first baseman who hit four homers and a double in a single game and played in back-to-back World Series with the Milwaukee Braves after being LSU's leading scorer (18.6 points per game) for the Tigers' 1945-46 team compiling an 18-3 record and losing against Kentucky in the Southeastern Conference Tournament final.
Who am I? Joe Adcock

I was a 10-year pitcher who led the A.L. in winning percentage in 1935 with an 18-7 record (.720) for the World Series-bound Detroit Tigers after I was named to the first five on an all-conference basketball team in my final season at Kansas State. I was a submariner who hurled a complete game victory in a 10-4 verdict over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the '34 Series before losing Game 7 to Dizzy Dean.
Who am I? Eldon Auker

I was a shortstop who participated in five World Series, four with the champion, in a six-year span from 1910 through 1915 after earning a basketball letter for Holy Cross in 1908.
Who am I? John "Jack" Barry

I was a rookie pitcher in 1978 with the New York Yankees who went the distance for the first time in my major league career in a Game 5 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. I was a 6-5 forward who averaged 14.3 points and a team-high 8.9 rebounds per game for Dartmouth in 1974-75 when I was selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League.
Who am I? Jim Beattie

I was a catcher who appeared in back-to-back World Series with the New York Yankees (1927 and 1928) after being a basketball letterman for Niagara from 1916-17 through 1918-19.
Who am I? Bernard "Benny" Bengough

I was an outfielder who, during my 11-year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, hit a double in the 1925 World Series to help them become the first team to come back from a 3-1 deficit in a seven-game series. I played with my brother on Oregon's basketball squad before we briefly played alongside each other with the Pirates.
Who am I? Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee

I was 1952 National League Rookie of the Year and pitched a complete-game victory in World Series opener that year for the Brooklyn Dodgers after playing hoops with Morgan State in the mid-1940s.
Who am I? Joe Black

I was a player-manager who earned American League MVP honors in leading the Cleveland Indians to the 1948 World Series after being the top scorer for an Illinois team sharing a Big Ten Conference basketball title.
Who am I? Lou Boudreau

I was an infielder who participated in 1962 World Series for the San Francisco Giants after lettering in hoops with East Tennessee State in the mid-1950s.
Who am I? Ernie Bowman

I was a pitcher who appeared in the 1947 and 1949 World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers after notching 21-12 and 13-5 won-loss marks, respectively, following a basketball career at NYU, where I was the Violets' sixth-leading scorer in 1943-44 with an average of 3.8 points per game. Major league player and manager Bobby Valentine is my son-in-law.
Who am I? Ralph Branca

I was a 12-year outfielder who played in three World Series with the New York Yankees and hit 38 home runs in one season with Kansas City after finishing my college basketball career ranking fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list.
Who am I? Bob Cerv

I am a Hall of Fame catcher who participated in five World Series (1929-30-31-34-35) with the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers after playing basketball for Boston University.
Who am I? Mickey Cochrane

I posted a 1.88 ERA in 14 1/3 innings for the Boston Red Sox against the New York Giants in the 1912 World Series after being a two-year basketball letterman with Vermont.
Who am I? Ray Collins

I am a Hall of Fame outfielder for the New York Yankees who compiled a .350 batting average in four World Series (1926-27-28-32) after being captain with Eastern Kentucky's basketball squad.
Who am I? Earle Combs

I am a three-time All-Star Game performer who pitched in the 1957 World Series for the Milwaukee Braves after being an All-Pacific Coast Conference first-team selection in 1949-50 when the 6-7 sophomore center led Washington State and the PCC North Division in scoring (13.3 points per game).
Who am I? Gene Conley

I appeared in two World Series games for St. Louis Cardinals in 1934 after serving as Davidson basketball captain in early 1920s.
Who am I? Pat Crawford

I hit .323 in three World Series (1948 with Boston Braves; 1951 and 1954 with New York Giants). Member of LSU's 1942-43 basketball squad before entering military service (Marine Corps V-12 program) during World War II. Known as the "Swamp Fox," I was a five-sport letterman with Southwestern Louisiana Institute (now Louisiana-Lafayette) during 1943-44.
Who am I? Alvin Dark

I led N.L. outfielders in putouts three years and hit near or over .300 for three St. Louis Cardinal pennant winners (1926, 1928 and 1930) after earning letters three seasons in basketball for California.
Who am I? Taylor Douthit

I was a second baseman who posted a career-high 22-game hitting streak during 1975 regular season before hitting safely in all seven World Series contests for Boston Red Sox against Cincinnati Reds. I averaged 2.7 ppg in 11 basketball outings with Morehead State in 1962-63.
Who am I? Denny Doyle

I was a 10-year utility infielder who saw action in two World Series games in 1959 with the Chicago White Sox after averaging seven points per contest as a 5-9 starting guard for Indiana in 1951-52.
Who am I? Sammy Esposito

I was a catcher who appeared in two World Series with the Los Angeles Dodgers (1974 and 1978). Pacific teammate of All-American Keith Swagerty averaged 3.7 ppg and 2.3 rpg in 1965-66 and 1966-67 under coach Dick Edwards, scoring two points against eventual NCAA champion UCLA in the 1967 West Regional final.
Who am I? Joe Ferguson

I led the A.L. in won-loss percentage in 1946 with a 25-6 mark before pitching a shutout in Game 3 of the World Series for the Boston Red Sox against the St. Louis Cardinals after being a basketball letterman for Mississippi State in 1940-41.
Who am I? Boo Ferriss

I was a lefthanded hitting backup outfielder who participated in the 1929 World Series with the Philadelphia Athletics after being a basketball letterman for Army's 18-5 team in 1921 following two campaigns with Rutgers.
Who am I? Walter French

I wasa righthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1980 World Series with the Kansas City Royals after leading New Hampshire with 7.2 rebounds per game in 1975-76.
Who am I? Rich Gale

I was a first baseman-outfielder who hit 103 major league homers and pinch hit four times for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1961 World Series after earning a letter with Temple's basketball team in 1948-49 when I averaged 2.7 points per game.
Who am I? Dick Gernert

I was a lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1960 World Series with the Pittsburgh Pirates after finishing my four-year college career as Mississippi's leader in career scoring and rebounds following a senior season when my scoring average was higher than first-team All-Americans Elgin Baylor (Seattle) and Wilt Chamberlain (Kansas).
Who am I? Joe Gibbon

I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who set a record with 17 strikeouts against the Detroit Tigers in my third World Series in five years after becoming the first basketball player in Creighton history to average at least 20 points per game in a career.
Who am I? Bob Gibson

I am a palm-ball specialist who blanked the Baltimore Orioles in 5 1/3 innings in three relief appearances for the champion Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1971 World Series after becoming the first N.L. pitcher to appear in each contest of a four-game LCS. I connected on 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60.
Who am I? Dave Giusti

I am a Hall of Fame first baseman-left fielder who had 14 extra-base hits in four World Series with the Detroit Tigers after attending NYU briefly on a basketball scholarship in 1929.
Who am I? Hank Greenberg

I am an eight-time All-Star Game shortstop who started for World Series championship teams with the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1960 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1964 after twice ranking among the top four scorers in the country with Duke.
Who am I? Dick Groat

I was a perennial All-Star outfielder with multiple Gold Gloves and N.L. batting titles who sparked the San Diego Padres to two World Series (1984 and 1998) after being a two-time All-WAC second-team selection as a San Diego State guard who led the league in assists as a sophomore and junior.
Who am I? Tony Gwynn

I was a three-time All-Star catcher who played in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants (swatted a two-run homer off Hall of Famer Whitey Ford of the Yankees in Game Four) after playing as a backup forward for Illinois' basketball squad as a sophomore (1956-57) and junior (1957-58).
Who am I? Tom Haller

I was a 12-year lefthanded reliever who appeared in back-to-back World Series (1963 and 1964) with the New York Yankees after the 6-7 Morehead State forward-center ranked 15th in the country in scoring as a junior (24.2 ppg in 1956-57) and among the nation's top 10 rebounders as a senior (19.1 rpg in 1957-58).
Who am I? Steve Hamilton

I was a 12-year lefthanded pitcher who appeared in the 1989 World Series with the San Francisco Giants after being a 6-2 guard who averaged 5.3 points per game as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 ppg as a sophomore in 1977-78 for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Atlee Hammaker

I was a first baseman-outfielder who participated in the 1942 World Series with the New York Yankees after playing for Manhattan basketball teams winning a school-record 17 consecutive games in 1930 and 1931.
Who am I? John "Buddy" Hassett

I was a lefthanded hitting utilityman who participated as a rookie with the New York Yankees in the 1923 World Series against the New York Giants after being a basketball letterman for Vanderbilt in 1918.
Who am I? Harvey Hendrick

I was a 16-year pitcher who relieved in two World Series games for the Cincinnati Reds in 1961 after earning a hoops letter with Houston in 1946-47 when eventual coach Guy Lewis was co-captain.
Who am I? Bill Henry

I was a 10-year pitcher who hurled four shutout innings as the fourth-game starter for the New York Yankees in the 1939 World Series after being a basketball All-American for Butler. I was named to the first A.L. All-Star team in 1933.
Who am I? Oral Hildebrand

I was a 16-year first baseman/outfielder who homered in Game 4 of the 1963 World Series to help the Los Angeles Dodgers sweep the New York Yankees and twice led the A.L. in homers after leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding as a junior and senior.
Who am I? Frank Howard

