On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 27
Extra! Extra! Instead of dwelling on #Dimorat kinship between union supporter/"fair-share" hypocrite Plagiarist Biledumb (example: big-guy 10% cut from hideous Hunter) and historical laundry list of #MSDNC tax cheats (smear merchants Al "Not So" Sharpton/Joyless Reid/Toxic Toure'/Misguided Melissa Harris-Perry), you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Swarthmore PA hoopers Dick Hall and Curly Ogden supplied significant American League pitching performances on this date. Fellow small-college hoopers Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS) and Gary Peters (Grove City PA) made MLB news as pitchers pounding a home run on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 27 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 27
Baltimore Orioles 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's three leading basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) smacked his first MLB homer (against Boston Red Sox in 1960).
St. Louis Cardinals 1B Walter Alston (Miami OH hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) fanned in his lone MLB at-bat (against Chicago Cubs in 1936).
In 1983, RHP Jim Beattie (Dartmouth's top rebounder in 1974-75 when selected team MVP and honorable mention All-Ivy League) hurled the first one-hitter in Seattle Mariners history.
Seattle Mariners OF Mickey Brantley (averaged 10 ppg, 6.8 rpg and 5.4 apg for Columbia-Greene Community College SC in 1979-80) went 4-for-4, including a triple and homer, in 5-3 win against the Texas Rangers in 1987.
Baltimore Orioles OF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) stroked four hits against the Detroit Tigers in a 1977 game. Three years later, Bumbry stole three bases against the Cleveland Indians in a 1980 contest.
Minnesota Twins rookie 3B John Castino (medical redshirt for Rollins FL in 1973-74 under coach Ed Jucker) contributed three hits in back-to-back games against the Chicago White Sox in 1979.
LHP Danny Coombs (Seton Hall's third-leading scorer and rebounder as a sophomore in 1961-62) made his MLB debut in 1963 as a reliever for the Houston Colt .45s, who started nine rookies including 1B Rusty Staub, 2B Joe Morgan and C Jerry Grote.
Detroit Tigers RHP Floyd Giebell (four-year hoops letterman for Salem College WV in mid-1930s) hurled a six-hit shutout against the Cleveland Indians in 1940.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) launched two homers for the fourth time in an 18-game span in 1938.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 for three Swarthmore PA Southern Division champions in Middle Atlantic States Conference) became the first pitcher in 51 years to end a season with more victories (10) than walks (6 in 61 innings).
C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) whacked a pair of homers to spark the San Francisco Giants to an 8-4 triumph against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965. Three years later with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Haller delivered four RBI, including a go-ahead, two-run triple in the ninth inning of a 5-2 win against the Atlanta Braves in 1968.
New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) hurled a shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies to finish the 1950 campaign with N.L.-leading ERA of 2.49.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) allowed only one hit in eight innings of 2-1 victory against eventual World Series champion New York Yankees in 1953.
First MLB victory for Brooklyn Dodgers rookie RHP Clyde King (started two basketball games for North Carolina in December 1944 under coach Ben Carnevale came via a complete-game, 3-2 verdict over eventual World Series winner St. Louis Cardinals in 1944. RF Stan Musial went 0-for-4 with the Cards.
Kansas City Royals LF Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT hoops letterman in mid-1960s) whacked back-to-back homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 1977 outing.
Boston Bees 2B Swede Larsen (played hoops for Villanova and Colgate in mid-1930s) made his lone MLB at-bat in opener of a 1936 doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies.
St. Louis Cardinals SS Doc Lavan (Hope MI hooper from 1908 through 1910) delivered four hits in a 16-1 romp over the Chicago Cubs in 1920.
Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) completed his 151st errorless game for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1942. He was first OF to avoid an error the entire season.
Kansas City Athletics SS Jerry Lumpe (member of Southwest Missouri State's 1952 NAIA Tournament championship hoops team) went 4-for-4 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1960 game.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference Tournament MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring previous season) went 4-for-4 in a 5-4 win against the Montreal Expos in 1978.
RF Lyle Mouton (starter in Louisiana State's backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson for 1989 NCAA playoff team) knocked in all of the Baltimore Orioles' runs in a 6-4 loss against the Boston Red Sox in 1998.
Washington Senators RHP Curly Ogden (Swarthmore PA hoops center in 1919, 1920 and 1922) hurled a three-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1925.
Hitting safely in his sixth straight game with batting appearance for the Philadelphia Phillies, RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) provided decisive tally by whacking a homer in 4-3 win against the Boston Bees in nightcap of 1936 twinbill.
Winning LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper in mid-1950s) pounded a three-run homer in a 10-1 victory against the Washington Senators as the Boston Red Sox reached 200-homer plateau for first time in franchise history.
Boston Braves RHP Al Pierotti (Washington & Lee VA captain of school's undefeated 1917 hoops squad) posted his lone MLB victory (complete-game 3-2 verdict over New York Giants in 1920).
Milwaukee Brewers rookie DH John Poff (member of Duke's freshman basketball squad in 1970-71) pounded his lone MLB homer in a 1980 game against the Oakland Athletics.
Los Angeles Dodgers RHP Jeff Shaw (freshman guard for Rio Grande OH hoops squad compiling 31-5 record and reaching second round of 1985 NAIA Tournament) secured his 10th save in as many relief appearances during the month in 1998.
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Jim Thome (juco hooper for Illinois Central in 1988-89) supplied three extra-base hits (one double/two homers) in a 2003 outing against the Atlanta Braves.
In 1962, Houston Astros RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia hoops captain in 1951-52) won his fourth game of the month as a reliever.
Detroit Tigers SS Johnnie Watson (Marshall hoops letterman from 1926-27 through 1929-30) contributed a double and RBI in both ends of 1930 doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox.
In the midst of securing an RBI in 11 of final 12 outings of 1964, St. Louis Cardinals 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) doubled in his fourth consecutive contest.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 26 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 26 in football at the professional level (especially in 1954 and 2004):
SEPTEMBER 26
New York Giants TE Kevin Boss (averaged 3 ppg and 2.7 rpg while shooting 51.9% from floor for Western Oregon in 2004-05 and 2005-06) caught three passes for a career-high 88 receiving yards in 29-10 setback against the Tennessee Titans in 2010.
Detroit Lions rookie FB Bill Bowman (fouled out with four points in only basketball game with William & Mary in 1953-54) returned a kickoff 100 yards for touchdown in 48-23 win against the Chicago Bears in 1954 season opener. Lions HB Doak Walker (SMU hoops letterman as freshman in 1945-46) scored two fourth-quarter TDs (70-yard punt return and 3-yard rush).
B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) delivered the Chicago Bears' only score with a 36-yard touchdown reception in 6-6 tie with the Green Bay Packers in 1926.
QB Jim Finks (led Tulsa with 8.9 ppg as sophomore in 1946-47) accounted for all of the Pittsburgh Steelers' scoring with three touchdown passes in a 21-20 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1954 season opener.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 41-21 AAFC win against the Chicago Rockets in 1947. Rockets rookie QB Sam Vacanti (averaged 2.8 ppg as backup swingman for Iowa in 1942-43) threw three second-half TD passes and Browns HB Bill Boedeker (teammate of DePaul All-American George Mikan in mid-1940s) rushed for a TD in his third consecutive contest. The next year, Graham threw two third-quarter TD passes in a 21-10 win against the Rockets in 1948 while Boedeker scored two second-half TDs (one receiving/one rushing).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) passed for 309 yards, including two fourth-quarter touchdowns, in a 30-20 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 2004.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 310 yards and six touchdowns in a 49-13 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1965. WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56) caught seven of the passes for 198 yards including three of them for TDs.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) completed 23-of-32 passes for 309 yards in a 30-3 win against the New York Giants in 1971.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 17-7 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1959 season opener.
Chicago Cardinals B Ike Mahoney (Creighton hooper in early 1920s) opened game's scoring with a 70-yard touchdown on fumble recovery return in 15-0 win against the Los Angeles Buccaneers in 1926.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 356 yards - including two first-half touchdowns - in a 30-13 win against the Detroit Lions in 2004.
St. Louis Rams TE Fendi Onobun (averaged 1.8 ppg and 1.2 rpg while shooting 58.7% from floor with Arizona from 2005-06 through 2008-09 under coaches Lute Olson and Kevin O'Neill) had both of his NFL pass receptions in a 30-16 win against the Washington Redskins in 2010.
Cleveland Browns RB Greg Pruitt (Oklahoma frosh hooper in 1969-70) rushed for 151 yards, had a touchdown catch and threw for another TD in 30-27 win against the New England Patriots in 1977.
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Dave Smith (averaged 15.6 ppg and 11.6 rpg while shooting 51.1% from floor for Indiana PA in 1968-69 and 1969-70) had career highs of eight pass receptions and 162 yards in a 21-10 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1971.
Chicago Bears TE Ed Sprinkle (two-year hoops letterman for Hardin-Simmons TX in early 1940s) had two second-half touchdown catches in a 45-7 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1948 season opener.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) passed for 339 yards - including two second-half touchdowns - in a 30-27 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1976.
Arizona Cardinals DE Peppi Zellner (averaged 10.3 ppg and team-high 9.1 rpg for Fort Valley State GA in 1997-98) had two sacks in a 6-3 setback against the Atlanta Falcons in 2004.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 26
Extra! Extra! How many gold bars did mental midget Sen. Menendez (D-NJ) need to stand on to see over podium? Instead of wondering how often foreign aid funds are laundered back to corrupt U.S. politicians as kickbacks, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A pair of former Iowa small-college hoopers - Larry Biittner (Buena Vista) and Paul Splittorff (Morningside) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Ditto ex-Oregon hoopers Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee and Fred "Moon" Mullen in National League contests. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 26 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 26
New York Yankees rookie SS Frank Baker (Southern Mississippi basketball letterman in 1965-66 and 1966-67) banged out three hits for second consecutive contest against the Detroit Tigers in 1970.
In 1972, Milwaukee Brewers RHP Jerry Bell (Belmont hooper in 1965-66 and 1966-67) posted his fifth victory in as many decisions in the span of a month.
Cleveland Indians RHP Ray Benge (multi-year hoops letterman for Sam Houston State first half of 1920s) hurled a four-hit shutout in his MLB debut against the Philadelphia Athletics in nightcap of 1925 doubleheader. He also collected two hits.
Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs in the opener of a 1924 doubleheader.
Chicago Cubs LF Larry Biittner (runner-up in scoring and rebounding in 1966-67 for Buena Vista IA) supplied three extra-base hits in a 10-7 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1977.
In midst of four-game hitting streak, Boston Red Sox C Danny Doyle (averaged 6.8 ppg for Oklahoma A&M in late 1930s and 1944 under Hall of Fame coach Hank Iba) reached base four times against the Detroit Tigers with a single and three walks in opener of 1943 twinbill.
Chicago White Sox SS Sammy Esposito (averaged 7 ppg in 1951-52 as starting guard under Indiana coach Branch McCracken), who hit .207 in his 10-year MLB career, went 3-for-3 against the Kansas City Athletics in a 1958 game.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) stroked three extra-base hits against the San Diego Padres in a 1972 contest.
Intended as a sacrifice, Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) contributed a bunt single in 1941 that was only hit for the St. Louis Browns against Cleveland Indians P Bob Feller.
Baltimore Orioles LHP Mike Flanagan (averaged 13.9 ppg for Massachusetts' 15-1 freshman squad in 1971-72) had his no-hit bid end with two outs in ninth inning against the Cleveland Indians in 1978.
St. Louis Browns rookie LF Joe Gallagher (Manhattan varsity hooper in 1934-35) slugged three homers in a 1939 doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) collected five extra-base hits, five runs and nine RBI in a 1934 twinbill sweep of the Chicago White Sox.
In 1954, 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) hammered his 25th homer at Ebbets Field (new Brooklyn Dodgers single-season record). Hodges also finished the year with a MLB-high 18 sacrifice flies.
Rookie RF Roy Hutson (played hoops for Central Missouri State in mid-1920s) went 2-for-3 as the Brooklyn Robins' leadoff hitter in a 4-1 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds in 1925.
New York Giants LF Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) delivered three extra-base hits and four of his N.L.-high 121 RBI against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1951 game.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Jim Konstanty (Syracuse hooper in late 1930s) made his 71st relief appearance of the 1950 campaign. It was a MLB record (subsequently broken).
In a 1986 outing, Toronto Blue Jays DH Rick Leach (averaged 15.5 ppg for Michigan's junior varsity team in 1975-76) went 3-for-3 against Roger Clemens of the Boston Red Sox.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) secured his sixth multiple-hit outing in last seven weeks of 1912 season.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) capped off his 1954 Rookie of the Year season with an 11th-inning, two-run homer at Milwaukee.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie 2B Moon Mullen (backup guard for Oregon's legendary "Tall Firs" team winning inaugural NCAA tourney in 1939) scored career-high three runs in nightcap of 1944 doubleheader when tying his career-long hitting streak of eight games in a row.
St. Louis Cardinals RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) stole three bases in the opener of a 1908 doubleheader against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Milwaukee Brewers rookie DH John Poff (member of Duke's freshman basketball squad in 1970-71) contributed a career-high three hits in 10-7 win against the Oakland Athletics in 1980.
