On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 25 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 25 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 25
OF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA titlist) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Chicago White Sox in 1955.
C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) purchased from the Detroit Tigers by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1972.
1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State letterman) traded by the Texas Rangers to the San Diego Padres in 1978.
In 1977, RHP Jim Todd (played for Parsons IA before averaging 16 ppg with Millersville State PA in 1968-69) shipped by the Chicago Cubs to the Seattle Mariners to complete an earlier deal in the spring.
Hunt For Mr. October: Top World Series Players Who Were College Hoopers
If it was easy, then everyone could do it. After playing college hoops for current Division I universities, MLB All-Stars Joe Adcock (LSU/.250 with no extra-base hits), Mickey Cochrane (Boston University/.245), Dick Groat (Duke/.204), Davey Johnson (Texas A&M/.192 and homerless), Kenny Lofton (Arizona/.250), Wally Moon (Texas A&M/.240 with only one extra-base hit), Graig Nettles (San Diego State/.225 and homerless), Jackie Robinson (UCLA/.234) and Dave Winfield (Minnesota/.136 and homerless) struggled at the plate in World Series competition significantly more than they did during the regular season.
On the other hand, which such versatile athletes thrived in the Fall Classic? The premier pitcher and player overall in this category probably is Bob Gibson (Creighton) while the most regal regular may come from among outfielders Earle Combs (Eastern Kentucky), Tony Gwynn (San Diego State) and Riggs Stephenson (Alabama). Following is an All-Mr. October Team featuring former varsity basketball players who attended schools that are or were major colleges before excelling in the World Series:
| Position | Ex-College Hoopster | DI School | World Series Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| LHP | Marius Russo | Long Island | Permitted only one earned run in winning both of his Fall Classic complete games with Yankees - 1941 (vs. Dodgers) and 1943 (Cardinals). |
| RHP | Bob Gibson | Creighton | Compiled 7-2 record and 1.89 ERA with 92 strikeouts in 81 innings with Cardinals in 1964 (Yankees), 1967 (Red Sox) and 1968 (Tigers). |
| Reliever | Ron Reed | Notre Dame | Allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings in five relief appearances with Phillies in 1980 (Royals) and 1983 (Orioles). |
| C | Tom Haller | Illinois | Hit .286 (4-for-14 including one homer off Hall of Fame P Whitey Ford) with Giants in 1962 (Yankees). |
| 1B | Hank Greenberg | NYU | Hit .318 (27-for-85) with 14 extra-base hits and 22 RBI with Tigers in 1934 (Cardinals), 1935 (Cubs), 1940 (Reds) and 1945 (Cubs). |
| 2B | Charles "Buddy" Myer | Mississippi State | Hit .286 (8-for-28) in eight games with Senators in 1925 (Pirates) and 1933 (Giants). |
| 3B | Billy Werber | Duke | Hit .326 (14-for-43) in games with Reds in 1939 (Yankees) and 1940 (Tigers). |
| SS | Alvin Dark | LSU/USL | Hit .323 (21-for-65) in 16 games for Braves (.167) and Giants (.415) in 1948 (Indians), 1951 (Yankees) and 1954 (Indians). |
| LF | Riggs Stephenson | Alabama | Hit .378 (14-for-37) in nine games with Cubs in 1929 (Athletics) and 1932 (Yankees). |
| CF | Earle Combs | Eastern Kentucky | Hit .350 (21-for-60) in 16 games with Yankees in 1926 (Cardinals), 1927 (Pirates), 1928 (Cardinals) and 1932 (Cubs). |
| RF | Tony Gwynn | San Diego State | Hit .371 (13-for-35) with Padres in 1984 (Tigers) and 1998 (Yankees). |
| Most Underrated | Charlie Keller | Maryland | OF hit .306 (22-of-72 with 10 extra-base hits) in 19 games with Yankees in 1939 (Reds), 1941 (Dodgers), 1942 (Cardinals) and 1943 (Cardinals). |
| Manager | Walter Alston | Miami (Ohio) | Seven N.L. pennants with Dodgers resulted in four World Series championships (1955-59-63-65). |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 24 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 24 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 24
Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (basketball letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) stroked two doubles among his three hits in a 4-2 Game 4 victory against the New York Giants and Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) in the 1911 World Series.
Securing at least one steal in his seventh consecutive postseason contest, Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) went 3-for-3, scored three runs and received three walks in a 7-6 win against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the 1995 World Series. Seven years later with the San Francisco Giants, Lofton provided three hits for the second straight game in the 2002 World Series against the Anaheim Angels.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66) supplied the game-winning RBI in an 8-7 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1981 World Series.
Brooklyn Dodgers INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41), the first black major leaguer of the 20th Century, died of heart disease at the age of 53 in 1972.
DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) banged out a two-out, two-run double in the top of the 11th inning to spark the Toronto Blue Jays to their first World Series championship with a 4-3 decision over the Atlanta Braves in Game 6 in 1992.
Me and Poppy McGee: Ex-Louisville Aide Been Around Hoops All of His Life
During his playing career, Andre McGee incurred athletically-induced symptoms of a rare genetic malady identified as sickle cell trait. McGee required IVs in the locker room and a trainer was available with oxygen on the bench. In the aftermath of the selling-of-sex stench surrounding his alleged involvement in a recruiting scandal as Louisville's former director of operations, many wobbly Cardinals supporters are in dire need of fresh air and humiliation-combating IVs to deal with the sleaze.
Rather than intimidation-tactic subpoenas, the first orders of business should be discerning what occurred on McGee's recruiting visit as a player before he aligned with UL and whether there are authentic "safe places" on campus for golden-rule students wary of any punks. What recruiting practices were McGee accustomed to before a six-figure salary helped energize him to orchestrate them to another controlled level via 1,400 text messages with an erudite escort? Of course, Rick Pitino doesn't know everything McGee ever has done on campus but it is the height of stupidity to believe the ultimate control freak knew nothing at all. While character assassination unfolds on Slick Rick's former employee (player and staffer), we're expected to believe McGee acted alone sans any outside influence no different than Lee Harvey Oswald and James Earl Ray.
Success is a choice in striving to accurately depict The Ville's G-String Emporium; so let's be clear: The skinny is more likely Pitino the Puppeteer knew percentage of body fat of dirty dancers than his body of work including dancing around all of the dirt in role as skinny version of fat Sgt. "I Know Nothing" Schultz about sex ed at the Doctorate of Dunk level. Did he know if "Elvis" (All-American Terrence Williams) left the building or had sufficient funds to hang out for "A Big Hunk O' Love"? In this what-do-you-know poker game chock full of high-stakes bluffing, Pitino simply wants ex-pupil to show his hand first so he can respond accordingly or nurture a coach/player relationship again getting their "Me-and-Andre-McGee" stories straight over upscale-restaurant dessert.
Off-the-court issues aren't exactly virgin territory at Louisville. Chane Behanan, a member of 2013 All-NCAA Tournament team was dismissed from the Cards' squad midway through the next season for the catch-all "violation of university policy." He had been suspended in the preseason for a similar disciplinary infraction. In an interview with Bleacher Report's Jason King, Behanan said he "began smoking weed regularly (at UL), often after a long practice or a tough, physical game - and almost always when he was alone." After the Cardinals captured the NCAA title, Behanan told King "there were parties every night. People were inviting us places all the time and trying to give us stuff. It was a good feeling. I got caught up in it. Everywhere you went, there was something to get into. It was so easy."
McGee, who "stepped up" and resigned as an assistant coach at UMKC under former Louisville aide Kareem Richardson, is portrayed in some quarters as a rube rogue coach who doesn't know his left hand full of $1 bills from his right hand full of $100 bills. While wimpish Pitino fell down on the job hiding under his desk rather than attending ACC media day, the facts are McGee is anything but a fall guy-bound neophyte who will let everyone else off the hook (including mysterious Coach Mike) by going straight to scapegoat status. Why did McGee, while employed at UMKC prior to becoming an Uber driver, get involved in the recruitment of show ponies for a school he departed unless asked to do so by a former UL associate? No, we're supposed to believe McGee extemporaneously put pieces of party puzzle together from afar.