I was a 13-year infielder who slugged 43 of my 136 career homers for the Atlanta Braves in 1973 after appearing in four World Series with the Baltimore Orioles (1966, 1969, 1970 and 1971). I averaged 1.7 points per game as a sophomore in my only varsity basketball season (1961-62) with Texas A&M before signing a pro baseball contract.
Who am I? Davey Johnson

I was a 13-year outfielder who hit .306 for the New York Yankees in 19 World Series games after being a three-year basketball letterman for Maryland.
Who am I? Charlie Keller

I was a Philadelphia Phillies relief pitcher who became N.L. MVP but lost the 1950 World Series opener to the New York Yankees as a starter, 1-0, after playing two seasons for Syracuse basketball teams.
Who am I? Jim Konstanty

I began rookie year with the Chicago Cubs by winning nine of my first 10 decisions before becoming a reliever for the 1969 Amazin' Mets World Series champion. I was a standout basketball player for Campbell in 1960 and 1961 when the North Carolina-based school was a junior college.
Who am I? Cal Koonce

I was an infielder-outfielder who hit .303 in my 15-year career. When I was with the Detroit Tigers, I led the A.L. in batting average once (.353 in 1959), hits four times (209 in 1953 when he was rookie of the year, 201 in 1954, 196 in 1956 and 198 in 1959) and doubles on three occasions (38 in 1955, 39 in 1958 and 42 in 1959) before appearing in the 1962 World Series with the San Francisco Giants. I managed the Milwaukee Brewers in the 1982 World Series. I played in five games for Wisconsin's basketball team in the 1951-52 season.
Who am I? Harvey Kuenn

I was a three-time All-Star outfielder who posted a .331 average with 22 HRs and 107 RBI in my first full season with the New York Giants in 1935 before appearing in the World Series in 1936 and 1937. I had two hits in a six-run second inning of Game Four in the Giants' lone victory against the New York Yankees in 1937 after scoring 16 points in nine basketball games for Arizona in 1931.
Who am I? Hank Leiber

I am an outfielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases, a record for an A.L. rookie, and appeared in the World Series with three different teams (Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves and San Francisco Giants) after setting Arizona basketball records for steals in a season and career.
Who am I? Kenny Lofton

I was a 12-year infielder who played in the 1957 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees after being a member of Southwest Missouri State squads that won 1952 and 1953 NAIA Tournament titles.
Who am I? Jerry Lumpe

I was a lefthanded outfielder who appeared in 1943 World Series for the New York Yankees against the St. Louis Cardinals after being a basketball letterman with William & Mary from 1935-36 through 1937-38.
Who am I? Arthur "Bud" Metheny

I was a Gold Glove left fielder in 1960 between participating in two World Series with the Dodgers (1959 and 1965) after averaging 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50.
Who am I? Wally Moon

I was a righthander who appeared in 1934 World Series with the St. Louis Cardinals' Gas House Gang against the Detroit Tigers. I was an all-around athlete for East Tennessee State.
Who am I? Jim Mooney

I was an infielder who hit .303 with the Washington Senators and Boston Red Sox in 17 A.L. seasons from 1925 through 1941, participating in two World Series (1925 and 1933). I was a basketball letterman for Mississippi State in 1923-24.
Who am I? Charles "Buddy" Myer

I was a five-time All-Star who holds the A.L. record for most homers by a third baseman (319), but was homerless in five World Series (four with the New York Yankees and one with the San Diego Padres). The highlight of my career was four dazzling stops in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series to help the Yankees win their first of four consecutive games. I averaged 5.3 points per game while earning basketball letters in my hometown for San Diego State in 1963-64 and 1964-65, shooting 87.8% from the free-throw line (36 of 41) as a sophomore.
Who am I? Graig Nettles

I was a 19-year MLB pitcher who appeared in two World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies after averaging 18.9 points and 14.3 rebounds in three varsity basketball seasons with Notre Dame.
Who am I? Ron Reed

I was a catcher who played with the St. Louis Cardinals in the 1967 and 1968 World Series. I led Duquesne in scoring in my senior season with a 17.9 average in 1956-57 when I finished fourth in the nation in free-throw percentage (86.2). As a sophomore, I was a starter for an NIT championship team that compiled a 22-4 record and finished sixth in the final AP poll.
Who am I? Dave Ricketts

I appeared in 1915 World Series with the Philadelphia Phillies en route to becoming the N.L.'s winningest lefthanded pitcher until Warren Spahn broke my record. I earned basketball letters with Virginia in 1911-12 and 1913-14.
Who am I? Eppa Rixey Jr.

I am a Hall of Fame pitcher who was a 20-game winner for six consecutive seasons with the Philadelphia Phillies after leading Michigan State in field-goal percentage as a junior captain. In 1950, I lost my only World Series start, 2-1, when the Yankees' Joe DiMaggio homered off me in the 10th inning.
Who am I? Robin Roberts

I am a Hall of Fame infielder who was a regular for six National League pennant winners after compiling league-high scoring averages in both of my seasons with UCLA. I collected two homers and seven doubles in World Series competition for the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Who am I? Jackie Robinson

I was a four-time All-Star third baseman with the New York Yankees who appeared in six of the seven World Series from 1936 through 1942. I managed the Detroit Tigers after being a head basketball coach with Yale and with the Toronto Huskies of the Basketball Association of America. I played in a handful of basketball games for Dartmouth.
Who am I? Robert "Red" Rolfe

I was a New York Yankees lefthander who registered a pair of 2-1 World Series victories (over the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1941 and St. Louis Cardinals in 1943) after playing for two of the premier teams in college basketball history when LIU went 24-2 in 1934-35 and 26-0 in 1935-36. I was named to the first five on the Metropolitan New York Basketball Writers Association All-Star Team after the undefeated season.
Who am I? Marius Russo

I pitched in two World Series games for the New York Yankees in 1964 after being a 6-4 sophomore forward who averaged 13.5 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for Connecticut's NCAA Tournament team in 1959-60.
Who am I? Rollie Sheldon

I was a three-time All-Star first baseman-outfielder who played in the 1956 and 1958 World Series with the New York Yankees and 1967 World Series with the Boston Red Sox. I was a member of Southwest Missouri State squads that won back-to-back NAIA Tournament titles in 1952 and 1953.
Who am I? Norm Siebern

I was an infielder-outfielder who batted .319 or better in 12 of 14 major league seasons with the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs from 1921 through 1934. In 1927, my first full season with the Cubs, I led the N.L. with 46 doubles. In the Cubs' 1929 pennant-winning season, I combined with Hall of Famers Kiki Cuyler and Hack Wilson to become the first outfield in N.L. history to have each starter finish with more than 100 RBI. I hit .378 in nine World Series games with the Cubs in 1929 and 1932 after being a guard who earned a basketball letter with the Alabama Crimson Tide in 1920.
Who am I? Riggs Stephenson

I was a 10-year switch-hitting utilityman who played in the 1970 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. I was an all-conference selection both years when I finished third in scoring for Austin Peay State teams in 1959-60 (11.5 points per game) and 1960-61 (10.4 ppg) that participated in the NCAA Division II Tournament.
Who am I? Jimmy Stewart

I was a 13-year veteran who appeared in 485 major league games, all as a reliever, and won a 1979 World Series game with the Baltimore Orioles after being a starting forward opposite national player of the year David Thompson of North Carolina State for an NCAA basketball champion.
Who am I? Tim Stoddard

I was a lefthander who led the N.L. in won-loss percentage in 1973 (12-3 mark with the New York Mets) before appearing in the World Series and notching a save in Game 2 against the Oakland A's. Basketball letterman for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66 (averaged 14.7 ppg as teammate of noted women's coach Leon Barmore).
Who am I? George Stone

I was a catcher for the Kansas City Royals in two World Series (1980 and 1985) after averaging 3.7 ppg with San Diego in 1968-69.
Who am I? John Wathan

I was an 11-year infielder who led the A.L. in stolen bases three times and hit .326 in the World Series for back-to-back N.L. pennant winners with the Cincinnati Reds after becoming the first Duke player to earn All-American honors in basketball. I was the initial player to bat in a televised major league game (Reds vs. Brooklyn on August 26, 1939) and the only player ever to hit four consecutive doubles in a game in both leagues.
Who am I? Billy Werber

I was an outfielder who played in 12 All-Star Games and had over 3,000 career hits after playing the entire game for Minnesota in the Gophers' first NCAA Tournament appearance in 1972. I participated in the World Series with the New York Yankees (1981) and Toronto Blue Jays (1992).
Who am I? Dave Winfield

In the longest opener in World Series history (5-4 decision over the New York Mets in 14 innings), I fanned the side in the top of the 12th for the Kansas City Royals in 2015 en route to three hitless frames of relief in my 11th MLB season after the 6-10 center was an All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00 (13.8 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.5 apg, 2.9 bpg).
Who am I? Chris Young

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 20 Football

October 20th, 2020 - 8:57

Long before kneeling knuckleheads, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.

Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.

Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on October 20 in football at the professional level:

OCTOBER 20

Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 34-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1940.
Detroit Lions rookie TB J.R. Callahan (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) threw a 56-yard touchdown pass in 35-14 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1946. The previous week, Callahan rushed for a six-yard TD in 36-14 setback against the Chicago Cardinals.
Oakland Raiders WR Dobie Craig (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Howard Payne TX in 1960-61) had a 93-yard pass reception and run for touchdown in 49-26 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1963.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) opened game's scoring with a 19-yard rushing touchdown in 24-14 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935. Dodgers rookie B Wilbur White (Colorado State letterman from 1932 through 1935) threw a 14-yard TD pass to Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp).
Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) returned an interception 55 yards for touchdown in 20-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1968.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes - including two of league-high 11 TD receptions for SE Karl Noonan (member of Iowa's basketball squad in 1963-64) - in a 24-22 AFL win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1968. Rookie DE Harry Gunner (J.C. transfer averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Oregon State, playing on NCAA playoff team in 1966) registered a safety by tackling Griese.
Rookie B Swede Hagberg (three-year West Virginia hoops letterman in late 1920s) scored the Buffalo Bisons' only touchdown with a 34-yard pass reception in 7-7 tie against the Providence Steam Roller in 1929.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught two touchdown passes in a 17-10 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2002.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 286 yards (47.7 average) in a 37-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1963.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes for the second week in a row in 2013. Jackson had 10 receptions for 138 yards.
Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1957.
FB J.W. Lockett (three-year hoops letterman led Central Oklahoma with 8.8 rpg in 1958-59) scored the Baltimore Colts' first touchdown with an 11-yard pass reception from Johnny Unitas in 25-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1963.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 20-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1991.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie HB Banks McFadden (led Clemson in scoring each of his three seasons en route to becoming school's first hoops All-American in 1939) threw a 71-yard touchdown pass to Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) in 16-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1940.
CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) opened the Houston Oilers' scoring by intercepting a Joe Namath pass and returning it 51 yards for touchdown in 26-17 AFL setback against the New York Jets in 1963.
Chicago Bears K Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) converted all five of his field-goal attempts in a 29-16 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1968.
Minnesota Vikings WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) caught a 57-yard touchdown pass from Fran Tarkenton in 27-24 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1963.
Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 309 yards in a 38-27 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963.
Chicago Bears TE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) opened game's scoring with a 34-yard touchdown catch from Sid Luckman in 21-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1946.
San Diego Chargers WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) returned five punts for 79 yards in a 30-24 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1991.
New York Jets DE Marvin Washington (played in 1985 NCAA Tournament with UTEP under Don Haskins before averaging 2.9 ppg and 5.7 rpg for Idaho under Tim Floyd in 1987-88) had two sacks in 17-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1991.
Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught nine passes in a 31-17 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 2013.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 20 MLB Games

October 20th, 2020 - 8:41

Extra! Extra! Unless you're a cardboard cut-out, 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 Apple college hoopers Frankie Frisch (Fordham) and Hank Greenberg (NYU) earned MLB league MVP awards on this date in the 1930s. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 20

Texas Rangers RHP Mike Adams (Texas A&M-Kingsville hooper in 1996-97) registered a victory in Game 2 of 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (hoops letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) contributed three hits and three runs against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of 1910 World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) captured the 1931 National League MVP.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (attended NYU briefly on hoops scholarship in late 1920s) won the 1935 American League MVP.
Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) named Seattle Mariners manager in 2004.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 19 Football

October 19th, 2020 - 8:49

OCTOBER 19

Detroit Lions E Cloyce Box (combined with twin brother Boyce to help West Texas win Border Conference hoops championship in 1943) caught two touchdown passes in a 24-16 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1952.
New York Giants E Glenn Campbell (Emporia State KS hooper) caught two touchdown passes in a 53-0 win against the Frankford Yellow Jackets in 1930.
Pittsburgh Steelers TB Johnny Clement (SMU hoops letterman in 1940) threw two touchdown passes and rushed for two TDs in a 35-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1947.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw four touchdown passes in a 49-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1952. Browns DE Len Ford (center for Morgan State's CIAA hoops titlist in 1944) opened the game's scoring with a fumble recovery return for TD.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw three touchdown passes in a 43-0 win against the New York Jets in 1975.
Baltimore Ravens TE Todd Heap (grabbed 14 rebounds in 11 games for Arizona State in 1999-00) caught seven passes for 129 yards in a 34-26 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2003.
Philadelphia Eagles rookie E Dick Humbert (three-year starter captained Richmond team as senior when averaging 7.4 ppg) opened game's scoring with a four-yard touchdown catch in 21-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1941.
Minnesota Vikings QB Joe Kapp (backup forward averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg for California's PCC champions in 1957 and 1958) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-10 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969.
B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) accounted for the Frankfort Yellow Jackets' lone score with a five-yard rushing touchdown in a 6-6 tie against the Orange Tornadoes in 1929.
San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two second-quarter touchdowns in a 35-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1997.
WR Dave Logan (three-time scoring runner-up averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught 46-yard touchdown pass from Brian Sipe in fourth quarter to give the Cleveland Browns a 26-21 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1980.
St. Louis Rams WR Dane Looker (averaged 4.8 ppg as Western Washington freshman in 1995-96 and 10.2 ppg as sophomore in 1996-97 before transferring to Washington and concentrating on football) had a touchdown reception in his third contest of five-game span in 2003.
New York Giants WR Bob McChesney (Hardin-Simmons TX hoops letterman in 1945-46) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Charlie Conerly in a 24-23 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1952.
TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) had 26-yard touchdown reception from John Hadl in fourth quarter to give the Green Bay Packers a 19-17 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1975.
Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes from Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) in a 28-24 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1952. Redskins E Hugh Taylor (OCU leading scorer with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) caught two second-half TD passes.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 35-28 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1997. Six years later, Owens had six pass receptions for 152 yards in a 24-7 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2003 when WR teammate Tai Streets (collected four points and seven rebounds in 13 games for Michigan's NIT titlist in 1997 under coach Steve Fisher) caught the go-ahead touchdown pass from Jeff Garcia.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) had a 69-yard pass reception for touchdown in 35-24 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1947.
Chicago Rockets B Ray Ramsey (Bradley's top scorer in 1941-42 and 1942-43) scored three fourth-quarter touchdowns (one rush/two pass receptions) in a 31-28 AAFC setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1947. Rockets rookie QB Sam Vacanti (averaged 2.8 ppg as backup swingman for Iowa in 1942-43) threw three TD passes.
Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1972-73) had a career-long 44-yard touchdown catch in 48-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1981.
Los Angeles Rams WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) opened game's scoring with a 92-yard touchdown reception in 31-10 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1958.
San Francisco 49ers QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three first-half touchdown passes in a 35-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975. TE Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) caught a career-long 60-yard TD pass from Snead.
Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) had four pass receptions for 131 yards in a 17-10 AFL win against the Miami Dolphins in 1969.
Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted four times for 200 yards (50.0 average) in a 49-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969.
B Doug Wycoff (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1926) provided the Staten Island Stapletons' lone score with a 37-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter in 7-6 setback against the Providence Steam Roller in 1930.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 19 MLB Games

October 19th, 2020 - 8:36

One former Southern college hooper (Don Kessinger/Ole Miss) replaced another (Larry Doby/Virginia Union) as MLB manager of the Chicago White Sox on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 19

RHP Bob Garibaldi (starting basketball forward for Santa Clara in 1961-62 when averaging 10.6 ppg and 5.6 rpg) traded by the San Francisco Giants to the Kansas City Royals in 1970.
Kansas City Royals LF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) contributed a pinch-hit triple against the St. Louis Cardinals in opener of 1985 World Series.
In 1978, 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) named player-manager of the Chicago White Sox after they dismissed Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist).
St. Louis Cardinals RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college hooper in mid-1970s with Butler County PA) tossed a four-hitter in a 13-1 romp over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 6 of 1982 World Series.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 18 Football