RHP Nels Potter (leading scorer during two years he attended Mount Morris IL in early 1930s) purchased from the Boston Braves by the Cincinnati Reds in 1949.
In 1951, Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons for UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) annoyed the Boston Braves by stealing home with a 13-3 lead in the eighth inning.
New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU hoop teams compiling 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) fired his third three-hit shutout of the 1941 campaign.
Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) won his fifth straight start to finish the 1973 season with 20 victories.
In 2012, Baltimore Orioles DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) jacked his final of 612 MLB career homers.
Pittsburgh Pirates starting RHP Jim Umbricht (Georgia hoops captain in 1951-52) lost his MLB debut (against Cincinnati Reds in 1959).
Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) smacked two homers against the Washington Senators in a 1954 game.
San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) went 4-for-4 against the San Diego Padres in a 2005 contest.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 25 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 25 in football at the professional level (especially in 1966):
SEPTEMBER 25
Minnesota Vikings LB Matt Blair (played in 1970 NJCAA Tournament for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M hoops team finishing in seventh place) scored a 49-yard touchdown on lateral in 24-20 win against the Chicago Bears in 1978.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (averaged 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore and 11.3 as junior in mid-1950s) rushed for 153 yards on 24 carries in a 41-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960 season opener.
Washington Redskins E John Carson (Georgia hoops letterman in 1952 and 1953) caught two touchdown passes from Eddie LeBaron in a 27-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1955. Five years later with the Houston Oilers, Carson caught eight passes in a 14-13 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1960.
New York Jets TE Tyler Conklin (averaged 1.9 ppg, 2.6 rpg and 1.4 apg with Northwood MI in 2013-14 before transferring after first semester to concentrate on football at Central Michigan) garnered a career-high eight pass receptions in 27-12 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 2022.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Len Dawson (Purdue hooper in 1956-57) threw five touchdown passes in a 43-24 AFL win against the Boston Patriots in 1966.
Chicago Bears B-PK John "Paddy" Driscoll (Northwestern basketball letterman in 1916) accounted for all of the game's scoring with a field goal and rushing touchdown in 9-0 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1927.
LB Bob Griffin (Arkansas hooper in 1950-51) recorded a safety by blocking punt out of end zone for the Los Angeles Rams' first score of season in 23-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1955 opener.
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) scored two first-half touchdowns in a 24-13 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1966.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 34-28 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1966.
New York Jets RB Johnny Johnson (averaged 11.2 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 3.2 apg in 1988-89 after majority of hoop team members walked off San Jose State squad) rushed for 126 yards on 12 carries in a 19-7 setback against the Chicago Bears in 1994.
Cleveland Browns WR Dave Logan (averaged 14.1 ppg and 6.3 rpg for Colorado in mid-1970s) caught eight passes for 121 yards in a 30-24 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1983.
Chicago Bears QB Johnny Lujack (averaged 3.4 ppg as starting guard for Notre Dame in 1943-44) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 17-0 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1949 season opener.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 365 yards - including two third-quarter touchdowns - in a 23-20 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2005.
Rookie TE Gene Prebola (Boston University hooper in 1957-58) had a fourth-quarter touchdown catch from Tom Flores to boost the Oakland Raiders to 14-13 AFL win against the Houston Oilers in 1960.
Buffalo Bills QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw two first-half touchdown passes in a 28-17 AAFC win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1949. Six years later with the Cleveland Browns, Ratterman threw two third-quarter TD passes in a 27-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1955.
Atlanta Falcons LB Marion Rushing (Southern Illinois hooper from 1954-55 through 1956-57) had an interception in 28-10 setback against the Detroit Lions in 1966.
In his rookie debut, Pittsburgh Steelers HB Don Samuel (appeared in 1947 NCAA Tournament for Oregon State) rushed for a 31-yard touchdown in 28-7 win against the New York Giants in 1949 season opener.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-17 win against the New York Giants in 1966.
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) caught eight passes for 97 yards in an 11-10 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2022.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 25
Extra! Extra! Plagiarist Biledumb's dog Commander should be on set to bite witches every time they say something stupid. Instead of wondering if The View's vindictive vixens are continually setting "Sunny," "Poopie" and "Joyless" (plus Ana's "Love Story" about "the big guy" and hideous Hunter) on Guinness World Record pace for most ignorance on any TV panel at a single time, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from four current Pac-12 Conference members - Taylor Douthit (California), Mark Hendrickson (Washington State), Hank Leiber (Arizona) and Gary Sutherland (Southern California) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 25 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 25
Philadelphia Phillies LHP Stan Baumgartner (played for University of Chicago's Big Ten Conference basketball champion in 1913-14) toiled 10 innings for his first MLB victory, a 3-2 nod over the Chicago Cubs in 1914.
St. Louis Browns RF Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) banged out four hits in the nightcap of a 1936 doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.
INF Ernie Bowman (East Tennessee State hoops letterman in 1954-55 and 1955-56) traded by the Milwaukee Braves to New York Mets in 1965 to complete an earlier deal.
New York Giants RF Otis Carter (Furman hoops lettermen for multiple seasons in early 1920s) cracked his lone MLB homer in 1926 (against St. Louis Cardinals).
Philadelphia Athletics RHP Jack Coombs (captain and starting hoops center for Colby ME) had his 53-inning scoreless streak ended by the Chicago White Sox in 1910.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924) contributed four hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1930 game.
Philadelphia Athletics rookie RHP Marion Fricano (SUNY-Cortland hooper in early 1940s) twirled his fourth complete game in last five starts of the 1953 campaign.
In one of his eight multiple-hit contests in a nine-game span, Brooklyn Robins 3B Wally Gilbert (hoops captain played for Valparaiso from 1918-19 through 1920-21) manufactured four safeties in a 10-9 loss against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of 1929 twinbill.
Toronto Blue Jays rookie LHP Mark Hendrickson (two-time All-Pacific-10 selection was Washington State's leading rebounder each season from 1992-93 through 1995-96) won his last three starts in 2002 after debuting as MLB starter earlier in the month with a no-decision, yielding only three earned runs in 26 innings in those four assignments. Three years later, Hendrickson won his seventh straight verdict with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005.
2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) smacked an eighth-inning, two-run homer to give the Philadelphia Phillies a 2-1 nod over the New York Mets in 1989.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) tossed a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1965, raising his season strikeout total of 356.
In his only MLB pitching appearance, New York Giants OF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) hurled a complete game in a 9-1 setback against the Philadelphia Phillies in nightcap of 1942 doubleheader. Teammate Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY hooper in early 1930s) earned win in the opener, 6-3.
Boston Red Sox CF Jerry Mallett (two-time All-SWC first-team selection averaged 15.3 ppg and 12.7 rpg for Baylor from 1954-55 through 1956-57) supplied two of his four MLB hits and lone RBI in a 10-4 victory against the Washington Senators in 1959.
Minnesota Twins RHP Jim Perry (averaged more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for former juco Campbell) fired a two-hit shutout against the Kansas City Royals to finished 1970 campaign with A.L.-leading 24 victories.
Washington Senators C Ken Retzer (fourth-leading juco scorer with 184 points for Jefferson City MO in 1953-54) went 4-for-4 with five RBI (including three-run homer off Denny McLain) in a 6-2 triumph against the Detroit Tigers in 1963.
Cincinnati Reds SS Nolen Richardson (Georgia hoops captain in 1925-26 as All-Southern Conference Tournament selection) went 3-for-3 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1938 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) registered his 28th victory in 1952, completing 30th game in 37 starts.
Philadelphia Phillies 3B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) provided his fifth straight multiple-hit game in 1968.
Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (juco hooper for Illinois Central in 1988-89) whacked two homers in a 2002 contest against the Minnesota Twins en route to team single-season record of 52 round-trippers.
Finishing regular season with four consecutive holds, LHP Matt Thornton (averaged 5.8 ppg and 2.4 rpg for Grand Valley State MI from 1995-96 through 1997-98) went unscored upon in his 18 relief appearances with the Washington Nationals after acquisition from the New York Yankees.
In the midst of an eight-game hitting streak, San Francisco Giants 1B Desi Wilson (Fairleigh Dickinson's all-time leading scorer was Northeast Conference player of the year in 1989-90) homered against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1996.
Washington Senators 3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) went 6-for-9 in a 1949 twinbill split against the Philadelphia Athletics. He was issued at least one walk in each of his previous eight contests. Eleven years later with the Detroit Tigers, Yost homered twice in a 1960 game against same franchise but based in Kansas City.
Detroit Tigers 1B John Young (played hoops sparingly for Chapman CA in late 1960s) went 2-for-3 in his lone MLB start (against New York Yankees in 1971).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 24 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 24 in football at the professional level (especially in 1961 and 2000):
SEPTEMBER 24
New York Giants DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) had two interceptions off Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) in a 17-14 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1961.
First NFL reception for Buffalo Bills WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) went for a 63-yard touchdown from Jim Kelly in 47-41 win against the Houston Oilers in 1989.
Cleveland Rams E Jim Benton (forward was Arkansas' third-leading scorer in SWC play as senior in 1937-38) caught eight passes for three touchdowns in a 30-28 win against the Chicago Cardinals in 1944 season opener.
New York Giants TE Al Dixon (Iowa State hooper in 1975-76 and 1976-77) opened the game's scoring with a 29-yard touchdown catch from Joe Pisarcik in a 27-10 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1978.
Pittsburgh Steelers DB Tony Dungy (roommate of Flip Saunders averaged 2.6 ppg for Minnesota in 1973-74 under coach Bill Musselman) returned an interception 65 yards in 15-9 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1978.
Green Bay Packers FB Ted Fritsch Sr. (hoops letterman for Wisconsin-Stevens Point in 1940-41 and 1941-42) scored two touchdowns - one rushing and one on 50-yard interception return - in a 42-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1944.
Kansas City Chiefs TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught 10 passes in a 23-22 win against the Denver Broncos in 2000.
Rookie LB Tom Greenfield (Arizona hoops letterman in 1937 and 1938) recovered a fumble for a touchdown to complete the Green Bay Packers' scoring in 21-16 win against the Chicago Bears in 1939.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 279 yards (46.5 average) in a 14-7 win against the Washington Redskins in 1961.
Seattle Seahawks TE Ron Howard (averaged 9.2 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Seattle from 1971-72 through 1973-74) supplied a fourth-quarter go-ahead touchdown with four-yard pass from QB Jim Zorn in 28-16 win against the Detroit Lions in 1978.
Jacksonville Jaguars rookie WR Willie Jackson (started five hoop games for Florida in 1989-90) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Mark Brunell in a 24-14 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1995.
Tennessee Titans rookie TE Erron Kinney (averaged 2.5 ppg and 1.3 rpg in six basketball games for Florida in 1996-97 under coach Billy Donovan) caught an 18-yard pass from Steve McNair for game-winning touchdown with 1:25 remaining in 23-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2000.
Chicago Cardinals E Mal Kutner (two-year Texas hoops letterman in early 1940s) caught two touchdown passes in a 21-14 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1948 season opener. HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) opened Philly's scoring with a 69-yard pass reception for TD.
In 1960 season opener, Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw four touchdown passes - one in each quarter - in a 35-28 win against the Dallas Cowboys.
Jacksonville Jaguars TE Marcedes Lewis (collected nine points and four rebounds in seven UCLA basketball games in 2002-03 under coach Steve Lavin) caught three touchdown passes from Blake Bortles in a 44-7 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2017.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 21-7 win against the New Orleans Saints in 2000. Six years later, McNabb threw two first-quarter TD passes in a 38-24 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2006.
New York Giants DB R.W. McQuarters (Oklahoma State hooper in 1995-96 and 1996-97 started two games) returned an interception 27 yards for touchdown in 42-30 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 2006.
Baltimore Colts TE Tom Mitchell (averaged 6.1 ppg and 9.4 rpg in 10 basketball games for Bucknell in 1963-64) supplied career highs of eight pass receptions for 114 yards in a 44-34 setback against the New York Jets in 1972.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Jeff Garcia in a 41-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2000.
A fourth-quarter 45-yard field goal by Mac Percival (three-year hoops letterman was part of squad winning Texas Tech's first SWC championship in major sport in 1960-61) boosted the Chicago Bears to a 13-13 tie with the Los Angeles Rams in 1972.
St. Louis Cardinals WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 20-17 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1961.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) passed for 303 yards in a 26-7 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1979.
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) caught eight passes for 91 yards in a 70-20 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 2023.
Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 11 of his AFL-leading 100 pass receptions in a 35-28 AFL setback against the New York Titans in 1961.
Dallas Cowboys P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection for Tennessee averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted six times for 277 yards (46.2 average) in a 20-14 setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1972.
Minnesota Vikings E A.D. Williams (Pacific hoops letterman in mid-1950s) had career highs of four pass receptions and 78 yards in a 21-7 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 24
Extra! Extra! Instead of seeking interpreter to "handle" mental gymnastics stemming from Plagiarist Biledumb's Out House word salads, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from three New York small colleges - Billy Harrell (Siena), Jack Phillips (Clarkson) and Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 24 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 24
Boston Red Sox 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's top three basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58 while ranking among nation's top 12 free-throw shooters each season) amassed four hits in an 11-7 win against the Baltimore Orioles in 1967. Two earlier with the Orioles in 1965, Adair knocked in four runs for the second consecutive contest while in midst of five straight multiple-hit games.