He was a gritty guard for the Cardinals before becoming a graduate assistant on Pitino's staff. Moreover, McGee and his family have been immersed in the nuances of hoopdom for decades. In fact, the McGees could be considered one of the 20 most influential families in college basketball history. The McGees warrant special mention just outside the following dynamic dozen nuclear-power clans. The "HoopDaddys" comprised of college players who had at least three sons also go on to compete in a significant way at a similar level include:
BARRY BARRY GOOD
1. Barry - Father Rick Barry, a first-team All-American as a senior when he led the nation in scoring, averaged 29.8 ppg and 16.5 rpg for Miami (FL) from 1962-63 through 1964-65. Son Scooter averaged 3.3 ppg for Kansas' 1988 NCAA titlist before leading the Jayhawks with 5.7 apg the next season. Son Jon, a junior college transfer, averaged 14.4 ppg, 3.6 rpg and 4.5 apg for Pacific and Georgia Tech in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Son Brent averaged 12.1 ppg, 3.7 rpg and 3.3 apg for Oregon State from 1991-92 through 1994-95. Son Drew, an All-ACC second-team selection as a senior, averaged 10.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 6.2 apg for Georgia Tech from 1992-93 through 1995-96, leading the ACC in assists each of his last three seasons. Son Canyon averaged 9.4 ppg and 2.7 rpg in the College of Charleston's debut season in the CAA as a redshirt freshman in 2013-14 before being sidelined with a finger injury. He was the Cougars' leading scorer the past two campaigns. Jon, an All-ACC third-team selection as a junior in 1991-92, and Brent, an All-Pacific-10 Conference choice as a senior, were late bloomers who went on to have productive NBA careers. Rick, Jon and Brent were NBA first-round draft choices while Drew was a second-round pick. Bruce Hale, Rick's father-in-law and a Santa Clara alumnus, coached him at Miami (FL) after playing five years in the NBA.
WALTON MOUNTAIN GANG
2. Walton - Father Bill Walton, a three-time national player of the year, averaged 20.3 ppg and 15.7 rpg for UCLA from 1971-72 through 1973-74. Son Adam lettered with LSU before incurring a rest-of-season suspension in Dale Brown's final year as coach in 1996-97 and subsequently transferring to a small college in California. Son Nate was an All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton as a senior in 2000-01, becoming the fourth player in school history with two seasons of at least 100 assists. Son Luke, a two-time All-Pacific-10 Conference choice, averaged 9.1 ppg, 5.1 rpg and 4.5 apg for Arizona from 1999-2000 through 2002-03. Son Chris finished among the top 15 in the Mountain West Conference in assists and rebounding as a junior in 2003-04 for San Diego State, finishing his four-year career with averages of 5.1 ppg and 3.4 rpg.
PRICE IS RIGHT CONTROL
3. Price - Father Dennis Price, an All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection as a junior, averaged 10.9 ppg for Oklahoma from 1957-58 through 1959-60. Son Mark, a three-time All-ACC first-team selection and All-American, averaged 17.4 ppg and 4 apg for Georgia Tech from 1982-83 through 1985-86. Son Matt scored 23 points in 18 games as a freshman for Appalachian State in 1984-85. Son Brent, an All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection as a senior, averaged 18 ppg and 5.8 apg for Oklahoma in 1990-91 and 1991-92 after transferring from South Carolina, where he averaged 12.6 ppg and 3.5 apg in 1987-88 and 1988-89.
GRANT'S ARMY MARCHES ON
4. Grant - Father Harvey Grant was an All-American in 1988 as the leading rebounder and second-leading scorer for Oklahoma's NCAA Tournament runner-up. Eldest son Jerai was the leading rebounder for Clemson's 2011 NCAA playoff squad. Son Jerian was Notre Dame's leader in scoring average each of the previous three campaigns. Son Jerami was the leading rebounder for Syracuse's inaugural ACC club in 2013-14 before leaving school after sophomore season and becoming a second-round pick in the NBA draft by the Philadelphia 76ers.
JACOBSENS TESTAMENT TO GREAT BLESSINGS
5. Jacobsen - Father Von Jacobsen, who led San Diego State in scoring as a sophomore and junior, averaged 15.4 ppg and 4.9 rpg from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Son Adam averaged 12.6 ppg, 2.9 rpg and 3.6 apg as a three-time All-Big West Conference second-team selection with Pacific from 1993-94 through 1997-98. Son Brock averaged 8.4 ppg, 3 rpg and 2.8 apg for San Diego from 1995-96 through 1998-99. Son Casey, an All-American for Stanford as a junior before declaring early for the NBA draft, averaged 18.1 ppg and 3.8 rpg from 1999-00 through 2001-02. The trio of brothers combined for 625 three-pointers.
HIGH ON HAARLOW
6. Haarlow - Father Bill Haarlow Jr., a three-time All-Western Conference selection for the University of Chicago from 1933-34 through 1935-36, was the league's third-leading scorer as a sophomore (9.9 ppg), leading scorer as a junior (13) and second-leading scorer as a senior (12.6). He had three sons play for Princeton in the 1960s - A. William III averaged 10.8 ppg and 5 rpg in 1962-63, Bob averaged 8.5 ppg and 4.4 rpg from 1963-64 through 1965-66 (second-leading scorer for the Tigers' 1965 Final Four team as a teammate of All-American Bill Bradley) and John averaged 12.6 ppg and 7.3 rpg from 1965-66 through 1967-68 (All-Ivy League second-team selection as a junior). With Bill Jr. cited on CollegeHoopedia.com's comprehensive list of all-time All-Americans, the Haarlows might have been the initial most impactful family on the sport.
PATERNO INFLUENCE
7. Paterno - Father Bill Paterno averaged 3.4 ppg with St. Francis (N.Y.) in 1948-49 and 1949-50 after scoring 18 points in nine games in 1947-48. Son Billy averaged 9.8 ppg and 4.7 rpg for Notre Dame from 1973-74 through 1976-77 under coach Digger Phelps, finishing team runner-up in scoring to All-American Adrian Dantley as a sophomore with 13.3 ppg. Son Mike averaged 3.1 ppg for Monmouth in 1987-88. Son Joe averaged 14.6 ppg and 5.1 rpg with Fordham from 1985-86 through 1988-89, leading the Rams in scoring in three seasons and finishing his career as their all-time second-leading scorer. Son Steve averaged 10.8 ppg and 3.6 rpg with Marist from 1987-88 through 1990-91, leading the Red Foxes in scoring as a junior before finishing runner-up as a senior.
TOASTING THE RAIVIOS
8. Raivio - Father Rick Raivio, a three-time All-WCAC selection who led Portland in field-goal shooting all four seasons, finished as the Pilots' all-time leading rebounder (910/9.4 rpg) while averaging 17.2 ppg before becoming a fifth-round draft choice by the Los Angeles Lakers. Son Derek, the WCC co-player of the year as a Gonzaga senior (18 ppg and nation-leading 96.1 FT%), averaged 11.5 ppg and 2.8 apg while shooting 41.6% from beyond the arc from 2003-04 through 2006-07 with Gonzaga en route to becoming the #2 all-time free-throw shooter in DI history (92.7%). Son Nik, a J.C. recruit, was an All-WCC selection as a junior with Portland in 2008-09 when he averaged 16 ppg and 6.5 rpg before heading overseas to play professionally after finishing his Pilots' career with 14.3 ppg and 5.3 rpg. Son Matt averaged 9.4 ppg, 2.8 rpg and 2.8 apg for Simon Fraser (Vancouver) in 2011-12 and 2012-13 after transferring from Santa Rosa (CA) JC.
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGH
9. Pollard - Father Pearl Pollard (6-9), a second-team All-Skyline Conference choice as a senior, averaged 10.5 ppg and 7.9 rpg for Utah from 1956-57 through 1958-59 with three national postseason tournament teams, leading the Utes in scoring and rebounding as a senior. Son Carl, 7-2, played briefly for BYU as a freshman in 1983-84 before redshirting in 1984-85, going on a two-year Mormon mission and transferring with a brother to Southern California, where he didn't play prior to competing with Southern Utah in 1989-90 and averaging 1.5 ppg and 2.9 rpg. Son Alan, 6-9, averaged 5.6 ppg and 5.3 rpg while splitting four seasons between Brigham Young and USC from 1984-85 through 1988-89, leading BYU in rebounding as a freshman. Son Mark, 6-11, played briefly for San Diego State in 1990-91 before also leaving at the same time with a brother. Son Neal, 7-0, redshirted at San Diego State in 1988-89 before going on a Mormon mission to New England, playing three games with the Aztecs in 1991-92 and transferring to Utah State, where he didn't play. Son Scot, 6-11, averaged 9.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 1.7 bpg for four Kansas teams reaching NCAA playoff regional semifinals from 1993-94 through 1996-97 before becoming an NBA first-round draft choice.
CAN'T FOIL THE DOYLES
10. Doyle - Father Dan Doyle averaged 13.7 ppg and 12.2 rpg for Belmont Abbey (N.C.) in his four-year career. He was selected by the Detroit Pistons in 5th round of 1961 NBA draft (44th pick overall) after pacing Al McGuire-coached teams in scoring average his final three seasons and rebounding as a junior and senior. Son Danny averaged 7.4 ppg and 2.1 rpg with Iona from 1989-90 through 1993-94, leading the Gaels in assists and steals as a senior. Son Joe led then-DII Sacred Heart in scoring, assists and steals as a senior in 1996-97. Son Tim played sparingly for St. John's in 2002-03 before transferring to Northwestern, where he averaged 8.1 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 3.7 apg and 1.3 spg from 2004-05 through 2006-07, leading the Wildcats in assists his last two seasons and in steals as a senior.