October 18th, 2020 - 9:17

OCTOBER 18

San Francisco 49ers RB Joe Arenas (averaged 6.2 ppg in 1949-50 and 1950-51 for Nebraska-Omaha) provided a 60-yard rushing touchdown in come-from-behind 35-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1953.
Cleveland Browns DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 55 yards for touchdown in 42-31 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1969.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 21-10 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1942.
Kansas City Chiefs DE Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned a fumble recovery 11 yards for touchdown in 35-22 AFL setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1964. Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught two TD passes from Jack Kemp.
WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) accounted for both of the Buffalo Bills' touchdowns with pass receptions in a 33-14 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1970. Briscoe finished game with seven catches for 145 yards.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for 188 yards on 26 carries in a 20-16 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1964.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught eight passes for 109 yards in a 35-23 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1981.
Portsmouth Spartans rookie TB Dutch Clark (four-time All-Rocky Mountain Conference hoops choice for Colorado College) provided all three of game's touchdowns - two of them rushes for 15 yards - in a 19-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1931.
Rookie E Milan Creighton (All-SWC second-team guard for Arkansas in 1929-30) opened scoring for the Chicago Cardinals with a 15-yard touchdown reception from Ernie Nevers (All-Pacific Coast Conference second-five choice for Stanford in 1924-25) in 26-13 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1931.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw three second-quarter touchdown passes in a 38-16 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971. Two of Dawson's TDs were caught by WR Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M). Chiefs DE Buck Buchanan (earned hoops letter as Grambling freshman in 1958-59) intercepted a pass.
Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) supplied an 80-yard touchdown run in 20-7 win against the Kansas City Cowboys in 1925.
Baltimore Colts QB Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team hoops selection under his father was Arizona co-captain as senior in 1947-48) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-14 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1953.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) rushed for two touchdowns in a 26-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1936.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) had nine pass receptions for the second straight week in 2015.
Seattle Seahawks TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) had eight pass receptions for 140 yards in a 27-23 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2015.
Houston Texans WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoops games for Clemson in 2010-11) caught 10 passes for 148 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-20 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2015.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 38-24 win against the Washington Redskins in 1964.
RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) scored at least one touchdown in each of the Green Bay Packers' first five games in 2020.
New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 20-20 tie against the San Francisco 49ers in 1970.
Cleveland Rams B Bill Lazetich (three-year Montana hoops letterman in late 1930s) scored a touchdown in his second straight game in 1942.
Chicago Bears rookie TE Alonzo Mayes (averaged 2.9 ppg and 2 rpg for Oklahoma State in seven basketball contests in 1996-97 under coach Eddie Sutton) amassed NFL career highs of four pass receptions and 57 receiving yards in a 13-12 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1998.
Los Angeles Rams TE James McDonald (four-year Southern California letterman in early 1980s averaged 8.2 ppg and 4.8 rpg as senior forward) caught a touchdown pass from Steve Dils for the second consecutive contest in 1987.
In his only game as a rookie in 1987, Buffalo Bills TE Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) had nine pass receptions in 6-3 win against the New York Giants.
Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had two sacks and seven tackles in a 28-21 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009.
Producing his lone NFL pass reception, New England Patriots WR Clay Pickering (Maine scoring leader with 15.6 ppg as junior in 1981-82) caught a 10-yarder from Doug Flutie in 21-7 win against the Houston Oilers in 1987.
Los Angeles Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught three touchdown passes from Roman Gabriel in a 42-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1964.
Los Angeles Rams WR Del Shofner (Baylor letterman in 1956) had two touchdown receptions in a 45-6 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1959.
Chicago Bears DE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) returned a blocked punt 21 yards for touchdown in 35-28 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1953.
Green Bay Packers TE Don Summers (averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Oregon Tech in 1980-81) had at least two pass receptions in his third consecutive contest in 1987.
Pittsburgh Steelers DE George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned a fumble recovery 38 yards for touchdown in 27-6 win against the Washington Redskins in 1959.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie WR David Verser (played five basketball games for Kansas in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) caught a 73-yard touchdown pass from Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) in 34-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1981.
Minnesota Vikings DB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned two punts for 52 yards in a 54-13 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1970.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 18 MLB Games

October 18th, 2020 - 9:03

Former college hoopers Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC) and Bruce Hurst (Dixie UT J.C.) made news as MLB pitchers on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 18

RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup basketball player and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) traded by the New York Mets to the St. Louis Cardinals in an eight-player swap in 1971.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bruce Hurst (J.C. hooper for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) notched a 1-0 victory against the New York Mets in 1986 World Series opener.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 17 Football

October 17th, 2020 - 8:51

OCTOBER 17

Brooklyn Dodgers HB Al Akins (forward was hoops letterman for Washington in 1944 after lettering with Washington State previous two years) opened game's scoring with an 18-yard rushing touchdown in 14-14 AAFC tie against the Buffalo Bills in 1947.
Washington Redskins RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) scored three touchdowns from at least 60 yards (interception return from 65 and rushes from 60 and 62) in a 34-20 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1937.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 33-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1943.
New York Jets QB Bob Davis (sixth man for Virginia in 1964-65 when averaging 9.1 ppg and 4.1 rpg) threw two touchdown passes for first of three consecutive contests to finish month in 1971.
Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with one rushing touchdown, three field goals and one extra point in a 16-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1926.
Chicago Bears HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee hoops regular in 1931-32) opened the game's scoring with a four-yard rushing touchdown in 16-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1937.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) threw four touchdown passes - including 78-yarder to Ray Mathews - in a 55-27 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1954. Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three TD passes.
Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 31-17 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2010.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-3 win against the New England Patriots in 1971. Five years later, Griese passed for 306 yards in a 20-17 setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1976.
Detroit Lions rookie E Chuck Hanneman (three-year Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in mid-1930s) rushed for a 50-yard touchdown in 30-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1937. Lions rookie B Vern Huffman (All-American was All-Big Ten Conference selection for Indiana in 1935-36 and 1936-37) returned an interception 100 yards for TD.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw for 321 yards - including three touchdown passes - in a 35-27 setback against the New York Giants in 1965.
Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught three touchdown passes - including two 45-yarders in second quarter - in a 63-35 win against the New York Giants in 1948.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie HB Johnny Lattner (Notre Dame forward in 1951-52) scored a touchdown in each of his first four games in 1954.
Green Bay Packers WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) caught a 62-yard touchdown pass from Bart Starr in 31-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1965. It was Long's third consecutive contest with a TD reception. Lions DB Wayne Rasmussen (MVP in 1963 NCAA College Division Tournament for South Dakota State) returned an interception 36 yards for TD.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) had a 32-yard rushing touchdown in 45-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1948.
Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 191 yards on 26 carries - including two touchdowns - in a 20-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1976.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 24-14 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1971. Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67 averaged 14.5 ppg and 8.3 rpg as sophomore, 17.3 ppg and 8 rpg as junior and 22.1 ppg and 8.7 rpg as senior) punted five times for 246 yards (49.2 average).
Minnesota Vikings CB Charlie West (collected two points and one rebound in two UTEP games in 1967-68 under coach Don Haskins) returned two kickoffs for 69 yards in a 24-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1971.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 17 MLB Games

October 17th, 2020 - 8:40

Former San Diego State hoopers Tony Clark and Tony Gwynn made MLB postseason competition news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 17

RF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Basketball Tournament with Tennessee State) traded by the Chicago Cubs to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1962.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup hooper and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) started decisive Game 7 of 1979 World Series but wasn't involved in decision (4-1 win against Baltimore Orioles).
New York Yankees 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in WAC games in 1991-92) contributed his only RBI in 37 postseason at-bats (against Boston Red Sox in Game 4 of 2004 ALCS).
Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (captain and starting hoops center for Colby ME) outdueled Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson, 3-2, in 11-inning Game 3 of 1911 World Series against the New York Giants.
Alvin Dark (hoops letterman for Louisiana State and Louisiana-Lafayette during World War II) fired as Oakland A's manager in 1975.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper for Pacific's 1967 NCAA playoff team) stroked two doubles off New York Yankees P Catfish Hunter in Game 6 of 1978 World Series.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) secured three hits, including his lone postseason homer, in opener of 1998 World Series against the New York Yankees.
LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg), winner of 2000 ALCS MVP award, contributed a three-run homer to help the New York Yankees defeat the Seattle Mariners, 9-7.
RHP Roger Mason (multiple-year hoops letterman in late 1970s for Saginaw Valley State MI) registered a hold for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of 1993 World Series but yielded his only run in 11 career postseason relief appearances.
After winning the opener of 1911 World Series, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) took a shutout into ninth inning in Game 3 when 3B John Baker belted a contest-tying homer for the Philadelphia Athletics, who went on to win in 11th frame. The clutch blast helped him become known as "Home Run" Baker.
RHP Lindy McDaniel (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman hoops squad) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs in 1962.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper in mid-1960s for Marietta OH) notched a save in decisive Game 7 of 1979 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 16 Football

October 16th, 2020 - 9:52

OCTOBER 16

Chicago Bears DE Doug Atkins (third-leading scorer as Tennessee center with 9.9 ppg in 1950-51) had an interception in 17-0 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1966.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw four touchdown passes in a 38-14 win against the New York Bulldogs in 1949.
Kansas City Chiefs LB Bobby Bell (first African-American hooper for Minnesota in 1960-61) returned a fumble recovery seven yards for touchdown in 34-13 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1966.
New York Giants B Chris Cagle (four-year hoops letterman for USL and Army in mid-1920s) scored two first-quarter touchdowns (rush and 40-yard reception) in a 20-12 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1932.
Chicago Bears rookie FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two touchdowns - including an NFL-long 81 yards for his first pro score - in a 38-10 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1955.
Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) opened the game's scoring with a rushing touchdown in 12-0 win against the New York Yankees in 1927.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 21-17 win against the New York Jets in 1977.
Houston Oilers rookie WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) had a career-high 10 pass receptions in 20-10 AFL win against the Dallas Texans in 1960.
Minnesota Vikings DB Dale Hackbart (averaged 4 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 10 contests for Wisconsin in 1958-59) had two interceptions in a 35-7 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1966.
New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 122 yards in a 24-17 win against the New England Patriots in 1994.
Green Bay Packers rookie E Bill Kelley (Texas Tech hoops letterman in 1945 and 1946) caught a touchdown pass in 39-17 setback against the Chicago Cardinals in 1949.
Chicago Bears TE Greg Latta (two-year Morgan State letterman averaged 9.3 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 15 games in 1970-71) caught a touchdown pass in his third contest of four-game span in 1977.
Detroit Lions QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-0 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1954.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 24-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1988.
Detroit Lions TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in two seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94) had three pass receptions for 105 yards in a 21-20 setback against the Carolina Panthers in 2005.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two touchdown passes from Cotton Davidson in a 43-43 AFL tie against the Boston Patriots in 1964.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a punt 72 yards for touchdown in 23-17 setback against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2005.
Kansas City Chiefs WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Elvis Grbac in a 31-3 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1997.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 31-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1966.
Cincinnati Bengals DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) had four sacks in a 14-10 setback against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1994.
Tennessee Titans WR Kendall Wright (Baylor hooper as freshman in 2008-09) caught eight passes for 133 yards - including 48-yard touchdown from Marcus Mariota - in a 28-26 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2016.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 16 MLB Games