Philadelphia Athletics SS Frank Callaway (Tennessee hoops letterman in 1918 and 1919) collected a career-high three hits in 7-4 victory against the Chicago White Sox in 1921.
New York Mets 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) cracked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1969 game.
Philadelphia Athletics C Mickey Cochrane (Boston University hooper in early 1920s) contributed three doubles against the Washington Senators in a 1933 contest.
New York Giants SS Alvin Dark (Louisiana State and Southwestern Louisiana letterman in mid-1940s) homered in both ends of a 1952 doubleheader sweep against his original team (Boston Braves), going 5-for-5 in the opener.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Al Downing (attended Muhlenberg PA on hoops scholarship but departed before ever playing) hurled the second of his back-to-back shutouts, giving him six consecutive victories and a N.L.-leading five whitewashes in 1971.
St. Louis Browns 3B Frank Ellerbe (Wofford hooper after transferring from Sewanee TN) stroked three extra-base hits (two doubles and one homer) against the Boston Red Sox in nightcap of a 1921 twinbill.
St. Louis Browns rookie LF Joe Gallagher (Manhattan varsity hooper in 1934-35) secured four safeties for the second time in a five-game span in 1939.
Cleveland Indians rookie SS Billy Harrell (averaged 10.3 ppg in three seasons for Siena in early 1950s) banged out three hits against the Detroit Tigers for second time in a week in 1955.
New York Mets manager Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) suffered a heart attack during 1968 game against the Atlanta Braves.
Chicago White Sox 1B Ron Jackson (second-team All-MAC choice from 1951-52 through 1953-54 led Western Michigan in scoring and rebounding his last two seasons) registered four hits against the Kansas City Athletics in a 1957 contest.
In 1957, Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) appeared in relief in the final game at Ebbets Field. Koufax got a chance to go to the plate and struck out for 12th time in as many at-bats this season.
Chicago Cubs C Gordy Massa (played hoops briefly for Holy Cross in 1956-57) supplied two safeties in his MLB debut against the Cincinnati Reds en route to securing hits in all six games the remainder of 1957 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Jack Phillips (leading scorer for Clarkson NY in 1942-43) went 4-for-4 in a 3-2 triumph against the Cincinnati Reds in nightcap of 1950 twinbill.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Ron Reed (Notre Dame's leading rebounder in 1963-64 and 1964-65) won his last eight relief decisions of the 1983 campaign.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1911-12 and 1913-14) hit safely in each of his last six starts of 1925 campaign after banging out three safeties against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
After losing his previous six starts, Chicago White Sox RHP Charlie Robertson (Austin College TX hooper before joining U.S. Army during WWI) hurled a shutout against the Washington Senators in 1923.
Milwaukee Brewers LF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) provided three hits and four RBI in a 7-3 verdict over the California Angels in 1970.
RHP Hal Schumacher (St. Lawrence NY hooper in early 1930s) drove in the winning run in 10th inning of opener of a doubleheader against the Boston Bees as the New York Giants clinched 1936 N.L. pennant.
RHP Joe Vance (Southwest Texas State hoops letterman in 1927-28 and 1928-29) won his lone decision with the New York Yankees in 1937 by allowing only four hits and one run in eight innings against the Boston Red Sox.
In 1992, Toronto Blue Jays DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) became the first 40-year-old in MLB history to knock in 100 runs in a season when he stroked a two-run double off Baltimore Orioles RHP Ben McDonald (started six games as 6-6 freshman forward for Louisiana State in 1986-87).
New York Yankees LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) posted his 12th victory in as many decisions in 1929. No hurler will have a better season without losing a setback.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 23 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 23 in football at the professional level (especially in 1962):
SEPTEMBER 23
Chicago Cardinals rookie QB Paul Collins (All-Big Six Conference first-team hoops selection for Missouri in 1943-44) made his lone NFL start (10-0 setback vs. Detroit Lions in 1945).
Detroit Lions QB Fred Enke (three-year All-Border Conference first-team hoops selection under his father at Arizona was co-captain as senior in 1947-48) threw two touchdown passes in a 27-24 setback against the Los Angeles Rams in 1949 season opener. Rams E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting hoops center for Michigan in 1944) scored two TDs.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught 11 passes for 113 yards in a 31-24 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 2007.
New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted six times for a 46.7-yard average in 17-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1984.
Philadelphia Eagles DB Joe Lavender (averaged 13.4 ppg and 6.6 rpg for San Diego State in 1969-70 and 1970-71) returned a fumble recovery 96 yards for touchdown in 13-10 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1974.
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Bobby Layne (Texas hooper in 1944-45) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 30-28 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1962. Steelers LB George Tarasovic (led NLU forerunner Northeast Junior College LA with 21 ppg in 1950-51) returned an interception 37 yards. Cowboys FB J.W. Lockett (three-year hoops letterman led Central Oklahoma with 8.8 rpg in 1958-59) opened the game's scoring with a 29-yard TD pass reception from Eddie LeBaron.
Baltimore Colts TE Dee Mackey (All-Lone Star Conference first-team hoops selection for East Texas State and member of NAIA All-Tournament team as senior) caught two touchdown passes in a 34-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1962.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 27-3 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 2001. Six years later, McNabb passed for 381 yards - including four first-half TDs - in a 56-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 2007.
Miami Dolphins rookie RB Jerris McPhail (starting point guard for Mount Olive NC with 11 ppg in early 1990s) returned two kickoffs for 70 yards in a 10-6 setback against the Indianapolis Colts in 1996.
Frankfort Yellow Jackets B Ken Mercer (three-year hoops letterman as Simpson IA forward) scored two touchdowns in a 19-9 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1928 season opener.
Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) had eight pass receptions for 145 yards in a 34-10 win against the Chicago Bears in 2007.
New York Giants E Ray Poole (Ole Miss' leading hoops scorer in 1942-43 with 12.3 ppg) provided a fumble recovery for touchdown in 27-7 win against the Boston Yanks in 1948 season opener.
St. Louis Cardinals WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56) caught three second-half touchdown passes in a 43-21 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1960 season opener.
Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88 under coach Jud Heathcote) had 11 pass receptions in a 19-13 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1990.
Detroit Lions WR Freddie Scott (averaged 5.3 ppg as sophomore forward for Amherst MA in 1972-73) opened game's scoring with a touchdown reception in 24-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1979.
New York Giants WR Del Shofner (Baylor hoops letterman in 1956) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Y.A. Tittle (69 and 56 yards) in a 29-13 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1962.
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught 14 passes for 162 yards - including two touchdowns from Brian Griese - in a 38-17 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2001.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 23
Extra! Extra! Instead of cursing stereotypical press puke Politico belatedly admitting the validity of hideous Hunter Biledumb scandalous laptop story after much of misguided activist #MessMedia, including notably CNN Sucks, Facebook, #MSDNC, New York Slimes, Twitter plus Washington Compost, tried to censor New York Post scoop, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Santa Clara hoopers Bruce Bochte and Randy Winn supplied significant MLB hitting performances on this date. Ditto former Fordham hoopers Frankie Frisch and Babe Young for National League teams. The Detroit Tigers benefited the most from ex-college hoopers on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 23 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 23
First MLB victory for San Diego Padres RHP Steve Arlin (played two basketball games for Ohio State in 1964-65 under coach Fred Taylor) was a shutout of the Atlanta Braves in 1970.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup hooper and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) fired a three-hit shutout against the Chicago Cubs in 1979.
Seattle Mariners LF Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's 1970 NCAA playoff team averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago White Sox in a 1982 game.
Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg in 1950-51 for Spring Hill AL) stroked four hits against the Cleveland Indians in a 1956 contest.
Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman team) hurled his fourth shutout in 1959 (5-0 against St. Louis Cardinals).
Milwaukee Braves 1B George Crowe (four-year letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for Indiana Central after becoming first high school player named state's Mr. Basketball) smashed two homers in a 4-2 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1955.
Cleveland Indians CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) delivered a grand slam against the Detroit Tigers in 1950 outing.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) collected four hits and four runs against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1930 game.
California Angels RHP Dave Frost (averaged 10.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Stanford from 1971-72 through 1973-74) hurled a complete game, beating the Texas Rangers, 6-1, to finish tied with Nolan Ryan for the team high in victories (16) during 1979 campaign.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Don Gross (Michigan State freshman hooper in 1949-50) didn't allow an earned run in 10 innings in 3-2 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1956. Gross posted a 0.76 ERA in his final 11 appearances of the campaign covering 35 1/3 innings.
San Francisco Giants LHP Atlee Hammaker (averaged 5.3 ppg as a freshman in 1976-77 and 4.9 as a sophomore in 1977-78 under East Tennessee State coach Sonny Smith), matching Los Angeles Dodgers P Orel Hershiser in zeroes the first seven innings, yielded a homer in the eighth as Hershiser extended his streak of consecutive shutout frames to 49 in 1988.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) homered twice against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a suspended game in 1956.
Chicago White Sox rookie RHP Bart Johnson (averaged 30.5 ppg for Brigham Young's freshman squad in 1967-68) tossed his first MLB shutout, a five-hitter against the Kansas City Royals in 1970.
New York Yankees LF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) homered twice against the Detroit Tigers in a 2000 contest.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) went 5-for-5 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1956 outing.
Washington Senators CF Don Lock (paced Wichita State in field-goal percentage in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Ralph Miller) had a 15-game hitting streak snapped by the Detroit Tigers in 1963.
Los Angeles Dodgers 2B Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS where he was an All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) stole three bases against the San Francisco Giants in a 1976 contest. Lopes pilfered at least one base nine times in a 10-game span earlier in the month.
Boston Red Sox 3B Buddy Myer (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1923-24) went 4-for-4 against the Detroit Tigers in a 1928 game.
C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) clubbed two-out, 10th-inning walk-off homer off Eddie Fisher (Oklahoma freshman hooper in mid-1950s) to give the Chicago Cubs a 9-8 triumph against the San Francisco Giants in 1959.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (hoops guard for Washington College MD two years in mid-1930s) homered twice against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1943 contest.
Detroit Tigers LF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered twice against the Boston Red Sox in a 1973 outing.
Detroit Tigers LHP Phil Page (Penn State hoops letterman in 1926-27) didn't allow an earned run in winning his second start in as many MLB appearances (both complete games in 1928).
New York Giants RHP Roy Parmelee (Eastern Michigan hoops letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) fired his second four-hit shutout of the 1934 campaign.
Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) scattered four hits and helped cause with a homer in a 10-0 rout of the St. Louis Cardinals as he posted his 20th triumph in 1940.
Detroit Tigers rookie 3B Nolen Richardson (Georgia captain in 1925-26 as All-Southern Conference Tournament selection) notched his fourth consecutive multiple-hit contest in 1931.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) improved his record to 22-2 in 1951 with a 6-3 decision over the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Yankees LHP Marius Russo (member of LIU teams compiling 50-2 record in 1934-35 and 1935-36 under legendary coach Clair Bee) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Detroit Tigers in 1943.
2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s) awarded on waivers from the Brooklyn Dodgers to the Washington Senators in 1952.
Cincinnati Reds 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) homered in both ends of a 1939 doubleheader sweep of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 and scored three runs in a 7-6 win against the Boston Braves in opener of 1920 twinbill.
In 1978, San Diego Padres CF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) walloped the 100th of his 465 MLB career homers.
San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) registered three doubles against the Milwaukee Brewers in a 2006 game.
New York Giants 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) blasted two homers in a 1939 game against the Boston Braves.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 22 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 22 in football at the professional level (especially in 1963, 1968 and 2013):
SEPTEMBER 22
Green Bay Packers WR Don Beebe (Aurora College IL junior varsity hooper in 1983-84) delivered a career-long 80-yard touchdown reception from Brett Favre in 30-21 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 1996.
Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing briefly next season under coach Billy Gillispie) had two touchdown receptions in a 27-19 win against the New York Jets in 2014.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (averaged 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore and 11.3 as junior in mid-1950s) had two long rushing touchdowns - 71 and 62 en route to finishing with 232 yards on 20 carries - in a 41-24 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 1963.
New York Giants B Dale Burnett (two-time all-conference hooper for Emporia State KS) caught two touchdown passes (45 and 25 yards) in a 42-7 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1935 season opener. Giants TB Ed Danowski (Fordham hoops letterman in 1932-33) threw two of his league-high 10 TD passes,
Cleveland Browns TE Jordan Cameron (redshirt freshman forward for BYU in 2006-07 before playing briefly for Southern California in 2008-09 under coach Tim Floyd) caught three touchdown passes in a 31-27 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.
Chicago Bears TE Mike Ditka (averaged 2.8 ppg and 2.6 rpg for Pittsburgh in 1958-59 and 1959-60) caught eight passes for 124 yards - including two touchdowns - in a 28-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1963.