PLUMB LINE PLUMS
11. Plumlee - Father Millard (nicknamed "Perky") was a 6-8 backup frontcourter who averaged 3.6 ppg and 3 rpg while shooting 58% from the floor for Tennessee Tech from 1980-81 through 1982-83. Sons Miles (4.8 ppg and 4.8 rpg from 2008-09 through 2011-12), Mason (two-time All-ACC selection; 9.8 ppg, 7.7 rpg and 1.4 bpg from 2009-10 through 2012-13) and Marshall (1.2 ppg and 1.8 rpg from 2011-12 to 2014-15) all attended Duke.
HUGGY BEARS ALL
12. Huggins - Father Charlie Huggins was an All-WVIAC first-team selection for Alderson-Broaddus (W. Va.) in 1957-58 after transferring from West Virginia. Son Bob averaged 8.4 ppg and 2.8 rpg while shooting 45.9% from the floor and 79.4% from the free-throw line with West Virginia in the mid-1970s after transferring from Ohio University. Son Harry was a two-year letterman for Texas Lutheran in the late 1970s after transferring from Rice. Son Larry averaged 5.6 ppg, 2 rpg and 2.1 apg while shooting 46.3% from the floor and 79.3% from the free-throw line as a captain for Ohio State in the early 1980s.
HONORABLE MENTION
Christensen - Father Harold, a member of Brigham Young's 1951 NIT championship team, averaged 7.8 ppg and 4.4 rpg. He was chosen by the Minneapolis Lakers in 1953 NBA draft before having three sons play for the Cougars - Craig averaged 5.1 ppg in half a season in 1981-82, Kurt averaged 4.5 ppg in 1992-93 and 1993-94, and Todd averaged 5.8 ppg in 1995-96, 1998-99 and 1999-00.
Fife - Father Dan Fife, a 10th-round draft choice by the Milwaukee Bucks before pitching briefly for the Minnesota Twins, averaged 12.6 ppg and 4.9 rpg for Michigan from 1968-69 through 1970-71. Son Dugan, overlooked during the Fab Five era, averaged 4.6 ppg and 2 rpg for Michigan from 1992-93 through 1995-96. Son Jeremy led Grand Valley State (MI) in assists in 1996-97 and 1997-98. Son Dane averaged 5.6 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.3 apg and 1.4 spg while shooting 38.2% from three-point range for Indiana from 1998-99 through 2001-02 before becoming a DI head coach with IUPU-Fort Wayne.
McGee - Father Anthony McGee led Long Beach State in scoring in 1975-76 with 14.8 ppg before contributing 4.5 ppg for the 49ers' NCAA playoff team the next season. Son Tony averaged 4 ppg for Eastern Washington in 1997-98 and 1998-99. Son Antoine averaged 1.4 ppg and 1.7 apg with Colorado from 2002-03 through 2005-06. Son Andre averaged 5.2 ppg and 1.8 apg while shooting 36.5% from beyond the arc with Louisville from 2005-06 through 2008-09, leading the Cardinals in three-point field-goal shooting as a junior (39.4%).
Woolridge - Father Orlando averaged 10.6 ppg and 5 rpg with Notre Dame from 1977-78 through 1980-81. Son Zach played sparingly for Princeton from 2005-06 through 2007-08 (23 points in 14 games). Son Renaldo averaged 3.2 ppg and 2.3 rpg for Tennessee from 2008-09 through 2011-12 before transferring to USC (20 points in 20 games in 2012-13). Son Royce played sparingly for Kansas in 2010-11 (nine points in 16 games) before transferring to Washington State (9.2 ppg in 2012-13 and 2013-14) and Grand Canyon (12.9 ppg in 2014-15). Orlando and Renaldo played in games where their teams defeated the nation's #1-ranked club.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 23 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 23 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 23
In Game 5 of the 1910 World Series, Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (basketball captain and starting center for Colby ME) tossed his third complete-game victory against the Chicago Cubs.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bruce Hurst (played J.C. for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) notched a 4-2 complete-game victory against the New York Mets in Game 5 of the 1986 World Series.
Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) hired as Los Angeles Dodgers manager in 1998.
Kansas City Royals LF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) contributed a pinch-hit double against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the 1985 World Series.
Gene Michael (Kent State's leading scorer with 14 ppg in 1957-58) replaced by Bob Watson as New York Yankees general manager in 1995.
INF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945, paving the way for MLB integration.
OF Richie Scheinblum (averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 1962-63 and 1963-64 with LIU-C.W. Post) purchased from the Cleveland Indians by the Washington Senators in 1970.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 22 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 22 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 22
LHP Danny Coombs (Seton Hall basketball third-leading scorer and rebounder in 1961-62) purchased from the Houston Astros by the San Diego Padres in 1969.
C Art Kusnyer (led Kent State in field-goal percentage in 1965-66 when he was team's third-leading scorer and rebounder) traded by the California Angels to the Milwaukee Brewers in a nine-player swap in 1973.
OF Joe Lahoud (letterman for New Haven CT in mid-1960s) traded by the Milwaukee Brewers to the California Angels in a nine-player swap in 1973.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 21 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 21
1B Bill Davis (averaged 12.5 ppg in 1963-64 for Minnesota basketball team including eventual NBA standouts Archie Clark and Lou Hudson) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the San Diego Padres in 1968.
Kansas City Royals RHP Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) lost Game 6 when the Philadelphia Phillies clinched the 1980 World Series championship.
RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) traded with C Dave Ricketts (Duquesne's leading scorer with 17.9 ppg in 1956-57) by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1969.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) provided his third multiple-hit game in four World Series contests against the New York Yankees in 1998.
In 1995 opener against the Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four squad compiling 35-3 record) became the first player since 1921 to steal two bases in one inning of a World Series game.
RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) made his lone World Series appearance, hurling two innings of shutout relief for the Minnesota Twins in Game 4 of the 1987 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
RHP Claude Passeau (played for Millsaps MS in late 1920s and early 1930s) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1935.
OF Richie Scheinblum (averaged 6.1 ppg and 3.6 rpg in 1962-63 and 1963-64 with LIU-C.W. Post) purchased from the Texas Rangers by the Kansas City Royals in 1971.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 20 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 (played basketball for Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1996-97) registered a victory in Game 2 of the 2011 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) contributed three hits and three runs against the Chicago Cubs in Game 3 of the 1910 World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham captain) captured the 1931 N.L. MVP.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (attended NYU briefly on hoop scholarship in late 1920s) won 1935 A.L. MVP.
Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State letterman) named Seattle Mariners manager in 2004.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 19 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 the opener of the 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 titlist).
St. Louis Cardinals RHP John Stuper (two-time all-conference junior college in mid-1970s with Butler County PA) tossed a four-hitter in a 13-1 romp over the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 6 of the 1982 World Series.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 18 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 (played J.C. for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) notched a 1-0 victory against the New York Mets in the 1986 World Series opener.
Sex in Sin Cities: How Widespread is Lovetron Attitude Across Country?
Whether it's behind closed doors in a Shrillary-endorsing brothel, carefully-crafted athletic dormitory, peep-show restaurant or perhaps a gold-covered dome, what happens here and there eventually comes out here and there. Like it or not, unsettling reality-show antics dominate headlines such as escort escapades at Pitino Place or Lamar Odom enhancing his Darryl Dawkins-created Lovetron stamina doing $75,000-plus worth of Bunny Hop business.
Admittedly judgmental, this reality isn't exactly virgin territory and no one with a functioning brain beyond ESPN's "shocked" Jay Bilas and chronic coaching apologist Dick Vitale believes these are isolated indiscretions. The only question for truth-detector media members such as Bilas and Vitale plus lax university administrators is: Which "elite" school is next to be examined in the "NCAA Hunting Ground"? Amid the shameless influence peddling going both ways including obscene telecast contracts, hefty speaking-engagement fees from boosters and tax-deductible charitable donations, heaven forbid if another sacred ACC newcomer is tainted by premiere featuring a special edition of "Sandra Bullock on-the-side blindside." If so, Touchdown Jesus could take on a whole new connotation with the key syllable being "con."