October 16th, 2020 - 9:41

Former college hoopers Donn Clendenon (Morehouse GA) and Ken Singleton (Hofstra) supplied significant World Series hitting performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 16 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 16

In Game 5, 1B Donn Clendenon (played basketball for Morehouse GA) homered in his third consecutive appearance against the Baltimore Orioles to help power the New York Mets to 1969 World Series title.
Hall of Fame RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the New York Yankees in 1961.
1B Dick Siebert (Concordia-St. Paul MN hooper in 1929 and 1930) traded by the Philadelphia Athletics to the St. Louis Browns in 1945.
Baltimore Orioles RF Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops squad in mid-1960s) supplied his second three-hit game in 1979 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 15 Football

October 15th, 2020 - 9:42

OCTOBER 15

New York Giants E O'Neal Adams (three-year letterman was third-leading scorer in 1941 when Arkansas reached NCAA Tournament national semifinals) caught a 35-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter for decisive score in 14-7 win against the Brooklyn Tigers in 1944.
New York Giants DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) returned an interception 102 yards for touchdown in 31-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961.
Chicago Bears E Connie Mack Berry (All-Southern Conference second-team hoops selection as North Carolina State center in 1937 and 1938) caught two touchdown passes (51 and 15 yards) in a 34-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1944.
Dallas Cowboys DE Shante Carver (Arizona State hooper in 1992-93) had two sacks in a 23-9 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1995.
New York Giants B Stu Clancy (Holy Cross hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930 was captain as senior) scored a 46-yard rushing touchdown in 56-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1933. Giants rookie B Kink Richards (Simpson IA hoops letterman) scored two fourth-quarter TDs.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) completed 24-of-37 passes for 364 yards in a 45-31 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1967. Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught nine of Dawson's passes for 134 yards. Five years later, Taylor had 10 receptions in a 23-16 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1972.
New York Giants rookie B Scott Eaton (three-year Oregon State letterman averaged 6 ppg and 2.8 rpg) had an 18-yard pass reception in 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1967.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 35-24 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2012.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 34-24 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1950.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 283 yards (47.2 average) in a 20-7 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1961.
Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) rushed for three touchdowns in a 28-14 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1950.
Minnesota Vikings DB Earsell Mackbee (teammate of Utah State All-American Wayne Estes averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.4 rpg in 1964-65) had two interceptions in a 10-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1967.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two third-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-24 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2006.
Frankfort Yellow Jackets rookie B Ken Mercer (three-year hoops letterman as Simpson IA forward) rushed for two touchdowns in a 54-0 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1927.
Chicago Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati hoops letterman in 1936) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns (pass reception and interception return) in a 44-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1939.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 31-28 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 2000. Six years later with the Dallas Cowboys, Owens caught three second-half TD passes in a 34-6 win against the Houston Texans in 2006.
Cleveland Rams E Steve Pritko (Villanova two-year hoops letterman) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 1944.
Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in 20-20 tie against the Washington Redskins in 1967.
Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) had two interceptions in a 20-0 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961.
New York Jets TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins (averaged 1.1 ppg and 2.1 rpg as Washington freshman in 2011-12) had career-high eight pass receptions - including touchdown in second of three straight games - in a 24-17 setback against the New England Patriots in 2017.
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught three touchdown passes from Brian Griese in a 44-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 2000.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1967.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw three touchdown passes in a 24-21 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1978.
New York Jets SS Shafer Suggs (averaged 10.7 ppg and 7.9 rpg in three-year career, setting Ball State record with nine consecutive field goals without miss and leading Cardinals in rebounding in 1974-75) returned an interception 32 yards for touchdown in 14-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1979.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 15 MLB Games

October 15th, 2020 - 8:56

Three former college hoopers from Oklahoma schools - Jerry Adair (Oklahoma State), Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State) and Don Kaiser (East Central) - made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 15 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 15

2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's top three basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) selected from the Boston Red Sox (51st pick), INF Billy Harris (UNC Wilmington hooper in mid-1960s) chosen from the Cleveland Indians (36th) and utilityman Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) drafted from the Minnesota Twins (19th) by the Kansas City Royals in 1968 A.L. expansion draft.
New York Yankees rookie RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) went the distance, striking out eight Los Angeles Dodgers batters in a 12-2 success, in Game 5 of 1978 World Series.
LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) knocked in the tying run with an eighth-inning, pinch-hit double off Hall of Fame P Walter Johnson and scored go-ahead tally as the Pittsburgh Pirates upended the Washington Senators, 9-7, in Game 7 of 1925 World Series.
OF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing his career) purchased from the New York Yankees by the Kansas City Athletics in 1956.
Washington Nationals LHP Patrick Corbin (hooper for Mohawk Valley Community College NY in 2007-08) fanned 12 opposing batters in five innings in posting a 7-4 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of 2019 NLCS.
In 1957, 2B Jack Dittmer (Iowa hooper in 1949-50) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the New York Giants for 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s).
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57) won decisive Game 7 against the New York Yankees in 1964 World Series.
Dallas Green (Delaware's second-leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55) stepped down as Philadelphia Phillies manager to become general manager of the Chicago Cubs in 1981.
OF Hinkey Haines (Penn State hoops letterman in 1919-20 and 1920-21) scored the tying run as a pinch-runner in the eighth inning as the New York Yankees came from behind with three tallies to beat the New York Giants, 6-4, and clinch 1923 World Series.
RHP Rich Hand (averaged 6.2 ppg for Puget Sound WA in 1967-68) shipped by the California Angels to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1974 to complete an earlier deal.
Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) fired as Cleveland Indians manager in 1999.
Baltimore Orioles 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg in 1961-62 with Texas A&M) supplied a postseason career-high three hits, including a pair of run-producing safeties, against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 5 of 1970 World Series.
In 2001 ALDS, OF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) whacked a pinch-hit homer to help the New York Yankees defeat the Oakland A's and become first team ever to capture a best-of-5 series after dropping the first two contests at home.
RHP Don Kaiser (one semester on hoops scholarship at East Central OK) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to the Detroit Tigers in 1959.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) notched three RBI in each of three ALCS games against the Oakland Athletics in 1981.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) earned save in a 6-4 verdict over the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of 1980 World Series.
New York Yankees RHP Rollie Sheldon (third-leading scorer as sophomore for Connecticut's 1960 NCAA Tournament team) retired all six St. Louis Cardinals batters he faced in Game 7 of 1964 World Series.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 14 Football

October 14th, 2020 - 9:10

OCTOBER 14

Detroit Wolverines E Carl Bacchus (three-year Missouri hoops letterman in mid-1920s) opened and completed game's scoring with touchdown receptions in a 35-12 win against the New York Yankees in 1928.
Baltimore Colts DE Ordell Braase (first-team All-NCC pick for South Dakota in 1952-53 and 1953-54) returned a fumble recovery 10 yards for touchdown in 36-14 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1962. Colts E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two TD passes from Johnny Unitas.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught 12 passes for 187 yards, including two touchdown receptions from Roman Gabriel, in a 27-24 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1973.
Chicago Bears FB Rick Casares (Florida's scoring and rebounding leader both seasons as All-SEC second-team selection in 1951-52 and 1952-53) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 31-7 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1956.
Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 132 yards in a 34-27 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1962.
Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with two touchdowns, two field goals and one extra point in a 19-0 win against the Akron Pros in 1923.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught nine passes - including two touchdowns - in a 27-20 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2007.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw six touchdown passes - five in first half - in a 61-14 AAFC win against the Los Angeles Dons in 1949. Browns QB Cliff Lewis (Duke hoops letterman in 1945) threw for one TD and rushed for another in second half.
Houston Oilers WR Bill Groman (Heidelberg OH scoring average leader as sophomore and junior while averaging 14.6 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 1954-55 through 1957-58) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from George Blanda in a 56-17 AFL win against the New York Titans in 1962. TE teammate Bob McLeod (all-time leading rebounder for Abilene Christian TX with 1,237 from 1957-58 through 1960-61) also caught two TD passes from Blanda.
Carolina Panthers WR Donald Hayes (played in two basketball games for Wisconsin in 1995-96 under coach Dick Bennett) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 27-25 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 2001.
Los Angeles Rams rookie E Norb Hecker (four-sport letterman including hoops with Baldwin-Wallace OH) caught a 20-yard touchdown pass from Bob Waterfield in 27-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 1951.
Los Angeles Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting hoops center for Michigan in 1944) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 24-21 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1956.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught two touchdown passes in a 38-10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 2012.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 31-28 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2001.
Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw four touchdown passes in a 48-20 win against the Houston Oilers in 1973.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for more than 110 yards in third consecutive game in 1962.
Baltimore Ravens WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a kickoff 108 yards for touchdown in 31-29 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2012.
Chicago Bears DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned a fumble recovery 69 yards for touchdown in 20-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2001.
Pittsburgh Steelers E Elbie Nickel (Cincinnati's second-leading scorer in 1942 also earned hoop letter in 1947) caught two touchdown passes - one for 77 yards - in a 28-24 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1951.
Philadelphia Eagles WR John "Red" O'Quinn (scored 91 points for Wake Forest's basketball team in 1947-48 under coach Murray Greason) had a career-long 38-yard pass reception in 37-24 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1951.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had three of his league-high 16 touchdown receptions - including a 52-yarder in overtime to finish with nine catches for 183 yards - in 37-31 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2001. The next year, Owens caught two TD passes from Garcia in a 28-21 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2002.
Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) had nine pass receptions for 172 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 45-35 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1990. Three years later, Rison had two TD catches in a 30-24 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1993.
Washington Redskins LB Dave Robinson (made two free throws and grabbed five rebounds in two basketball games for Penn State in 1960-61) returned an interception 28 yards for touchdown in 21-3 win against the New York Giants in 1973.
In his pro debut, Oakland Raiders RB Willie Simpson (San Francisco State letterman in 1960 and 1961 as hoops forward) rushed six times for 22 yards in a 23-6 AFL setback against the Denver Broncos in 1962.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-31 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1973. Cowboys WR Otto Stowe (collected 12 points and five rebounds in four Iowa State basketball games in 1968-69) had two TD receptions. Six years later, Staubach completed 13-of-18 passes - including three TDs - in a 30-6 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1979.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Morris Stroud Jr. (tallest TE in NFL history averaged 7.2 ppg and 10.2 rpg in 1967-68 when 6-10 junior shot team-high 50.9 FG% from floor for Clark Atlanta GA) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception from Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) in 10-10 tie against the Green Bay Packers in 1973.
New York Giants DB Emlen Tunnell (forward was top reserve for Toledo team compiling 22-4 record and finishing second in 1943 NIT) returned a punt 81 yards for touchdown in 28-17 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1951.
Boston Redskins rookie HB Ted Wright (North Texas State hoops letterman in 1932) scored his lone NFL touchdown with a 59-yard rush in 39-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1934.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 14 MLB Games