New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught nine passes for 134 yards - including two of his NFL-high 16 touchdown receptions from Drew Brees - in a 31-7 win against the Arizona Cardinals in 2013.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw two first-quarter touchdown passes in a 28-0 AAFC win against the Buffalo Bisons in 1946.
Carolina Panthers DE Greg Hardy (Mississippi backup forward as freshman in 2006-07) had three sacks and five tackles in a 38-0 victory against the New York Giants in 2013.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) threw a 92-yard touchdown pass to Ben Hawkins in 34-25 setback against the New York Giants in 1968.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 28-24 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1963. Two of the TD passes were in the second half to WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56). Eleven years later with the Denver Broncos, Johnson threw two first-quarter TD passes in a 35-35 tie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1974.
Pittsburgh Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) rushed for 123 yards on 24 carries in a 31-0 win against the New York Giants in 1963.
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) rushed for two touchdowns in a 27-16 win against the Denver Broncos in 2019.
New Orleans Saints QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 37-17 win against the Washington Redskins in 1968.
Baltimore Colts FB J.W. Lockett (three-year hoops letterman led Central Oklahoma with 8.8 rpg in 1958-59) had a career-high five pass receptions in 20-14 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 1963.
Atlanta Falcons WR Bob Long (Wichita State hooper in 1960-61 and 1961-62 under coach Ralph Miller) caught a 71-yard touchdown pass in 28-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1968.
San Francisco 49ers WR Kay McFarland (three-year hoops letterman for Colorado State was honorable mention UPI All-Skyline Conference selection in 1961) had a career-long touchdown reception of 43 yards from George Mira in 35-17 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1968.
A 29-yard touchdown reception by TE Keith McKeller (starting center for Jacksonville State's 1985 NCAA Division II championship team led Gulf South Conference in rebounding each of his first three seasons and finished second as senior) from Jim Kelly in the fourth quarter gave the Buffalo Bills a 17-10 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1991.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) threw three touchdown passes in a 44-13 win against the Dallas Cowboys in 2002.
Chicago Bears B Ray Nolting (Cincinnati letterman in 1936) returned kickoff 97 yards for a touchdown in 41-10 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1940 season opener.
Chicago Bears DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) returned a fumble recovery 42 yards for touchdown in 40-23 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught eight passes for 150 yards in a 20-14 AFL setback against the Boston Patriots in 1963.
Philadelphia Eagles HB Bosh Pritchard (four-sport letterman for VMI) accounted for the game's only score with a 16-yard rushing touchdown in 7-0 win against the New York Bulldogs in 1949 season opener.
Jacksonville Jaguars WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes from Mark Brunell (41 and 61 yards) in a 28-25 setback against the New England Patriots in 1996.
First NFL reception for Miami Dolphins rookie TE Dion Sims (played one basketball game with Michigan State under coach Tom Izzo in 2009-10) was a game-winning touchdown with 38 seconds remaining in 27-23 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2013.
Kansas City Chiefs FL Otis Taylor (backup small forward for Prairie View A&M) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 34-2 AFL win against the Denver Broncos in 1968.
San Francisco 49ers E Bob Titchenal (San Jose State hoops letterman in 1939) had a 42-yard pass reception for touchdown in 32-13 AAFC win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1946.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 22
Extra! Extra! Instead of discussing why FOX News funnyman Greg Gutfeld's weeknight ratings stemming from his appeal to non-wokeaholics frequently surpasses tiresome and loathsome group-think, liberal-activist/climate-change-connoisseur hosts Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, Bill Maher, Seth Meyers and John Oliver plus discarded Trevor Noah and Samantha Bee, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former HBCU hoopers George Altman (Tennessee State), Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC) and Al Bumbry (Virginia State) supplied significant MLB performances on this date. The Pittsburgh Pirates had several ex-college hoopers make news on this date - Skeeter Bigbee (Oregon), Jim McKee (Otterbein OH), Elmer Ponder (Oklahoma) and Bob Veale (Benedictine KS). Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 22 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 22
Rookie CF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Basketball Tournament with Tennessee State) whacked ninth-inning, two-run homer to give the Chicago Cubs a 5-4 triumph against the San Francisco Giants in 1959.
Cleveland Indians RHP Jim Bibby (Fayetteville State NC backup hooper and brother of UCLA All-American Henry Bibby) tossed his second shutout of the month in 1976.
Pittsburgh Pirates LF Carson "Skeeter" Bigbee (Oregon hoops letterman in 1915) supplied four hits for the second time in an eight-game span in 1922.
In 1965, 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) blasted a grand slam off Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman squad in 1953-54) as the Braves ended their 13-year stint in Milwaukee.
A.L. Rookie of the Year DH Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring 16.7 ppg as a freshman in 1964-65) tied a MLB single-game mark with three triples against the Milwaukee Brewers, helping the Baltimore Orioles clinch 1973 East Division title.
Philadelphia Athletics RHP George Earnshaw (Swarthmore PA hooper in 1922) earned victory #21 in 1931.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie RHP Don Grate (NCAA consensus second-team All-American for Ohio State's Final Four teams in 1944 and 1945) posted his lone MLB victory with two innings of scoreless relief in a 4-3 win against the New York Giants in opener of 1946 twinbill.
RHP Dallas Green (Delaware's second-leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55) released by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1967.
San Francisco Giants C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) hammered a game-ending homer in the ninth inning to account for only run in win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1967.
Philadelphia Phillies 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) delivered four hits in a 1989 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) knocked in five runs against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1949 contest.
Chicago Cubs RHP Cal Koonce (Campbell hoops standout in 1960 and 1961 when North Carolina-based school was junior college) blanked the Los Angeles Dodgers for eight innings en route to posting his first of three victories the last 10 days of 1964 campaign.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie RHP Jim McKee (All-OAC honorable mention selection with Otterbein OH in 1967-68 and 1968-69 while averaging 17.6 ppg and 9 rpg) posted lone victory of his MLB career with three innings of scoreless relief against the Montreal Expos in 1972.
Washington Senators CF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California junior college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) tied an A.L. nine-inning record with 11 putouts in 1951.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Elmer Ponder (Oklahoma letterman in 1913-14 and 1915-16) tossed a two-hit shutout against the New York Giants in nightcap of 1917 doubleheader.
In his fourth straight complete-game triumph, New York Yankees RHP Roy Sherid (Albright PA hoops center in 1926-27 and 1927-28) didn't allow an earned run in 3-1 verdict over the Chicago White Sox in nightcap of 1929 twinbill.
Detroit Tigers rookie C Birdie Tebbetts (Providence hooper in 1932) went 5-for-10 and scored five runs against the St. Louis Browns in a 1936 doubleheader. Five years later, Tebbetts stroked three extra-base hits against the Chicago White Sox in a 1941 outing.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) whiffed 15 Milwaukee Braves batters but the strikeout total wasn't enough to extend his five-game winning streak in 1964.
Los Angeles Angels OF Leon Wagner (Tuskegee AL hooper in 1952-53) homered twice in a 1962 contest against the Cleveland Indians.
San Diego Padres RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection for Princeton in 1999-00) took no-hitter into the ninth inning before finishing with 6-2 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 2006 after Joe Randa ripped a two-run homer.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 21 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 21 in football at the professional level (especially in 1997):
SEPTEMBER 21
Dallas Cowboys TE Billy Joe Dupree (scored four points in total of four basketball games for Michigan State in 1971-72) caught two nine-yard touchdown passes from QB Danny White in a 28-17 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1980.
Miami Dolphins QB Bob Griese (sophomore hoops guard for Purdue in 1964-65) threw two fourth-quarter touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1980.
San Diego Chargers SS Rodney Harrison (averaged 7.4 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 3 apg and 1.6 spg for Western Illinois in 1992-93) returned an interception 75 yards for touchdown in 26-22 setback against the Seattle Seahawks in 1997.
Minnesota Vikings QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three second-half touchdown passes in a 38-32 setback against the Green Bay Packers in 1997. Six years later with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Johnson threw two second-quarter TD passes in a 31-10 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 2003.
Denver Broncos QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 329 yards and three touchdowns in a 37-33 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1975 season opener.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw four touchdown passes in a 41-3 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1975 season opener.
San Francisco 49ers RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) rushed for two touchdowns in a 34-7 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1997.
Cleveland Browns TE Oscar Roan (averaged 5.8 ppg and 4.3 rpg for SMU in 1973-74) debuted with what became a career-high six pass receptions in 24-17 setback against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1975 season opener.
Denver Broncos WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) caught two touchdown passes from John Elway in a 38-20 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1997. Broncos DE Alfred Williams (Colorado hooper in 1989-90) returned a fumble recovery 51 yards for TD.
Dallas Cowboys rookie QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) opened the game's scoring with a 75-yard touchdown pass to Lance Rentzel in 24-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1969 season opener.
Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had 12 of his AFL-leading 77 pass receptions in a 41-16 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1962.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 21
Extra! Extra! Instead of wishing petty divider-in-chief Plagiarist Biledumb could appear before United Nations circus act with "a fair share" of intellectual integrity and personal traits more like legendary Corn Pop and witless whisperer's deceased son Beau than hideous con artist/laptop loser Hunter (see Libyan scandal as example), you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (Louisiana State), George Altman (Tennessee State) and Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona) each hit two homers in a MLB game on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 21
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's top basketball scorer in 1945-46) clobbered two homers against the Chicago Cubs in a 1957 game.
Chicago Cubs rookie RF George Altman (appeared in 1953 and 1954 NAIA Tournament with Tennessee State) smacked two homers against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1959 contest.
Montreal Expos RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) yielded only three hits in 10 innings against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1981 performance.
In his lone MLB appearance, Detroit Tigers RHP Chuck Daniel (School of Ozarks AR hoops letterman in 1951 and 1952) hurled 2 1/3 innings against the Kansas City Athletics in 1957 after relieving Jim Bunning. Daniel yielded a two-run round-tripper to 1951 A.L. home-run leader Gus Zernial.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) contributed four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1935 outing.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only semester) contributed six RBI in an 8-6 win against the Philadelphia Athletics in opener of 1938 twinbill. The previous year, he collected two homers and five RBI in the lidlifter of a 1937 doubleheader against the Boston Red Sox.
Oakland Athletics 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) collected two homers and five RBI in a 9-3 triumph against the Kansas City Royals in 1980.
Chicago White Sox RHP Bart Johnson (averaged 30.5 ppg for Brigham Young's freshman squad in 1967-68) fanned 12 opposing batters in his second straight start, winning all five decisions in final month of 1971 season.
Chicago White Sox 1B Deacon Jones (leading scorer for Ithaca College NY midway through 1953-54) capped a six-run uprising in the bottom of ninth inning with game-winning, pinch-hit single in 7-6 nod over eventual 1962 World Series winner New York Yankees.
Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) smacked two triples against the Montreal Expos in a 1975 game. Nine years earlier, Kessinger amassed four hits against the Cincinnati Reds for second time during month in 1966.
Chicago Cubs CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) knocked in five runs against the New York Giants in a 1939 outing. The next year, Leiber supplied his fifth consecutive contest with multiple hits.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century), appearing for the third time in four games, notched his 30th victory in 1903.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie RF Don Padgett (freshman in 1934 with Lenoir-Rhyne NC excelled in multiple sports) went 4-for-4 against the Brooklyn Robins in nightcap of a 1937 doubleheader.
Philadelphia Athletics rookie RHP Jim Peterson (Penn hoops letterman from 1928-29 through 1930-31) lost his lone MLB complete game (6-5 against Detroit Tigers in nightcap of 1931 twinbill).
Chicago Cubs SS Paul Popovich (averaged 3.3 ppg for West Virginia's 1960 NCAA playoff team) went 3-for-3 against the St. Louis Cardinals, igniting a six-game hitting streak closing out 1969 campaign.
Chicago Cubs RHP Don Prince (Campbell hooper in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when school was junior college) made his lone MLB appearance (one inning against New York Mets in 1962).
Chicago White Sox RHP Johnny Rigney (top hoops center for St. Thomas MN in mid-1930s) toiled 14 innings in a 1-1 tie against the Detroit Tigers in 1941.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) hurled a shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in the nightcap of a 1949 doubleheader.
New York Yankees 1B Bill "Moose" Skowron (scored 18 points in eight games for Purdue in 1949-50) supplied five hits but they stranded a MLB-mark 20 baserunners in a 13-7 setback against the Boston Red Sox in 1956.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 20 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 20 in football at the professional level (especially in 1964 and by Packers RB Aaron Jones in back-to-back years):
SEPTEMBER 20
New York Giants DB Erich Barnes (played hoops briefly for Purdue as sophomore in 1955-56) opened the game's scoring by returning an interception 26 yards for touchdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1964.
Boston Braves RB Cliff Battles (four seasons of varsity hoops for West Virginia Wesleyan) rushed for two touchdowns - one of them 65 yards - in a 26-3 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1936.
Rookie E Harry Burrus (three-year hoops letterman in early 1940s for Hardin-Simmons TX) opened the New York Yankees' scoring by catching a 19-yard touchdown pass in 17-17 AAFC tie against the Chicago Rockets in 1946. A 36-yard TD reception in fourth quarter for Rockets rookie HB Bill Boedeker (teammate of DePaul All-American George Mikan in mid-1940s) knotted the score.
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for two first-half touchdowns in a 21-20 setback against the Baltimore Colts in 1964.
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's leading scorer with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught six passes for 141 yards in a 31-26 setback against the Baltimore Ravens in 2009.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) threw three touchdown passes in a 33-33 tie against the Cleveland Browns in 1964. Two of the TD passes were in the second half to WR Sonny Randle (scoreless in seven basketball games in Virginia's third season in ACC in 1955-56). Six years later with the Houston Oilers, Johnson threw two first-half TD passes in a 19-7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1970.
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight basketball games for Texas-El Paso in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) scored three touchdowns (including 75-yard run from scrimmage en route to career-high 168 yards) in a 42-21 win against the Detroit Lions in 2020. The next year, Jones scored four TDs (one rushing/three receiving from QB Aaron Rodgers) in a 35-17 nod over the Lions in 2021.
Kansas City Chiefs LB Frank Manumaleuga (San Jose State hooper in 1978-79) had two interceptions in a 42-31 setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1981.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 28-24 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1964.
WR Kitrick Taylor (Washington State hooper in 1984-85 and 1986-87) caught 35-yard touchdown pass from Brett Favre in the fourth quarter to give the Green Bay Packers a 24-23 win against the Cincinnati Bengals in 1992.
Cincinnati Bengals rookie KR David Verser (played five basketball games for Kansas in 1977-78 under coach Ted Owens) returned two kickoffs for 95 yards in a 20-17 setback against the Cleveland Browns in 1981.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 20
Extra! Extra! Instead of asking omniscient Siri From Silicon Valley whether #Dimorat debacle handling of illegal ailen crisis exhibits inept occupants of now missing-in-action Plagiarist Biledumb Out House boasting as much horse-reins understanding, willingness to answer questions and credibility as Gabby Petito Instagram-partner Brian Laundrie's entire family, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A couple of former small-college hoopers from Virginia - Al Bumbry (Virginia State) and Monte Weaver (Emory & Henry) - made American League news on this date. Ditto ex-Pasadena City CA community college hoopers Darrell Evans, Irv Noren and Jackie Robinson. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 20
Cincinnati Reds CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati basketball letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) contributed four hits against the Boston Braves in nightcap of a 1928 doubleheader.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) delivered three doubles against the Boston Red Sox in a 1984 game.
Baltimore Orioles RF Angelo Dagres (averaged 6 ppg for Rhode Island in 1954-55) provided a hit and scored a run in both ends of 1955 twinbill sweep against the Boston Red Sox.
In 1988, Detroit Tigers DH Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) launched milestone 400th of his 414 MLB career homers.
St. Louis Browns rookie LF Joe Gallagher (Manhattan varsity hooper in 1934-35) contributed three doubles and three runs scored in a 1939 game against the Boston Red Sox.
Baltimore Orioles bonus baby C Tom Gastall (hoops captain of Boston University's team in 1954-55) died at the age of 24 in 1956 when crashing into Chesapeake Bay while secretly flying his previously-damaged light plane.
C Frank Grube (hoops starter for Lafayette in 1926-27) purchased from the St. Louis Browns by the Chicago White Sox in 1935.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-Western Athletic Conference second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) stole five bases against the Houston Astros in 1986, tying modern N.L. record for thefts in a single contest.
Cincinnati Reds RHP Jay Hook (Northwestern's third-leading scorer as sophomore with 10.7 ppg in 1955-56) hurled a two-hit shutout, chilling the Milwaukee Braves' pennant aspirations in 1960.
New York Giants rookie SS Art McLarney (two-time All-PCC hooper for Washington State in early 1930s) manufactured his lone MLB extra-base hit in 1932 when stroking a double in game against the Boston Braves.
3B Ryan Minor (two-time All-Big Eight Conference first-team selection for Oklahoma was league player of year as a junior in 1994-95 when averaging 23.6 ppg and 8.4 rpg) replaced Cal Ripken Jr. in the Baltimore Orioles' starting lineup, ending Ripken's MLB record consecutive-game streak at 2,632.
Washington Senators rookie CF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California community college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) knocked in five runs against the St. Louis Browns in a 1950 contest.
Detroit Tigers CF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered twice against the Washington Senators in a 1968 outing.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) yielded a MLB-record 40th homer in 1955.
Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in PCC both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) contributed his fifth steal of home in the 1949 campaign.
Baltimore Orioles DH Ken Singleton (Hofstra freshman hoops team in mid-1960s) socked his 246th and final MLB homer in 1984. Singleton's last three round-trippers were grand slams.
In his MLB debut in 1961, St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA scoring leader in 1958-59 and 1959-60 when All-Evergreen Conference selection) tossed 4 1/3 innings of hitless relief.
Washington Senators RHP Monte Weaver (hoops center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1920s) won his MLB debut (eight innings as starter against Chicago White Sox in 1931).
Washington Senators LHP Tom Zachary (Guilford NC hoops letterman in 1916) fired a two-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1921.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 19 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 19 in football at the professional level (especially in 1947):
SEPTEMBER 19
Buffalo Bills WR Marlin Briscoe (averaged 9.5 ppg and 3.6 rpg for Nebraska-Omaha in 1964-65) caught two touchdown passes - one of them for 75 yards - in a 49-37 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1971 season opener.
WR George Farmer (teammate of UCLA legend Lew Alcindor in 1968-69) caught fourth-quarter touchdown pass to give the Chicago Bears a 17-15 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1971 season opener.
San Diego Chargers TE Antonio Gates (second-team All-MAC selection in 2002 when Kent State finished runner-up in South Regional) caught two second-quarter touchdown passes from Philip Rivers in a 38-13 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2010.
Los Angeles Dons E Dale Gentry (averaged 5.3 ppg for Washington State's 1941 NCAA Tournament runner-up) caught a 54-yard touchdown pass in 48-21 AAFC win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947.
Chicago Rockets E Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch (starting center for Michigan in 1944) caught two touchdown passes - one for 76 yards - in a 31-14 AAFC setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1947. Bills rookie QB George Ratterman (third-leading scorer with 11.7 ppg for Notre Dame in 1944-45) threw four TD passes (one in each quarter).
Washington Redskins QB Brad Johnson (part-time starting forward for Florida State as freshman in 1987-88 when averaging 5.9 ppg and shooting 89.1% from free-throw line) threw three touchdown passes in a 50-21 win against the New York Giants in 1999.
St. Louis Cardinals QB Charley Johnson (transferred from Schreiner J.C. to New Mexico State to play hoops before concentrating on football) passed for 383 yards - including three touchdowns - in a 34-27 setback against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1965 season opener.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw three touchdown passes in a 31-7 win against the Seattle Seahawks in 1976.
Washington Redskins QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) passed for 426 yards in a 30-27 setback against the Houston Texans in 2010.
Miami Dolphins LB Quentin Moses (played in three basketball games for Georgia in 2002-03 under coach Jim Harrick) contributed a career-high four solo tackles in 14-10 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2010.
San Francisco 49ers WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two touchdown passes from Steve Young in a 28-21 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1999.
First touchdown for rookie WR Bucky Pope (two-time All-Carolinas Conference hoops pick for Catawba NC averaged 19.4 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) opened the Los Angeles Rams' scoring with a 65-yard pass reception from Bill Munson in 17-17 tie against the Detroit Lions in 1964.
Atlanta Falcons WR Andre Rison (backup hoops guard for Michigan State in 1987-88) caught three touchdown passes from Bobby Hebert in a 37-30 setback against the San Francisco 49ers in 1993.
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) collected career highs of nine pass receptions and 159 receiving yards in a 23-13 win against the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2021.
Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had nine pass receptions for 172 yards in a 30-15 AFL setback against the Buffalo Bills in 1965.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 19
Extra! Extra! Instead of debating who is the worst offender of elder abuse (cover girl "Dr." Jill with Plagiarist Biledumb or Elaine Chao regarding Mitch McConnell), you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Ex-VA college hoopers Larry Doby (Virginia Union), Curtis Pride (William & Mary) and Eppa Rixey (Virginia) made MLB news on this date. Two former small-college hoopers from Minnesota - Rip Repulski (St. Cloud State) and Wes Westrum (Bemidji State) - generated National League news on this date. A pair of small-college hoopers from Louisiana - Zeke Bonura (Loyola LA) and George Stone (Louisiana Tech) - also provided significant MLB performances on this date while ex-jucos Darrell Evans (Pasadena City CA) and Jim Thome (Illinois Central) both went downtown twice in a game. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 19
Baltimore Orioles 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) secured three hits off New York Yankees All-Star LHP Whitey Ford, including first-inning RBI double to account for only run in the opener of a 1961 twinbill. Ford finished year with a 25-4 record.
Milwaukee Braves 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg in 1950-51 for Spring Hill AL basketball squad) contributed four hits against the San Francisco Giants in a 1961 game.
Washington Senators 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) homered in his third consecutive contest in 1938.
Chicago Cubs RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) fired his second straight shutout in 1976.
New York Yankees Hall of Fame RF Earle Combs (three-year hoops captain for Eastern Kentucky) scored five runs in an 18-9 romp over the Chicago White Sox in 1930.
Harry Craft (four-sport letterman with Mississippi College in early 1930s) fired as Houston Colt .45s manager in 1964. Twenty-seven years earlier as a Cincinnati Reds CF, Craft collected three hits in his MLB debut in the opener of 1937 doubleheader against the Boston Braves.
Cleveland Indians CF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) walked five times and scored four runs in a 15-2 rout of the Boston Red Sox in 1951.
Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) homered twice for the second time in a 1985 three-game series against the New York Yankees.
In a 1961 contest, Cincinnati Reds 3B Gene Freese (West Liberty WV hoops captain of 1952 NAIA Tournament team) launched two homers against his original MLB team (Pittsburgh Pirates).
2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) and INF Charlie Gelbert (scored at least 125 points each of his last three seasons with Lebanon Valley PA in late 1920s) each stroked three hits for the St. Louis Cardinals in a 9-1 win against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1935.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) scored four runs and drove in five in the opener of a 1940 twinbill. He homered for the 11th time in last 14 contests.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) amassed two homers and six RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the opener of a 1950 doubleheader.
Washington Senators 1B-OF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) fanned five times against the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a 1970 twinbill.
Los Angeles Dodgers LF "Sweet" Lou Johnson (Kentucky State hoops teammate of legendary coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52) jacked two homers against the Philadelphia Phillies in a 1966 outing.
In 1989, Atlanta Braves RF David Justice (Thomas More KY assists leader in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg) jacked his first of 305 MLB career homers.
Detroit Tigers LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) contributed two homers and five RBI against the Philadelphia Athletics in a 1950 game.
Cincinnati Reds rookie SS Keith Kessinger (averaged 2.7 ppg for Ole Miss in 1985-86 and 1986-87) cracked his lone MLB homer (against San Francisco Giants in 1993). He also collected his lone MLB double.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) went 5-for-5 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1954 contest.
Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) had a no-hitter with two outs in the ninth inning broken up by a single from Bobby Veach of the Washington Senators in nightcap of 1925 doubleheader.
Philadelphia Athletics 3B Rudy Miller (Western Michigan hoops letterman from 1920-21 through 1923-24) registered his lone MLB hit, a single off Detroit Tigers RHP Ownie Carroll (Holy Cross hoops letterman in 1922) in a 1929 game.
RF Bill Nicholson (hooper for Washington College MD in mid-1930s), the N.L. leader in homers and RBI in 1943, collected a single, two doubles and homer to help the Chicago Cubs snap an 11-game losing streak with a 6-0 victory against the World Series-bound St. Louis Cardinals in opener of twinbill. Nicholson also homered in the nightcap.
In his first at-bat with the Boston Red Sox in 1997, OF Curtis Pride (led William & Mary in steals three times and assists twice from 1986-87 through 1989-90) helped the Boston Red Sox tie score with a ninth-inning pinch-hit homer but the Chicago White Sox went on to prevail in 10th frame.
A 12th-inning homer by LF Rip Repulski (started a few basketball games for St. Cloud State MN) gave the St. Louis Cardinals a 6-5 win against the Chicago Cubs in 1955.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Eppa Rixey (Virginia hoops letterman in 1912 and 1914) tossed a 1-0 shutout against the Philadelphia Phillies in the opener of a 1923 twinbill.
New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) went 4-for-4 in 1915 game against the Chicago Cubs.
Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s) improved his record to 21-2 in 1951 with a 3-0 shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals.
In 1997, Cincinnati Reds RHP Jeff Shaw (freshman guard for Rio Grande OH hoops squad compiling 31-5 record and reaching second round of 1985 NAIA Tournament) secured his 15th straight save in as many appearances en route to a N.L.-leading 42 saves.
In 1973, New York Mets LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) won his fifth straight start and eighth decision in a row.
Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome (juco hooper for Illinois Central in 1988-89) supplied three extra-base hits (one double/two homers) in a 2007 game against the Kansas City Royals.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) hurled a 10-inning, one-hitter against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1965. It was Veale's third shutout in span of six starts.
Boston Red Sox rookie SS Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) banged out three extra-base hits in a 4-3 win against the Cleveland Indians in 1933.