At any rate, why would Rick Pitino pupils and Louisville recruits have any conviction to control themselves or notify superiors of peer playtime when the Cardinals' do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do coach couldn't behave himself en route to 15 seconds of table-prance shame? Giving new meaning to "laying his Cards (staff member spouse-to-be) on the table," Pitino's "stop-on-a-dime" porn-star tryout was confirmed by eavesdropping assistant Vinnie, who apparently isn't a double for John Calipari moonlighting as Slick Rick defense attorney. Was sidekick Vinnie the Voyeur implored to "step up" on his "one-day contract" to furnish tell-all equipment explanation about his boss' squealer with stranger or just make certain Catholic chaplain was visible on game night at end of his boys' bench? Securing a contract extension to 2026 after extortion-inducing entertainment, Pitino's pact with LarryFlyntVille's lousy leadership probably will be extended to around 2040 after the deleterious dorm demonstrations displacing dependable diploma deportment. Apparently with way too much time on their hands, academic records need to be strip-searched unless anyone really believes Louisville's scholars took more rigorous courses than the fraud perpetrated in Chapel Hill.
Why was Odom even considered as a college student? After attending UNLV in the summer of 1997 amid reports Odom had assistance in order to "pass" the ACT, he received a citation for soliciting prostitution following an undercover operation by the Las Vegas police. No word if the scholar, forgoing visit to library, needed or had shark-provided summer job enabling him to access herbal Viagra before becoming a household name. Showing the value of a college education, Odom went from about $75 to $75,000 to take care of personal business. If all goes well, he'll be back taking a Kardashian selfie similar to Her Thighness since she had time for such nonsense after ignoring 600 requests for security from a subsequently-murdered ambassador, igniting creation of her useful-idiot narrative about an evil video. Meanwhile, hundreds of mess media members for years ignored warning signs of repulsive recruiting running in parallel with ruining academic integrity across the fruited plain. Is it so difficult to set standards and live up to them?
Beneath its vibrant veneer, college basketball has a description-defying rap sheet cast including a colossal collection of contemptible characters murdering any semblance of a moral compass. It's an unfortunate fact of life, but many reality show-addicted onlookers find it alluring to explore the private lives and personal misfortunes of standout players and responsible-but-not-accountable coaches.
Never underestimate the astonishing absence of integrity among the powers-that-be charlatans tarnishing many major universities. Ditto for the media allegedly there to illuminate on what is going on - warts and all. Amid the showmanship and scam artistry, PT Barnum continues to chortle, "I was right all along!" about "there's a sucker born every minute." We'll know for certain if Bilas conducts another exclusive ESPN interview featuring "know-nothing" former Louisville players serving as backdrop to lawyerly interrogation of their embattled coach before Vitale chimes in by droning on about charitable donations akin to other buying-influence Hall-of-Fame (or Shame depending upon your point of view) mentors linked to impropriety of late. Has Bilas attached a "fantasy" value to the signing-bonus bumping and grinding as part of his pay-for-play obsession?
Entering dangerous terrain when comparing unprincipled coaches and athletes to the public-at-large segment of our population, there is a seemingly congested intersection populating hot hoop prospects who become prime suspects. Rarely exposed to the rigid word "no," some of the hero worshiped think the world revolves around them and develop a sordid sense of "out-of-bounds" entitlement.
"When you are among the high-flying adored, your view of the world becomes blurred," wrote psychologist Stanley Teitelbaum of the flouting-of-the-law behavior in the book "Sports Heroes, Fallen Idols: How Star Athletes Pursue Self-Destructive Paths and Jeopardize Their Careers."
"Off the field, some act as if they are above the rules of society; hubris and an attitude of entitlement become central to the psyche of many athletes. They may deny that they are vulnerable to reprisals and feel omnipotent and grandiose as well as entitled."
Far too many depraved derelicts can't resist and make the toxic transition from gamebreakers to lawbreakers when seduced by the dark side. There have been a striking number of heart-breaking stories rocking the world of sports, derailing dreams and creating miscreants who are poster boys for bad behavior.
Idaho professor Sharon Stoll was not surprised when sports pages occasionally read like a police blotter focusing on 15 minutes of shame.
"In sport, we have moved away from honorable behavior," said Stoll, who operated the Center for Ethical Theory and Honor in Competitive Sports and conducted a 17-year study during which 72,000 athletes filled out questionnaires. "The environment of athletics has not been supportive of teaching and modeling moral knowing, moral valuing and moral action.
"Many of these young people have no sense of what is acceptable behavior."
Amid the periodic repulsive garbage, college basketball is too great a game to be ruined by moral malfeasance. Actually, if college basketball can survive so many unsavory incidents and classless ambassadors, it must be one helluva sport.
But what triggers the off-the-court shenanigans? The common thread seems to be how the delusional perpetrators think they're slick enough to talk or force their way into anything; then desperate enough to be shamed by virtually nothing. Equally shameful are the self-indulgent coaches willing to pursue dim-bulbed recruits boasting questionable pasts without conducting any sort of background check or simply ignoring known criminal activity by their soon-to-be mercenaries. The partnering by coaches in the deceit and dishonesty is an incalculable affront to their counterparts who attempt to abide by the rules.
The NBA Players' Association reportedly reminds its rookies every year that 60% of NBA players go broke five years after their final basketball-related paycheck. Ill-equipped to handle millions of dollars, drug-related problems seem to escalate for college kids with sufficient skill to play professionally. According to time.com, sources estimated that 2/3 of the NBA's out-of-control players smoked weed in the late 1990s, becoming a drag on society with each drag to get high. The straight dope is most of the college culprits corrupting an otherwise grand game seem to "go to pot" first. Too bad these "Dope Diamonds" didn't boast the character to invest "wasted" time taking "trips" to tattoo parlor to head to a free-throw line to work on improving their "foul" shooting from the charity stripe.
Meanwhile, promiscuous individuals who must have majored in some misguided "Big Bang Theory" expect female groupies to be nothing more than charitable harems. There was anecdotal orgasms-for-baskets evidence about the number of out-of-wedlock babies, stemming from NBA dead-beat dads dispensing DNA, being higher than the annual total of players in the league.
Never underestimate the extent of entitlement. For instance, needy Kobe Bryant's resort commingling before knee surgery in Vail, Colo., made him a perverted piker compared to Earvin Johnson admitting his Magical Mystery Tour sexual frivolity included sleeping with 300 to 500 people per year (entertainment venue featured the Lakers' locker room and sauna). How many team employee enablers, perhaps singing "Do You Believe in Magic?" while in the process of doing their dirty deeds, facilitated such Left Coast/Hollyweird indulgence? Of course, this great feat of Magic paled in comparison to Sperminator Supreme Wilt Chamberlain's community partnership claim to bedding 20,000 women before and after leaving Philly to drive around the plains of Kansas in a souped-up red and white Oldsmobile convertible.
A byproduct of "players" aspiring to set statistical records on and off the court, Michael Jordan's philandering contributed to the most costly divorce ever (estimated $168 million in settlement ending 17-year marriage to wife Juanita) prior to golf legend Tiger Woods' breakup. The absence of a pre-nup reportedly cost Bryant $75 million, including three houses in the Newport Beach area, as part of his divorce settlement. Elsewhere, James Worthy, Jordan's college teammate and Magic's Lakers teammate, was arrested and charged with solicitation for prostitution. Said Worthy's ex-wife Angela, a former North Carolina cheerleader: "That feeling of entitlement, that whatever I want, I can have, and that feeling of invincibility. It's a lethal cocktail."
Any accountability goes out the ethical door when a commentator such as ESPN's Screamin' A. Stiff includes Bryant among the players he is thankful for at Thanksgiving because of his professionalism and way he conducts himself. Actually, booby bars and escort services all across the country go into a major depression when there is an NBA lockout or a "Superman" such as Shaq retires; particularly regarding the way he describes with a straight face his self-proclaimed status as a "respectful cheater." On the other hand, perhaps Shaq was simply exhibiting sarcasm trying out his exquisite cheating humor similar to describing extra-benefit days at LSU.
Handouts from agents to prospective high draft choices such as NBA analyst Charles Barkley contribute to the nonsense. The truth about Barkley on tourney telecasts is the NCAA carpetbagger knows as much about contemporary college basketball as he does about playing golf. Barkley, who inspired Auburn to one NCAA Tournament game in three years (an upset loss against Richmond in 1984), should be restricted to making public service announcements about weight loss and refraining from gambling. All of this seemingly endless tawdry conduct also included chaotic card games for pro players on plane flights cannibalizing some clubs, adding fuel to the filthy flamboyance.
But business is business. "Let's face it," longtime NBA forward Eddie Johnson told SI about the league's sexually overactive appetite. "Athletes are whores. We're paid to use our bodies. So sex becomes the same thing after the games. We become like dogs sometimes, and we all talk about the same women in every city." Thus, a Wilt/Magic/Worthy/Shaq/Kobe Left Coast culture spawns a secretly-recorded video by LA Lakers rookie D'Angelo Russell leaked on the Internet going viral about a veteran teammate discussing involvement with a teenage girl who isn't his rapper fiancee.