October 14th, 2020 - 8:56

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

Three former college hoopers from Kentucky schools - Steve Hamilton (Morehead State), "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State) and David Justice (Thomas More) - supplied significant MLB postseason competition performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 14 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 14

RHP Steve Arlin (played two basketball contests for Ohio State in 1964-65 under coach Fred Taylor) selected from the Philadelphia Phillies (57th pick) and RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) chosen from the St. Louis Cardinals (3rd) by the San Diego Padres in 1968 N.L. expansion draft.
Montreal Expos RHP Ray Burris (Southwestern Oklahoma State basketball player) hurled a shutout against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of 1981 NLCS. Five days later in Game 5, Burris yielded only five hits in eight innings.
1B Donn Clendenon (Morehouse GA hooper) selected from the Pittsburgh Pirates (11th pick) and INF Gary Sutherland (Southern California's fifth-leading scorer in 1963-64 when averaging 7.4 ppg) chosen from the Philadelphia Phillies (8th) by the Montreal Expos in 1968 N.L. expansion draft.
RF Walt French (hoops letterman for Rutgers and Army) struck out as a pinch-hitter but the Philadelphia Athletics rallied for three runs in bottom of ninth inning to edge the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of 1929 World Series.
New York Yankees LHP Steve Hamilton (Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) saved Game 6 in 1964 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals after replacing starter Jim Bouton.
San Francisco Giants LHP Atlee Hammaker (averaged 5.3 ppg as freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 as sophomore in 1977-78 under ETSU coach Sonny Smith) lost decisive Game 7 against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1987 NLCS.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bobby Humphreys (four-year hoops letterman graduated from Hampden-Sydney VA in 1958) hurled a scoreless inning of relief against the New York Yankees in Game 6 of 1964 World Series.
SS Billy Hunter (multi-sport athlete for Indiana PA post-WWII) traded by the Brooklyn Dodgers to St. Louis Browns in 1952.
New York Yankees OF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) homered in a 5-0 win against the Seattle Mariners in Game 4 of 2000 ALCS.
Toiling on two days rest, Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) hurled a three-hit shutout in Game 7 of 1965 World Series against the Minnesota Twins. Supporting Koufax with a fourth-inning homer was LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52).
OF Rusty Kuntz (J.C. hooper for Cuesta CA) supplied a sacrifice fly in the fifth and decisive game for the champion Detroit Tigers in 1984 World Series against the San Diego Padres.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Dave Leonhard (averaged 4.8 ppg with Johns Hopkins MD in 1961-62) hurled a scoreless inning of relief against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 5 of 1971 World Series.
CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling a 35-3 record) delivered the game-winning safety in the bottom of the ninth inning against the St. Louis Cardinals in 2002 NLCS to send the San Francisco Giants to World Series.
In Game 5, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed his third shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1905 World Series.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) banged out a postseason career-high three hits, including a three-run homer, in a 7-6 decision over the Kansas City Royals in opener of 1980 World Series.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) singled twice in a seven-run fourth inning in Game 2 of 1981 ALCS against the Oakland A's to become first player ever to collect two safeties in a single frame in LCS competition.
LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1965-66) notched a save in Game 2 of 1973 World Series when the New York Mets outlasted the Oakland A's, 10-7, in 12 innings.
1B-OF Preston Ward (second-leading scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) purchased from the Brooklyn Dodgers by the Chicago Cubs for $100,000 in 1949.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 13 Football

October 13th, 2020 - 9:21

OCTOBER 13

Chicago Bears DE Doug Atkins (center was Tennessee's third-leading scorer with 9.9 ppg in 1950-51) had an interception in 52-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1963. Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught nine passes for 110 yards (including four touchdowns).
Washington Redskins B Steve Bagarus (Notre Dame hooper in early 1940s) caught two go-ahead touchdown passes (51 and 13 yards) in a 24-14 win against the New York Giants in 1946. Redskins FB Jack Jenkins (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1941 and 1942) opened game's scoring with a rushing touchdown.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes - including one for 81 yards to Dick Todd - in a 28-21 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1940.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) scored three touchdowns - including 72-yard pass reception - in a 35-24 win against the New York Giants in 1963.
Chicago Cardinals E Billy Dewell (three-time All-SWC first-team hoops pick for SMU in late 1930s) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Paul Christman in a 36-14 win against the Detroit Lions in 1946.
Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (Wisconsin-Stevens Point hoops letterman in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two touchdowns - one receiving/one rushing - in a 19-7 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1946.
Denver Broncos DB Charlie Greer (played seven games for Colorado in 1965-66 as sophomore) had two interceptions in a 21-13 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1968.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie DE Harry Gunner (J.C. transfer averaged 4.4 ppg and 4.5 rpg for Oregon State, playing on NCAA playoff team in 1966) returned an interception 20 yards in 13-3 AFL setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968.
Los Angeles Rams rookie B Tom Harmon (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39 when leading Michigan in scoring in five contests) scored two touchdowns - including 84-yard run from scrimmage - in a 28-28 tie against the Chicago Bears in 1946.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught nine passes for 114 yards - including two second-quarter touchdowns - in a 31-20 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013.
Chicago Bears rookie PK Bob Jencks (collected 3 points and 12 rebounds in five basketball games for Miami of Ohio in 1960-61) kicked a career-high seven extra points in 52-14 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1963.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 428 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns - in a 24-23 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963.
Chicago Bears LB-C Eddie Kawal (Illinois hoops letterman in 1930) returned an interception 13 yards for touchdown in 39-0 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1935.
Oakland Raiders RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) had nine pass receptions in a 28-13 setback against the St. Louis Rams in 2002.
Green Bay Packers E Ron Kramer (three-time All-Big Ten Conference hoops selection was Michigan's MVP each season and All-American as senior in 1956-57) had a career-high 87 receiving yards on four catches in 37-28 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1963.
Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes (52 and 15 yards) in a 42-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1968.
San Francisco 49ers rookie E R.C. Owens (led small colleges with 27.1 rpg in 1953-54 while also averaging 23.5 ppg for College of Idaho) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle in a 21-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1957.
Carolina Panthers rookie DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks and an interception in 14-13 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002.
Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) threw his second touchdown pass in a three-game span in 1974.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie WR Antwaan Randle El (member of Indiana's 1999 NCAA Tournament team) returned a kickoff 99 yards for touchdown in 34-7 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2002.
Detroit Lions TE Mikhael Ricks (played three basketball games for Stephen F. Austin in 1995-96) opened game's scoring with a 41-yard touchdown pass reception from Joey Harrington in 31-24 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2002.
Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two touchdown passes in a 39-34 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1991.
Buffalo Bills DE Reggie Rogers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.9 rpg for Washington from 1982-83 through 1984-85) registered a sack in 42-6 win against the Indianapolis Colts in 1991.
Washington Redskins QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two touchdown passes to Bobby Mitchell (66 and 35 yards) in a 37-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963.
B Wilbur White (Colorado State hoops letterman from 1932 to 1935) accounted for the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone score with a four-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter of 10-7 setback against the New York Giants in 1935.
Dallas Cowboys TE Rayfield Wright (All-SIAC pick for Fort Valley State GA averaged 17 ppg and 15 rpg as junior and 21 ppg and 17.4 rpg as senior) caught a 15-yard touchdown pass from Don Meredith in 34-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1968.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 13 MLB Games

October 13th, 2020 - 9:09

Former hoopers from current power-conference members - Dave Giusti (Syracuse), Frank Howard (Ohio State), Jim Lyttle (Florida State), Eppa Rixey (Virginia), Dave Robertson (North Carolina State) and Tim Stoddard (North Carolina State) - made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 13 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 13