Wes Westrum (Bemidji State MN hooper for one season before serving in military during WWII) resigned as New York Mets manager in 1967.
First MLB safety for Pittsburgh Pirates OF Dave Wissman (Bridgeport CT freshman hooper in early 1960s) was a pinch-hit single off 21-game winner Juan Marichal of the San Francisco Giants in 1964.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 18 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 18 in football at the professional level (especially in 1966):
SEPTEMBER 18
Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught two touchdown passes (53 and 40 yards) in a 27-21 setback against the Denver Broncos in AFL's inaugural season in 1960.
Atlanta Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez (averaged 6.4 ppg and 4.3 rpg for California from 1994-95 through 1996-97) caught two touchdown passes in a 35-31 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2011.
Dallas Cowboys CB Cornell Green (Utah State's all-time leading scorer and rebounder when career ended in 1961-62) had two interceptions - returning one of them 41 yards for touchdown - in a 52-7 win against the New York Giants in 1966 season opener.
Rookie QB Randy Hedberg (three-time All-NDCAC hooper for Minot State ND from 1975 through 1977) started 1977 season opener for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers when they lost to Philadelphia Eagles, 13-3.
San Diego Chargers WR Vincent Jackson (Northern Colorado's leading scorer with 13.6 ppg in 2003-04 while also contributing 5.6 rpg and 3.1 apg) caught 10 passes for 172 yards - including two fourth-quarter touchdowns from Philip Rivers - in a 35-21 setback against the New England Patriots in 2011.
Green Bay Packers RB Aaron Jones (collected six points and six assists in eight UTEP basketball games as freshman in 2013-14 under coach Tim Floyd) rushed for 132 yards on 15 carries in a 27-10 win against the Chicago Bears in 2022.
Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) caught two touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas (83 and 26 yards) in a 38-23 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1966.
New York Giants DE George Martin (Oregon teammate of freshman basketball sensation Ron Lee in 1972-73) returned an interception 30 yards for touchdown in 20-17 win against the Washington Redskins in 1977 season opener.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) completed 23-of-29 passes for 342 yards and five touchdowns - including two in first half to WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) - in a 42-3 win against the San Francisco 49ers in 2005.
Cleveland Browns WR Evan Moore (Stanford hooper in 2003-04 and 2004-05 under coach Mike Montgomery) had a second-quarter touchdown reception from Colt McCoy in each of first two contests in 2011.
Oakland Raiders WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught nine passes for 133 yards in a 32-10 AFL setback against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966.
DB Wayne Rasmussen (MVP in 1963 NCAA College Division Tournament for South Dakota State) had an interception in each of the Detroit Lions' first two games in 1966.
New York Jets DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for Maryland-Eastern Shore in mid-1950s) had two interceptions in his second straight AFL game in 1966.
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton (SMU hooper for three games in 2015-16 under coach Larry Brown) caught seven passes for 122 yards in a 16-9 win against the Houston Texans in 2022.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 18
Extra! Extra! Who in their right mind would give Iran $6 billion to fund terrorism? Instead of reflecting during Constitution Day week that zero-integrity Plagiarist Biledumb administration should have been the entity out of commission after witless whisperer's depraved doctrine striving to generate victory lap turned 9/11 into a commemoration for Jihadi jackals Al Qaeda, ISIS and Taliban forcing Americans out of terrorist haven, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
A couple of former hoopers from current power-conference members based in Indiana - Oral Hildebrand (Butler) and Cy Williams (Notre Dame) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Ditto ex-San Diego State hoopers Tony Gwynn and Jim Wilson plus former NCAA hoop tourney participants Billy Cowan (Utah), Kenny Lofton (Arizona), Sam Mele (NYU) and Dave Winfield (Minnesota). Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 18
In 1963, CF Billy Cowan (Utah basketball letterman from 1957-58 through 1959-60 was co-captain of NCAA playoff team as senior) cracked his first MLB homer, a ninth-inning, two-run blast giving the Chicago Cubs a 2-1 win over Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Joe Gibbon (two-time All-SEC forward for Ole Miss was nation's second-leading scorer as senior in 1956-57).
In 1987, Detroit Tigers 1B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) became the first 40-year-old to reach 40-homer plateau in a single season.
Hall of Fame C Rick Ferrell (Guilford NC hooper in mid-1920s) and his brother (P Wes Ferrell) thrown out of the game by an umpire after the Boston Red Sox teammates protest a call too vehemently in 1934.
In 1928, Brooklyn Robins 2B Jake Flowers (member of 1923 "Flying Pentagon" championship hoops squad for Washington College MD) supplied back-to-back three-hit outings to extend his hitting streak to career-high 10 games in a row.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) extended his hitting streak to a career-high 25 games.
New York Mets RF Jim Hickman (freshman hooper for Ole Miss in 1955-56) hammered final ever homer at Polo Grounds in 1963 (off Chris Short of Philadelphia Phillies in fourth inning).
Cleveland Indians RHP Oral Hildebrand (Butler hoops All-American in 1928-29 and 1929-30) tossed a two-hitter against the Boston Red Sox, finishing the 1933 campaign with an A.L.-leading six shutouts.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) homered twice against the Chicago White Sox in opener of a 1946 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers RHP Dave Lemanczyk (averaged 4.5 ppg and 3.5 rpg for Hartwick NY teams compiling 51-21 record from 1969-70 through 1971-72) lost his third straight complete game in a 13-day span in 1975.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) cracked two homers against the Kansas City Royals in a 2001 contest.
New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) tossed his 11th shutout en route to 33rd victory in 1908.
Boston Red Sox RHP Gordon McNaughton (hooper for Loyola of Chicago in late 1920s) lost his lone MLB decision (6-5 against Detroit Tigers in 1932).
Boston Red Sox rookie RF Sam Mele (NYU's leading scorer in 1943 NCAA playoffs) went 5-for-5 against the St. Louis Browns in a 1947 game.
Chicago Cubs SS Pinky Pittenger (set Toledo's single-game scoring standard with 49 points in 1918-19) went 4-for-4 against the New York Giants in a 1922 contest.
New York Yankees RHP Ralph Terry (juco hooper averaged 22 ppg for Northeastern Oklahoma A&M in mid-1950s) tossed his third shutout in a doubleheader in span of five starts in 1960. A pair of the whitewashes were two-hitters.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Ray Washburn (Whitworth WA leading scorer when named All-Evergreen Conference in 1958-59 and 1959-60) hurled a no-hitter at San Francisco. The gem came day after Gaylord Perry of the Giants no-hit the Cards, handing RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer in 1955-56 and 1956-57) one of his five 1-0 defeats in 1968. Washburn was in the midst of not allowing more than three earned runs in his last 20 starts of this campaign and all 16 starts the following season before a trade to the Cincinnati Reds.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) collected three extra-base hits against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the nightcap of a 1924 twinbill.
Baltimore Orioles RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's NAIB Tournament team in 1942) hurled a five-hit shutout against the Washington Senators in 1955. He also chipped in with two safeties in his third straight start.
Going 7-for-8, New York Yankees LF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) homered in both ends of a 1983 doubleheader against the Cleveland Indians.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 17 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 17 in football at the professional level (especially in 1967):
SEPTEMBER 17
Washington Redskins QB Sammy Baugh (Texas Christian three-year hoops letterman was All-SWC honorable mention selection as senior in 1936-37) threw three touchdown passes - all of them at least 27 yards to E Hugh Taylor (led Oklahoma City in scoring with 11.4 ppg as senior in 1947) - in a 38-14 win against the Baltimore Colts in 1950 season opener.
Philadelphia Eagles WR Harold Carmichael (starter two seasons for Southern LA averaged 9.8 ppg and 10.6 rpg in 1969-70) caught two second-half touchdown passes from Ron Jaworski in a 24-17 win against the New Orleans Saints in 1978.
First professional reception and touchdown for New York Titans rookie TE Thurlow Cooper (averaged 10.4 ppg for Maine in 1955-56 after averaging 6.7 ppg and 6.1 rpg previous season) was a 38-yarder in 28-24 setback against the Boston Patriots in 1960. Cooper caught a TD pass in each of his first three AFL games.
Cleveland Browns B Bob Cowan (averaged 1.7 ppg for Indiana in 1942-43) caught two third-quarter touchdown passes (39 and 40 yards) from Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) in a 28-7 AAFC win against the Chicago Rockets in 1948. Graham threw for three TDs.
Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) scored two touchdowns - including a 72-yard run from scrimmage - in 41-31 AFL win against the New York Jets in 1961.
St. Louis Cardinals RB Mal Hammack (played four basketball games with Florida in 1954-55) scored go-ahead touchdown with a 28-yard run from scrimmage in fourth quarter of 21-10 victory against the New York Giants in 1961 season opener.
New York Giants' Dave Jennings (forward averaged 5.9 ppg for St. Lawrence NY in 1972-73 and 1973-74) punted seven times for 52.1-yard average in a 26-10 win against the Kansas City Chiefs in 1978.
Boston Patriots RB Walt Livingston (two-year hoops letterman for Heidelberg OH averaged 7.4 ppg and 3.9 rpg in 1954-55) opened the AFL game's scoring with a goal-line plunge for touchdown in 28-24 win against the New York Titans in 1960.
San Francisco 49ers DB Ronnie Lott (Southern California hooper as junior in 1979-80) had two interceptions in a 20-16 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1989.
Baltimore Colts TE John Mackey (Syracuse hooper in 1960-61) had eight pass receptions for 126 yards in a 38-31 win against the Atlanta Falcons in 1967 season opener.
Green Bay Packers TE Rich McGeorge (all-league hooper for Elon averaged 13.7 ppg and 9.1 rpg while making 59% of his field-goal attempts) caught two first-half touchdown passes in a 26-10 win against the Cleveland Browns in 1972 season opener.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Donovan McNabb (averaged 2.3 points in 18 games for Syracuse in 1995-96 and 1996-97) amassed 350 passing yards en route to his second of seven games opening the 2006 campaign with multiple touchdown passes.
Houston Oilers rookie CB Zeke Moore (Lincoln MO hoops letterman in mid-1960s) returned two punts for 80 yards in a 20-3 AFL win against the Buffalo Bills in 1967.
Carolina Panthers DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 16-13 setback against the Minnesota Vikings in 2006. Eleven years later, Peppers had two sacks in a 9-3 win against the Buffalo Bills in 2017.
In expansion team Minnesota Vikings' first-ever game, WR Jerry Reichow (Iowa hooper in 1954-55) had three pass receptions for 103 yards in a 37-13 win against the Chicago Bears in 1961.
Green Bay Packers E Al Rose (Texas hoops letterman from 1928 through 1930) opened the season-opening game's scoring with an eight-yard touchdown reception in 7-7 tie against the Boston Redskins in 1933.
Pittsburgh Steelers DB Johnny Sample (freshman hooper for UMES) returned an interception 39 yards for touchdown in 27-24 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 1961 season opener.
Portsmouth Spartans rookie B Elmer Schaake (Kansas hoops letterman as guard in 1932 and 1933) had a 22-yard touchdown reception in 21-0 win against the Cincinnati Reds in 1933 season opener.
First pro touchdown for rookie WR Rod Smith (swingman was Missouri Southern State hoops letterman as sophomore in 1990-91) was a game-winning, 43-yard pass reception from John Elway boosting the Denver Broncos to 38-31 win against the Washington Redskins in 1995.
Philadelphia Eagles QB Norm Snead (averaged 7.8 ppg in four Wake Forest games as senior in 1960-61) passed for 301 yards - including two first-quarter touchdowns - in a 35-24 win against the Washington Redskins in 1967 season opener.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie WR Dave Stief (hoop teammate of Portland State All-American Freeman Williams in 1977-78) threw a 43-yard pass to Pat Tilley in 28-10 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1978.
Miami Dolphins QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) completed both of his pass attempts for 51 yards and rushed for an eight-yard touchdown in 35-21 win against the Denver Broncos in 1967 AFL season opener. In the midst of three consecutive contests with an interception, Broncos DB Lonnie Wright (averaged 17.9 ppg from 1963-64 through 1965-66 while pacing Colorado State in scoring all three seasons) had two picks.
Miami Dolphins DE Jason Taylor (averaged 8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Akron in 1994-95) had 2 1/2 sacks in a 19-6 win against the Baltimore Ravens in 2000.
New England Patriots LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) had two sacks, seven solo tackles and an interception in 28-6 win against the Oakland Raiders in 2006.
In 1973 season opener, Green Bay Packers P Ron Widby (three-time All-SEC selection averaged 18.1 ppg and 8.4 rpg for Tennessee from 1964-65 through 1966-67) punted six times for 303 yards (50.5 average) in a 23-7 win against the New York Jets.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 17
Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering if Plagiarist Biledumb is more adept at uniting American citizenry, one cogent thought with another, "Dr." Jill with puppeteer strings, hideous Hunter with foreign dealmaker, creating pseudonyms, halting flow of illegal aliens, vacationing on Delaware beach, hugging granddaughter from rural Arkansas, skinny-dipping when VP in front of female Secret Service agents or creepily showering with his daughter, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Fordham hoopers Frankie Frisch and Babe Young provided significant National League hitting performances for the New York Giants while ex-San Diego State hoopers Tony Clark and Graig Nettles supplied decisive homers on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 17
Cincinnati Reds CF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati basketball letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) accumulated four hits in an 8-7 setback against the New York Giants in nightcap of 1927 doubleheader.
New York Yankees C Benny Bengough (Niagara hoops letterman from 1916-17 through 1918-19) went 3-for-3 for the second time in 17 days in 1926.
Cleveland Indians SS Lou Boudreau (leading scorer for Illinois' 1937 Big Ten Conference co-champion) supplied four hits against the Washington Senators in a 1949 game.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) banged out four hits against the New York Yankees in a 1984 contest.
Los Angeles Dodgers rookie CF Glenn Burke (averaged 16.3 ppg in six basketball games with Nevada-Reno in 1974-75) went 3-for-3, including go-ahead, two-run double, and scored three runs in an 11-7 win against the Atlanta Braves in nightcap of 1976 twinbill.
Chicago Cubs RHP Ray Burris (two-sport standout in Southwestern Oklahoma State Hall of Fame) won his fifth straight start in 1975.
Arizona Diamondbacks 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in WAC games in 1991-92) homered twice in back-to-back games against the Colorado Rockies in 2005.
C Gene Desautels (hoops letterman for Holy Cross in 1929 and 1930) awarded on waivers from the Cleveland Indians to the Philadelphia Athletics in 1945.
Houston Astros RF Cameron Drew (averaged 15.4 ppg and team-high 8.9 rpg as sophomore in 1983-84 before becoming NECC first-team selection in 1984-85 when leading New Haven CT in scoring and rebounding) collected two of his three MLB hits, including a triple, against San Francisco Giants P Rick Reuschel in a 1988 contest.
Los Angeles Dodgers C Joe Ferguson (hooper in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) jacked two homers against the Atlanta Braves in a 1979 outing.
Philadelphia Athletics RF Walt French (letterman for Rutgers and Army) contributed three hits in a game for the second consecutive day in 1925.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) smacked a decisive homer in the 10th inning of 5-4 decision over the Cincinnati Reds in 1926.
Detroit Tigers 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) homered in third consecutive contest, sixth out of last seven games and eighth out of last 11 outings in 1946. Blast was milestone 300th of his 331 MLB career round-trippers.
Baltimore Orioles 3B Wayne Gross (Cal Poly Pomona assists leader in 1974-75) cracked a grand slam against the New York Yankees in a 1984 contest.
New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) hurled a shutout against the Chicago Cubs in 1952.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B Garth Iorg (juco hooper with College of the Redwoods CA in mid-1970s) stroked a bases-loaded, game-winning single in the bottom of ninth inning in 5-4 win against the Boston Red Sox in 1984.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) tossed his 11th shutout of the 1963 campaign, a modern MLB record for lefthander.
Cleveland Indians rookie 3B Jack Kubiszyn (All-SEC first-team guard as senior averaged 18.3 ppg for Alabama from 1955-56 through 1957-58) provided a career-high three hits against the Minnesota Twins in the opener of 1961 twinbill.
Chicago White Sox LHP Thornton Lee (Cal Poly hooper in 1925-26) hurled his second straight complete game yielding fewer than five hits.
New York Giants CF Hank Leiber (Arizona hooper in 1931) provided three extra-base hits and five RBI against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1936 game.
The longest hitting streak of the 1940 season ended at 21 games when Philadelphia Phillies rookie RF Danny Litwhiler (member of JV hoops squad with Bloomsburg PA in mid-1930s) went hitless against the Cincinnati Reds.
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) went 4-for-4 against the New York Giants in opener of a 1944 doubleheader.
Cleveland Indians 1B Ed Morgan (Tulane hoops letterman from 1923-24 through 1925-26) manufactured four hits in back-to-back games in 1930.
St. Louis Cardinals RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) collected four hits and three RBI in a 1908 contest against the New York Giants.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) supplied a go-ahead homer in 11th inning of 5-3 win against the Milwaukee Brewers in 1976.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (hoops guard for Washington College MD two years in mid-1930s) went 4-for-4 with four RBI against the New York Giants in nightcap of a 1947 twinbill.
Detroit Tigers OF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered in both ends of a 1971 doubleheader sweep of the Baltimore Orioles.
Montreal Expos OF Curtis Pride (led William & Mary in steals three times and in assists twice from 1986-87 through 1989-90), born with 95% hearing disability, stroked his first MLB hit in 1993 (pinch two-run double against Philadelphia Phillies).
Philadelphia Phillies SS Don Rader (Oregon hoops letterman in 1912) registered a career-high three hits in a 1921 game against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie 1B Jackie Robinson (PCC's leader in scoring average in 1939-40 and 1940-41 with UCLA) opened game's scoring with a homer and knocked in eventual winning run with double in 4-2 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates clinching 1947 N.L. pennant.
Chicago Cubs utilityman Roe Skidmore (scored 41 points for Millikin IL in game against Illinois College on 1-28-66) delivered a pinch-hit single in his only MLB appearance in 1970 (off Jerry Reuss of St. Louis Cardinals).
New York Yankees RHP Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Northwestern State in 1976-77) notched milestone 400th of 478 saves in his 18-year MLB career.
Chicago Cubs 2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year hoops letterman for Western Michigan in late 1940s) cracked a two-run homer in the seventh inning to account for decisive blow in 3-2 triumph at Brooklyn in 1950.
New York Yankees CF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) launched two homers in a 1983 game against the Cleveland Indians.
New York Giants rookie 1B Babe Young (Fordham hoops letterman in 1935-36) knocked in five runs against the Chicago Cubs in a 1940 contest. Two years later as a CF, Young had seven RBI in 1942 outing against the Cincinnati Reds.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 16 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 16 in football at the professional level (especially in 1962 and 2007):
SEPTEMBER 16
Cincinnati Bengals QB Ken Anderson (swingman finished Augustana IL career in early 1970s as fifth-leading hoops scorer in school history with 1,044 points) passed for more than 300 yards in each of first three games of the 1984 campaign.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (averaged 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore and 11.3 as junior in mid-1950s) rushed for 134 yards on 17 carries in a 17-7 win against the New York Giants in 1962 season opener.
Miami Dolphins WR Chris Chambers (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin under coach Dick Bennett in 1997-98) caught nine passes in a 37-20 setback against the Dallas Cowboys in 2007.
Chicago Hornets TB Johnny Clement (SMU hoops letterman in 1940) opened the game's scoring with a six-yard rushing touchdown and threw two TD passes in 35-7 AAFC win against the Baltimore Colts in 1949.
Cleveland Browns QB Otto Graham (Big Ten Conference runner-up in scoring as Northwestern sophomore in 1941-42 and junior in 1942-43) threw three touchdown passes in a 35-10 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 1950 NFL debut after leaving AAFC.
Kansas City Chiefs LB Napoleon Harris (averaged 4.7 ppg and 4.8 rpg for Northwestern in 1997-98 and 1998-99 under coach Kevin O'Neill) contributed 11 solo tackles, one sack and one interception in a 20-10 setback against the Chicago Bears in 2007.
Green Bay Packers RB Paul Hornung (averaged 6.1 ppg in 10 contests for Notre Dame in 1954-55) rushed for three touchdowns in a 34-7 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 1962 season opener.
Washington Redskins QB Billy Kilmer (hooper under legendary UCLA coach John Wooden in 1959-60) threw two second-half touchdown passes in a 38-0 win against the San Diego Chargers in 1973 season opener.
Los Angeles Rams DE Lamar Lundy (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.5 rpg for Purdue in mid-1950s) returned an interception 33 yards for touchdown in 31-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1966.
Baltimore Colts TE Dee Mackey (All-Lone Star Conference first-team selection for East Texas State and member of NAIA All-Tournament team as senior) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Johnny Unitas in a 30-27 win against the Los Angeles Rams in 1962 season opener.
Baltimore Colts B John North (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1943) returned a fumble recovery 47 yards for fourth-quarter touchdown in 27-14 AAFC win against the New York Yankees in 1948.
New York Titans WR Art Powell (averaged 10.5 ppg and 8.2 rpg for San Jose State in 1956-57) caught two fourth-quarter touchdown passes from Lee Grosscup in a 40-14 AFL setback against the San Diego Chargers in 1962.
Dallas Cowboys QB Roger Staubach (Navy varsity hooper in 1962-63) threw two second-quarter touchdown passes in a 20-17 win against the Chicago Bears in 1973 season opener. Six years later, Staubach threw three TD passes in a 24-20 win against the Chicago Bears in 1979.
New England Patriots LB Adalius Thomas (averaged 2.9 ppg and 1.9 rpg for Southern Mississippi in 1996-97 and 1997-98) scored a touchdown on 65-yard interception return in 38-14 win against the San Diego Chargers in 2007.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 16
Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering where is the junk-journalism ridicule and accountability for egregious multitude of bed-wetting #MessMedia misfits probably throwing "Let's Go, Brandon!" inflation party with vacation guru Plagiarist Biledumb highlighted by sniffer-in-chief assessing Melania's wardrobe confiscated during Mar-a-lago raid, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former hoopers from multiple different Michigan colleges - Don Lund (Michigan), Jim Northrup (Alma) and Robin Roberts (Michigan State) - supplied significant MLB performances on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 16 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 16
Switch-hitting C Mark Bailey (Southwest Missouri State's top basketball rebounder in 1980-81) homered from both sides of the plate as Houston Astros rookie in 1984 game against the San Diego Padres.
Chicago Cubs 2B Glenn Beckert (three-year hoops letterman for Allegheny PA) established a dubious MLB record (subsequently tied by Todd Helton in 1998) by stranding 12 baserunners in an 18-5 victory against the New York Mets in 1972. Five years earlier, Beckert provided multiple hits for the sixth consecutive contest in 1967.
Baltimore Orioles RF Angelo Dagres (averaged 6 ppg for Rhode Island in 1954-55) delivered a hit and scored a run in both ends of 1955 doubleheader sweep against the Washington Senators.
Cleveland Indians rookie RF Larry Doby (reserve guard for Virginia Union's 1943 CIAA hoops titlist) extended his hitting streak to 21 games with a first-inning grand slam against the Washington Senators in 1948.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Taylor Douthit (California hoops letterman from 1922 through 1924), en route to amassing 84 RBI as a leadoff hitter, singled in the contest's only run against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 10th inning in 1930.
Philadelphia Phillies RHP Don Erickson Don Erickson (basketball scholarship recipient at Western Illinois as freshman in 1950-51 but signed pro contract before playing single game of hoops) lost his lone MLB decision (10-8 against Chicago Cubs in 1958) when reliever yielded a two-run single to 3B Alvin Dark (hoops letterman with Louisiana State in 1942-43 and Southwestern Louisiana in 1943-44) in top of the 10th inning.
New York Giants 3B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) furnished four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in the opener of a 1922 doubleheader.
Brooklyn Dodgers 1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) homered twice against the New York Giants in a 1955 game.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) stroked five hits against the Florida Marlins in a 2005 contest.
St. Louis Browns RF Don Lund (Michigan starter in 1943-44 and 1944-45) went 4-for-4 in a 3-1 triumph against the Boston Red Sox in 1948.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Irv Noren (hooper of year for California community college state champion Pasadena City in 1945) homered in his third consecutive outing in 1958.
Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) homered in fifth different and final contest during seven-game road trip in 1969. Five years later, Northrup was purchased from the Montreal Expos by the Baltimore Orioles in 1974.
In 1954, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Robin Roberts (Michigan State's second-leading scorer in 1945-46 and 1946-47) became the first N.L. hurler to reach 20-win plateau five successive seasons since Carl Hubbell in mid-1930s.
Chicago Cubs LF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) contributed three hits and five RBI in 1920 game against the Philadelphia Phillies.
New York Yankees 3B Red Rolfe (played hoops briefly with Dartmouth in 1927-28 and 1929-30) knocked in five runs against the Detroit Tigers in a 1939 game.
RHP Dave Sisler (All-Ivy League second-team selection for Princeton's first NCAA Tournament team in 1952) traded with cash by the Washington Senators to the Cincinnati Reds for P Claude Osteen in 1961.
RHP Jack Spring (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) won his three starts this month in less than two weeks with the expansion Los Angeles Angels in 1961.
New York Mets C John Stephenson (scored 1,361 points for William Carey MS in early 1960s) swatted two homers against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1965 contest.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) permitted his only earned run in final 17 relief appearances of the 1984 campaign.
St. Louis Browns SS Bud Thomas (Central Missouri hoops letterman in late 1940s) belted his lone MLB homer (third-inning blast against Philadelphia Athletics in nightcap of 1951 doubleheader).
DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) jacked a walk-off, two-run homer in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Chicago White Sox a 9-7 win against the Los Angeles Angels in 2007. It was the 500th of his 612 MLB career clouts.
Pittsburgh Pirates rookie LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) hurled his second shutout in an 11-day span in 1963.
Cincinnati Reds LF Hub Walker (Ole Miss hooper in 1927 and 1929) supplied his third three-hit outing in a five-day span in 1936.
Minnesota Twins 2B Jay Ward (McKendree IL hooper in 1956-57 before forgoing hoops to concentrate solely on pro baseball) reached base a total of four times with single and three walks in 2-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles in 1964.
Boston Red Sox 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) whacked two homers against the Chicago White Sox in the nightcap of a 1934 twinbill.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) went 4-for-4 against the Pittsburgh Pirates in nightcap of a 1924 doubleheader.
In 1993, Minnesota Twins DH-RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) singled against the Oakland A's for his 3,000th hit.
Homering in his first of three consecutive contests in 2005, San Francisco Giants CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) went 4-for-4 against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Tackling September 15 NFL Gridiron
Long before kneeling knuckleheads and multiple anthems, the NCAA Tournament commenced in 1939, which was one year after the NIT triggered national postseason competition. An overlooked "versatile athlete" feat occurring in 1938 likely never to be duplicated took place at Arkansas, where the quarterback for the football squad (Jack Robbins) repeated as an All-SWC first-team basketball selection, leading the Razorbacks (19-3) to the league title. After the season, Robbins became an NFL first-round draft choice by the Chicago Cardinals (5th pick overall) and senior football/basketball teammates Jim Benton (11th pick by Cleveland Rams) and Ray Hamilton (41st pick by Rams) went on to become wide receivers for at least six years in the NFL. Yes, they created a kneeling-in-admiration shatterproof achievement - three do-everything members of a league championship basketball squad who promptly were among the top 41 selections in the same NFL draft.
Two years later, All-SWC first-team hoop selection Howard "Red" Hickey was instrumental in Arkansas reaching the 1941 Final Four before becoming an end for the Cleveland Rams' 1945 NFL titlist. Two-sport college teammate and fellow end O'Neal Adams scored five touchdowns for the New York Giants the first half of the 1940s. Another two-sport Hog who played for the Giants in the mid-1940s was Harry Wynne. An earlier versatile Razorback was Jim Lee Howell, who was an All-SWC first five hoop selection in 1935-36 before becoming a starting end for the Giants' 1938 NFL titlist and Pro Bowl participant the next year. Adams, Benton, Hamilton, Hickey and Howell combined for 77 touchdowns in an 11-year span from 1938 through 1948 when at least one of the ex-Razorback hoopers scored a TD in each of those seasons.
Hickey and ex-Hog All-SWC second-team hooper in 1929-30/NFL end Milan Creighton each coached NFL franchises. Many other ex-college hoopers also displayed their wares on the gridiron. Following is exhaustive research you can tackle regarding former college basketball players who made a name for themselves on September 15 in football at the professional level (especially in 1963 and 2002):
SEPTEMBER 15
Chicago Bears TE Martellus Bennett (averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.5 rpg as Texas A&M freshman in 2005-06 before playing briefly next season under coach Billy Gillispie) had the game-winning touchdown reception with 10 seconds remaining in a 31-30 win against the Minnesota Vikings in 2013.
Cleveland Browns FB Jim Brown (averaged 14 ppg for Syracuse as sophomore and 11.3 as junior in mid-1950s) scored three touchdowns - including an 83-yard pass reception and 80-yard rush - while rushing for 162 yards on 15 carries in 37-14 win against the Washington Redskins in 1963 season opener.
Dallas Cowboys PK Billy Cundiff (played in nine basketball contests with Drake in 1999-00 and 2000-01) converted a then-record seven-of-eight field-goal attempts in 35-32 win against the New York Giants in 2003.
Buffalo Bills FL Elbert Dubenion (solid rebounder and defensive player for Bluffton OH in late 1950s) caught six passes for 131 yards - including two touchdowns from Jack Kemp - in a 35-17 AFL setback against the Oakland Raiders in 1963.
New Orleans Saints TE Jimmy Graham (part-time starter for Miami FL averaged 4.2 ppg and 4.2 rpg from 2005-06 through 2008-09) caught 10 passes for 179 yards in a 16-14 win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2013.
Philadelphia Eagles QB King Hill (Rice hoops letterman in 1955-56 and 1956-57) punted six times for 290 yards (48.3 average) in a 21-21 tie against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1963 season opener. Steelers RB John Henry Johnson (made 5-of-8 FGAs in five games for Saint Mary's in 1950-51) scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns.
First pro touchdown catch for rookie WR DeAndre Hopkins (played in seven hoop games for Clemson in 2010-11) propelled the Houston Texans to a 30-24 overtime win against the Tennessee Titans in 2013.
Chicago Bears rookie PK Bob Jencks (collected 3 points and 12 rebounds in five basketball games for Miami of Ohio in 1960-61) opened game's scoring with a 32-yard field goal in 10-3 win against the Green Bay Packers in 1963 season opener. He also kicked his first of 20 consecutive successful extra points through first six outings.
Oakland Raiders RB Terry Kirby (averaged 3.4 ppg as Virginia freshman in 1989-90 and 2.1 as sophomore in 1990-91) returned a kickoff 96 yards for touchdown in 30-17 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2002.
In 1968 season opener, New York Giants DT Bob Lurtsema (averaged 12.5 ppg for Michigan Tech in 1962-63) returned an interception 39 yards in 34-20 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Indianapolis Colts DB David Macklin (collected 13 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for Penn State in 15 basketball games as freshman in 1996-97) returned an interception 30 yards in 21-13 setback against the Miami Dolphins in 2002.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie HB Banks McFadden (led Clemson in scoring in each of his three seasons en route to becoming school's first All-American in 1939) had a 17-yard touchdown reception from TB Ace Parker (Duke hoops letterman in 1936) in 24-17 setback against the Washington Redskins in 1940 season opener.
Dallas Cowboys WR Terrell Owens (UTC hooper from 1993-94 through 1995-96 started five games) caught two first-half touchdown passes from Tony Romo - one of them for 72 yards - in a 41-37 win against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2008.
Carolina Panthers rookie DE Julius Peppers (averaged 5.7 ppg and 3.7 rpg while shooting 60.7% from floor for North Carolina in 1999-00 and 2000-01) had three sacks in a 31-7 win against the Detroit Lions in 2002.
Washington Redskins E Pat Richter (three-year Wisconsin hoops letterman in early 1960s) caught three touchdown passes from Sonny Jurgensen in a 38-28 win against the Chicago Bears in 1968 season opener.
New York Giants CB Jason Sehorn (averaged 12.5 ppg and 6 rpg for Shasta Community College CA in 1990-91) returned a Kurt Warner interception 31 yards for touchdown in 26-21 win against the St. Louis Rams in 2002.
Cincinnati Bengals QB John Stofa (averaged 5.8 ppg and 5.4 rpg for Buffalo in 1961-62) threw two second-half touchdown passes - 58 yards to Bob Trumpy and 54 yards to Warren McVea - in a 24-10 AFL win against the Denver Broncos in 1968.
Denver Broncos SE Lionel Taylor (led New Mexico Highlands in scoring average with 13.6 ppg in 1955-56 and 20.3 in 1956-57) had nine pass receptions for 133 yards in a 23-20 AFL win against the Buffalo Bills in 1962.
On This Date: Ex-College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on September 15
Extra! Extra! Instead of wondering if fossil fool Plagiarist Biledumb and cover girl "Dr." Jill even know the name of their granddaughter from rural Arkansas (let alone hugged) sired by hideous Hunter with stripper as amazing artist dropped her off insurance policy and later strove to substantially reduce child support payments, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements and moments involving former college basketball players. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Nonetheless, numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games, transactions and dates in MLB history.
Former Bucknell hoopers Bob Keegan and Christy Mathewson provided noteworthy MLB pitching performances on this date. Ditto ex-Cincinnati hoopers Carl Bouldin and Sandy Koufax. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a September 15 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
SEPTEMBER 15
California Angels 1B Bruce Bochte (starting forward with Santa Clara's 1970 NCAA playoff basketball team averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg) went 5-for-5 against the Minnesota Twins in a 1975 game.
Washington Senators RHP Carl Bouldin (All-NCAA Tournament selection for Cincinnati in 1961) posted his first MLB victory with his only complete game (3-1 nod over Chicago White Sox in 1962).
California Angels 2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State in 1962-63) delivered four hits in a 1974 contest against the Chicago White Sox.
Detroit Tigers rookie CF Hoot Evers (Illinois hoops starter in 1939-40) slugged two homers against the Washington Senators in a 1946 outing.
In the opener of a 1946 doubleheader, Boston Red Sox RHP Boo Ferriss (Mississippi State hoops letterman in 1941) registered his 25th triumph, a 4-1 verdict over the Chicago White Sox.
In 1947, Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Hank Greenberg (enrolled at NYU on hoops scholarship in 1929 but attended college only one semester) hammered the final of his 331 MLB career homers.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 4-for-4 against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1996 game.
Los Angeles Dodgers RF Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding in 1956-57 and 1957-58) went 4-for-4 and contributed two assists in a 6-4 victory against the Chicago Cubs in 1962.
Chicago White Sox rookie RHP Bob Keegan (Bucknell letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) tossed his first of back-to-back shutouts in 1953.
New York Yankees LF Charlie Keller (Maryland three-year hoops letterman from 1934-35 through 1936-37) homered twice against the St. Louis Browns in the opener of a 1945 doubleheader.
In 1961, Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) set a N.L. single-season record for most strikeouts by a lefthander.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played hoops briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV squad previous season) supplied first four-hit game in his MLB career (against Washington Senators in 1952).
Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s), en route to pacing the A.L. in ERA (2.10), hurled a three-hitter against the Boston Red Sox in 1940 on day commemorating his career.
In 1908, New York Giants RHP Christy Mathewson (Bucknell hooper at turn of 20th Century) defeated the St. Louis Cardinals for 24th straight time.
In his MLB debut, Philadelphia Athletics RHP Bill McCahan (three-year Duke hoops letterman named to All-Southern Conference Tournament team in 1942) tossed a seven-inning, 2-0 shutout against the Cleveland Indians in nightcap of 1946 doubleheader, outdueling Hall of Famer Bob Feller.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) whacked two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in nightcap of a 1957 twinbill.
New York Giants RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) knocked in five runs in opener of 1910 doubleheader against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
RHP Joe Niekro (averaged 8.9 ppg and 3.8 rpg for West Liberty WV from 1963-64 through 1965-66) traded by the Houston Astros to the New York Yankees in 1985.
Detroit Tigers RF Jim Northrup (second-leading scorer and third-leading rebounder for Alma MI in 1958-59) jacked two homers against the Oakland Athletics in a 1968 contest.
Oakland Athletics 2B Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) went 3-for-3 for the second successive contest in 1989.
After missing three previous seasons while serving in U.S. Navy during WWII, Chicago White Sox RHP Johnny Rigney (top hoops center for St. Thomas MN in mid-1930s) twirled a three-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox in nightcap of 1946 doubleheader.
2B Mel Roach (averaged 9.3 ppg for Virginia in 1952-53) delivered a pinch-hit single in the bottom of ninth inning to lift the Philadelphia Phillies to 5-4 win against the St. Louis Cardinals.
Brooklyn Dodgers 2B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) homered twice against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1952 outing.
Washington Senators LHP Orlin "Buck" Rogers (Virginia hoops letterman from 1932-33 through 1934-35) lost his lone MLB decision in debut as a starter against the Cleveland Indians in 1935.
Milwaukee Brewers LF Ted Savage (Lincoln MO scoring average leader in 1955-56) collected two triples and homer against the Oakland Athletics in a 1970 game.
An eighth-inning bloop single by Philadelphia Athletics 1B Dick Siebert (Concordia-St. Paul MN hooper in 1929 and 1930) broke up a no-hit bid by Cleveland Indians P Bob Feller in 1940.
Cleveland Indians RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Mizzou in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) closed out the 1966 campaign with seven straight quality starts, compiling a 1.61 ERA in that span.
Minnesota Twins RHP Mike Smithson (teammate of Tennessee All-American Ernie Grunfeld averaged 1.9 ppg and 1.6 rpg under coach Ray Mears in 1974-75 and 1975-76) hurled his first MLB shutout in 1984 (1-0 against original MLB team Texas Rangers).
Atlanta Braves rookie LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) won his fourth straight start in 1968, notching a 1.69 ERA in that span.
Chicago White Sox rookie 3B Billy Sullivan Jr. (Portland hoops letterman in 1927-28) supplied four hits against the Boston Red Sox in a 1931 outing.
Montreal Expos 2B Gary Sutherland (averaged 7.4 ppg with Southern California in 1963-64) stroked four hits against the Chicago Cubs in a 1969 contest.
Kansas City Royals C John Wathan (averaged 3.7 ppg in 11 games for San Diego in 1968-69) went 4-for-4 in a 7-6 win against the Oakland Athletics in opener of 1977 twinbill.
Washington Senators LHP Eddie Wineapple (averaged 13.9 ppg with Providence in 1928-29) made his lone MLB appearance, toiling four innings in the opener of a 1929 doubleheader against the Detroit Tigers.
Cleveland Indians rookie RF Ab Wright (Oklahoma A&M hoops letterman in 1928-29) contributed four hits and four against the Washington Senators in opener of a 1935 twinbill.