What ignites much of this malignant bile? Grossly under-reported is the prevalent use of sex as a racy college recruiting tool. Origin of payments for services notwithstanding, whatever happened on Louisville's campus isn't an isolated case. The arousal culture commences innocently enough with exceptional scantily-clad hostesses displaying their wares to exceptions - scholastically suspect "studs" who don't meet a school's usual admission standards but gain entry because of a special talent compromising academic values. In other words, a classless institution of lower learning is more attracted to someone adept at throwing a no-look pass than exhibiting a citadel of higher learning focusing more on looking at an authentic student infinitely more capable of passing a genuine college class. Whatever happened to "No Pass/No Play?" Breeding scholastic fraud such as "The Carolina Way" even more than illegitimate children, sham majors and onerous online courses have become epidemics in order to meet academic progress for tournament eligibility and coaching contract bonus provisions.
At some point, these "special" individuals are totally responsible for their actions (including sexual activity); especially when they begin attending a university. Whatever the circumstances, you must boast sufficient intellect and integrity to be self-reliant enough to deal with a pushy academic adviser. But control-freak coaches toying with testosterone transgressions, resembling sleaze-ball agents wooing potential clients, should be fired on the spot if it is discovered they allowed, even if tacitly, their veteran players to "escort" impressionable and susceptible teenage "rock stars" to anything connected with jiggle joints/sex parties/lusty liaisons during morally-reprehensible recruiting visits. Since coaches are so fond of portraying a fatherly-figure image, it seems anyone harmed by a thug they brought to campus should be able to sue the mentors as if they were a real parent. Unless, of course, Slick Rick P.I. of half-a-new-shot-clock fame is the lead investigator and assures everyone he can't find anything significant in a born-to-coach wide-ranging probe of Get-Your-Fill-in-the-Ville.
At the risk of sounding moralizing prudish, it should be declared institutional neglect if a tone-deaf school doesn't issue to parents of a prospective signee an itinerary detailing precisely what their son did under the school's supervision while on and off campus during a recruiting visit. Defying decency, there are adult allegations about underwriting "Guardians of the Free (Sex) Republic." Far too many wink-wink/nod-nod pompous pilots seem to take an unprincipled hear-no-evil/see-no-evil stance by simply looking the other way while devilish boys-gone-wild recruits sample the latest favors and flavors they could enjoy by signing on the dotted line. An example of this self-absorbed attitude was former Syracuse guard Scoop Jardine tweeting that "#collegetaughtme that groupies really exist! But we just call them #teamplayers! Ahaha." Former Michigan All-American Jalen Rose, Bilas' former GameDay colleague, reminisced about his official visits to UM, Michigan State, Syracuse and UNLV. "I want to paint a picture," Rose told the Detroit Free Press. "What you see at a bachelor party is what happens on a recruiting visit. . . . You just take me to the well. I can drink."
In many instances, the incessant preaching about abiding by regulations is complete propaganda BS from the outset via schools becoming little more than incubators for abhorrent activity, including creating a dangerous "War on Women" culture. How many self-centered unethical coaches - male and female - helped arrange abortions (a/k/a health insurance) over the years as callously as bloodthirsty Planned Murderhood Josephine Mengeles so they could maintain control over their players' bodies amid their inability to control themselves? How low has the bar been set when nearly every marquee coach associated with scumbag such as player pimp/drug dealer Curtis Malone in Washington, D.C.?
Lifting up the sewer manhole covering basketball's boulevard, the scandalous stench can render you senseless. It may take a mite more for the ACC to turn its shaky scholastic standing around than having periodically-in-trouble Chris Webber teach a master's class at Wake Forest in sports storytelling. The good news for diploma-less Professor Webber's Wake Forest students is they will learn how to utilize "you know" and the word "ain't." How would you like to be the parent of a WFU student taking cerebral classes under Webber and former Mess-LSD hyphenated hoot Melissa Harris-Perry?
Who are the hookers and who are the johns in this disgusting episode as the press seems more concerned about menu for their pregame meal and half-time munchies? Is pimping in the job description for director of basketball operations at striking number of universities? The corrosive "Cradles of Criminals" seems to focus on Chicago, Cincinnati, Las Vegas, Memphis, New York City, Philadelphia and Baltimore/Washington. Could Louisville simply be trying to be added to the Sodom and Gomorrah neon list and who are Katina's counterparts in these other dens of depravity?
Recruiting, the lifeblood of nationally-ranked programs, intensifies when a prominent school such as Louisville goes winless in the NCAA playoffs in back-to-back years (2010 and 2011). Coaches know when prize prospects have an irregular bowel movement and are cognizant of recruiting techniques embraced by opponents in order to keep up with the Basketball Joneses. Cincinnati and Memphis combined with Louisville to capture 35 regular-season league championships in a 40-year span from 1966 to 2005 when at least two of them all but two seasons in the mid-1970s were members of the same conference (Missouri Valley, Metro, Great Midwest and C-USA). They know each other like the back of their hands. Could it be a coincidence or should we be suspicious when a current and former coach from UC and Memphis are among the first of Pitino's peers to publicly support him? Or should we just "step up" and look at the sordid situation like Bilas solely through Cardinal-colored glasses as a singular hoop hellhole directed by a coach donning blinders?
Who knows if climate change, blamed for all ailing us, set Katina off like Katrina? But the dirty-laundry trigger likely was something inane along the lines of a "where-are-the-white-girls" change-order remark comparable to Odom sizing up a lineup and selecting two petite blondes. After all is said and done among other four-letter words, perhaps everything is as simplistic as Pitino remarked during his extortion trial five years ago: "Unfortunate things happen." Since the majority of local and national presstitutes appear inept as a checks-and-balances mechanism, maybe Just-the-Facts Madam Katina can tour the country with her daughters exploring this sensual issue, stopping off at the Bunny Ranch along the way to console Lamar Odom-Kardashian along with remainder of his enablers in and out of the press, plus convey the extent of any national plague. They're already doing a superior job than the lame-stream media and equally misguided NCAA officials more concerned about Indian mascots and transgender bathroom options instead of academic or personal integrity.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 17 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 player and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) started decisive Game 7 of the 1979 World Series but wasn't involved in the 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 center for Colby ME) outdueled Hall of Famer Christy Mathewson, 3-2, in 11-inning Game 3 of the 1911 World Series against the New York Giants.
Alvin Dark (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 (member of Pacific's 1967 NCAA playoff team) stroked two doubles off New York Yankees P Catfish Hunter in Game 6 of the 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 the opener of the 1998 World Series against the New York Yankees.
LF David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg), winner of the 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 letterman in late 1970s for Saginaw Valley State MI) registered a hold for the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of the 1993 World Series but yielded his only run in 11 career postseason relief appearances.
After winning the opener of the 1911 World Series, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) took a shutout into the ninth inning in Game 3 when 3B John Baker belted a contest-tying homer for the Philadelphia Athletics, who went on to win in the 11th frame. The clutch blast helped him become known as "Home Run" Baker.
RHP Lindy McDaniel (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs in 1962.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (played as freshman in mid-1960s for Marietta OH) notched a save in decisive Game 7 of the 1979 World Series against the Baltimore Orioles.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 16 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 the 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 (played for Concordia-St. Paul MN in 1929 and 1930) traded by the Philadelphia Athletics to the St. Louis Browns in 1945.
Baltimore Orioles RF Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman squad in mid-1960s) supplied his second three-hit game in the 1979 World Series against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 15 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 by the Kansas City Royals in 1968 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 the 1978 World Series.
LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon letterman in 1915) knocked in the tying run with an eighth-inning, pinch-hit double off Hall of Fame P Walter Johnson and scored the go-ahead tally as the Pittsburgh Pirates upended the Washington Senators, 9-7, in Game 7 of the 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.
In 1957, 2B Jack Dittmer (played for Iowa in 1949-50) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the New York Giants for 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year 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 the 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 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 the 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 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 the 1970 World Series.
In 2001 ALDS, OF David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) whacked a pinch-hit homer to help the New York Yankees defeat the Oakland A's and become the first team ever to capture a best-of-5 series after dropping the first two contests at home.
RHP Don Kaiser (one semester on 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 the save in a 6-4 verdict over the Kansas City Royals in Game 2 of the 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 the 1964 World Series.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 14 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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
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 (played for Morehouse GA) selected from the Pittsburgh Pirates by the Montreal Expos in 1968 expansion draft.
RF Walt French (letterman for Rutgers and Army) struck out as a pinch-hitter but the Philadelphia Athletics rallied for three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning to edge the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the 1929 World Series.