Los Angeles Dodgers RF Joe Ferguson (hooper for Pacific's 1967 NCAA playoff basketball team) smacked a homer off Oakland Athletics P Vida Blue, accounting for game-winning hit in 3-2 triumph in Game 2 of 1974 World Series.
Unscored upon in all seven postseason relief appearances covering 9 2/3 innings, Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) earned a save in Game 4 of 1971 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.
1B Gail Hopkins (averaged 2.5 ppg for Pepperdine in 1963-64) traded by the Chicago White Sox to the Kansas City Royals in 1970.
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) fired as San Diego Padres manager in 1981.
Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) jacked two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 6 of 1992 NLCS.
OF Jim Lyttle (Florida State free-throw shooting leader in 1965-66 when averaging 12.4 ppg) traded by the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox in 1971.
Los Angeles Dodgers 1B-OF Len Matuszek (Toledo starter for hoops squad compiling 18-7 record in 1975-76) collected his lone postseason hit, a pinch single against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of 1985 NLCS.
3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) hit a three-run, first-inning double to spark the New York Yankees to a 3-1 victory against the Oakland A's in the 1981 ALCS opener. Nettles' spectacular defense highlighted a 5-1 triumph for the Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 3 of 1978 World Series. Nettles whacked two homers in Game 4 of 1976 ALCS for the Yankees but they weren't enough to prevent a 7-4 loss against the Kansas City Royals.
Philadelphia Phillies LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1912 and 1914) allowed two homers in 6 2/3 innings in a 5-4 defeat against the Boston Red Sox in Game 5 of 1915 World Series.
New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) contributed three safeties in an 8-5 setback against the Chicago White Sox in Game 5 of 1917 World Series.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Tim Stoddard (starting forward opposite All-American David Thompson for North Carolina State's 1974 NCAA champion) won Game 4 as a reliever against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1979 World Series.
In his final MLB and only World Series at-bat, San Diego Padres OF Champ Summers (led SIUE in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) fanned as a pinch-hitter against former teammate (Jack Morris of Detroit Tigers) in Game 4 of 1984 WS.
CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) smacked a two-run single to help the Pittsburgh Pirates outlast the New York Yankees, 10-9, in Game 7 of 1960 World Series.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 12 Football

October 12th, 2020 - 9:31

OCTOBER 12

Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (#2-scorer with 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore in 1954-55 before averaging 11.3 as junior) rushed for three touchdowns in a 35-28 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1958.
Chicago Bears QB Young Bussey (LSU hoops letterman in late 1930s) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes for second straight week in 1941.
Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (redshirt freshman forward for BYU in 2006-07 before playing briefly for Southern California in 2008-09 under coach Tim Floyd) had three pass receptions for 102 yards - including a 51-yard touchdown - in 31-10 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2014.
Pittsburgh Steelers HB Lynn Chandnois (forward scored 15 points in 11 games for Michigan State in 1946-47 and 1947-48) returned a kickoff 93 yards for touchdown in 26-21 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1952.
New York Giants DB Percy Ellsworth (appeared in all four of Virginia's NCAA tourney contests for 1995 Midwest Regional finalist) had two interceptions in a 27-13 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 1997.
In 2015, San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) posted career touchdown reception #100 in his first contest following a four-game suspension.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught four passes for 121 yards in a 40-34 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2003.
Brooklyn Dodgers B Swede Hagberg (three-year West Virginia hoops letterman in late 1920s) returned an interception 30 yards for touchdown in 32-0 win against the Newark Tornadoes in 1930.
Los Angeles Rams B Tom Harmon (averaged 7.6 ppg as sophomore in 1938-39 when leading Michigan in scoring in five contests) scored two touchdowns in a 27-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 1947.
New England Patriots SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) intercepted two passes in a 17-6 win against the New York Giants in 2003.
Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had two touchdown receptions in a 28-6 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1958.
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's scoring leader with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught five passes for 134 yards in a 30-10 win against the New England Patriots in 2008.
New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted for more than 49-yard average for fourth time in a five-game span in 1980.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw four touchdown passes in a 35-13 win against the Washington Redskins in 2003.
Rookie TE Teyo Johnson (part-time starting forward for Stanford averaged 4.9 ppg and 3 rpg in 2000-01 and 2001-02) scored the Oakland Raiders' only touchdown with a 10-yard pass reception from Rich Gannon in 13-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 2003.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie B Art Jones (averaged 4.9 ppg as starting center for Richmond in 1940-41) caught a 59-yard touchdown pass in 24-20 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1941.
Houston Texans WR Jacoby Jones (part-time starter averaged 3.4 ppg and 3.7 rpg for Lane TN in 2004-05 and 2005-06) returned a punt 70 yards for touchdown in 29-28 win against the Miami Dolphins in 2008.
New York Yankees rookie B Wild Bill Kelly (two-year Montana hoops letterman in mid-1920s) rushed for two second-half touchdowns in a 19-8 win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1927.
Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had two interceptions in a 17-3 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1975.
Washington Redskins WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) had nine pass receptions in a 33-17 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969.
Buffalo Bills HB Chet Mutryn (Xavier hoops letterman in 1943) rushed for two touchdowns in a 20-15 AAFC win against the Baltimore Colts in 1947.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 30-10 win against the St. Louis Rams in 1997.
New York Giants E Buster Poole (three-year Arkansas hoops letterman was senior captain in 1936-37) scored a touchdown in his third consecutive contest in 1941.
New York Yanks QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw three of his NFL-high 22 touchdown passes in a 29-24 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1950.
Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1972-73) had a go-ahead 48-yard rushing touchdown in 24-13 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1980.
Denver Broncos TE Julius Thomas (averaged 6.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg while shooting 66.3% from floor with Portland State from 2006-07 through 2009-10) caught two touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in a 31-17 win against the New York Jets in 2014. Thomas had a total of nine TD receptions in his first five games of season.
Chicago Rockets rookie QB Sam Vacanti (averaged 2.8 ppg as backup swingman for Iowa in 1942-43) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 42-28 AAFC setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1947.
San Francisco 49ers TE Bob Windsor (played two games for Kentucky in 1965-66 under coach Adolph Rupp) had a career-high seven pass receptions in 27-21 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1969.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 12 MLB Games

October 12th, 2020 - 9:21

Former college hoopers Bob Gibson (Creighton) and Christy Mathewson (Bucknell) supplied superb World Series pitching performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 12 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 12

INF Ernie Bowman (East Tennessee State basketball letterman in 1954-55 and 1955-56) traded by the New York Mets to the Cleveland Indians in 1966.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) won decisive Game 7 against the Boston Red Sox in 1967 World Series. Gibson helped his cause with a homer. Three years earlier, Gibson whiffed 13 batters in a 10-inning, 5-2 win against the New York Yankees in Game 5 of 1964 WS.
New York Yankees OF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) socked a homer in 10-7 triumph against the Boston Red Sox in opener of 2004 ALCS.
In Game 3, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed his second of three shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1905 World Series.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) yielded back-to-back homers to LF George Foster and C Johnny Bench to start ninth inning as the Cincinnati Reds came from behind to win, 7-6, and sweep their 1976 NLDS.
Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) made his lone postseason appearance, hurling 1/3 of an inning against the Minnesota Twins in Game 5 of 1987 ALCS.
Toronto Blue Jays DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) walloped a homer but it was in vain as the Oakland A's avoided elimination with 6-2 Game 5 victory in 1992 ALCS.

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 11 Football

October 11th, 2020 - 11:20

OCTOBER 11

New York Giants rookie E O'Neal Adams (three-year hoops letterman was third-leading scorer when Arkansas reached 1941 NCAA Tournament national semifinals) caught two touchdown passes from Tuffy Leemans (three-year hoops letterman for George Washington in mid-1930s) in a 35-17 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1942. Leemans finished the game with three TD passes.
Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading scorer in school history with 1,044 points) completed 21-of-27 passes (including three touchdowns) in a 41-19 triumph against the Baltimore Colts in 1981.
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (TCU three-year letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 33-14 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1942.
Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) scored three touchdowns - one fumble recovery and two pass receptions - in a 38-17 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1964. Rams rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) caught a 70-yard TD pass from Roman Gabriel.
Chicago Cardinals B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern hoops letterman in 1916) kicked four field goals - one from 50 yards - in a 19-9 win against the Columbus Tigers in 1925.
In the midst of five consecutive contests with at least one touchdown reception, Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught five passes for 183 yards in a 48-17 AFL win against the Houston Oilers in 1964.
Baltimore Colts QB Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team selection under his father was Arizona hoops co-captain as senior in 1947-48) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 16-14 win against the Chicago Bears in 1953.
TE Darren Fells (averaged 10.2 ppg and 6.3 rpg from 2004-05 through 2007-08, leading UCI in rebounding each of last three seasons) opened the Arizona Cardinals' scoring by catching a 14-yard touchdown pass from Carson Palmer in 42-17 win against the Detroit Lions in 2015.
In his Dallas Cowboys debut, DE Greg Hardy (Ole Miss backup forward as freshman in 2006-07) had two sacks and four tackles in a 30-6 setback against the New England Patriots in 2015.
Chicago Bears E Harlon Hill (Florence State AL hoops letterman in 1951) had an 88-yard touchdown reception in 28-21 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1959.
QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) had goal-line plunges for both of the Chicago Cardinals' touchdowns in a 23-14 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1959. Cardinals RB Mal Hammack (played four basketball games with Florida in 1954-55) contributed a career-high 92 rushing yards.
B Ralph Kercheval (Kentucky hooper in 1932-33 under legendary coach Adolph Rupp) scored the Brooklyn Dodgers' lone touchdown with a 12-yard rush in 10-10 tie against the New York Giants in 1936.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 28-24 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1959. Eagles rookie WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) returned a punt 58 yards for TD.
San Francisco 49ers rookie DB Ronnie Lott (USC hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions - returning one of them 41 yards for touchdown - in a 45-14 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1981.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 16-of-21 passes - including three first-half touchdowns - in a 33-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2009.
Rookie E George Rogge (Iowa hoops letterman in 1929) had a rushing touchdown for the Chicago Cardinals' lone score in 26-7 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1931.
Green Bay Packers rookie CB Quinten Rollins (Miami OH steals leader all four seasons from 2010-11 through 2013-14 including MAC as senior) intercepted two passes - returning one 45 yards for a touchdown - in 24-10 win against the St. Louis Rams in 2015.
In 1987, TE Don Summers (averaged 13.4 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Oregon Tech in 1980-81) caught a 10-yard touchdown pass in fourth quarter to help boost the Green Bay Packers to lead but they eventually bowed to the Detroit Lions, 19-16.
Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) caught two second-half touchdown passes in a 33-27 AFL win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1964.
Providence Steam Roller rookie TB Cy Wentworth (New Hampshire hoops letterman in 1922 and 1923) returned a kickoff 92 yards for touchdown in 14-0 win against the New York Giants in 1925.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 11 MLB Games