RHP Dave Giusti (made 6 of 10 field-goal attempts in two games for Syracuse in 1959-60) selected from the St. Louis Cardinals by the San Diego Padres as the third pick in 1968 expansion draft.
New York Yankees LHP Steve Hamilton (Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) saved Game 6 in the 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 the 1987 NLCS.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bobby Humphreys (four-year letterman graduated from Hampden-Sydney VA in 1958) hurled a scoreless inning of relief against the New York Yankees in Game 6 of the 1964 World Series.
New York Yankees OF David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) 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 squad in 1953-54) hurled a three-hit shutout in Game 7 of the 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 (played in J.C. for Cuesta CA) supplied a sacrifice fly in the fifth and decisive game for the champion Detroit Tigers in the 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 the 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 the 2002 NLCS to send the San Francisco Giants to the World Series.
In Game 5, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) tossed his third shutout against the Philadelphia Athletics in the 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 the opener of the 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 the 1981 ALCS against the Oakland A's to become the 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 the 1973 World Series when the New York Mets outlasted the Oakland A's, 10-7, in 12 innings.
INF Gary Sutherland (Southern California's fifth-leading scorer in 1963-64 when averaging 7.4 ppg) selected from the Philadelphia Phillies by the Montreal Expos in 1968 expansion draft.
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 Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 13 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 (member of Pacific's 1967 NCAA playoff basketball team) smacked a homer off Oakland Athletics P Vida Blue, accounting for the game-winning hit in a 3-2 triumph in Game 2 of the 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 the 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 (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) jacked two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Game 6 of the 1992 NLCS.
OF Jim Lyttle (led Florida State in free-throw shooting 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 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 the 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 the 1978 World Series. Nettles whacked two homers in Game 4 of the 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 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 the 1915 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 the 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 a former teammate (Jack Morris of Detroit Tigers) in Game 4 of the 1984 WS.
CF Bill Virdon (played for Drury MO in 1949) smacked a two-run single to help the Pittsburgh Pirates outlast the New York Yankees, 10-9, in Game 7 of the 1960 World Series.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 12 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading basketball scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) won decisive Game 7 against the Boston Red Sox in the 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 the 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 a 10-7 triumph against the Boston Red Sox in the opener of the 2004 ALCS.
In Game 3, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) tossed his second of three shutouts against the Philadelphia Athletics in the 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 the 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 the 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 a 6-2 Game 5 victory in the 1992 ALCS.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 11 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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 the only time in 11 World Series games.
In 1948, SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) doubled for the 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 team) earned a victory by fanning eight New York Yankees batters in 4 2/3 innings of shutout relief in Game 4 of the 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 the World Series for the second straight season.
RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech 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 the 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 squad in 1953-54) hurled a four-hit shutout in Game 5 of the 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 a 5-3 defeat against the New York Yankees in Game 5 of the 1998 ALCS.
Rookie RF Bud Metheny (William & Mary 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 the 1943 title.
Detroit Tigers OF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) drove in the winning run in the bottom of the 10th inning in a 4-3 triumph against the Oakland Athletics in Game 4 of the 1972 ALCS.
Repeat Offender: Fisher May Be 4th Coach Vacating NCAA Play at Two Schools
"We will not lie, steal, or cheat, nor tolerate among us anyone who does." - Air Force honor code
In the aftermath of Louisville's Pitino Place/Animal House, North Carolina and Syracuse scholastic shenanigans plus SMU's short-cuts to success, let's hope college presidents finally start paying at least a modicum of lip service to proposals for upright athletic programs. But the well-worn cliche "cheaters never prosper" isn't quite valid for coaches who didn't exactly abide by the tenants of Air Force's honor code.
Prior to the Brown-out at SMU, another mid-major school aspiring to secure footing in the national Top 20 by bringing in a name coach was San Diego State. The Aztecs, who summoned Steve Fisher despite Michigan vacating three seasons of NCAA playoff participation during his tenure (1992-93-96), could be among the next schools facing sanctions.
Advocating banishment for Busted Brown, ESPN impresario Dick Vitale wrote he "has a big problem when a coach (former UCLA and Kansas mentor Larry Brown) puts three major schools on probation during his watch." But to what extent does Vitale and much of the see-no-evil/hear-no-evil/speak-no-evil press have any problem when a coach is in charge of two different universities in this unseemly category?
There's an old refrain: Fool me once, shame on thee; fool me twice, shame on me. Shouldn't the three coaches - John Calipari, Jerry Tarkanian and Jim Valvano - in charge of two different schools when they were forced to vacate NCAA Tournament records be viewed as damaged goods rather than canonization from Vitale and much of the mess media? Hiding behind the do-gooder approach of second and third chances, just let them off like Army deserter Bowe Bergdahl.
Amid Vitale conveniently overlooking Valvano's academic anemia at North Carolina State probably worse than what occurred at rival UNC, one man's trash is another man's treasure. It shouldn't be any surprise that Calipari and Valvano have a significant number of suspect characters among the list of "Bad Boys of College Basketball" assembled by CollegeHoopedia.com although their contributions to men behaving badly paled in comparison to the coddling of college cons by Tarkanian. Sounds as if troubled Lamar Oden would have been a model citizen if only he had more grooming from Father Flanagan rather than soiled by exposure to the Kardashians. You needed one of Tarkanian's fashion-show towels to munch on to avoid saying something you shouldn't when reading ESPN's "tell-the-entire-story" obituaries describing him as "complicated" and "misunderstood." It's easy to comprehend none of this is complex at all amid the dim-the-Strip-lights barrage of amusing anecdotes about Tark the Shark plus similar incessant fawning over Calipari and Valvano.
After starting his college coaching career as an assistant at Kansas under Ted Owens and Brown, six of Calipari's UMass players each reportedly received $12,000 to settle invasion-of-privacy complaints when their "alarming" grades were leaked to the media. After all, we can't have a serious discussion regarding scholastic standards; now can we? By the way, was that a high enough figure for welfare payments to DI players to satisfy courageous ambulance-chasing lawyer such as ESPN's Jay Bilas? If the NCAA is indeed serious about draining the swamp, the governing body should embrace academic standards forcing the NBA to establish a reform school division in its developmental league. Studies have shown a college education does not appear to diminish the probability of an eventual pro player getting in trouble with the law.
Rattling skeletons, following is the short but dubious list of repeat offenders Fisher (stand-in mentor for Michigan's 1989 NCAA titlist) could join among coaches who probably have support from shills thinking any transgression was worth it because they each won an NCAA championship during their careers:
| Two-Time Tainted Coach | Two Teams Vacating NCAA Playoff Action | National Titlist |
|---|---|---|
| John Calipari | Massachusetts (1996) and Memphis (2008) | Kentucky (2012) |
| Jerry Tarkanian | Long Beach State (1971 through 1973) and Fresno State (2000) | UNLV (1990) |
| Jim Valvano | Iona (1980) and North Carolina State (1987 and 1988) | N.C. State (1985) |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 10 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
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:
OCTOBER 10
Texas Rangers RHP Mike Adams (played basketball for Texas A&M-Kingsville in 1996-97) registered the victory in Game 2 of the 2011 ALCS against the Detroit Tigers after posting holds in his first four postseason relief appearance that year.
OF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) and LHP Jim Mooney (played for East Tennessee State) traded by the New York Giants to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1932.
Increasing his hitting streak in World Series competition to eight in a row, Philadelphia Athletics SS Jack Barry (letterman for Holy Cross in 1908) banged out two doubles among three safeties against the New York Giants in Game 4 of 1913 World Series.
1B Kevin "Chuck" Connors (scored 32 points in 15 varsity games for Seton Hall in 1941-42 before leaving school for military service) traded by the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Chicago Cubs in 1950. Connors, star of the television series The Rifleman, gained critical acclaim playing the role of a slave owner in the TV mini-series Roots (1977).
In the 1961 expansion draft, the New York Mets selected RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman team) from the Los Angeles Dodgers, OF John DeMerit (letterman for Wisconsin in 1956-57) from the Milwaukee Braves, 1B Gil Hodges (played for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) from the Dodgers and RHP Jay Hook (Northwestern's third-leading scorer with 10.7 ppg as sophomore in 1955-56) from the Cincinnati Reds. The same expansion draft also had the Houston Colt .45s selecting 1B-OF Dick Gernert (letterman with Temple in 1948-49 when averaging 2.7 ppg) from the Reds and RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia's captain in 1951-52) from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for Massachusetts' 15-1 freshman squad in 1971-72 when Rick Pitino and Al Skinner were members of hoop program) won the 1979 World Series opener against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
New York Yankees rookie OF Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt letterman in 1918) made his lone World Series at-bat in 1923 opener against the New York Giants.
Los Angeles Dodgers LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) lashed a Game 4 homer in a 7-2 win against the Minnesota Twins in the 1965 World Series.
Brooklyn Dodgers C Ernie Krueger (Lake Forest IL captain graduated in 1915) collected his only World Series hit (against Cleveland Indians in Game 5 in 1920).
OF Joe Lahoud (letterman for New Haven CT in mid-1960s) traded by the Boston Red Sox to the Milwaukee Brewers in a 10-player swap in 1971.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) reached base five times with three hits and two walks against the Seattle Mariners in the opener of the 1995 ALCS.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66) collected two homers and five RBI in an 11-5 triumph against the New York Yankees in Game 1 of the 1978 World Series.
Houston Astros RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) hurled 10 shutout innings in winning his first postseason game (against Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of 1980 NLCS).
Los Angeles Dodgers CF Billy North (played briefly for Central Washington in 1967-68) stroked a pinch two-run double in the 1978 World Series opener against the New York Yankees. North contributed only one more hit in 24 other career at-bats in WS competition.
Breaking up a scoreless duel in Game 7 of the 1968 World Series, Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) stroked a decisive seventh-inning triple off St. Louis Cardinals Hall of Fame RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57). Gibson won his previous seven WS starts.
Washington Senators RHP Curly Ogden (Swarthmore PA center in 1919, 1920 and 1922) started Game 7 of the 1924 World Series as a decoy to get Bill Terry out of the New York Giants' lineup.
New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU teams compiling a 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) hurled a complete game and knocked in the decisive run with a double in a 2-1 decision over the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of the 1943 World Series.
1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (scored 18 points in eight games for Purdue in 1949-50) smashed a grand slam to help the New York Yankees win Game 7 of the 1956 World Series against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) won Game 2 of the 1976 ALCS with 5 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the New York Yankees.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Dib Williams (played for Hendrix AR in mid-1920s) delivered his third two-hit outing of the 1931 World Series against the St. Louis Cardinals.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 9 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 9 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 9
C Benny Bengough (Niagara basketball letterman from 1916-17 through 1918-19) secured a hit for the third straight 1928 World Series game to help the New York Yankees sweep the St. Louis Cardinals.
Boston Red Sox LHP Ray Collins (Vermont letterman in 1907 and 1908) started Game 2 of the 1912 World Series against the New York Giants when they tied, 6-6, in a contest called after 11 innings.
Before a crowd of 81,897, CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA titlist) contributed the first homer of the 1948 World Series to spark the Cleveland Indians to a 2-1 victory against the Boston Braves in Game 4.
Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State letterman in 1941) hurled a 4-0 shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the 1946 World Series.
New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (played for Lincoln PA 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) provided his fourth multiple-hit outing in first five World Series games in 1951 against the New York Yankees.
New York Giants CF Hank Leiber (played for Arizona in 1931) contributed two hits, two runs and two RBI in a 7-3 win against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1937 World Series.
In the first World Series utilizing a seven-game format, New York Giants Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) blanked the Philadelphia Athletics, 3-0, in the opener of the all-shutout 1905 World Series. Mathewson also tossed whitewashes in Game 3 and Game 5.
Pittsburgh Pirates SS Paul Popovich (teammate of Jerry West for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) hit safely in all three 1974 NLCS games against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite yielding only one earned run in 9 2/3 innings in two starts against the St. Louis Cardinals, St. Louis Browns RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer in early 1930s for Mount Morris IL) lost his lone World Series decision (3-1 in Game 6 in 1944).
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Gary Redus (J.C. player for Athens AL and father of Centenary/South Alabama guard with same name) went 3-for-3, including two extra-base hits, and scored the decisive run in a 3-2 triumph against the Atlanta Braves in Game 3 of the 1992 NLCS.
St. Louis Cardinals C Dave Ricketts (three-year starter led Duquesne in scoring senior season with 17.9 ppg in 1956-57) registered his lone World Series hit with a pinch single off Detroit Tigers P Denny McLain in Game 6 in 1968.
St. Louis Cardinals RF Wally Roettger (Illinois letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) hit safely in all three of 1931 World Series games he started against the Philadelphia Athletics.
CF Bill Virdon (played for Drury MO in 1949) stroked a two-run single propelling the Pittsburgh Pirates to a 3-2 triumph against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1960 World Series.
Washington Senators LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC letterman in 1916) hurled a complete-game, 2-1 win against the New York Giants in Game 6 of the 1924 World Series. Zachary also won Game 2.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 8 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 8 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 8
New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (played basketball for LSU and USL in mid-1940s) delivered three doubles against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1951 World Series.
RHP George Earnshaw (played for Swarthmore PA in 1922), clearly the pitching standout of the 1930 World Series, carried the Philadelphia Athletics to a decisive 7-1 triumph against the St. Louis Cardinals.
RHP Eddie Fisher (played for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the California Angels in 1968.
New York Giants 3B Frankie Frisch (Fordham captain) supplied his fourth multiple-hit game in 1922 World Series to finish with a .471 batting average for champions in five outings against the New York Yankees.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57) hurled a five-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in Game 4 of the 1967 World Series.
San Francisco Giants C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) supplied a go-ahead homer off Whitey Ford in the seventh inning against the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1962 World Series.
RHP Oral Hildebrand (All-American for Butler in 1928-29 and 1929-30) hurled four scoreless innings as the New York Yankees' starter in Game 4 of the 1939 World Series when they swept the Cincinnati Reds.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bruce Hurst (played J.C. for Dixie UT in mid-1970s) secured a 9-2 victory against the California Angels in Game 2 of the 1986 ALCS.
New York Yankees RF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) broke up a scoreless duel with a seventh-inning homer en route to a 7-4 success against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 4 of the 1939 World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) delivered a homer and double in a 2-0 win against the St. Louis Browns in Game 5 of the 1944 World Series.
Chicago Cubs CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) supplied four hits against the Florida Marlins in Game 2 of the 2003 NLCS.
In Game 2, RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) hurled a 10-inning shutout for the New York Giants' lone victory against the Philadelphia Athletics in the 1913 World Series.
LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) capped off a six-run, fourth-inning eruption with a two-run homer as the Los Angeles Dodgers clinched the 1959 World Series crown with a 9-3 triumph against the Chicago White Sox in Game 6.
RHP Roy Parmelee (letterman for Eastern Michigan in 1924-25 and 1925-26) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the Chicago Cubs in 1936.
New York Yankees 3B Red Rolfe (played briefly with Dartmouth in 1927-28 and 1929-30) provided a pair of doubles in a 5-1 win against the New York Giants in Game 3 of the 1937 World Series.
New York Yankees LF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) delivered a triple among his postseason career-high three hits in a 3-0 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in Game 2 of the 1981 ALDS.
Kansas City Royals RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00) fanned seven Houston Astros batters in four innings of relief in the opener of 2015 ALDS.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 7 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 7 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 7
Joe Adcock (LSU's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) never had an extra-base hit in 28 World Series at-bats, but the Milwaukee Braves 1B drove in the only run of Game 5 in 1957 with a single off New York Yankees Hall of Fame P Whitey Ford.
New York Giants 3B Frankie Frisch (Fordham captain) reached base five times with two hits and three walks against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 1921 World Series.
Detroit Tigers LF Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoop scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) collected three doubles in an 8-4 win against the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the 1945 World Series.
In 2001, Hall of Fame OF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) played final game of his 20-year career for the San Diego Padres. Seventeen years earlier, Gwynn's two-run double put the Padres ahead to stay in a 6-3 triumph against the Chicago Cubs in Game 5 of the 1984 NLCS.
In Game 7, Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (played for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) went hitless again against the New York Yankees and finished 0-for-21 in the 1952 World Series.
1B-OF Doug Howard (All-WAC second-team selection with Brigham Young in 1968-69 and 1969-70) shipped by the California Angels to the St. Louis Cardinals to complete an earlier deal in 1974.
New York Yankees RF Charlie Keller (three-year letterman with Maryland from 1934-35 through 1936-37) clobbered two homers in a 7-3 win at Cincinnati in Game 3 of the 1939 World Series.
Kansas City Royals DH Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT letterman in mid-1960s) scored two runs in a 6-2 victory against the New York Yankees in Game 3 of the 1977 ALCS.
Chicago White Sox 3B Vance Law (averaged 6.8 ppg for BYU from 1974-75 through 1976-77) knocked in his lone postseason run (against the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the 1983 ALCS).
Hall of Fame RHP Christy Mathewson (played for Bucknell at turn of 20th Century) died of tuberculosis in 1925 at the age of 45.
Philadelphia Phillies OF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) sent Game 4 into extra innings with a pinch homer before they bowed to the Los Angeles Dodgers, 4-3, in the 1978 NLCS.
Cincinnati Reds RF Greasy Neale (graduated in 1915 from West Virginia Wesleyan) went 3-for-4 for the second time in the first six games of the 1919 World Series against the Chicago White Sox.
Houston Astros RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) hurled eight shutout innings in a 1-0 triumph against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the 1981 NLDS.
Cincinnati Reds 3B Billy Werber (first Duke All-American in 1929-30) hit safely in first six games of 1940 World Series against the Detroit Tigers.
RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00) fanned nine opposing batters in 6 2/3 innings to notch the San Diego Padres' only victory in the 2006 NLCS (3-1 against St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3).
New York Yankees LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC letterman in 1916) hurled a complete-game, 7-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 3 of the 1928 World Series.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 6 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 6 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 6
Detroit Tigers RHP Elden Auker (All-Big Six Conference first-five basketball selection with Kansas State in 1931-32) went the distance in whipping the St. Louis Cardinals, 10-4, in Game 4 of the 1934 World Series.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie LHP Stan Baumgartner (played for University of Chicago's Big Ten Conference champion in 1913-14) closed out the 1914 campaign with a seven-inning shutout against the New York Giants.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (played for Boston University in early 1920s) went 4-for-4 against the New York Yankees in 1929.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California letterman from 1922 through 1924) collided with a teammate in Game 4 and was sidelined for the remainder of the 1926 World Series against the New York Yankees.
RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA player in 1922) square the 1931 World Series with a two-hit, 3-0 shutout for the Philadelphia Athletics against the St. Louis Cardinals. The previous year, Earnshaw combined Hall of Famer Lefty Grove for a three-hit shutout against the Cardinals in Game 5 of the 1930 World Series.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (attended NYU briefly on hoop scholarship in late 1920s) accumulated two doubles among his four hits in a 10-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in Game 4 of 1934 World Series. Six years later, Greenberg's three-run homer opened the scoring in an 8-0 victory against the Cincinnati Reds in Game 5 of the 1940 WS.
3B Wayne Gross (led Cal Poly Pomona in assists in 1974-75) whacked a three-run homer to power the Oakland Athletics to a 4-0 triumph against the Kansas City Royals in Game 1 of the 1981 ALDS.
Despite walking eight batters, New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech letterman in 1941-42) won his only World Series start (6-2 against New York Yankees in Game 3 in 1951).
LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman squad in 1953-54) outdueled fellow lefthander Whitey Ford as the Los Angeles Dodgers swept the 1963 World Series from the New York Yankees. RF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) contributed both of L.A.'s safeties off Ford, including a long homer in the fifth inning.
Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) fired as Los Angeles Dodgers manager in 2000.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (played for Binghamton in 1948-49) doubled home the tying run in the bottom of the 10th inning and scored on Eddie Mathews' game-winning homer in a 7-5 decision over the New York Yankees in Game 4 of the 1957 World Series. Yankees 3B Jerry Lumpe (played in 1952 NAIA Tournament final for Southwest Missouri State's championship team) hit safely in third consecutive WS outing.
Chicago White Sox rookie RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) secured his first two of 260 MLB victories by winning both ends of a 1923 doubleheader in relief against the Cleveland Indians.
St. Louis Cardinals LHP Jim Mooney (played for East Tennessee State) hurled one inning of scoreless relief in Game 4 against the Detroit Tigers in the 1934 World Series.
RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) posted his 20th triumph of the 1980 season (7-1 against Los Angeles Dodgers in one-game playoff) to propel the Houston Astros to postseason competition for the first time since the franchise started in 1962.
New York Yankees LHP Joe Ostrowski (led Scranton in scoring with 15.1 ppg in 1942-43) tossed two scoreless innings of relief in Game 3 of 1951 World Series against the New York Giants.
Los Angeles Dodgers OF Rip Repulski (part-time starter for St. Cloud State MN) received an intentional walk in Game 5 in his only at-bat in the 1959 World Series against the Chicago White Sox.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (played for Harding AR in late 1930s) tossed a shutout against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the 1949 World Series. The contest's only RBI was supplied by 1B Gil Hodges (played for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948), who drove in 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41).
New York Yankees 3B Red Rolfe (played briefly with Dartmouth in 1927-28 and 1929-30) registered his fourth multiple-hit game in the 1936 World Series against the New York Giants. Rolfe hit .400 in six contests.
Closer Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg with Northwestern State in 1976-77) lost Game 4 with the Chicago Cubs in the 1984 NLCS and Game 2 with the Boston Red Sox in the 1988 ALCS.
Atlanta Braves RHP Cecil Upshaw (Centenary's leading scorer as junior in 1962-63) relieved in each of the first three games against the New York Mets in the 1969 NLCS.
Washington Senators RHP Monte Weaver (played center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1920s) toiled 10 1/3 innings before losing Game 4, 2-1, against the New York Giants in the 1933 World Series.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Make Mark on October 5 MLB Games
Extra! Extra! Read all about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players! Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopsters had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an October 5 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
OCTOBER 5
RHP Ralph Branca (sixth-leading basketball scorer for NYU in 1943-44) won Game 6 of the 1947 World Series for the Brooklyn Dodgers when he was helped by Al Gionfriddo's famous catch of New York Yankees Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio's long drive to left field.
Milwaukee Braves OF John DeMerit (Wisconsin letterman in 1956-57) served as a pinch-runner in Game 3 of the 1957 World Series.
New York Giants 3B Frankie Frisch (Fordham captain) went 4-for-4 against the New York Yankees in the opener of the 1921 World Series.
St. Louis Cardinals SS Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of last three seasons in late 1920s with Lebanon Valley PA) hit safely in first four World Series games against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1930.
New York Giants INF Eddie Grant (paced Harvard's freshman squad in scoring in 1902 and played varsity as sophomore before declared ineligible for receiving money in independent summer baseball league) died from German shelling in 1918 in the Argonne Forest, France, during WWI while in charge of his battalion after his commanding officer was killed.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Mark Hendrickson (two-time All-Pacific-10 Conference selection was Washington State's leading rebounder each season from 1992-93 through 1995-96) allowed his only hit in three scoreless relief appearances against the New York Mets in the 2006 NLDS.
1B Gil Hodges (played for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) went 3-for-3, including a two-run double putting the Brooklyn Dodgers ahead for good, in a 13-8 win against the New York Yankees in Game 2 of the 1956 World Series. Three years later in the 1959 WS, Hodges' homer in the bottom of the eighth inning gave the Dodgers a 5-4 triumph against the Chicago White Sox in Game 4.
New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (played for Lincoln PA 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) hit safely seven straight times in the 1951 World Series against the New York Yankees.
Baltimore Orioles 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg in 1961-62 with Texas A&M) homered in back-to-back 1970 ALCS games against the Minnesota Twins.
Los Angeles Dodgers RF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52), blanked by Dave McNally and Moe Drabowsky of the Baltimore Orioles in the 1966 opener, went hitless for the only time in his last nine World Series contests.
DH David Justice (led Thomas More KY in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg) homered off Dwight Gooden to help the Cleveland Indians square their 1997 ALDS at two games apiece with the New York Yankees.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) contributed four hits, including a go-ahead, two-run double in the ninth inning, in a 7-4 victory against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 4 of the 1941 World Series.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as All-Iowa Conference freshman selection in 1964-65 and 12.1 as sophomore in 1965-66) contributed a homer and triple while knocking in three runs in a 4-0 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 2 of 1978 NLCS.
CF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games with Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) accounted for the Philadelphia Phillies' lone run with a homer in a 7-1 setback against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 2 of the 1977 NLCS.
2B Buddy Myer (Mississippi State letterman in 1923-24) manufactured three hits, scored the Washington Senators' first run and drove in their last two runs in a 4-0 win against the New York Giants in Game 3 of the 1933 World Series.
Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (letterman with Millsaps MS in late 1920s and early 1930s) hurled a one-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers in Game 3 of the 1945 World Series.
RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer during two years he attended Mount Morris IL in early 1930s) selected from the St. Louis Cardinals by the Philadelphia Athletics in 1937 Rule 5 draft.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) lost Game 2 of the 1950 World Series against the New York Yankees, 2-1, on Joe DiMaggio's leadoff homer in the 10th inning.
New York Giants RHP Hal Schumacher (played for St. Lawrence NY in early 1930s) notched the victory in Game 5 of the 1936 World Series against the New York Yankees. Schumacher lost Game 2 three days earlier.
Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) yielded only one hit in combining with Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) for a 4-0 triumph against the Minnesota Twins in 1980.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (led Whitworth WA in scoring and named All-Evergreen Conference in 1958-59 and 1959-60) won Game 3 of the 1968 World Series against the Detroit Tigers.
In 1985, RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) became the first New York Yankee to collect 100 RBI and score 100 runs in a single season since Joe DiMaggio in 1942.
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