October 11th, 2020 - 10:24

Two former hoopers from Pennsylvania small colleges - Clyde Barnhart (Shippensburg) and Dick Hall (Swarthmore) - made World Series news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 11 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:

OCTOBER 11

In 1925, Pittsburgh Pirates LF Clyde Barnhart (played basketball for Shippensburg PA predecessor Cumberland Valley State Normal School prior to World War I) went hitless for only time in 11 World Series games.
In 1948, SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) doubled for third consecutive World Series contest with the champion Cleveland Indians in Game 6 against the Boston Braves.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman hoops team) earned a victory by fanning eight New York Yankees batters in 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in Game 4 of 1964 World Series.
RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) traded by the Houston Astros to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.
In 1971, Baltimore Orioles RHP Dick Hall (averaged 12.8 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 with Swarthmore PA for three Southern Division champions in MASC) earned a save in Game 2 of World Series for second straight season.
RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) traded by the New York Giants to the Philadelphia Phillies for P Stu Miller in 1956.
INF Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) was the on-deck batter in Japan in 1976 when Sadaharu Oh stroked his 715th homer to pass Babe Ruth's mark. Incredibly, Johnson was also next hitter in April 1974 when Atlanta Braves OF Hank Aaron hammered his 715th round-tripper.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) hurled a four-hit shutout in Game 5 of 1965 World Series against the Minnesota Twins.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) whacked a homer but it wasn't enough to prevent 5-3 defeat against the New York Yankees in Game 5 of 1998 ALCS.
Rookie RF Bud Metheny (William & Mary hoops letterman from 1935-36 through 1937-38) supplied his lone World Series hit by singling in a 2-0 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 5 to help the New York Yankees clinch 1943 title.
Detroit Tigers OF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) drove in winning run in bottom of 10th inning in a 4-3 triumph against the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of 1972 ALCS.
INF Jay Ward (McKendree IL hooper in 1956-57 before forgoing hoops to concentrate solely on pro baseball) traded by the Kansas City Athletics to Los Angeles Dodgers in 1961.

Stars Shining Brighter: Improving Jimmy Buckets Basks in Glow of NBA Finals

October 11th, 2020 - 8:52

Jimmy Butler, far removed from modest headlines he generated with Marquette, has exhibited incredible fortitude for the Miami Heat in the NBA Finals before his club and the Los Angeles Lakers left DisneyWorld bubble. Butler and fellow juco recruit Jae Crowder, teammates with Marquette in 2010-11 (22-15 record under coach Buzz Williams), have progressed to become Heat headliners despite not ranking among the top 100 junior college products while performing at NCAA level. Butler's dramatic improvement since joining the league has been startling, averaging 17 ppg in NBA after 12 ppg in college. For instance, he averaged as many assists in first five contests of 2020 Finals as his entire total of 11 scoring feeds in six NCAA playoff games from 2009 through 2011. Nevertheless, he isn't among the following "Magnificient 7" list of All-Americans who posted career scoring averages more than five points per game higher over more than 10 NBA seasons than they did in multiple college campaigns:

All-American	School	College Average	NBA Regular-Season Average and Summary	Scoring Increase
Michael Jordan	North Carolina	17.7 ppg	30.1 ppg in 15 seasons with low mark of 20 in his final NBA campaign in 2002-03	12.4 ppg
Hakeem Olajuwon	Houston	13.3 ppg	21.8 ppg in 18 years with his first 13 seasons compiling more than 20 from 1984-85 through 1996-97	8.5 ppg
Charles Barkley	Auburn	14.1 ppg	22.1 ppg in 16 years with 11 consecutive seasons compiling more than 20 from 1985-86 through 1995-96	8 ppg
John Havlicek	Ohio State	14.6 ppg	20.8 ppg in 16 years with eight consecutive seasons compiling more than 20 from 1966-67 through 1973-74	6.2 ppg
Clyde Drexler	Houston	14.4 ppg	20.4 ppg in 15 years with his last 13 seasons compiling at least 18 from 1985-86 through 1997-98	6 ppg
Patrick Ewing	Georgetown	15.3 ppg	21 ppg in 17 years with his first 13 seasons compiling at least 20 from 1985-86 through 1997-98	5.7 ppg
Marques Johnson	UCLA	14.4 ppg	20.1 ppg in 11 years with first of six of more than 20 a career-high 25.6 in 1978-79	5.7 ppg

On This NFL Date: Ex-College Hoopers Ready to Tackle October 10 Football

October 10th, 2020 - 10:33

OCTOBER 10

Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes in a 27-0 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1943.
Chicago Bears rookie HB J.R. Boone (hoop teammate of eventual NFL executive Jim Finks for Tulsa in 1947-48) had two second-quarter pass reception touchdowns from Sid Luckman in a 42-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1948.
Cleveland Browns E Pete Brewster (forward-center was Purdue's fourth-leading scorer as junior and senior) caught two first-quarter touchdown passes from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) in a 31-7 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1954. Graham had three first-half TD passes.
Oakland Raiders WR Ronald Curry (averaged 4.2 ppg, 2.5 rpg and 3 apg for North Carolina in 1998-99 and 2000-01) caught 10 passes in a 35-14 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 2004.
Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) accounted for all of game's scoring with a rushing touchdown and extra point in 7-0 win against the New York Giants in 1926.
In 1934, an 82-yard touchdown run helped Chicago Bears rookie HB Beattie Feathers (Tennessee regular in 1931-32) become first NFL player to rush for 1,000 yards or more in single season when finishing with 1,004 (league highs of 8.4 per carry and eight TDs). Bears B Gene Ronzani (among Marquette's top four scorers in 1931-32 and 1932-33) opened game's scoring with a six-yard touchdown reception in 28-0 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie E Hank Foldberg (Army hoops letterman in 1947) returned a blocked field goal 51 yards for touchdown in 30-17 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1948.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Drew Brees in a 34-21 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2004.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) had two goal-line plunges for touchdowns in a 35-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. Eagles LB George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned a fumble recovery 62 yards for TD.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for 200 yards and three touchdowns - including 33- and 45-yarders in first half - in a 23-7 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1964.
Atlanta Falcons CB Rolland Lawrence (captain of Tabor KS hoops squad as senior in 1972-73) had interception and returned six punts a total of 87 yards in 30-0 setback against the New Orleans Saints in 1976.
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball games in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) caught two touchdown passes in a 36-26 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2010.
Eggs Manske (point guard led Northwestern to share of 1933 Big Ten Conference hoops crown) returned interception 55 yards for a Chicago Bears touchdown in 20-2 win against the Cleveland Rams in 1937.
TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) had a touchdown reception in his third different game of the Green Bay Packers' first four contests in 1971.
Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 357 yards in a 16-13 win against the Green Bay Packers in 2010.
Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned an interception 97 yards in 20-17 setback against the Denver Broncos in 2004.
Indianapolis Colts TE Marcus Pollard (JC transfer averaged 7.3 ppg and 5 rpg for Bradley in two seasons in 1992-93 and 1993-94) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Peyton Manning in a 34-31 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 1999.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught six passes for 141 yards in a 35-13 AFL setback against the New York Jets in 1964.
Detroit Lions DB Wayne Rasmussen (MVP in 1963 NCAA College Division Tournament for South Dakota State) had an interception for second of three consecutive contests in 1965.
Providence Steam Roller E Al Rose (Texas hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930) scored game's lone touchdown with an 18-yard pass reception in 6-0 win against the Frankfort Yellow Jackets in 1931.
San Diego Chargers DB Bud Whitehead (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.5 rpg in 15 games for Florida State in 1959-60) had three interceptions - returning one 35 yards for touchdown - in a 34-3 AFL win against the Buffalo Bills in 1965.
Chicago Bears DB S.J. Whitman (Tulsa hoops letterman in 1949-50) returned an interception 33 yards for touchdown in 28-9 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1954.

On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Make News in October 10 MLB Games

October 10th, 2020 - 10:18

Extra! Extra! Unless you're a cardboard cut-out, 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.

Two former hoopers from Iowa small colleges - Davey Lopes (Iowa Wesleyan) and Paul Splittorff (Morningside) - supplied significant MLB postseason competition performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 10 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes: