Memphis Mafia: Elvis' Tune May Be Jailhouse Jock Rather Than Jailhouse Rock
The 45th anniversary of death of rock 'n' roll icon Elvis Presley occurred last year. "Memphis Mafia" was the tag given by him to hangers-on whose principal functions were to deliver everything to "The King" on a silver platter. His closest friends and employees embraced the acronym TCB ("Taking Care of Business"). But Elvis' Jailhouse Rock on 45 RPM record takes on a whole new meaning as soft-on-crime Memphis descends deeper into a cesspool. Junk judicial system in #Dimorat-governed municipalities was depicted again in Memphis a year ago allowing early-morning jogger/kindergarten teacher to be kidnapped and murdered by stalker before live-streamed shooting spree killing of four people by another demented local loser. In the fall, Northwestern State's football squad cancelled remainder of its season in late October after a Memphis product allegedly shot and murdered a teammate.
In music lingo, Don't Be Cruel while cancelling "Gone With the Wind" screenings, but it is Now or Never to face some Fever facts. Within a month of Elvis' commemoration, Memphis was All Shook Up when reminded again how it resembles a hell-hole In the Ghetto facing huge problem of a fundamental absence of dignity and direction. Resembling community-at-large, multiple former Memphis-connected hoopers generated Heartbreak Hotel headlines by running afoul of the law. Any Day Now, it might be hailed as more Memphis Mayhem or Memphis Mess than Memphis Mafia, but Elvis would have been singing a spinoff called Jailhouse Jock stemming from the inordinate number of Memphis Misfits including a pair of coach Penny Hardaway's recent prize hoop prospects - Emoni Bates (felony gun charge in Michigan dismissed following plea deal) and Mikey Williams (arrested in San Diego in mid-April 2023 on charge of assault with deadly weapon). Hardaway may be ambivalent to gun toting after he was charged with intimidating his girlfriend with a handgun in late 2000. While sitting out 1990-91 season with the Tigers because of scholastic shortcomings, Hardaway was robbed at gunpoint outside his cousin's residence and hit in the foot by a stray bullet.
Rather than focusing on avoiding being kicked to the curb, former Memphis Grizzlies coach David Fizdale might not have been intentionally seeking Trouble evoking suspect values of civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in imploring Memphis to remove Confederate statues. MLK Jr. was assassinated in Memphis in 1968 after traveling there in support of striking African-American city sanitation workers. But unless delusional Fizdale simplistically thought his instant-impulse personal pinata, The Devil in Disguise (#TheDonald), is solely responsible for total eclipse of values in Memphis the last three decades or so, Suspicious Minds could counter that culture rot needing sanitized in "Home of the Blues" should dwell a mite more on personal responsibility and scholars worshiped simply because they can jump "high" and dribble a basketball.
It isn't Always On My Mind and wasn't delivered like some masked Antifa anarchist, but Fizdale is well known for his insulting "Take that for data!" NBA playoffs rant. In a Return to Sender of sorts, only A Fool Such As I should remind him about former Tigers coach Dana Kirk's grotesque graduation data (six of his 60 four-year scholarship players earned diplomas during 1980s before he was imprisoned). Amid excessive educational exploitation and abject failure of local leadership exemplified by sordid AAU sexual abuse stories earlier the last decade, the academic anemia can't possibly be portrayed in a more favorable light in the 21st Century by Fizdale or anyone credible in his vocation. After all, many pro and college coaches are more concerned about patronizing African-American lifeline fond of free "Obama" phones by phoning it in driving hard-left free advertising down our throats dumping on Donald rather than steadfastly supporting stronger scholastic standards.
Physician (or left-coast native coach in this instance), heal thyself! OK, genius! Do you want USC's mascot steed in your home state of California put to sleep since its name (Traveler) is same as Lee's famous horse? Should Elvis statue on Beale Street come down because he initiated Blue Suede Shoes meeting with a Republican President (Richard Nixon won stunning 1/3 of black vote in national elections)? Social scholar probably supports substituting Presley with Fizdale's most visible veteran player (wayward Zach Randolph). Anyone defending Memphis' misguided priorities is indeed "stupid or sick" unless, of course, you're a social genius like San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. At the risk of needing to write SSN on forearm to cope with torrent of left-wing indignation, Shake, Rattle and Roll while trying to answer some sarcastic questions. Does this selective outrage include putting MLK memorial on chopping block because he was a sexist and womanizer? How about boycotting race baiter Al "No So" Sharpton since he is a tax cheat or banning any sports reference to "lefty" #AudacityofHype following feeble mom-jeans heave at MLB All-Star Game impressing only the less-than-intelligent community?
How did p-c pansies ruin our sensibilities to the point of contemplating whether ESPN (Extra Sensitive Pious Network), a sports network without balls except those exposed by Scott Van Pelt's old radio show partner, should possibly prohibit former sage Bob Ley (short for Robert; sounds same as Lee) from generalizing about African-American activity crossing border into Charlottesville? In order to adequately TCB, Fizdale (now in Utah Jazz front office after member of Minnesota Timberwolves traveling party reportedly was robbed at knifepoint this spring) and other victim-hood leaders should focus on issues far exceeding the importance of inanimate objects. #TheDonald might call the municipality a spit-hole when it comes to supplying authentic student-athletes. Monument Mania moguls, including equally left-leaning USA Today sanctioning ESPN's foolishness, need to help reduce the following alarming number of Memphis-based or Memphis-connected collegiate members of alternate-universe KKK (Known Knucklehead Kings) detailed in the following alphabetical "lineup" list:
Andre Allen, Memphis (coach was John Calipari) - Arrested in fall of 2010 and faced charges including possession of marijuana with intent to sell, improper display of registration and violation of light law. Police also noticed a loaded handgun in Allen's pants although he had a handgun carry permit. The backup to standout point guard Derrick Rose was suspended from the Tigers' 2008 squad before it reached the Final Four for failing an NCAA-mandated drug test. He spent his first season out of uniform focusing on academics and dealing with charges of soliciting a prostitute. In the fall of 2014, Allen was arrested after officials said they found money, pot and a stolen loaded gun in his Cadillac. In late March 2019, he was arrested at his residence after narcotics detectives executed a search warrant.
Vincent Askew, Memphis State (Kirk) - Freshman starter for the Tigers' 1985 Final Four team was arrested in mid-August 2008, accused of unlawfully having sex with a minor (16-year-old girl) in a Miami hotel room. He pleaded guilty to a charge of child abuse with no great bodily harm and was placed on probation for three years. Briefly coached Elliston Baptist Academy in Memphis before leaving the job under a cloud. Attended summer school at Kansas under Larry Brown before budding transfer returned to Memphis. KU was placed on probation stemming from wrongdoing in connection with improper inducements to Askew.
Adrian Banks, Arkansas State (Dickey Nutt) - ASU's scoring leader early in the 2007-08 campaign when arrested for firing a handgun within Jonesboro city limits in the wee hours of the morning (suspended for about a month). Juco recruit told police he found the gun at a nightclub where a fight was breaking out. "I found the gun on the ground and didn't want anyone to get shot, so I shot the gun until it was empty," Banks said according to the police report in what could be described as Exhibit A for logic of the moronic.
Sean Banks, Memphis (Calipari) - C-USA Freshman of the Year in 2004 and three accomplices allegedly linked to a ring known as the James Bond Gang were arrested in his home state of New Jersey in early August 2011 after a couple of luxury-home burglaries and high-speed chase. More than $20,000 in jewelry and other valuables taken during the two heists were found in the stolen SUV. A marijuana arrest, disruptive behavior and academic issues forced Banks' departure from Memphis midway through his sophomore season. Suspended several games in high school after being a passenger in a car that police attempted to stop for driving erratically before it sped off. Upon ditching the auto, Banks and the other passengers tried to run off, but were caught. According to ShamSports.com, Banks' background included an arrest for burning a gang insignia into a teenage girl's leg. In late September 2013, he was arrested in connection with a domestic violence complaint involving the mother of his child.
Arthur Barclay, Memphis (Calipari) - Democratic Party politician represented the 5th Legislative District in the N.J. General Assembly from when he was sworn into office in early 2016 until resigning in mid-June 2018 following assault charge related to domestic violence (punching girlfriend in face breaking her nose although judge dismissed case after victim failed to appear at hearing). Five years later, he was issued a summons for causing serious injury to a pedestrian while driving with a suspended license. Barclay, who tagged along with high school teammate Dajuan Wagner from Camden, N.J. (sixth pick overall in 2002 NBA draft following freshman season), averaged 2.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg from 2001-02 through 2004-05 (redshirt in 2002-03).
Emoni Bates, Memphis (Hardaway) - Arrested in mid-September 2022 on felony gun charges (Eastern Michigan transfer and eventual 2023 NBA second-round draft choice was sentenced to 18 months of probation after pleading guilty to misdemeanor gun charge). Bates, previously ranked as the #1 prospect in his high school class, was pulled over on a routine traffic stop after failing to stop at an intersection.
Corey Beck, Arkansas (Nolan Richardson Jr.) - Arrested at 2:00 a.m. midway through 1992-93 season for allegedly driving while intoxicated before pacing the NCAA champion Hogs in assists and steals the next campaign. In early November 2004, he was jailed for the third time in two years for failure to pay child support and violating his probation. According to court documents, Beck flunked multiple drug tests for cocaine, admitted to marijuana use and lied to his probation officer about where he lived. In the fall of 2007, he was shot in the hand and face defending himself during an attempted auto theft in Memphis. Arrested in summer of 2008 for contempt of court stemming from failure to pay child support for four daughters. In summer of 2010, he was booked into jail at almost 3:00 a.m. following an arrest for driving while intoxicated. Arrested in late January 2013 for failure to pay fines and costs in connection with his conviction for driving while intoxicated and other traffic offenses in 2011. In early 2013, Beck was arrest for failure to pay fines and costs.
William Bedford, Memphis State (Kirk) - All-American as a junior in 1985-86 was arrested in February 2001 after Taylor, Mich., police said they found 25 pounds of marijuana in his car. Subsequently served time in a Fort Worth, Tex., prison on drug-related charges. In 1987, he was subpoenaed by a Maricopa County (Ariz.) grand jury investigating drug use among Phoenix Suns players and testified against his teammates after receiving immunity. In March 1988, Bedford admitted he was addicted to cocaine and marijuana and was committed to the NBA's treatment facility in Van Nuys, Calif. Known as "Willie B" - as in "Will he be at practice?" - Bedford relapsed the following October and was readmitted to the clinic. When he returned, his behavior on and off the court grew more erratic. He received a dozen traffic tickets and 10 license suspensions in less than four years. In September 1997, Bedford, who was on three years probation at the time, tested positive for cocaine and was sent to a Texas state jail for one year. Also arrested in Texas for failing to pay more than $300,000 in child support.
Leron Black, Illinois (John Groce) - Memphis native, after missing much of season because of a knee injury, pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault stemming from his arrest in mid-February 2016 for allegedly pulling a knife on a bouncer at a nightclub.
Jarekious Bradley, Kent State (Rob Senderoff)/Southeast Missouri State (Dickey Nutt) - Memphis recruit was arrested in mid-July 2011 after an incident with his former girlfriend resulted in charges of aggravated burglary and criminal damaging. A woman claimed Bradley came inside her apartment without permission and demanded money he felt she owed him. At one point, deputies say, Bradley tried to remove money from the woman's purse, prompting a physical confrontation between them with the woman incurring an injury. Other individuals in the apartment gave Bradley money and he left.
Antonio Burks, Memphis (Calipari) - C-USA Player of the Year in 2003-04 was shot by a robber (subsequently sentenced to 97 years in prison) in the abdomen during a dice game in 2009 in the backyard of a vacant duplex. In early June 2015, he was arrested after a fight with his girlfriend. In the fall of 2006, Burks was arrested for not appearing in court regarding a speeding ticket. In late July 2021, Burks was arrested for illegal gambling.
Charles Carmouche, Memphis (Josh Pastner) - Starting guard for the Tigers' 2011 NCAA tourney team, sandwiched between stints with New Orleans and Louisiana State, was booked in New Orleans in December of 2017 for possession with intent to distribute marijuana.
Randy Carter, Minnesota (Clem Haskins) - Four-year starting forward from 1990-91 through 1993-94 was sentenced to six months in a federal "boot camp" after Memphis product pleaded guilty to cocaine distribution charge involving a government informant.
Raynardo Curry, Western Kentucky (Dennis Felton) - Two-time leader in steals was kicked off WKU's team following 2001-02 season after drug arrest. Faced similar charges earlier in the year. Memphis product previously served three days in jail after pleading guilty to receiving stolen property worth less than $300.
Michael Dixon Jr., Missouri (Mike Anderson and Frank Haith)/Memphis (Pastner) - Big 12 Conference Sixth Man of the Year before receiving same award in AAC in 2013-14 was accused of forcible rape in late summer following Mizzou's 30-5 season in 2011-12, but it was determined there was insufficient evidence to the criminal charges. He was suspended for "a violation of team rules" by the Tigers before choosing to transfer after it was revealed there was another similar incident 2 1/2 years earlier when the alleged victim declined to press charges following coach Anderson reminding her how campus life could become uncomfortable if she proceeded. In a campus police report unearthed by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, an MU employee at the time involved in the first incident said Dixon threatened her if she got pregnant ("kick her in the stomach and push her down the stairs"). Dixon was also suspended in mid-December 2010 for violating team rules. Playing professionally overseas, he was involved in fatal auto accident in Athens, Greece, in early December 2016.
Chris Douglas-Roberts, Memphis (Calipari) - NCAA unanimous first-team All-American in 2007-08 pleaded guilty to his involvement in a scheme where nearly 20 NBA players were indicted for fraudulent chiropractic/dental claims. Detroit product Roberts reportedly was a witness threatened by ringleader Terrence Williams, a Louisville All-American in 2008-09 who pleaded guilty to conspiracy and identity theft charges.
Robert Dozier, Memphis (Calipari) - Police took simple assault domestic violence report during 2007-08 campaign before complaint stemming from argument at 3:30 a.m. outside a nightclub was dismissed. Georgia denied him admission in his home state because of questions about SAT score. In mid-February 2019, he was arrested on a domestic assault charge in attack reportedly leaving victim with dislocated shoulder and finger.
Tony Dumas, UMKC (Lee Hunt) - The Kangaroos' leading scorer from 1991-92 through 1993-94 was sued in spring of 1996 by his pregnant girlfriend, accusing him of drinking excessively and subjecting her to a "pattern of physical, verbal and emotional abuse." Several months earlier, member of UMKC's Metro Memphis pipeline was arrested and charged with falsely reporting to police that his car had been stolen.
Tyreke Evans, Memphis (Calipari) - C-USA Rookie of the Year in 2008-09 as Derrick Rose's successor (17.1 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 3.9 apg and 2.1 spg) was arrested at gunpoint in spring of 2010 and charged with reckless driving (120 to 130 MPH in purple Mercedes on Sacramento interstate). Dismissed and disqualified from the NBA for two seasons (2019-20 and 2020-21) after violating terms of league's Anti-Drug Program. He was suspended for one game by the Indiana Pacers early in 2018-19 campaign for tardiness and missed contests later in the season for personal reasons.
Sylvester "Deuce" Ford Jr., Memphis (Larry Finch)/Louisiana State (Dale Brown) - Dismissed from LSU for ubiquitous "violation of team rules" after averaging 11.5 ppg and 5.4 rpg in 17 games in 1995-96.
Cameron Golden, Arkansas State (John Brady) - Three-year starting guard dismissed from squad in fall of 2015 following Memphis product's aggravated robbery arrest.
Greg Hardy, Mississippi (Andy Kennedy) - Backup freshman forward in 2006-07 was arrested as an NFL defensive end. Memphis product missed majority of the 2014 season following charge of attacking and threatening his girlfriend. Arrested in Texas in fall of 2016 on a cocaine possession charge.
Cedric Henderson, Memphis (Finch) - Forward who averaged 13.8 ppg and 5.2 rpg from 1993-94 through 1996-97 was found not guilty in spring of 2016 of domestic violence charges.
Jason Henry, Arkansas (John Pelphrey) - Sentenced to six years in prison after his conviction on prostitution charges. According to a police report, pimp known as "Allstar" was booked in late March 2015 on multiple sex crimes, including the possible rape of a 14-year-old girl. West Memphis product started twice as a freshman but was suspended three times by the Hogs during the 2008-09 campaign and dismissed from the program prior to sophomore season.
Baskerville Holmes, Memphis State (Kirk) - A starting forward who averaged 9.6 ppg and 5.9 rpg for the Tigers' 1985 Final Four team, he was arrested twice for domestic violence. Later, Holmes, an out-of-work truck driver, and his girlfriend were found shot to death March 18, 1997 in an apparent murder-suicide. He was 32.
Jerrell Houston, Mississippi State (Rick Stansbury)/Tennessee State (Cy Alexander) - Redshirt forward kicked off MSU's squad midway through 2005-06 campaign for violating unspecified rules. Memphis native broke a team rule at the beginning of the school year and was suspended for the exhibition season.
Ron Huery, Arkansas (Richardson) - Received a five-year prison sentence in mid-2008 for violating his probation and attempting to break into his ex-girlfriend's home. Arrested in mid-July 2005 on charges of rape, first-degree false imprisonment and third-degree domestic battery, plus a misdemeanor charge of obstructing governmental operations stemming from an incident involving an ex-girlfriend. In 1994, he was put on probation for eight years after a cocaine conviction in his hometown of Memphis, where he was also charged with drunken driving and driving on a revoked license. In 2002, Huery, who scored 1,550 points for the Razorbacks, sold his ring from the 1990 Final Four to help pay off fines and interest on 1991 traffic charges.
LaKeith Humphrey, Kansas State (Lon Kruger)/Central Missouri State (Jim Wooldridge) - Sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of first-degree murder in the late November 2006 death of his former girlfriend, who was shot through her bedroom window about 3:40 a.m. in his hometown of Memphis. Humphrey, a J.C. recruit, averaged 12.6 ppg and 3.6 apg for the Wildcats' NCAA playoff team in 1988-89.
Jeremy Hunt, Memphis (Calipari) - Pleaded guilty to reckless aggravated assault and driving under the influence stemming from an early-morning crash in fall of 2011 when his Land Rover struck a truck stopped in a curb lane. The truck driver, checking on another motorist, lost both legs in the accident. Hunt, who averaged 9.5 ppg for the Tigers from 2002-03 through 2004-05, was previously in trouble with the law in January 2005 when he was charged with domestic assault (accused of striking his girlfriend at least six times in the face and kicked her on both sides). Later that year, Hunt broke his hand after getting into a fight. In the spring of 2012, he was accused of choking his girlfriend during an argument around 5:30 a.m. Sentenced to 43 days in jail after another DUI conviction following arrest in mid-November 2016.
Joe Jackson, Memphis (Pastner) - C-USA player of the year in 2012-13 was arrested in summer of 2017 on felony drug and gun charges. Police officers found 100 ecstasy pills, two guns and $4,500 in $100 bills inside a Louis Vuitton backpack found on the backseat of a 2017 Chevrolet Camaro.
Otis Jackson, Memphis State (Wayne Yates and Kirk) - All-Metro Conference first-team selection in 1981-82 when leading league in assists accepted pretrial diversion before declaring publicly he did not acknowledge government following indictment as county court clerk on four counts of official misconduct for pressuring his employees to raise or contribute more than $50,000 to his 2012 re-election campaign.
Chris Jones, Tennessee signee (Bruce Pearl)/Louisville (Rick Pitino) - J.C. player of the year in 2013 was leading the ACC in steals and Cardinals in assists late in the 2014-15 campaign when dismissed from their squad following multiple suspensions. He allegedly threatened to "smack" a female student. Within a few days of his dismissal, he was charged with raping one woman and sodomizing another between 2 and 4 a.m. despite having a 9 p.m. curfew. "I'm not worried about anything that anybody has to say about me," Jones told the Louisville Courier-Journal. In late June 2017, Jones was shot in his right thigh after a fight reportedly led to gunfire on a basketball court next to a Memphis police department precinct.
Jelan Kendrick, Memphis (Pastner)/Ole Miss (Kennedy)/UNLV (Dave Rice) - Kicked off Memphis' squad before playing a game for the Tigers as a result of chronic bad behavior, including a couple of altercations with teammates. Consistent off-the-court problem at Ole Miss, where he departed after banishment from game action three times, including the duration of the 2012 SEC Tournament and NIT. Anger management woes fostered transient history playing for multiple high school and AAU teams.
Elmer Martin Jr., Arkansas (Richardson) - Memphis product was backup forward for the Razorbacks' 1994 NCAA titlist and starter at the end of the next season received a 15-year prison term in late July 2008 after pleading guilty to drug charges. A county deputy prosecutor said that delivery of a controlled substance charges involved cocaine, and that intent to deliver charges involved cocaine and Ecstasy. During two weeks earlier in the year, detectives made two controlled cocaine purchases from Martin.
Cornelius "Scooter" McFadgon, Memphis (Calipari)/Tennessee (Buzz Peterson) - The Volunteers' leading scorer in 2003-04 (17.6 ppg) was charged with drug-related offenses in Texas in June 2014 after police said they found a kilogram of cocaine and 193 pounds of marijuana in SUV he was driving. Indicted in mid-August 2017 as part of a "Cocaine Cowboy" operation and described as "a high-level distributor." Sentenced to 20 years behind bars.
Eric McGill, Southeast Missouri State (Rick Ray)/Southern Illinois (Barry Hinson) - Part-time starting guard as SEMO freshman in 2015-16 was dismissed for a violation of department policies and procedures. He started 12 of SEMO's first 14 games prior to benching for violating team rules.
Kevin Millen, Georgetown (John Thompson Jr.) - Backup for Hoyas in mid-1990s was sentenced to two years' probation and ordered to return to his home in Memphis and stay away from Washington after being arrested twice in fall of 1998 stemming from accusations of stalking and making threatening phone calls to Thompson. Charged with unlawful entry after being detained by campus security for allegedly trying to reach the office of the university president. In the wake of several dozen alleged menacing phone calls to the school's athletic office earlier in the year, he was arrested the previous week and ordered to undergo a psychiatric evaluation. Court records indicated Millen was upset over job opportunities arranged by Thompson that didn't pan out. Millen had an unsuccessful primary run for Congress in Tennessee in 2010.
Taurean Moy, LeMoyne-Owen TN (William Anderson) - Memphis product, who set a national H.S. single-game record with 24 three-pointers in December 2000 a day before he was arrested and charged with assault and possession of marijuana, was kicked out of Eastern Oklahoma State midway through the 2002-03 junior college campaign. The next spring, he was charged with first-degree sexual assault of a child in Nebraska, pleaded guilty to a lesser charge and was sentenced to three years in prison. Charged with domestic assault in the spring of 2009 before pleading guilty to failure to have a Tennessee Sex Offender Registry identification card - or a sex offender designation on his license - with him when he was stopped on traffic charges in November 2011. All but nine of his 110 field goals were three-pointers in 2009-10 when he averaged 12.5 ppg for LeMoyne-Owen.
Austin Nichols, Memphis (Pastner)/Virginia (Tony Bennett) - Dismissed from UVa roster after first game in 2016-17 following suspension for "violation of team rules." Nichols, AAC Freshman of the Year in 2012-13 before transferring, said dismissal from Cavaliers stemmed from "self-medicating."
Kendrick Perkins, Memphis commitment (Calipari) - Charged with disorderly conduct, public intoxication and misdemeanor assault for allegedly punching a woman in the face outside of a Houston nightclub in summer of 2013. In mid-August 2011, Perkins was forced out of similar establishment in his hometown of Beaumont, Tex., and arrested about 4:00 a.m. after attempting to fight the venue's manager. Perkins chose to bypass college and went straight to NBA out of high school.
Brandon Powell, Florida (Billy Donovan)/Marshall (Donnie Jones) - Arrested in mid-June 2007 with Gators kick return specialist as part of a reverse sting drug operation. Disciplined internally as freshman in 2006-07 after videotape showed Memphis product punched a Vanderbilt fan when Commodore fans stormed the court following an upset of top-ranked UF. Dismissed from Thundering Herd squad early in 2008-09 campaign.
George "Tic" Price, Virginia Commonwealth (Chuck Noe)/Virginia Tech (Charlie Moir) - Forced to resign as Memphis State's coach as the 1999-00 season unfolded following allegations of a sexual affair with a student. Records show he called female student 1,100 times.
Lafester Rhodes, Iowa State (Johnny Orr) - All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection in 1987-88 was charged with second-degree burglary for allegedly ransacking a woman's apartment in the spring of 1988. Although nothing was stolen, police said the burglary charge was filed because a crime likely was committed after a forced entry. Slashing of water bed arouse out of a domestic dispute with Memphis product's apparent ex-girlfriend. Orr told Rhodes' CBA coach that Lafester "couldn't read past a sixth-grade level."
Jimario Rivers, Memphis (Pastner and Tubby Smith) - Juco transfer who averaged 6.6 ppg and 3.5 rpg in 2016-17 and 2017-18 was wanted by authorities in early 2019 for aggravated assault after reportedly attacking his girlfriend at a grocery store.
Derrick Rose, Memphis (Calipari) - All-American as freshman for 2008 Final Four team was cleared with a couple of friends of all charges stemming from a civil rape lawsuit in a Los Angeles court. Rose, a Chicago product, and his co-defendants maintained the sex was consensual.
Matt Simpkins, Memphis (Calipari) - California product dismissed from the Tigers' squad midway through 2008-09 season. History of discipline and academic issues, bouncing around to six different high schools and prep schools across the country.
D.J. Stephens, Memphis (Pastner) - The Tigers' leading rebounder as a senior in 2012-13 was arrested in fall of 2016 in connection with a domestic violence incident involving his child's mother.
Myron Strong, San Francisco (Jessie Evans) and Texas-El Paso (Tony Barbee) - Kicked off UTEP's squad in late summer 2010 for violating school and athletic department policies according to Miners first-year coach Tim Floyd.
Marcus Tarrance, Middle Tennessee State (Kermit Davis Jr.) - J.C. recruit from Memphis was arrested on a charge of domestic violence in fall of 2013.
Marlon Towns, Arkansas (Richardson)/Murray State (Tevester Anderson) - Memphis product suspended for four games following arrest in fall of 1999 on charges of domestic assault and marijuana possession. He averaged 6 ppg for the Hogs as freshman in 1995-96 before averaging 6.9 ppg and 3.6 rpg for the Racers in 1998-99 and 1999-00. Arrested with UA teammate Kareem Reid in spring of 1996 for possession of marijuana.
David Vaughn III, Memphis State (Finch) - NBA washout, a first-round pick as an undergraduate in 1995, wound up destitute in Orlando in the aftermath of a domestic violence arrest, two jail stays and failed drug tests. Before turning his life around, things became so bleak that the son of Finch's sister nearly died from infection after multiple spider bites on his foot. Vaughn's father, who entered the pros early in 1974 after playing for Oral Roberts, also had a checkered past.
Lagerald Vick, SMU commitment (Larry Brown)/Kansas (Bill Self) - Although never charged with a crime, a KU probe resulted in recommendation of two years probation after determining Memphis product likely committed domestic violence in late 2015. At the time, coach Self-less said Vick was sidelined two games due to "illness." There was no description for ailment when Vick took a leave of absence from KU's squad midway through the 2018-19 campaign to return to his hometown "to help out with family issues."
Clyde Wade III, Memphis (Calipari) - Arrested in spring of 2011 after police found him in possession of marijuana and a loaded handgun during a traffic stop. Arrested in spring of 2012 on domestic assault charges after the mother of their twins told police he flung her by her hair and struck her with several household objects. Indicted in summer of 2017 on charges including money laundering and possession with intent to distribute cocaine and heroin. Didn't play in 2003-04 while facing federal fraud and conspiracy charges (alleged identity and credit card theft scheme) of which he was eventually acquitted. He and his ex-girlfriend were behind bars on domestic assault charges in spring of 2022.
Shawne Williams, Memphis (Calipari) - Three times in Indiana, friends from Memphis ran afoul of the law while in Williams' company. All-Conference USA selection as a freshman in 2005-06 pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug possession after being arrested in Memphis on felony drug charges for selling a codeine substance in mid-January 2010. Allowed to stay on diversion program despite testing positive for marijuana several times. Williams and former teammate Kareem Cooper were detained on separate charges in the summer of 2010 when detectives spotted Williams driving his Dodge Charger without a seat belt. Cooper, who transferred from Memphis to UTEP under coach Tony Barbee, was charged with possession of marijuana with the intent to manufacture/deliver/sell and felony possession of a firearm (handgun loaded with 20 rounds). Williams pleaded guilty to possession of a controlled substance following a mid-December 2012 arrest. Three years later, he was arrested and charged with DUI and multiple other infractions following hit-and-run in his 2014 Rolls Royce.
Tre'Von Willis, Memphis (Calipari)/UNLV (Kruger) - All-Mountain West Conference first-team selection pleaded no contest to domestic battery stemming from his arrest in summer of 2010 after allegedly choking a female acquaintance six years older than California product at an apartment complex about 3 a.m.
Qyntel Woods, Memphis commitment (Calipari) - J.C. recruit who went straight to the NBA after scoring 52 points in a community college game was promptly released by the Portland Trail Blazers midway through the 2004-05 campaign following pleading guilty to animal abuse after being under investigation for more serious charges related to dog fighting. In 2003, he was cited for marijuana possession and driving without insurance and a suspended license.
Dominic Woodson, Memphis (Pastner)/Tennessee (Donnie Tyndall) - Suspended or in the Tigers' doghouse much of freshman season in 2013-14 before lying to police regarding accusations stemming from a series of altercations with a UM football player. Also departed the Vols' program upon struggling to secure significant playing time.
Lorenzen Wright, Memphis (Finch) - His badly-decomposing body, indicating at least five shots from multiple shooters, was found in a secluded field near a golf course in southeast Memphis in late July 2010. A 911 operator took an emergency call from Wright's cell phone and believes he heard gunshots in the background. Wright's ex-wife, to whom he was in arrears on his $26,000-a-month alimony and child-support payments for his six children, claimed she overheard him on the telephone telling someone he was going to "flip something for $110,000." She told police he twice left her home about 2 a.m. carrying money and a box of drugs. Court documents show Wright, an All-American in 1995-96 as a sophomore, acknowledged to the FBI in 2008 that he sold a Mercedes sedan and Cadillac SUV to an individual known by authorities to be part of a drug kingpin gang. Despite earning an estimated $55 million over his 13-year NBA career, Wright's $1.3 million home in Atlanta was repossessed along with a $2.7 million home near Memphis he owned. In a book she wrote, his ex-wife claimed she was trapped in an abusive marriage. But Sherra Wright-Robinson was arrested in California in mid-December 2017 in connection to his death and charged with conspiracy, first-degree murder and criminal attempt first-degree murder along with deacon from her previous church. The case blossomed when an FBI dive team search a lake in Walnut, Miss., and found a gun authorities said was used in the murder. In 2014, she agreed to a confidential settlement in a dispute over how she spent $1 million in insurance earmarked to benefit their six children. She received a 30-year sentence in summer of 2019 after pleading guilty to facilitation of first-degree murder. Mastermind Sherra was denied parole this year and the man she "romantically" recruited to help her commit dirty deed - serving life in prison after his first-degree murder conviction in Wright's slaying - was sentenced this summer on additional lesser charges of conspiracy and attempted murder in the 12-year-old case.
Galen Young, Charlotte (Melvin Watkins and Bobby Lutz) - Young, a J.C. recruit who became UNCC's leading scorer and rebounder as C-USA first-team selection in 1998-99, was arrested for drunk driving in 2007 while on a suspended license. Upon Memphis product pleading guilty, he was fined $2,000 and suspended from driving for two years.
Delusional #Dimorats probably believe if there were more midnight basketball programs, many of these inhumane incidents never would have occurred. It's an educational travesty that shameless schools allowed majority of suspect characters to set foot on a college campus. Former North Carolina A&T coach Jerry Eaves, starting point guard for Louisville's 1980 NCAA titlist, said too many athletes are academically unqualified to play at the collegiate level. "We must quit messing around," Evans told the Louisville Courier-Journal. "We have to stop (ineligible athletes) from playing. I mean 100% halt, period. It has to end now. No more time. No more talking. No more messing around. It has to end."
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 22
Extra! Extra! Unless you're celebrating Earth Day from a zealous climate-change claptrap perspective, you can instead read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former San Diego State hoopers Tony Gwynn and Graig Nettles each went 4-for-4 in a MLB game on this date. Ex-hoopers from three Louisiana colleges - Zeke Bonura (Loyola New Orleans), Lyle Mouton (Louisiana State) and Cecil Upshaw (Centenary) - also made MLB news on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 22 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 22
Cincinnati Reds OF Ethan Allen (Cincinnati basketball letterman in 1924-25 and 1925-26) provided four hits in a 9-4 triumph against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1929.
Seattle Mariners 1B Bruce Bochte (starting forward for Santa Clara's NCAA playoff team in 1969-70) hit safely in first 14 games of 1979 campaign until his streak was snapped by the Minnesota Twins.
1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) belted two homers and drove in all five runs for the Chicago White Sox in a 6-5 setback against the St. Louis Browns in 1935.
Chicago Cubs SS Leon Brinkopf (Southeast Missouri State basketball letterman in 1944-45) scored his lone MLB run in a 1952 game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oakland Athletics LF Glenn Burke (averaged 16.3 ppg in six basketball games with Nevada-Reno in 1974-75) scored three runs in a 7-6 win against the California Angels in 1979.
Kansas City Athletics LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing college career) clubbed two homers against the Cleveland Indians in a 1958 game.
Milwaukee Braves 2B Jack Dittmer (Iowa hooper in 1949-50) jacked a homer in his third consecutive contest in 1953.
New York Giants 2B Frankie Frisch (Fordham hoops captain) furnished four hits against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a 1923 outing.
Houston Astros RHP Dave Giusti (Syracuse hooper in 1959-60) went 3-for-3 at the plate while hurling a shutout against the San Francisco Giants in 1966. A little over seven weeks later, he also went 3-for-3 against the Chicago Cubs.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81 who twice led league in assists) went 4-for-4 against the San Francisco Giants in a 1991 game. It came on the third anniversary of milestone 1,000th of 3,141 MLB career hits (single off Hall of Fame Houston Astros RHP Nolan Ryan).
In 1953, New York Giants RHP Jim Hearn (Georgia Tech hoops letterman in 1941-42) posted his 12th consecutive win over the Pittsburgh Pirates.
2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to Minnesota Twins in 1988.
Kansas City Athletics SS Billy Hunter (multi-sport athlete for Indiana PA post-WWII) hammered a three-run homer for the second time in three games in 1958.
Chicago Cubs SS Don Kessinger (three-time All-SEC selection for Mississippi from 1961-62 through 1963-64 while finishing among nation's top 45 scorers each year) contributed three hits, including an inside-the-park homer, in a 7-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals in 1970, snapping P Mike Torrez's 11-game winning streak dating back to previous season.
Chicago Cubs CF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring the previous season) scored four runs in a 16-12 triumph against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1980.
OF Lyle Mouton (starter in Louisiana State's backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson for 1989 NCAA playoff team) shipped by the New York Yankees to the Chicago White Sox in 1995 to complete an earlier deal involving P Jack McDowell.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) went 4-for-4 against the Texas Rangers in a 1979 contest.
Reliever Cecil Upshaw (led Centenary in scoring as junior while averaging 13.7 ppg and 6 rpg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) traded by the Atlanta Braves to the Houston Astros in 1973.
Brooklyn Dodgers rookie 1B Preston Ward (second-leading scorer for Southwest Missouri State in 1946-47 and 1948-49) went 2-for-5 against the New York Giants in each of his first three MLB games in 1948.
Kansas City Royals C John Wathan (averaged 3.7 ppg in 11 games for San Diego in 1968-69) went 4-for-4 with three RBI in 7-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1980.
Dribble Handoff: 8 Power-League Members Keep Coaching Chain In-House
In a typical season, about 1/5 of the NCAA DI head coaches are "next man up" in-house promotions. The following eight active mentors serve as promoted bench boss for a power-conference member:
| Head Coach (Years as Aide) | Power-League School | Stint as Assistant at Same University Under Predecessor |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Boynton Jr. (1) | Oklahoma State | 2016-17 under Brad Underwood |
| Matt Painter (1) | Purdue | 2004-05 under Gene Keady |
| Rodney Terry* (2) | Texas | 2021-22 and 2022-23 under Chris Beard |
| Hubert Davis (9) | North Carolina | 2012-13 through 2020-21 under Roy Williams |
| Jon Scheyer (9) | Duke | 2013-14 through 2021-22 under Mike Krzyzewski |
| Adrian Autry (12) | Syracuse | 2011-12 through 2022-23 under Jim Boeheim |
| Tom Izzo (12) | Michigan State | 1983-84 through 1994-95 under Jud Heathcote |
| Greg Gard (15) | Wisconsin | 2001-02 to 2015-16 under Bo Ryan |
*Terry served as interim head coach for more than half of 2022-23 campaign.
Fran Dunphy Directing Third Different University in City of Brotherly Love
Fran Dunphy is bench boss for his third different school in Philadelphia after accepting job at La Salle a year ago following long stints with Penn (1989-90 through 2005-06) and Temple (2006-07 through 2018-19). Billy Gillispie (Tarleton) is coaching his fourth different university in Texas. He previously was mentor at Texas-El Paso (2002-03 and 2003-04), Texas A&M (2004-05 through 2006-07) and Texas Tech (2011-12). But Dunphy and Gillispie aren't the only individuals in multiple-schools-in-same-state category. They are joined by the following alphabetical list of other active NCAA DI coaches presently serving as bench boss in same state (six in Texas) where they previously piloted another DI school:
| Head Coach | State | Current DI School | Previous DI School in Same State |
|---|---|---|---|
| Casey Alexander | TN | Belmont (since 2019-20) | Lipscomb (2013-14 through 2018-19) |
| Tad Boyle | CO | Colorado (since 2010-11) | Northern Colorado (2006-07 through 2009-10) |
| Alvin Brooks Jr. | TX | Lamar (since 2021-22) | Houston (1993-94 through 1997-98) |
| Cliff Ellis* | SC | Coastal Carolina (since 2007-08) | Clemson (1984-85 through 1993-94) |
| Joe Golding | TX | Texas-El Paso (since 2021-22) | Abilene Christian (2011-12 through 2020-21) |
| John Groce | OH | Akron (since 2017-18) | Ohio University (2008-09 through 2011-12) |
| Leonard Hamilton | FL | Florida State (since 2002-03) | Miami FL (1990-91 through 1999-00) |
| Shaheen Holloway | NJ | Seton Hall (since 2022-23) | Saint Peter's (2018-19 through 2021-22) |
| Darrin Horn | KY | Northern Kentucky (since 2019-20) | Western Kentucky (2003-04 through 2007-08) |
| Kevin Johnson | LA | Southern (since 2023-24) | Centenary (1999-00 through 2004-05) |
| Donnie Jones | FL | Stetson (since 2019-20) | UCF (2010-11 through 2015-16) |
| Jeff Jones | VA | Old Dominion (since 2013-14) | Virginia (1990-91 through 1997-98) |
| Johnny Jones | TX | Texas Southern (since 2018-19) | North Texas (2001-02 through 2011-12) |
| Kevin Keatts | NC | North Carolina State (since 2017-18) | UNC Wilmington (2014-15 through 2016-17) |
| Pat Kelsey | SC | College of Charleston (since 2021-22) | Winthrop (2012-13 through 2020-21) |
| Steve Lavin | CA | San Diego (since 2022-23) | UCLA (1996-97 through 2002-03) |
| Grant McCasland | TX | Texas Tech (since 2023-24) | North Texas (2017-18 through 2022-23) |
| Bobby McCullum | FL | Florida A&M (since 2017-18) | South Florida (2003-04 through 2006-07) |
| Rick Pitino | NY | St. John's (since 2023-24) | Iona (2020-21 through 2022-23) |
| Mark Pope | UT | Brigham Young (since 2019-20) | Utah Valley (2015-16 through 2018-19) |
| Keith Richard | LA | Louisiana-Monroe (since 2010-11) | Louisiana Tech (1998-99 through 2006-07) |
| Joe Scott | CO | Air Force (2000-01 through 2003-04 and since 2020-21) | Denver (2007-08 through 2015-16) |
| Marty Simmons | IL | Eastern Illinois (since 2021-22) | SIU-Edwardsville (2002-03 through 2006-07) |
| Craig Smith | UT | Utah (since 2021-22) | Utah State (2018-19 through 2020-21) |
| Travis Steele | OH | Miami of Ohio (since 2022-23) | Xavier (2018-19 through 2021-22) |
| Rodney Terry | TX | Texas (since 2022-23) | Texas-El Paso (2018-19 through 2020-21) |
| Will Wade | LA | McNeese State (since 2023-24) | Louisiana State (2017-18 through 2021-22) |
| Reggie Witherspoon | NY | Canisius (since 2016-17) | Buffalo (1999-00 through 2012-13) |
*Ellis also coached two DI schools in Alabama (South Alabama and Auburn).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 21
Extra! Extra! As online outlets Buzzfeed and Vice Media unravel into bankruptcy, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former hoops All-Americans Ernie Andres (Indiana) and Billy Werber (Duke) made news as infielders for the Boston Red Sox on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 21 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 21
Lone MLB RBI for 3B Ernie Andres (NCAA consensus first-team basketball All-American with Indiana in 1939) helped the Boston Red Sox outlast the Philadelphia Athletics, 12-11, in the opener of a 1946 doubleheader.
St. Louis Browns rookie RF Beau Bell (two-year hoops letterman for Texas A&M in early 1930s) contributed four hits and four RBI against the Chicago White Sox in a 1935 game.
Chicago White Sox RF Ken Berry (freshman hooper for Wichita in 1959-60) contributed multiple hits in his sixth straight game in 1967. He assembled a career-long 20-game hitting streak later in the campaign.
Chicago White Sox 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) banged out four hits against the St. Louis Browns in 1937 season opener.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) supplied four hits against the Boston Red Sox in a 1982 contest.
Washington Senators RHP Casey Cox (juco recruit averaged 1.7 ppg and 1.2 rpg for Cal State Los Angeles in 1961-62) won his first three starts in 1970.
Pittsburgh Pirates INF Gene Freese (West Liberty WV hoops captain of 1952 NAIA Tournament team) pinch-hitting for Willie Stargell, delivered a decisive three-run homer in the top of the ninth inning for an 8-5 win against the Chicago Cubs in 1964.
In his MLB debut, Philadelphia Phillies RHP Bob Greenwood (St. Mary's hoops letterman second half of 1940s) tossed 4 2/3 innings of scoreless relief against the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1954. His first strikeout victim was All-Star CF Duke Snider.
LHP Steve Hamilton (All-Ohio Valley Conference selection was Morehead State's leading scorer and rebounder in 1956-57 and 1957-58) traded by the Washington Senators to the New York Yankees for P Jim Coates in 1963.
New York Mets CF Jim Hickman (freshman hooper for Ole Miss in 1955-56) homered in both ends of a 1963 twinbill against the Milwaukee Braves. A grand slam helped him secure five RBI in the opener.
Chicago White Sox RHP Howie Judson (Illinois' third-leading scorer with 8.5 ppg as sophomore in 1944-45) won his 1949 season debut (5-2 against Detroit Tigers) before dropping next 14 decisions through August.
California Angels C Art Kusnyer (led Kent State in field-goal percentage in 1965-66 as team's third-leading scorer and rebounder) contributed a career-high three hits against the Texas Rangers in a 1972 outing.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's hoops leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) collected three hits and three stolen bases against the Minnesota Twins in a 1994 contest.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) went 4-for-4 against the Chicago Cubs in the nightcap of a 1957 doubleheader.
Oakland Athletics CF Billy North (played hoops briefly for Central Washington in 1967-68) went 4-for-4 against the Detroit Tigers in a 1976 game.
Boston Red Sox SS Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) registered multiple extra-base hits in his third consecutive contest in 1934.
St. Louis Cardinals 1B Bill White (two-year hooper with Hiram OH in early 1950s) supplied multiple hits in five of his first seven games in 1962.
Chicago White Sox RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) opened the 1957 campaign with a 10-inning shutout against the Kansas City Athletics.
New York Yankees DH Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) smacked two homers against the Texas Rangers in a 1990 game.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 20
Extra! Extra! As a new season shifts into high gear, you can shake your head in disgust regarding New Mexico State hazing lawsuit or read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (Louisiana State), Dick Gernert (Temple) and Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD) belted multiple homers in MLB games on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 20 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 20
Cincinnati Reds LF Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) jacked two homers against the Pittsburgh Pirates in the nightcap of a 1952 twinbill.
Cincinnati Reds RF Frankie Baumholtz (MVP in 1941 NIT and first player in Ohio University history to score 1,000 career points) contributed four hits against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1948 game.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie 1B Ed Bouchee (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) went 4-for-4 with three runs scored in a 6-5 win against the New York Giants in 1957 contest. His seventh-inning homer provided decisive tally.
In his first appearance in 1956, Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman hoops team) fired a four-hit shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Boston Red Sox 1B Dick Gernert (Temple hoops letterman in 1948-49) smashed three homers in a doubleheader sweep of the Washington Senators in 1953.
In his MLB debut in 1923, pinch-runner Hinky Haines (Penn State hoops letterman in 1919-20 and 1920-21) scored the tying tally on Babe Ruth's ninth-inning, game-winning two-run double in the New York Yankees' 4-3 win against the Boston Red Sox.
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) went 4-for-4 and scored three runs in a 7-4 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1982.
Washington Senators RF Chuck Hinton (played multiple sports for Shaw NC before serving two years in U.S. Army in mid-1950s) went 4-for-4 against the New York Yankees in a 1963 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies rookie RHP Harry Hoch (member of sophomore hoops squad for Dickinson PA in 1911) hurled his second of two complete-game victories in his first two MLB starts in 1908.
New York Giants RHP Walt Huntzinger (All-Ivy League forward with Penn in 1921-22) didn't allow an earned run in 8 1/3 innings en route to registering his first MLB victory (2-1 against the Boston Braves in 1924).
Chicago Cubs 3B 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 became an All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) went 5-for-5 and walked twice in a 17-inning game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1986.
A single by Kansas City Royals RF Jerry Martin (Furman's second-leading scorer in 1969-70 and third-leading scorer in 1970-71) was the only hit Detroit Tigers P Milt Wilcox surrendered in an 8-0 shutout in 1982.
In 1981, Philadelphia Phillies RF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games for Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) provided his third two-double outing in a six-game span.
Chicago Cubs RF Bill Nicholson (Washington College MD hooper in mid-1930s) blasted two homers, including a grand slam, and supplied six RBI in a 7-4 win at St. Louis in 1947.
In 1961, 2B Mel Roach (averaged 9.3 ppg for Virginia in 1952-53) tied the score with the Philadelphia Phillies by ripping a two-out, three-run pinch-hit homer in the ninth inning and the Milwaukee Braves went on to prevail, 7-6, in 11 frames.
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) won his first three starts in 1987.
Cleveland Indians rookie 2B Riggs Stephenson (Alabama hoops letterman in 1920) accounted for multiple hits in each of first six MLB outings in 1921.
RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1985. Two years earlier, Tekulve permitted his only earned run in first 17 relief appearances of the 1983 campaign.
2B Wayne Terwilliger (two-year letterman for Western Michigan averaged 5.6 ppg in his final season in 1947-48) collected an eighth-inning single for the Washington Senators' lone safety in a 7-0 loss against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1954.
Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) stroked three doubles against the Washington Senators in the nightcap of a 1953 doubleheader.
New York Yankees RF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) doubled in his fifth straight game in 1986.
Tampa Bay Devil Rays CF Randy Winn (Santa Clara backcourtmate of eventual two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Steve Nash in 1993-94) supplied an extra-base safety in his sixth consecutive contest in the midst of eight multiple-hit outings in a 10-game span in 2002.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 19
Extra! Extra! As a new season shifts into high gear, you can chuckle at Congressional remarks ridiculing California Dimorat Eric Swalwell doing the dirty with Chinese spy "Fang Fang" or read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former hoops All-Americans Danny Ainge (Brigham Young) and Bosey Berger (Maryland) made MLB news on this date. Ditto ex-CA juco hoopers Steve Barber (Riverside City), Garth Iorg (Redwoods) and Jackie Robinson (Pasadena City) plus other J.C. hoopers Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military) and Carl Reynolds (Lon Morris TX). Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 19 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 19
Toronto Blue Jays LF Danny Ainge (three-time Brigham Young basketball All-American and national player of year as senior in 1980-81) went 3-for-3 in an 8-1 setback against the Cleveland Indians in 1980.
Only MLB decision for RHP Steve Barber (J.C. starter under coach Jerry Tarkanian before attending La Verne CA) was a 9-8 victory for the Minnesota Twins against the Kansas City Royals in 1971.
San Diego Padres RHP Andy Benes (joined Evansville's shorthanded basketball squad in 1985-86 under coach Jim Crews) allowed only one earned run in his first three starts in 1992 covering 23 1/3 innings.
3B Bosey Berger (Maryland's first hoops All-American in 1931-32) awarded on waivers from the Cleveland Indians to the Chicago White Sox in 1937.
Pittsburgh Pirates 1B Donn Clendenon (four-sport letterman with Morehouse GA) provided four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1966 game.
Washington Senators RHP Mark Filley (Williams MA hooper in early 1930s) made his lone MLB appearance, hurling one-third of an inning in relief against the Boston Red Sox in 1934.
In 2017 in his third MLB start, Amir Garrett (averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg for St. John's under coach Steve Lavin in 2011-12 and 2012-13 before RS transfer year at Cal State Northridge) tied a Cincinnati Reds record for a rookie LHP by fanning 12 Baltimore Orioles batters.
Cincinnati Reds RHP Ken Hunt (freshman hooper for Brigham Young in 1957-58) won his first MLB start (4-2 against the San Francisco Giants in 1961), fanning Felipe Alou and Willie McCovey.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Walt Huntzinger (All-Ivy League forward with Penn in 1921-22) toiled 14 innings but lost, 5-4, against the Chicago Cubs in 1926. He was waived to the Cubbies two months later.
Toronto Blue Jays 3B Garth Iorg (juco hooper with College of the Redwoods CA in mid-1970s) went 4-for-4, including a game-winning triple in bottom of the ninth inning, in 2-1 win against the Baltimore Orioles in 1984.
New York Giants 1B Monte Irvin (Lincoln PA hooper 1 1/2 years in late 1930s) collected six RBI against the Boston Braves in the nightcap of a 1951 doubleheader.
St. Louis Cardinals 1B George Kernek (Oklahoma hoops letterman in 1959-60 and 1960-61) contributed three hits for the second time in four games in 1966.
Five hits by CF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games for Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) were in vain as the St. Louis Cardinals incurred a 17-inning, 4-3 loss against the New York Mets in 1976.
In a 1961 contest, Los Angeles Dodgers LF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) supplied two homers and five RBI against his original team (St. Louis Cardinals).
In 1942, Chicago Cubs RHP Claude Passeau (Millsaps MS hooper in late 1920s and early 1930s) didn't yield a hit until there was one out in the eighth inning when CF Harry Craft (Mississippi College hooper first half of 1930s) singled for the Cincinnati Reds.
Chicago White Sox LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper from 1955-57) drilled two doubles good for four RBI in first three innings of a 1964 contest against the Boston Red Sox.
Oakland Athletics INF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) banged out four hits in a 1986 game against the Seattle Mariners. The next day, he collected three safeties and scored three runs against Seattle.
Boston Red Sox CF Carl Reynolds (Southwestern TX hoops MVP and captain in mid-1920s) went 4-for-4 (including two triples) in the nightcap of a 1934 twinbill against the Washington Senators.
Brooklyn Dodgers LF Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) went 4-for-4 against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1954.
RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) traded by the Cleveland Indians to the Boston Red Sox in a six-player swap in 1969.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 18
Extra! Extra! As a new season shifts into high gear, you can listen to how self-absorbed New York City Dimorat Mayor Eric Adams is more concerned about his plant-based diet and destination demographics for Texas Gov. Greg Abbott's migrant busing than fighting excessive crime or read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Arizona, Cincinnati, Duke, Kansas, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Syracuse and UCLA - NCAA playoff kingpins at some point in their respective histories - had former hoopers make MLB news on this date. Ditto four ex-hoopers from Pennsylvania small colleges - Albright, Grove City, Mansfield and Wilkes - before they became MLB pitchers. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 18 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 18
Chicago White Sox rookie 1B Zeke Bonura (best basketball forward for Loyola LA in late 1920s and early 1930s) belted two homers against the Detroit Tigers in 1934 in his second MLB game. Four years later with the Washington Senators, Bonura contributed three hits and four RBI in a 12-8 win against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1938 season opener.
Philadelphia Phillies INF Gene Freese (West Liberty WV basketball captain of 1952 NAIA Tournament team) smacked a pinch grand slam against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1959 game.
Atlanta Braves RHP Kevin Gryboski (backup hooper for Wilkes PA in 1991-92 and 1992-93) surrendered his only run in first 17 relief appearances of 2004 campaign.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 5-for-5 against the St. Louis Cardinals in a 1993 contest.
Texas Rangers 1B Mike Hargrove (Northwestern Oklahoma State hoops letterman) collected four hits and five RBI against the Milwaukee Brewers in the opener of a 1976 doubleheader.
RHP Jim Konstanty (Syracuse hooper in late 1930s) traded by the Cincinnati Reds with cash to the Boston Braves in 1946.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops squad in 1953-54) threw the second of two immaculate innings in his career when he struck out the side on nine pitches against the Cincinnati Reds in third frame in 1964.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Frank Linzy (listed on Oklahoma State's freshman hoops roster in 1959-60) posted his third save in a week in 1971.
Atlanta Braves CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) provided a homer among his five hits in a 14-0 romp over the Colorado Rockies in 1997. Five years later with the Chicago White Sox, Lofton delivered multiple safeties seven times in a span of eight games while raising his batting average from .250 to .426 in 2002.
Davey Lopes (NAIA All-District 15 selection for Iowa Wesleyan averaged 16.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach to Washburn KS and becoming All-CIC choice for 1968 NAIA Tournament team) fired as manager of the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002.
San Francisco Giants CF Billy North (played hoops briefly for Central Washington in 1967-68) stole three bases against the Atlanta Braves in a 1981 contest.
Chicago White Sox LHP Gary Peters (Grove City PA hooper from 1955-57) knocked in four runs with a pair of doubles in 1964 game against the Boston Red Sox.
Montreal Expos RHP Steve Renko (averaged 9.9 ppg and 5.8 rpg as Kansas sophomore in 1963-64) won his first start of season against the New York Mets before dropping last 10 decisions of the 1972 campaign.
St. Louis Cardinals LF Rip Repulski (occasional hoops starter for St. Cloud State MN in 1946-47) went 4-for-4 in a 1955 outing against the Cincinnati Redlegs.
Hall of Fame RHP Robin Roberts (one of Michigan State's top three scorers each season from 1944-45 through 1946-47) surrendered the first hit on artificial turf in 1966 when Los Angeles Dodgers SS Maury Wills singled to center at Houston's Astrodome.
1B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) ripped his first homer for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 (against New York Giants). The blast was Robinson's lone round-tripper in his first 30 MLB games.
Cleveland Indians LHP Joe Shaute (hooper for Mansfield PA in early 1920s) allowed only one earned run in tossing complete-game victories in his first two appearances of 1928 campaign.
New York Yankees RHP Roy Sherid (Albright PA hoops center in 1926-27 and 1927-28) toiled 15 innings but lost, 5-4, against the Boston Red Sox in 1931.
Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) swatted two homers in 2007 game against the Texas Rangers.
RHP Cecil Upshaw (led Centenary in scoring as junior while averaging 13.7 ppg and 6 rpg from 1961-62 through 1963-64) registered his fourth victory hurling at least three innings of relief in the Atlanta Braves' first 11 games of the 1971 season.
Philadelphia Athletics 3B Billy Werber (first Duke hoops All-American in 1929-30) provided four safeties in season opener en route to seven multiple-hit games in his first 11 outings of the 1938 campaign. Ellis also coached two DI schools in Alabama (South Alabama and Auburn).
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 17
Extra! Extra! As new season swings into high gear, you can curse Windy City political windbags (such as outgoing Mayor/Enabler Lori Lightweight) condoning riotous actions by contemptible illiterate Chi-raq teenagers or read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former college hoopers Joe Adcock (Louisiana State), Frank Bolling (Spring Hill AL) and Johnny Logan (Binghamton) supplied significant offensive performances for the Milwaukee Braves on this date while ex-Oklahoma hoopers Eddie Fisher and Elmer Ponder provided sterling pitching performances. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 17 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 17
Milwaukee Braves 1B Joe Adcock (Louisiana State's leading basketball scorer in 1945-46) contributed four hits against the Cincinnati Reds in the nightcap of a 1955 twinbill.
Philadelphia Phillies LF Harry Anderson (averaged 7.7 ppg and 8.9 rpg for West Chester PA in 1951-52) hammered two homers against the Milwaukee Braves in a 1960 game.
Milwaukee Braves 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) smacked two homers in a 5-2 win against the Houston Colt .45s in 1964.
Baltimore Orioles CF Al Bumbry (Virginia State's runner-up in scoring with 16.7 ppg as freshman in 1964-65) stroked four hits against the Kansas City Royals in 1981.
Detroit Tigers 1B Tony Clark (San Diego State's leading scorer in Western Athletic Conference games in 1991-92) homered in his third consecutive contest in 1997.
Arizona Diamondbacks LHP Patrick Corbin (hooper for Mohawk Valley Community College NY in 2007-08) tossed a one-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants in 2018.
Cincinnati Reds CF Harry Craft (four-sport hoops letterman with Mississippi College in early 1930s) accumulated four hits and five RBI in a 7-6 setback against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1941.
Chicago White Sox RHP Eddie Fisher (hooper for Oklahoma's 1954-55 freshman squad) hurled his first complete game in 10 years. Fisher also won his next three starts by yielding only one earned run covering 18 innings.
Kansas City Royals RHP Dave Frost (averaged 10.5 ppg and 4 rpg for Stanford from 1971-72 through 1973-74) registered his third relief victory in four games early in 1982.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Joe Gibbon (two-time All-SEC forward for Ole Miss was the nation's second-leading scorer as a senior in 1956-57), making his MLB debut in the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Cincinnati Reds in 1960, threw two scoreless innings of relief and emerged as the winner when the Bucs erupted for six runs in the ninth.
Utilityman Chuck Harmon (freshman starter was Toledo's second-leading scorer for 1943 NIT runner-up) became the second black player for the Cincinnati Reds when pinch-hitting against the Milwaukee Braves in a 1954 contest.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) won his MLB debut, yielding only five hits in eight innings of 9-2 triumph against the Washington Senators in 1952.
Baltimore Orioles 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) provided back-to-back four-hit games against the Boston Red Sox in 1969.
Chicago White Sox RHP Bob Keegan (Bucknell hoops letterman in 1941-42 and 1942-43) toiled at least eight innings for the first of 10 straight starts in 1954, including a pair of shutouts.
Detroit Tigers SS Harvey Kuenn (played briefly for Wisconsin in 1951-52 after competing on JV hoops squad previous season) stroked three doubles among his four hits against the Kansas City Athletics in a 1955 game.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) jacked two homers in a 5-1 win against the Cincinnati Reds in 1954.
Chicago White Sox RHP Ted Lyons (two-time All-SWC first-team selection for Baylor in early 1920s) hurled a shutout against the Cleveland Indians in his season debut. The 41-year-old Lyons went the distance in all 20 starts during the 1942 campaign en route to posting an A.L.-best 2.10 ERA.
Philadelphia Phillies RF Bake McBride (averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games for Westminster MO in 1968-69 and 1969-70) collected two homers and five RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in a 1979 contest.
California Angels 3B Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) smacked two homers in a 5-3 win against the Minnesota Twins in 1974.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Elmer Ponder (Oklahoma hoops letterman in 1913-14 and 1915-16) tossed a 13-inning shutout against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1920.
New York Giants RF Dave Robertson (one of two reserves on North Carolina State's first basketball team in 1911) contributed three hits and five RBI in an 8-3 triumph against the Brooklyn Robins in 1917.
Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) secured his first safety with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. It was one of his 19 bunt hits as a rookie.
Cleveland Indians LHP Joe Shaute (hooper for Mansfield PA in early 1920s) twirled a four-hit shutout against the St. Louis Browns in 1925.
Chicago Cubs LF Riggs Stephenson (Alabama hoops letterman in 1920) supplied three extra-base hits, including a homer, in a six-inning, 3-0 victory against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1930.
Detroit Tigers RF Champ Summers (led SIU-Edwardsville in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) collected four hits against the Boston Red Sox, igniting a career-high 17-game hitting streak in 1980.
In 1989, Cincinnati Reds RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper in mid-1960s for Marietta OH) passed Hoyt Wilhelm as MLB's all-time leader in relief appearances.
Kansas City Royals 1B John Wathan (averaged 3.7 ppg in 11 games for San Diego in 1968-69) hit safely in his first eight games of the 1983 campaign.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 16
Extra! Extra! As a new season gains steam, you can listen to leftist lunatics on #MSLSD and #CNN-Minus or learn something reading news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former San Diego State hoopers Tony Gwynn and Graig Nettles supplied significant National League hitting performances as lefthanded batters on this date. Several ex-hoopers from Illinois colleges - Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan), Wally Roettger (Illinois) and Jim Thome (Illinois Central) - also made N.L. news on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 16 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 16
Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL basketball team in 1950-51), en route to hitting .632 through first five games of the 1958 campaign, banged out four hits in a 5-4 win against the Chicago White Sox.
Kansas City Athletics LF Bob Cerv (ranked fourth on Nebraska's career scoring list in 1949-50 when finishing college career) collected three extra-base hits and five RBI in a 9-4 triumph against the Cleveland Indians in 1958.
Philadelphia Athletics starting LHP Chubby Dean (reserve guard for Duke in 1936) did not allow an earned run in 10 innings in a 2-1 win against the New York Yankees in 1940.
Detroit Tigers 1B Walt Dropo (first player in Connecticut history to average 20 ppg in single season with 21.7 in 1942-43) knocked in five runs with two extra-base hits in a 1953 game against the Cleveland Indians.
1B Kerby Farrell (key hooper for couple of strong Freed-Hardeman TN squads in mid-1930s) purchased from the Boston Braves by the Chicago White Sox in 1945.
Houston Astros C Joe Ferguson (played in 1967 NCAA playoffs with Pacific) furnished three extra-base hits against the Atlanta Braves in a 1977 game.
Philadelphia Athletics RF Walt French (hoops letterman for Rutgers and Army) furnished four hits against the Washington Senators in a 1926 contest.
Debut with San Francisco Giants for RHP Rich Gale (led New Hampshire with 7.2 rpg in 1975-76) was a success, hurling a three-hit, 6-1 victory against the Cincinnati Reds in 1982.
St. Louis Cardinals RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) and Philadelphia Phillies P Cal McLish both failed to finish first inning when each starter allowed six runs in the Cards' 12-6 win at Philly in 1962.
Chicago White Sox C Frank Grube (Lafayette starting hoops guard as senior in 1926-27) went 4-for-4 against the Cleveland Indians in a 1932 game.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) went 5-for-5 against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a 1987 contest en route to N.L.-high 218 hits.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) delivered three extra-base hits against the Toronto Blue Jays in a 1993 contest.
Milwaukee Braves SS Johnny Logan (Binghamton hooper in 1948-49) went 5-for-5 against the Cincinnati Reds in a 1955 game.
Rookie C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49) scored the Chicago Cubs' only run of 1957 season opener after notching his initial big-league hit (single to right-center off Warren Spahn in bottom of fifth inning of 4-1 setback).
Final blast of 390 MLB career homers by 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64) was a pinch-hit, game-tying round-tripper for the Montreal Expos against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1988.
RHP Roy Parmelee (hoops letterman for Eastern Michigan in 1924-25 and 1925-26) purchased from the Chicago Cubs by the Boston Red Sox in 1938.
In a 1931 contest, Cincinnati Reds RF Wally Roettger (Illinois hoops letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) went 5-for-5 against his original team (St. Louis Cardinals).
Texas Rangers 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) won his first three starts in 1984.
Philadelphia Phillies 1B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) went 4-for-4 in 2004 game against the Montreal Expos.
Humble Backgrounds: Small-College Grads Directing Power-League Members
In a caste-like era separating the haves from the have-nots, imperial universities are seeking mega-conferences and, perhaps in the near future, a restrictive upper division. But the socially elite won't ever be able to exclude small schools from making a big impact among power-conference members.
Smaller colleges, many of them in the hinterlands, have supplied a striking number of the biggest names in coaching. From 1995 through 2000, five of the six NCAA Tournament championship coaches (Jim Calhoun, Jim Harrick, Tom Izzo, Lute Olson and Tubby Smith) graduated from obscure colleges with smaller enrollments. In fact, it is a rarity for a Final Four not to feature at least one coach who graduated from a non-NCAA Division I school.
John Calipari, a graduate of Clarion (Pa.) State, guided Kentucky to the 2012 national championship before Michigan's John Beilein (Wheeling Jesuit NY) and Wichita State's Gregg Marshall (Randolph-Macon VA) directed teams to the Final Four the second half of the previous decade. After nine such bench bosses were hired in the last two years, following is an alphabetical list of fraternity of active power-league mentors working their way up the ladder after graduating from a small school:
Current Head Coach Power-League Member Small-College Alma Mater Dana Altman Oregon Eastern New Mexico '80 Rick Barnes Tennessee Lenoir-Rhyne (N.C.) '76 Brad Brownell Clemson DePauw (Ind.) '91 John Calipari Kentucky Clarion (Pa.) State '82 Ed Cooley Georgetown Stonehill (Mass.) '94 Andy Enfield Southern California Johns Hopkins (Md.) '91 Steve Forbes Wake Forest Southern Arkansas '88 Greg Gard Wisconsin Wisconsin-Platteville '95 Earl Grant Boston College Georgia College '00 Leonard Hamilton Florida State Tennessee-Martin '71 Chris Holtmann Ohio State Taylor (Ind.) '94 Tom Izzo Michigan State Northern Michigan '77 Chris Jans Mississippi State Loras College (Iowa) '91 Kevin Keatts North Carolina State Ferrum (Va.) '95 Tommy Lloyd Arizona Whitman College (Wash.) '98 Nate Oats Alabama Maranatha Baptist (Wis.) '97 T.J. Otzelberger Iowa State Wisconsin-Whitewater '01 Lamont Paris South Carolina College of Wooster (Ohio) '96 Mike Rhoades Penn State Lebanon Valley (Pa.) '95 Micah Shrewsberry Notre Dame Hanover College (Ind.) '99 Shaka Smart Marquette Kenyon (Ohio) '99 Craig Smith Utah North Dakota '96 Kyle Smith Washington State Hamilton (N.Y.) College '92 Tony Stubblefield DePaul Nebraska-Omaha '93 Jerome Tang Kansas State North Central Bible College (Minn.) Rodney Terry Texas St. Edward's (Tex.) '90 Brent "Buzz" Williams Texas A&M Oklahoma City '94 Mike Young Virginia Tech Emory & Henry (Va.) '86 NOTE: Nebraska-Omaha, North Dakota and Tennessee-Martin subsequently were classified as NCAA DI universities. OCU previously was designated as a major college.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 15
Extra! Extra! As a new season gains traction with African-Americans comprising only 7% of current MLB rosters, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. In a historical milestone, Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers as a first baseman in 1947, becoming the first black player to appear in a MLB game. Fellow Pasadena City CA juco hooper Darrell Evans smacked a milestone homer on this date. Robinson's historic appearance completely dwarfed four-year Army veteran Fuzz White serving as leadoff batter for crosstown rival (New York Giants), which was 14 years before fellow ex-Drury MO hooper Bill Virdon homered twice in another National League contest. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is a taxing April 15 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 15
New York Giants 2B Andy Cohen (Alabama basketball letterman in 1924 and 1925) went 3-for-4 for the second time in first three games of 1928 campaign.
LHP Chubby Dean (reserve guard for Duke in 1936) hurled a complete game in the Philadelphia Athletics' season opener to give them a 3-1 win against the New York Yankees in 1941.
Brooklyn Dodgers RF Ox Eckhart (Texas hoops letterman in 1923) smacked his lone MLB homer (against New York Giants in 1936).
Atlanta Braves 3B Darrell Evans (member of Jerry Tarkanian-coached Pasadena City CA club winning 1967 state community college crown) launched milestone 100th of his 414 MLB career homers.
New York Yankees 3B Mike Gazella (premier hooper for undefeated Mansfield PA hoops squad in 1918) contributed a pair of triples in 6-3 victory against the Philadelphia Athletics in 1927.
RHP Bob Gibson (Creighton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1955-56 and 1956-57) made his St. Louis Cardinals debut at Los Angeles in 1959, hurling the final two innings in a 5-0 setback against the Dodgers. He became the first future Hall of Famer to yield a homer to first batter he faced in the majors (3B Jim Baxes went downtown in seventh inning).
First appearance and start in 1961 for Philadelphia Phillies RHP Dallas Green (Delaware's second-leading scorer and rebounder in 1954-55) wound up becoming a five-hit shutout against the San Francisco Giants.
INF Gene Handley (Bradley hoops letterman in 1932-33 and 1933-34) purchased from the Pittsburgh Pirates by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1940.
Boston Red Sox LHP Bill Henry (hoops letterman for Houston's 1947 NAIA Tournament team featuring co-captain Guy Lewis) restricted the Washington Senators to three hits in a complete-game victory in 1954.
C Cal Neeman (Illinois Wesleyan's leading scorer in 1947-48 and 1948-49), not Ernie Banks, collected the Chicago Cubs' first homer of 1958 (at St. Louis in season opener).
Kansas City Royals RF Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) whacked a two-out, game-tying homer in the bottom of the ninth inning en route to an 11-inning, 2-1 win against the Chicago White Sox in 1972 season opener.
In 1952, Boston Braves 2B Billy Reed (Ripon WI hooper in 1942-43) banged out two singles in his MLB debut off Brooklyn Dodgers LHP Preacher Roe (Harding AR hooper in late 1930s).
1B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) debuted for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947, becoming the first black player to appear in a MLB game. Before Robinson was replaced by Howie Schultz (Hamline MN hooper in early 1940s), he went hitless in three at-bats against the visiting Boston Braves a year before President Truman desegregated the military.
In 2000, Cleveland Indians DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) jacked the 200th of his 612 MLB career round-trippers.
Pittsburgh Pirates CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) belted two homers in a 4-1 triumph against the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1961.
Washington Senators rookie RHP Monte Weaver (hoops center for Emory & Henry VA in mid-1920s) won his season debut in 1932 with a four-hit shutout against the Boston Red Sox.
CF Fuzz White (Drury MO hoops letterman during second half of 1930s) was leadoff batter for the New York Giants in their 1947 season opener.
Boston Red Sox C Sammy White (All-PCC Northern Division first-five selection for Washington in 1947-48 and 1948-49) went 4-for-4 against the Washington Senators in a 1954 contest.
Philadelphia Phillies CF Cy Williams (Notre Dame forward in 1909-10) homered twice against the Boston Braves in a 1922 game.
San Diego Padres RHP Chris Young (All-Ivy League first-team selection as Princeton's leading scorer and rebounder in 1999-00) tied a MLB record with 25 straight starts on the road without a defeat before bowing at Los Angeles against the Dodgers in 2007.
MLB Celebrates Jackie's Anniversary By Promoting Uniform #42 of Ex-Hooper
"A life is not important except in the impact it has on other lives." - Jackie Robinson
The entirety of SportsNation accepts the cultural significance of Jackie Robinson Day, an annual event commemorating and honoring the groundbreaking day he made his debut 76 years ago on April 15 with the Brooklyn Dodgers as MLB's first African-American player. It doesn't appear as if BLM (Buy Large Mansions) hucksters claiming systemic racism and police brutality will diminish his justifiable accolades.
Observers might not know about Robinson also impacted basketball. UCLA's initial all-conference hooper in the 1940s was a forward who compiled the highest scoring average in the Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with the Bruins (12.3 points per league game in 1939-40 and 11.1 ppg in 1940-41) after transferring from Pasadena (Calif.) City College. Continuing his scoring exploits, the six-time National League All-Star also materialized as the leading scorer for the Los Angeles Red Devils' barnstorming team in 1946-47. He certainly brought a massive load of more credibility to thought-provoking table than opportunistic romance novelist Stacey Abrams (a/k/a Selena Montgomery).
In 1949, Jackie triggered a streak of eight different African-Americans winning a total of 11 N.L. MVPs in 14-year span through 1962. In deference to Robinson's uniform number, following is an alphabetical list of 42 more of the best African-American basketball players for four-year colleges who subsequently competed at the MLB level:
| College Hooper | Four-Year College | Summary of College Basketball Career | Summary of MLB Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ron Allen | Youngstown State | Averaged 14.7 ppg from 1961-62 through 1963-64, leading Penguins in scoring and rebounding as sophomore. | Only hit in 11 MLB at-bats for 1B and brother of Dick Allen and Hank Allen was homer with St. Louis Cardinals at San Diego in 1972. |
| George Altman | Tennessee State | Four-year letterman was forward on teams compiling 88-17 record from 1951-52 through 1954-55 (including two NAIA Tournament appearances). | Two-time All-Star 1B hit .269 with 102 home runs in nine seasons from 1959 through 1967 with Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets before playing eight years in Japan. |
| Jim Bibby | Fayetteville State (N.C.) | Backup hooper's brother, Fred, set Fayetteville State single-season record with 18.1 rpg in 1963-64. Their younger brother, Henry, was consensus first-team All-American guard with UCLA in 1971-72. | RHP compiled 111-101 record and 3.76 ERA with St. Louis Cardinals, Texas Rangers, Cleveland Indians and Pittsburgh Pirates in 12 seasons from 1972 through 1984. Hurled first no-hitter in Rangers history in 1973 and started two games for victorious Pirates in 1979 World Series. |
| Dorian "Doe" Boyland | Wisconsin-Oshkosh | Averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.4 rpg in half a season in 1974-75. | 1B had two hits in 19 at-bats with Pittsburgh Pirates in three years from 1978 to 1981. Traded to San Francisco Giants but never played for them. |
| Al Bumbry | Virginia State | Averaged 16.7 ppg (team runner-up) as freshman in 1964-65 and 12.4 ppg plus 4.6 rpg as junior in 1966-67. | Lefthanded-swinging OF hit .281 with Baltimore Orioles and San Diego Padres in 14 years from 1972 through 1985. Hit .337 as A.L. Rookie of the Year in 1973 when tying MLB single-game record with three triples. Finished among top nine in stolen bases five times in first nine years. Participated in World Series in 1979 and 1983. |
| Ray Burris | Southwestern Oklahoma State | Two-sport standout is in school's Hall of Fame. | RHP compiled 108-134 record and 4.17 ERA with Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, New York Mets, Montreal Expos, Oakland A's, Milwaukee Brewers and St. Louis Cardinals in 15 years from 1973 through 1987. Started three postseason games for Expos in 1981 after averaging 227 innings pitched last four full seasons with Cubs. |
| Tony Clark | Arizona/San Diego State | Swingman averaged 11.6 ppg and 4.6 rpg for Aztecs as sophomore in 1991-92, leading them in scoring in WAC games. | 1B averaged 31 HRs annually in four-year span from 1996 through 1999 with Detroit Tigers. Tallest switch-hitter (6-7) in MLB history hit .262 with 251 homers and 824 RBI in 15 seasons from 1995 through 2009 with Tigers, Red Sox, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Arizona Diamondbacks and San Diego Padres. |
| Donn Clendenon | Morehouse (Ga.) | Earned letters in four collegiate sports before leading Army base at Fort Jackson (Columbia, S.C.) to hoop title before discharge in time for spring training in 1959. | 1B hit .274 with 159 home runs and 682 RBI with Pittsburgh Pirates, Montreal Expos, New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals in 12 years from 1961 through 1972. World Series MVP with "Miracle Mets" in 1969 when hitting three home runs (Games 2, 4 and 5). |
| Vince Colbert | East Carolina | ECU's first African-American hooper averaged 14.3 ppg and 7.3 rpg in 1966-67 and 1967-68. J.C. transfer led Pirates in rebounding as junior. | RHP compiled 9-14 record and 4.57 ERA with Cleveland Indians in three years from 1970 through 1972. He was their only winning pitcher (7-6) with 10 or more starts in 1971. |
| George Crowe | Indiana Central | Four-year hoops letterman from 1939-40 through 1942-43 for college now known as University of Indianapolis after becoming first Indiana H.S. player named state's "Mr. Basketball." | 1B hit .270 in nine years (1952, 1953 and 1955 through 1961) with Boston/Milwaukee Braves, Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals. One year after named All-Star, led N.L. in pinch-hits (17) in first season with Cards in 1959 before slugging MLB-record 11th pinch-hit HR in 1960. |
| Arthur "Bill" Davis | Minnesota | Averaged 6.4 ppg and 5 rpg from 1961-62 through 1963-64 under coach John Kundla. Forward contributed 12.5 ppg as senior for team including eventual NBA standouts Archie Clark and Lou Hudson. | 1B hit .181 with Cleveland Indians and San Diego Padres in three seasons (1965, 1966 and 1969). |
| Larry Doby | Virginia Union | Attended LIU on hoops scholarship but transferred to VU after Uncle Sam summoned him for World War II service. Reserve guard on team winning 1943 CIAA title. | Seven-time All-Star OF hit .283 with 253 HRs and 969 RBI in 13 years from 1947 through 1959 with Cleveland Indians and Chicago White Sox. First black player in A.L. twice led league in homers (1952 and 1954). Smacked 20 or more HRs eight seasons in row from 1949 through 1956. |
| Don Eaddy | Michigan | One of first two African-Americans to play hoops for Wolverines averaged 11.4 ppg in four seasons from 1951-52 through 1954-55. Led team in scoring in Big Ten Conference competition as sophomore. | INF played briefly with Chicago Cubs in 1959. |
| Amir Garrett | St. John's | Averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg in 2011-12 and 2012-13 under coach Steve Lavin prior to transferring to Northridge State, where he had RS year before focusing only on baseball. | After representing Cincinnati Reds at 2016 All-Star Futures Game, LHP won his first two MLB decisions in April 2017 with six shutout innings in each start. In his third start, he tied Reds record for rookie LHP by fanning 12 Baltimore Orioles batters. In 2018, Garrett didn't allow a run in his first eight relief appearances and had a 1.35 ERA after 21 outings. Traded to the Kansas City Royals in spring of 2022. |
| Bob Gibson | Creighton | First Bluejays player to average 20 ppg for his career (20.2). Led school in scoring in 1955-56 (40th in country with 22 ppg) and 1956-57 after being second-leading scorer in 1954-55. | Hall of Famer compiled 251-174 pitching record with 3,117 strikeouts and 2.91 ERA in 17 seasons from 1959 through 1975 with St. Louis Cardinals. In 1968, RHP tossed 13 shutouts en route to a 1.12 ERA. Ranked among N.L. top six in strikeouts 11 times from 1961 through 1972. He hit 24 home runs and won nine consecutive Gold Gloves (1965 through 1973). Notched 7-2 mark and 1.89 ERA in nine World Series games, including strikeout record of 17 Tigers in 1968 contest. |
| Tony Gwynn | San Diego State | Averaged 8.6 ppg and 5.5 apg from 1977-78 through 1980-81. Second-team All-WAC selection as junior and senior set school DI single-game mark with 18 assists vs. UNLV. | San Diego Padres OF hit .338 in 20 seasons (1982 through 2001), winning eight N.L. batting titles - 1984, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1994, 1995, 1996 and 1997. Played in 15th All-Star Game in 1999 before topping 3,000-hit plateau later in year. |
| Chuck Harmon | Toledo | Second-leading scorer as sophomore in 1946-47 (13.6 ppg) and as junior in 1947-48 (8.8). As freshman starter in 1942-43, swingman was second-leading scorer for 22-4 team finishing NIT runner-up. | Utilityman hit .238 in four seasons from 1954 through 1957 with Cincinnati Reds, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies. |
| Billy Harrell | Siena | When school's first African-American player finished career, he held school records for most points in season (396 in 1951-52), career and game (28 against Arizona State in 1951) plus most rebounds in season (387 in 1949-50). | INF hit .231 in 173 games with Cleveland Indians (1955, 1957, 1958) and Boston Red Sox (1961). |
| Chuck Hinton | Shaw (N.C.) | Played multiple sports before serving two years in U.S. Army in mid-1950s. His brother, Checo, was lineman with him on football squad and power forward for hoops team. | OF-INF played every defensive position while hitting .264 with Washington Senators, Cleveland Indians and California Angels in 11 A.L. seasons from 1961 through 1971. In 1962, he was runner-up in stolen bases in A.L. and finished fourth in batting average. First expansion Senator to be named to All-Star team was final Senator to hit .300. |
| Monte Irvin | Lincoln (Pa.) | Athletic career was nearly prematurely ended when infection from scratched hand in hoops game kept him close to death for seven weeks. | Hall of Fame OF-1B hit .293 with 99 HRs and 443 RBI in eight years from 1949 through 1956 with New York Giants and Chicago Cubs. Irvin led N.L. in RBI with 121 in 1951 (same year led World Series in hitting with .458 mark vs. crosstown Yankees). |
| Anthony "Tony" Johnson | LeMoyne-Owen (Tenn.) | J.C. transfer forward was All-VSAC selection in 1976-77 and 1979-80 as team's top scorer. | LF hit .232 with Montreal Expos and Toronto Blue Jays in two years in 1981 and 1982. |
| "Sweet" Lou Johnson | Kentucky State | Teammate of legendary Alcorn State coach Davey Whitney averaged 5.7 ppg and 2 rpg in 1951-52. | OF hit .258 with Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles/California Angels, Milwaukee Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers and Cleveland Indians in eight seasons from 1960 through 1969. Contributed two homers and two doubles for Dodgers in 1965 World Series against Minnesota Twins. |
| Lynn Jones | Thiel (Pa.) | Averaged 10.4 ppg from 1970-71 through 1973-74. | OF hit .252 with Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals in eight seasons from 1979 through 1986. Doubled and tripled as pinch-hitter for Royals in 1985 World Series against St. Louis Cardinals. |
| David Justice | Thomas More (Ky.) | Led team in assists in 1984-85 while averaging 9.3 ppg and 3.5 rpg. | Three-time All-Star OF hit .279 in 14 seasons from 1989 through 2002 with Atlanta Braves, Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and Oakland A's. Jacked 40 homers (N.L. runner-up) with 120 RBI (also runner-up) in 1993 with Braves and total of 41 homers (fourth in A.L.) with 118 RBI in 2000 with Indians and Yanks. |
| Kenny Lofton | Arizona | Averaged 4.8 ppg and 2.6 apg in four seasons from 1985-86 through 1988-89 under coach Lute Olson. Leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record. | Lefthanded CF hit .299 and stole 622 bases in 17 seasons from 1991 through 2007 with Houston Astros, Cleveland Indians, Atlanta Braves, Chicago White Sox, San Francisco Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, Los Angeles Dodgers and Texas Rangers. Four-time Gold Glover led Indians with .325 batting mark (fourth in A.L.) and paced majors with 70 stolen bases in 1993. After trade to Cleveland, hit .285 for Indians in 1992 and led the A.L. in stolen bases with 66 (record for A.L. rookie). Six-time All-Star led A.L. in stolen bases five consecutive years from 1992 through 1996, hitting career-high .349 in 1994. |
| Davey Lopes | Iowa Wesleyan/Washburn (Kan.) | NAIA All-District 15 selection averaged 16.9 ppg and 3.4 rpg as All-IIAC first-team choice freshman in 1964-65 and 12.1 ppg as sophomore in 1965-66 before transferring with his coach. All-CIC selection in 1967-68 when averaging 7.6 ppg for NAIA Tournament team. | Four-time All-Star 2B hit .263 with Los Angeles Dodgers, Oakland A's, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros in 16 seasons from 1972 through 1987. Led N.L. in stolen bases in back-to-back campaigns in 1975 (77) and 1976 (63) after finishing runner-up in 1974 (59). Swiped five bases in game in 1974, tying 70-year-old N.L. record before establishing since-broken N.L. mark with 38 consecutive successful thefts in 1975. |
| Terrell Lowery | Loyola Marymount | Two-time All-WCC first-team selection and league-leading scorer. Tallied career-high 48 points against Idaho State as junior in 1990-91 when finishing among top five nationally in scoring (28.5 ppg) and assists (9.1 apg). | OF hit .282 with Chicago Cubs, Tampa Bay Devil Rays and San Francisco Giants from 1997 through 2000. Stroked five hits for Giants in single game against Milwaukee Brewers in 2000. |
| Arnold "Bake" McBride | Westminster (Mo.) | Averaged 12.7 ppg and 8.1 rpg in 21 games in 1968-69 and 1969-70. | Lefthanded-swinging OF hit .299 with St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Indians in 11 seasons from 1973 through 1983. N.L. Rookie of the Year in 1974 when hitting .309 with Cardinals was named to N.L. All-Star team two years later. |
| Lyle Mouton | Louisiana State | Averaged 8.2 ppg and 3.2 rpg as sophomore in 1988-89 under coach Dale Brown. Started in backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson when Tigers lost to UTEP in West Regional of NCAA playoffs. | OF hit .280 for Chicago White Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Milwaukee Brewers and Florida Marlins in seven years from 1995 through 2001. |
| Billy North | Central Washington | Collected two points and two rebounds in four games in 1967-68. | Switch-hitting CF posted .261 batting average with Chicago Cubs, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants in 11 years from 1971 through 1981. Paced A.L. in stolen bases in 1974 (54) and 1976 (75). |
| Curtis Pride | William & Mary | Averaged 5.6 ppg and 3.1 apg from 1986-87 through 1989-90. Led team in steals three times and assists twice. Named to CAA All-Rookie team pick as freshman and All-Defensive team selection next two seasons. | Born with 95% hearing disability, lefthanded-swinging OF hit .250 in 11 seasons from 1993 to 2006 with seven franchises (Montreal Expos, Detroit Tigers, Boston Red Sox, Atlanta Braves, Montreal Expos, New York Yankees and Anaheim/California Angels). |
| Dave Ricketts | Duquesne | Three-year starter led Dukes in scoring as senior with 17.9-point average in 1956-57, finishing fourth in nation in free-throw percentage (86.2%). Converted school-record 42 FTAs in row. | Catcher hit .249 in six seasons (1962, 1965 and 1967 through 1970) with St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Switch-hitter played with Cards in 1967 and 1968 World Series. |
| Dick Ricketts | Duquesne | Second-team consensus All-American choice as junior in 1953-54 and first five consensus All-American selection as senior in 1954-55. Converted all 19 FTAs in game against Dayton. School's all-time leading scorer averaged 17.7 ppg and 12.2 rpg in starting all 111 games during four-year career. | Compiled 1-6 pitching record in only season with St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. |
| Earl Robinson | California | Three-time All-PCC second-team selection averaged at least 10 ppg each season from 1955-56 through 1957-58 under coach Pete Newell. Averaged 15.5 points in four NCAA Tournament games his last two years, leading Bears in scoring in two of four playoff contests. | OF hit .268 in four seasons from 1958 to 1964 with Los Angeles Dodgers and Baltimore Orioles. |
| Ted Savage | Lincoln (Mo.) | Led in scoring average with 13.5 ppg in 1955-56 before averaging 14.5 ppg and 5.6 rpg in 1956-57. | OF hit .233 in nine seasons (1962, 1963 and 1965 through 1971) with Philadelphia Phillies, Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals. |
| Ken Singleton | Hofstra | Freshman hooper in mid-1960s. | Three-time All-Star OF hit .282 with 246 HRs and 1,065 RBI with New York Mets, Montreal Expos and Baltimore Orioles in 15 years from 1970 through 1984. Switch-hitter exceeded 20 HRs in five seasons, including high of 35 (fifth in A.L.) in 1979 with Orioles. |
| Lee Smith | Northwestern State | Forward averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg in 1976-77 as teammate of Billy Reynolds, the nation's ninth-leading scorer that season. | Seven-time All-Star was all-time saves leader when he retired, notching 478 in 18 seasons from 1980 through 1997 with Chicago Cubs, Boston Red Sox, St. Louis Cardinals, New York Yankees, Baltimore Orioles, California Angels, Cincinnati Reds and Montreal Expos until Trevor Hoffman broke his mark in 2006. Set N.L. record in 1991 (subsequently broken) for most saves in season with 47 for Cardinals. RHP led N.L. in saves three times (1983-91-92) and A.L. once (1994). |
| Nate Smith | Tennessee State | Letterman in 1953-54 and 1954-55. | Catcher went 2 for 9 in five games with Baltimore Orioles in 1962. |
| Bob Veale | Benedictine (Kan.) | Scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 as center for school previously called St. Benedict's. | LHP compiled 120-95 record and 3.08 ERA in 13 seasons from 1962 through 1974 with Pittsburgh Pirates and Boston Red Sox. Led N.L. in strikeouts with 250 in 1964 (first of four consecutive years he won at least 16 games and ranked among top seven in strikeouts). |
| Will Venable | Princeton | All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05. | Lefthanded OF hit .249 with San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers and Los Angeles Dodgers in nine seasons from 2008 through 2016. Finished among N.L. top 10 in triples (8th with 7) and stolen bases (9th with 29) in 2010. |
| Bill White | Hiram (Ohio) | Three-sport letterman played two years of hoops. | Five-time All-Star 1B hit .286 with New York/San Francisco Giants, St. Louis Cardinals and Philadelphia Phillies in 13 N.L. seasons in 1956 and from 1958 through 1969. Lefthander ranked among N.L. top 10 in RBI five times (1961-62-63-64-66). Placed among N.L. top eight in both doubles and triples three straight campaigns from 1959 through 1961. Gold Glover seven consecutive years from 1960 through 1966. |
| Desi Wilson | Fairleigh Dickinson | FDU's all-time leading scorer (1,902 points) was NEC player of year in 1989-90. Leading scorer (23.8 ppg) and rebounder (9.2 rpg) for 1990-91 league co-champion. | Lefthanded-swinging 1B hit .271 with San Francisco Giants in 1996. |
| Dave Winfield | Minnesota | Averaged 6.9 ppg and 5.4 rpg as junior in 1971-72 and 10.5 ppg and 6.1 rpg as senior in 1972-73 under coach Bill Musselman. Played entire playoff game in 1972, collecting eight points and eight rebounds against eventual Final Four participant Florida State, in Gophers' first NCAA Tournament appearance. | Hall of Fame OF hit .283 with 465 home runs, 1,833 RBI and 3,110 hits in 22 seasons (1973 through 1988 and 1990 through 1995) with San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, California Angels, Toronto Blue Jays, Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians. Led N.L. in total bases in 1979 with 333 before ranking among A.L. top four in batting average in 1984 (.340) and 1988 (.322). Seven-time Gold Glover appeared in 12 All-Star Games after never playing in minors. Participated in World Series with Yankees (1981) and Blue Jays (1992). |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 14
Extra! Extra! Rather than listening to leftist lunatics on #MSLSD or #CNN-Minus, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Former hoops All-American Frank Howard (Ohio State) hammered a couple of milestone homers on this date four years apart. Ex-college hoopers Denny Doyle, Sandy Koufax, Rick Leach, Kenny Lofton, Graig Nettles, Paul Splittorff, Jack Spring and Ed Wells made MLB news as lefthanded hitters or pitchers on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 14 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 14
Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Joe Black (Morgan State hooper in mid-1940s) won 1953 season opener with six innings of two-hit relief.
2B Denny Doyle (averaged 2.7 ppg for Morehead State's basketball squad in 1962-63) stroked a two-run single in the bottom of the eighth inning to give the Philadelphia Phillies a 6-5 win against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1971.
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) launched a pair of milestone homers four years apart - 100th of his career with Los Angeles Dodgers in 1964 and 200th with Washington Senators in 1968.
Los Angeles Dodgers LHP Sandy Koufax (Cincinnati's freshman hoops team in 1953-54) threw the ninth complete game without permitting a walk in his career by blanking the St. Louis Cardinals, 4-0, in 1964 in his only Opening Day start.
A two-run pinch single by Rick Leach (averaged 15.5 ppg for Michigan's JV squad in 1975-76) provided the margin of victory in the Texas Rangers' 4-2 verdict over the Detroit Tigers in 1989.
Atlanta Braves CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling a 35-3 record) contributed five hits and five runs scored in a 14-5 rout of the Cincinnati Reds in 1997.
New York Yankees 3B Graig Nettles (shot 87.8% from free-throw line for San Diego State in 1963-64), en route to tying a MLB record with 11 homers in the month of April, collected four round-trippers - two in each game - during a 1974 doubleheader split opposing his former team (Cleveland Indians).
LF Paul Schramka (JV hooper for San Francisco in late 1940s for coach Pete Newell's program) served as a pinch-runner with the Chicago Cubs in their 1953 season-opening victory. Schramka wore uniform #14 before Hall of Famer Ernie Banks inherited it late in the season.
Kansas City Royals LHP Paul Splittorff (runner-up in scoring and rebounding for Morningside IA in 1967-68) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox in 1973.
LHP Jack Spring (freshman hooper for Washington State in 1951-52) obtained from the Kansas City Athletics by Los Angeles Angels as part of a minor league working agreement.
LHP Ed Wells (multi-sport athlete graduated in 1924 from Bethany WV) purchased from the New York Yankees by the St. Louis Browns in 1933.
Burnout: Coaching NCAA Championship Team Took Toll on More Than Wright
Much of media was abuzz about Jay Wright stepping down as Villanova's coach at the age of 60 a year ago after capturing NCAA Tournament crowns with the Wildcats in 2016 and 2018. But a total of 13 title bench bosses bowed out of coaching when they were younger than Wright. Following is a list of NCAA DI championship coaches who departed profession as college head coach by the age of 60 (including five of the first six titlists from 1939 through 1944):
| Championship Coach | Age | Title Team | Year(s) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pete Newell | 44 | California | 1959 |
| Jim Valvano | 44 | North Carolina State | 1983 |
| Kevin Ollie | 47 | Connecticut | 2014 |
| Al McGuire | 48 | Marquette | 1977 |
| Fred Taylor | 51 | Ohio State | 1960 |
| Harold "Bud" Foster | 52 | Wisconsin | 1941 |
| Howard Hobson | 52 | Oregon | 1939 |
| Everett Dean | 53 | Stanford | 1942 |
| Phil Woolpert | 53 | San Francisco | 1955 and 1956 |
| Ken Loeffler | 54 | La Salle | 1954 |
| Joe B. Hall | 56 | Kentucky | 1978 |
| E. "Branch" McCracken | 56 | Indiana | 1940 and 1953 |
| John Thompson Jr. | 57 | Georgetown | 1984 |
| Vadal Peterson | 60 | Utah | 1944 |
| Ed Jucker | 60 | Cincinnati | 1961 and 1962 |
| Nolan Richardson Jr. | 60 | Arkansas | 1994 |
| Jay Wright | 60 | Villanova | 2016 and 2018 |
NOTE: Billy Donovan was 49 when he left Florida (2006 and 2007) for the NBA.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 13
Extra! Extra! Rather than watching Plagiarist Biledumb flail away in Ireland (with hideous Hunter) unwilling to answer meaningful questions from the press regarding classified intelligence leaks by National Guard of all places (self-absorbed Lt. Col. Vindman wannabe Jack Teixeira), you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Ivy League hoopers Bill Almon (Brown) and Tony Lupien (Harvard) made MLB news on this date. Ex-college hoopers Tommy Herr (Delaware), Wally Moon (Texas A&M) and Lee Smith (Northwestern State) generated headlines for the St. Louis Cardinals on this date. Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 13 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 13
Montreal Expos SS Bill Almon (averaged 2.5 ppg in half season for Brown's 1972-73 basketball team ending school's streak of 12 straight losing records) stroked four hits in a 5-4 win against the Philadelphia Phillies in 1980.
In his first MLB game in 1954, Detroit Tigers 2B Frank Bolling (averaged 7.3 ppg for Spring Hill AL in 1950-51) belted a homer off Baltimore Orioles P Don Larsen.
San Diego Padres RF Tony Gwynn (All-WAC second-team selection with San Diego State in 1979-80 and 1980-81) and two teammates establish a MLB record by each hitting a homer as the first three batters in the bottom of first inning of their 1987 home opener against San Francisco Giants RHP Roger Mason (multiple-year letterman in late 1970s for Saginaw Valley State MI).
St. Louis Cardinals 2B Tommy Herr (hooper with Delaware's freshman team in 1974-75) went 3-for-3 and scored three runs in a 1985 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Boston Red Sox C Duane Josephson (led Northern Iowa in scoring in 1962-63 and 1963-64 under coach Norm Stewart) opened the scoring with a second-inning, two-run homer off Denny McLain in a 5-3 victory against the Washington Senators in 1971.
1B Tony Lupien (Harvard hoops captain in 1938-39) awarded on waivers from the Boston Red Sox to the Philadelphia Phillies in 1944.
St. Louis Cardinals CF Wally Moon (averaged 4.3 ppg with Texas A&M in 1948-49 and 1949-50) swatted a homer against the Chicago Cubs in his first at-bat en route to becoming 1954 N.L. Rookie of the Year.
Minnesota Twins RHP Jim Perry (averaged more than 20 ppg in late 1950s for former juco Campbell) fired a four-hit shutout against the New York Yankees in his first start of 1968 campaign.
INF-OF Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) traded by the Detroit Tigers to the California Angels in 1995.
Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 hoops honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) hurled a four-hit shutout against the Minnesota Twins in 1989.
St. Louis Cardinals closer Lee Smith (averaged 3.4 ppg and 1.9 rpg with Northwestern State in 1976-77) set MLB record for most career saves in 1993 (RHP's mark stood for 13 years).
Chicago White Sox DH Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) smacked a homer in his fourth consecutive contest in 2006.
RHP Jim Wilson (hoops letterman for San Diego State's 1942 NAIA Tournament participant) purchased from the Milwaukee Braves by the Baltimore Orioles in 1955.
California Angels RF Dave Winfield (starting forward with Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) collected 15 total bases and six RBI on three homers, a double and single in a 15-9 verdict over the Minnesota Twins in 1991.
First-Year Flash: Scheyer Edges Tang in Race for Winningest Rookie Coach
Duke's Jon Scheyer (27) edged Kansas State's Jerome Tang (26) this year for winningest "first-time" head coach. If Arizona had reached the 2022 Final Four, former Gonzaga assistant Tommy Lloyd would have become the all-time winningest rookie head coach.
More than half of the winningest first-year head coaches since Gonzaga's Mark Few in 1999-00 subsequently moved on to other similar jobs. Following are rookie NCAA Division I head coaches with the best winning percentages going back to 1963-64 when Tates Locke became Bob Knight's predecessor at Army:
| Season | First-Year Head Coach | School | W-L | Pct. | Predecessor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1963-64 | Tates Locke | Army | 19-7 | .731 | George Hunter |
| 1964-65 | Gary Thompson | Wichita State | 21-9 | .700 | Ralph Miller |
| 1965-66 | Lou Carnesecca | St. John's | 18-8 | .692 | Joe Lapchick |
| 1965-66 | Bob Knight | Army | 18-8 | .692 | Tates Locke |
| 1966-67 | Tommy Bartlett | Florida | 21-4 | .840 | Norm Sloan |
| 1967-68 | John Dromo | Louisville | 21-7 | .750 | Peck Hickman |
| 1968-69 | Tom Gola | La Salle | 23-1 | .958 | Jim Harding |
| 1969-70 | Terry Holland | Davidson | 22-5 | .815 | Lefty Driesell |
| 1970-71 | Richard "Digger" Phelps | Fordham | 26-3 | .897 | Ed Conlin |
| 1971-72 | Chuck Daly | Penn | 25-3 | .893 | Dick Harter |
| 1972-73 | Norm Ellenberger | New Mexico | 21-6 | .778 | Bob King |
| 1973-74 | Lute Olson | Long Beach State | 24-2 | .923 | Jerry Tarkanian |
| 1974-75 | Tom Apke | Creighton | 20-7 | .741 | Eddie Sutton |
| 1974-75 | Wayne Yates | Memphis State | 20-7 | .741 | Gene Bartow |
| 1975-76 | Bill Blakeley | North Texas State | 22-4 | .846 | Gene Robbins |
| 1976-77 | Jim Boeheim | Syracuse | 26-4 | .867 | Roy Danforth |
| 1976-77 | Charlie Schmaus | Virginia Military | 26-4 | .867 | Bill Blair |
| 1977-78 | Gary Cunningham | UCLA | 25-3 | .893 | Gene Bartow |
| 1978-79 | Bill Hodges | Indiana State | 33-1 | .971 | Bob King |
| 1979-80 | Bob Dukiet | St. Peter's | 22-9 | .710 | Bob Kelly |
| 1979-80 | Dave "Lefty" Ervin | La Salle | 22-9 | .710 | Paul Westhead |
| 1980-81 | Pat Foster | Lamar | 25-5 | .833 | Billy Tubbs |
| 1981-82 | Jim Boyle | St. Joseph's | 25-5 | .833 | Jim Lynam |
| 1982-83 | Ed Tapscott | American University | 20-10 | .667 | Gary Williams |
| 1983-84 | Rick Huckabay | Marshall | 25-6 | .806 | Bob Zuffelato |
| 1984-85 | Newton Chelette | Southeastern Louisiana | 18-9 | .667 | Ken Fortenberry |
| 1985-86 | Pete Gillen | Xavier | 25-5 | .833 | Bob Staak |
| 1986-87 | Pete Herrmann | Navy | 26-6 | .813 | Paul Evans |
| 1987-88 | Rick Barnes | George Mason | 20-10 | .667 | Joe Harrington |
| 1988-89 | Kermit Davis | Idaho | 25-6 | .806 | Tim Floyd |
| 1989-90 | Jim Anderson | Oregon State | 22-7 | .759 | Ralph Miller |
| 1990-91 | Alan LeForce | East Tennessee State | 28-5 | .848 | Les Robinson |
| 1991-92 | Blaine Taylor | Montana | 27-4 | .871 | Stew Morrill |
| 1992-93 | Fran Fraschilla | Manhattan | 23-7 | .767 | Steve Lappas |
| 1993-94 | Kirk Speraw | Central Florida | 21-9 | .700 | Joe Dean Jr. |
| 1994-95 | George "Tic" Price | New Orleans | 20-11 | .645 | Tim Floyd |
| 1995-96 | Mike Heideman | Wisconsin-Green Bay | 25-4 | .862 | Dick Bennett |
| 1996-97 | Bill Carmody | Princeton | 24-4 | .857 | Pete Carril |
| 1997-98 | Bill Guthridge | North Carolina | 34-4 | .895 | Dean Smith |
| 1998-99 | Tevester Anderson | Murray State | 27-6 | .818 | Mark Gottfried |
| 1999-00 | Mark Few | Gonzaga | 26-9 | .743 | Dan Monson |
| 2000-01 | Thad Matta | Butler | 24-8 | .750 | Barry Collier |
| 2001-02 | Stan Heath | Kent State | 29-6 | .829 | Gary Waters |
| 2002-03 | Brad Brownell | UNC Wilmington | 24-7 | .774 | Jerry Wainwright |
| 2003-04 | Jamie Dixon | Pittsburgh | 31-5 | .861 | Ben Howland |
| 2004-05 | Mark Fox | Nevada | 25-7 | .781 | Trent Johnson |
| 2005-06 | Rob Jeter | Wisconsin-Milwaukee | 22-9 | .710 | Bruce Pearl |
| 2006-07 | Anthony Grant | Virginia Commonwealth | 28-7 | .800 | Jeff Capel III |
| 2007-08 | Brad Stevens | Butler | 30-4 | .882 | Todd Lickliter |
| 2008-09 | Ken McDonald | Western Kentucky | 25-9 | .735 | Darrin Horn |
| 2009-10 | Shaka Smart | Virginia Commonwealth | 27-9 | .750 | Anthony Grant |
| 2010-11 | B.J. Hill | Northern Colorado | 21-11 | .656 | Tad Boyle |
| 2011-12 | Steve Prohm | Murray State | 31-2 | .939 | Billy Kennedy |
| 2012-13 | Kevin Ollie | Connecticut | 20-10 | .667 | Jim Calhoun |
| 2013-14 | Brad Underwood | Stephen F. Austin | 32-3 | .914 | Danny Kaspar |
| 2014-15 | David Richman | North Dakota State | 23-10 | .697 | Saul Phillips |
| 2015-16 | Matt McCall | Chattanooga | 29-5 | .853 | Will Wade |
| 2016-17 | Paul Weir | New Mexico State | 28-6 | .824 | Marvin Menzies |
| 2017-18 | Bob Richey | Furman | 23-10 | .697 | Niko Medved |
| 2018-19 | Sam Scholl | San Diego | 21-15 | .583 | Lamont Smith |
| 2019-20 | Eric Henderson | South Dakota State | 22-10 | .688 | T.J. Otzelberger |
| 2020-21 | Terrence "TJ" Johnson | Texas State | 18-7 | .720 | Danny Kaspar |
| 2021-22 | Tommy Lloyd | Arizona | 33-4 | .892 | Sean Miller |
| 2022-23 | Jon Scheyer | Duke | 27-9 | .750 | Mike Krzyzewski |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 12
Extra! Extra! Instead of listening to #MessMedia misfits on MSLSD and CNN-minus, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Two former small-college hoopers from Pennsylvania - Dick Hall (Swarthmore) and Lynn Jones (Thiel) - made MLB news on this date. Joining Jones among small-college hoopers generating headlines for the Detroit Tigers on this date were Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military) and Jeff Robinson (Azusa Pacific CA). Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 12 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 12
RHP Rich Beck (listed on Gonzaga's basketball roster in 1961-62) was purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the New York Yankees in 1965.
In his initial MLB appearance in 1961, San Francisco Giants INF Ernie Bowman (East Tennessee State hoops letterman in 1954-55 and 1955-56) scored the game-winning tally as a pinch-runner in a 2-1 victory against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
RHP Dick Hall (averaged 13.5 ppg from 1948-49 through 1950-51 for Swarthmore PA Middle Atlantic States Conference Southern Division champions) traded by the Kansas City Athletics to the Baltimore Orioles in 1961.
In 1961, San Francisco Giants C Tom Haller (backup forward for Illinois in 1956-57 and 1957-58 under coach Harry Combes) stroked his first MLB hit, a homer off Pittsburgh Pirates P Vern Law.
A pinch-hit homer by OF Lynn Jones (averaged 10.4 ppg for Thiel PA from 1970-71 through 1973-74) accounted for the Detroit Tigers' only runs in a 6-2 loss against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1981.
Cleveland Indians rookie CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) swiped four bases against the Boston Red Sox in the opener of a 1992 doubleheader.
Detroit Tigers 3B Tony Phillips (New Mexico Military juco hooper in 1977-78 as teammate of eventual Drake All-American Lewis Lloyd) went 4-for-4 in a 1990 game against the Boston Red Sox.
Seattle Mariners RF Leon Roberts (grabbed one rebound in four basketball games for Michigan in 1970-71 under coach Johnny Orr) contributed a sacrifice fly and two solo homers, including game-winning blast in bottom of the 10th inning, in 3-2 win against the Toronto Blue Jays in 1980.
Detroit Tigers RHP Jeff Robinson (two-time NAIA All-District 3 hoops honoree in early 1980s left Azusa Pacific CA as school's No. 9 all-time scorer) won his MLB debut, allowing only one run in seven innings in a 7-1 victory against the Chicago White Sox in 1987.
After a pair of rainouts, 1B-OF Norm Siebern (member of Southwest Missouri State's back-to-back hoops NAIA Tournament titlists in 1952 and 1953) socked a decisive eighth-inning HR to give the New York Yankees a season-opening 3-2 win over the visiting Boston Red Sox in 1959.
Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Kent Tekulve (freshman hooper for Marietta OH in mid-1960s) commenced a streak of 12 relief appearances in a row without allowing an earned run in 1978.
Pittsburgh Pirates LHP Bob Veale (scored 1,160 points from 1955-56 through 1957-58 with Benedictine KS) outdueled San Francisco Giants P Juan Marichal, 1-0, in 1965.
San Diego Padres RF Will Venable (All-Ivy League first-team selection as junior and second-team choice as senior averaged 9.3 ppg under Princeton coach John Thompson III from 2001-02 through 2004-05) scored four runs against the Atlanta Braves in 2010.
Swallowing Your Pride: Mid-Major Mentors From Power-League Members
McNeese State's Will Wade is the latest head coach previously piloting at least one power-conference member. Following is an alphabetical list of former power-league mentors - 10 of them at multiple power-conference members - swallowing their pride by currently toiling in more obscurity at mid-major level:
| Active Head Coach | Current Mid-Major School | Previous Power League School(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Steve Alford | Nevada (since 2019-20) | Iowa (1999-00 through 2006-07) and UCLA (2013-14 to 2018-19) |
| Tommy Amaker | Harvard (since 2007-08) | Seton Hall (1997-98 through 2000-01) and Michigan (2001-02 through 2006-07) |
| Tony Barbee | Central Michigan (since 2021-22) | Auburn (2010-11 through 2013-14) |
| Rod Barnes | Cal State Bakersfield (since 2011-12) | Mississippi (1998-99 through 2005-06) |
| Pat Chambers | Florida Gulf Coast (since 2022-23) | Penn State (2011-12 through 2019-20) |
| Mike Davis | Detroit (since 2018-19) | Indiana (2000-01 through 2005-06) |
| Johnny Dawkins | UCF (since 2016-17) | Stanford (2008-09 through 2015-16) |
| Ed DeChellis | Navy (since 2011-12) | Penn State (2003-04 through 2010-11) |
| Steve Donahue | Penn (since 2015-16) | Boston College (2010-11 through 2013-14) |
| Bryce Drew | Grand Canyon (since 2020-21) | Vanderbilt (2016-17 through 2018-19) |
| Cliff Ellis | Coastal Carolina (since 2007-08) | Clemson (1984-85 through 1993-94) and Auburn (1994-95 through 2003-04) |
| Travis Ford | Saint Louis (since 2016-17) | Oklahoma State (2008-09 through 2015-16) |
| Billy Gillispie | Tarleton State (since 2020-21) | Texas A&M (2004-05 through 2006-07), Kentucky (2007-08 and 2008-09) and Texas Tech (2011-12) |
| Anthony Grant | Dayton (since 2017-18) | Alabama (2009-10 through 2014-15) |
| Brian Gregory | South Florida (since 2017-18) | Georgia Tech (2011-12 through 2015-16) |
| John Groce | Akron (since 2017-18) | Illinois (2012-13 through 2016-17) |
| Stan Heath | Eastern Michigan (since 2021-22) | Arkansas (2002-03 through 2006-07) and South Florida (2007-08 through 2012-13) |
| Darrin Horn | Northern Kentucky (since 2019-20) | South Carolina (2008-09 through 2011-12) |
| Jeff Jones | Old Dominion (since 2013-14) | Virginia (1990-91 through 1997-98) |
| Johnny Jones | Texas Southern (since 2018-19) | Louisiana State (2012-13 through 2016-17) |
| Andy Kennedy | UAB (since 2020-21) | Cincinnati (2005-06) and Mississippi (2006-07 to 2017-18) |
| Steve Lavine | San Diego (since 2022-23) | UCLA (1996-97 through 2002-03) and St. John's (2010-11 through 2014-15) |
| Todd Lickliter | Evansville (since middle of 2019-20) | Iowa (2007-08 through 2009-10) |
| Frank Martin | Massachusetts (since 2022-23) | Kansas State (2007-08 through 2011-12) and South Carolina (2012-13 through 2021-22) |
| Bobby McCullum | Florida A&M (since 2017-18) | South Florida (2003-04 through 2006-07*) |
| Ritchie McKay | Liberty (2007-08, 2008-09 and since 2015-16) | Oregon State (2000-01 and 2001-02) |
| Tim Miles | San Jose State (since 2021-22) | Nebraska (2012-13 through 2018-19) |
| Ryan "Archie" Miller | Rhode Island (since 2022-23) | Indiana (2017-18 through 2020-21) |
| Dan Monson | Long Beach State (since 2007-08) | Minnesota (1999-00 to 2006-07) |
| John Pelphrey | Tennessee Tech (since 2019-20) | Arkansas (2007-08 through 2010-11) |
| Steve Prohm | Murray State (2011-12 through 2014-15 and since 2022-23) | Iowa State (2015-16 through 2020-21) |
| Herb Sendek | Santa Clara (since 2016-17) | North Carolina State (1996-97 through 2005-06) and Arizona State (2006-07 through 2014-15) |
| Travis Steele | Miami of Ohio (since 2022-23) | Xavier (2018-19 through 2021-22) |
| Will Wade | McNeese State (since 2023-24) | Louisiana State (2017-18 to 2021-22) |
*South Florida's inaugural season in Big East Conference was 2006-07.
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 11
Extra! Extra! As a new season gains momentum, you can read news all about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players! Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Eventual MLB managers of at least eight seasons, generating news as players on this date after previously competing as college basketball hoopers, included Roger Craig (North Carolina State), Dallas Green (Delaware), Gil Hodges (St. Joseph's IN/Oakland City IN), Davey Johnson (Texas A&M) and Bill Virdon (Drury MO). Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 11 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 11
RHP Roger Craig (forward with North Carolina State's 1949-50 freshman basketball team) released by the Cincinnati Reds and promptly signed as a free agent by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1966.
RHP Dallas Green (Delaware's runner-up in scoring and rebounding in 1954-55) purchased from the Philadelphia Phillies by the Washington Senators in 1965. Returned to the Phillies a month later.
In 1932, utilityman Harvey Hendrick (Vanderbilt hoops letterman in 1918) traded with P Benny Frey and cash by the Cincinnati Reds to the St. Louis Cardinals for holdout OF Chick Hafey, the previous year's N.L. batting champion.
1B Gil Hodges (hooper for St. Joseph's IN in 1943 and Oakland City IN in 1947 and 1948) supplied the first homer in New York Mets history (at St. Louis in 1962).
Atlanta Braves 2B Davey Johnson (averaged 1.7 ppg with Texas A&M in 1961-62) went 4-for-4 against the San Diego Padres in a 1973 game.
In his second MLB game, Boston Red Sox RF Joe Lahoud (New Haven CT hoops letterman in mid-1960s) socked a homer off the Detroit Tigers' Denny McLain in 1968.
Toronto Blue Jays DH Rick Leach (averaged 15.5 ppg for Michigan's JV squad in 1975-76) registered four hits against the New York Yankees in 1988.
Cleveland Indians CF Kenny Lofton (Arizona's leader in steals for 1988 Final Four team compiling 35-3 record) notched at least one double or triple in each of first six games of 1999 campaign while hitting .467.
Chicago Cubs CF Jerry Martin (1971 Southern Conference MVP after he was Furman's runner-up in scoring the previous season) whacked two homers against the New York Mets in a 1980 contest.
Chicago White Sox RF Lyle Mouton (starter in LSU's backcourt with All-American Chris Jackson for 1989 NCAA playoff team) launched a game-winning, three-run homer in the bottom of the 11th inning against the Texas Rangers in 1996.
New York Giants RF Red Murray (played hoops for Lock Haven PA in early 1900s) collected four hits and four RBI in 1912 season opener against the Brooklyn Dodgers.
In 1961, Hall of Fame RHP Robin Roberts (one of Michigan State's top three scorers each season from 1944-45 through 1946-47) tied Grover Cleveland Alexander's N.L. record with a 12th straight Opening Day start for the Philadelphia Phillies.
St. Louis Cardinals rookie LF Wally Roettger (Illinois hoops letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) registered five RBI against the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1928 season opener.
CF Bill Virdon (Drury MO hooper in 1949) traded by the New York Yankees to the St. Louis Cardinals in a deal involving OF Enos Slaughter in 1954. Seven years later, Virdon socked a two-out, three-run homer to give the Pittsburgh Pirates an 8-7 victory at San Francisco.
New York Yankees RF Dave Winfield (starting forward for Minnesota's first NCAA playoff team in 1972) went 4-for-4 against the Boston Red Sox in 1985.
3B Eddie Yost (NYU freshman hooper in 1943-44 under coach Howard Cann) became the first-ever batter in Los Angeles Angels' history.
American Idle: Easter Reminder of NCAA DI Head Coaching Ressurections
Forget three days. It was significantly more than three years for their resurrections from head-coaching mothballs. The following list of six active head coaches served in non-college head coaching capacities at least 10 seasons before returning to the DI level as a bench boss:
| Active Coach | Current School (Years Away) | Previous DI Position (Seasons) |
|---|---|---|
| Alvin Brooks Jr. | Lamar (23) | Houston (1993-94 through 1997-98) |
| Kevin Johnson | Southern (18) | Centenary (1999-00 through 2004-05) |
| Leonard Perry | Pacific (15) | Idaho (2001-02 through 2005-06) |
| Rob Lanier | Southern Methodist (14) | Siena (2001-02 through 2004-05) before hiring by Georgia State |
| Keith Dambrot | Duquesne (11) | Central Michigan (1990-91 and 1991-92) before hiring by Akron |
| Bobby McCullum | Florida A&M (10) | South Florida (2003-04 through 2006-07) |
On This Date: Former College Hoopers Providing MLB Headlines on April 10
Extra! Extra! Instead of debating whether CT Sen. Richard Blumenthal broke his leg at NCAA title celebration or reenactment of Dimorat serving as "stolen-valor" soldier in Vietnam War, you can read news about memorable major league baseball achievements, moments and transactions involving former college basketball players. Numerous ex-college hoopers had front-row seats to many of the most notable games and dates in MLB history.
Baseball is portrayed as a thinking man's game but only 4% of active MLB players earned college diplomas. Jerry Adair (Oklahoma State) and Sonny Siebert (Missouri) - former Big Seven Conference opponents as top three scorers for their respective teams in 1956-57 - supplied significant MLB performances in season openers on this date. Ex-juco hoopers Bob Oliver (American River), Ken Retzer (Jefferson City MO), Jackie Robinson (Pasadena City CA) and Jim Thome (Illinois Central) also made MLB news on this date. Unless you habitually pore over the content at baseballlibrary.com, baseballreference.com and nationalpastime.com, following is an April 10 calendar focusing on such versatile MLB athletes:
APRIL 10
Baltimore Orioles 2B Jerry Adair (one of Oklahoma State's top three basketball scorers in 1956-57 and 1957-58) went 3-for-3 on Opening Day against the New York Yankees in 1962.
Cincinnati Reds LHP Amir Garrett (averaged 7.4 ppg and 4 rpg for St. John's under coach Steve Lavin in 2011-12 and 2012-13 before RS transfer year at Cal State Northridge) posted a victory against the Miami Marlins en route to holding opponents scoreless in his first seven relief appearances of the 2019 season while fanning 10 of 25 batters he faced over 6 2/3 innings.
Washington Senators 1B Frank Howard (two-time All-Big Ten Conference first-team selection in 1956-57 and 1957-58 when leading Ohio State in scoring and rebounding) hammered two homers against the New York Yankees in 1969.
Utilityman Bob Oliver (All-Valley Conference basketball choice for American River Community College CA in 1962) purchased from the Chicago White Sox by Philadelphia Phillies in 1976.
C Ken Retzer (fourth-leading juco scorer with 184 points for Jefferson City MO in 1953-54) traded by the Minnesota Twins to Houston Astros in 1966.
In 1947, 1B Jackie Robinson (highest scoring average in Pacific Coast Conference both of his seasons with UCLA in 1939-40 and 1940-41) became the first black player of the 20th Century to sign a MLB contract (with Brooklyn Dodgers).
OF Wally Roettger (Illinois hoops letterman in 1921-22 and 1922-23) traded by the St. Louis Cardinals to the New York Giants in 1930.
In 1968 season opener, Cleveland Indians RHP Sonny Siebert (team-high 16.7 ppg for Missouri in 1957-58 as All-Big Eight Conference second-team selection) tossed a two-hit shutout against the Chicago White Sox.
Atlanta Braves LHP George Stone (averaged 14.7 ppg and 6.5 rpg for Louisiana Tech in 1964-65 and 1965-66) tossed a six-hit shutout against the Houston Astros in his first start of the 1970 campaign.
A pinch-hit grand slam by OF-1B Champ Summers (led SIUE in scoring in 1969-70 after doing same with Nicholls State in 1964-65) propelled the San Diego Padres to a 7-3 win against the St. Louis Cardinals in 1984. It was Summers' final MLB homer.
Cleveland Indians 1B Jim Thome (played junior-college hoops for Illinois Central in 1988-89) hammered a grand slam in 2002 game against the Minnesota Twins. Circuit clout was the first of four consecutive contests where he hit a round-tripper.
RHP Billy Wynne (one of prime hoopers in mid-1960s for Pfeiffer NC) returned by the Cleveland Indians to the New York Mets in 1967 after he was selected during the winter in Rule 5 draft.
Fantasy World: Some Celebrated Coaches Unable to Get It Out of Their Blood
It has been done before by prominent pilots. How many small colleges might be fantasizing about Mike Krzyzewski at their helm? What about a small-time or rural Krzyzewskiville? Coach K is unlikely to follow suit just for the love of the game after 42-year stint with Duke, including a total of 13 Final Fours, concluded a year ago. But following is a summary of celebrated coaches who ended their careers guiding obscure small-college programs after directing a major university to the NCAA Division I Final Four:
| Celebrated Coach | School(s) | Final Four(s) | Small-School Concluding Career |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forddy Anderson | Bradley/Michigan State | 1950-54-57 | Hiram Scott OH (1965-66 through 1969-70) |
| Jim Calhoun | Connecticut | 1999 and 2004-09-11 | Saint Joseph CT (2018-19 to 2021-22) |
| Ed Jucker | Cincinnati | 1961-62-63 | Rollins FL (1972-73 through 1976-77) |
| Rollie Massimino | Villanova | 1985 | Northwood/Keiser FL (2006-07 through 2016-17) |
| Jim O'Brien | Ohio State | 1998 | Emerson MA (2011-12 through 2013-14) |
| Phil Woolpert | San Francisco | 1955-56-57 | San Diego* (1962-63 through 1968-69) |
*The Toreros moved up to NCAA DI level in 1979-80.
Familiar Ring: How Would You Like Living Up to Name of Michael Jordan?
How would you like to try to live up to the pressure associated with the name of your boyhood idol? A versatile player similar to his namesake, Michael Jordan became a three-time All-Ivy League first-team selection with Penn late in the 20th Century. Also nicknamed MJ, Michael Hakim-Jordan, weary of constant comparisons to GOAT, eventually included hyphenated second name en route to short stint as Lafayette's coach. He was recently replaced following an internal investigation.
Upon scouring college basketball guides, you can discover a bevy of individuals who make you think of someone else more prominent with the same name inside the world of basketball. To what extent can one take this name game? Following is an alphabetical list including Jordan and other former all-league first-team selections whose names have a more familiar ring for someone else connected to hoopdom:
| All-League Player | Pos. | School | Year(s) All-Conference First-Team Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eric Anderson | F-C | Rhode Island | 1955-56 in New England/Yankee |
| Larry Anderson | G | Long Beach State | 2010-11 and 2011-12 in Big West |
| Sam Bowie | F | Southeastern Louisiana | 1995-96 in Trans America Athletic |
| Michael Brooks | G | Tennessee | 1984-85 in SEC |
| Jamonda "Joe" Bryant Jr. | G | Norfolk State | 2020-21 and 2021-22 in MEAC |
| Mike Cooper | F | Fordham | 1982-83 in Metro Atlantic Athletic |
| Walter Davis | C | Texas A&M | 1950-51 and 1951-52 in SWC |
| Jerry Dunn | F | Western Kentucky | 1970-71 and 1971-72 in Ohio Valley |
| Jack Foley | G | Massachusetts | 1956-57 in Yankee |
| Bobby Jackson | F | Western Kentucky | 1962-63 in Ohio Valley |
| Eddie Johnson | F | Maryland | 1938-39 in Southern Conference |
| Kevin Johnson | G | Texas-Pan American | 1987-88 in American South |
| Larry Johnson | G | Rhode Island | 1966-67 and 1967-68 in Yankee |
| Jeff Jones | F | UNC Asheville | 1985-86 in Big South |
| Michael Jordan | G | Penn | 1997-98 through 1999-00 in Ivy League |
| Bob Leonard | G | Wake Forest | 1964-65 and 1965-66 in ACC |
| Dean Smith | G | Maine | 1989-90 in North Atlantic |
| Steve Smith | F-C | Loyola Marymount | 1971-72 in WCAC |
| Steve Smith | G-F | Marist | 1982-83 in Northeast |
| Isaiah Thomas | G | Washington | 2009-10 and 2010-11 in Pacific-10 |
| Jimmy Walker | F | Alabama | 1933-34 and 1934-35 in SEC |
| Bill Walton | G | Eastern Kentucky | 1965-66 in Ohio Valley |
| Jerry West | C-F | St. Mary's | 1967-68 in WCAC |
| Jason Williams | F | Radford | 1999-00 and 2000-01 in Big South |
| Ben Wilson | F | Mercer | 1987-88 in Trans America Athletic |
Risky Business: How Often Are Coaches Hired Coming Off Losing Campaign?
After his retirement, could another Special K be in the mix as coaches hired despite coming off a losing mark the previous season? New Manhattan mentor John Gallagher joined a couple of SWAC bench bosses among the following alphabetical list of active coaches hired by their current school despite coming off a season when posting a losing record:
Active DI Coach Current School Losing Season Record With Previous School Rod Barnes Cal State Bakersfield (since 2011-12) 11-18 with Georgia State in 2010-11 Mike Davis Detroit (since 2018-19) 16-20 with Texas Southern in 2017-18 John Dunne Marist (since 2018-19) 14-18 with Saint Peter's in 2017-18 Travis Ford Saint Louis (since 2016-17) 12-20 with Oklahoma State in 2015-16 John Gallagher Manhattan (since 2023-24) 12-20 with Hartford in 2021-22 (stepped aside shortly before start of school's final NCAA Division I season in 2022-23) Jeff Jones Old Dominion (since 2013-14) 10-20 with American University in 2012-13 Jim Les UC Davis (since 2011-12) 12-20 with Bradley in 2010-11 Tony Madlock Alabama State (since 2022-23) 15-16 with South Carolina State in 2021-22 Greg McDermott Creighton (since 2010-11) 15-17 with Iowa State in 2009-10 T.J. Otzelberger Iowa State (since 2021-22) 12-15 with UNLV in 2020-21 Richard Pitino New Mexico (since 2021-22) 14-15 with Minnesota in 2020-21 Mark Prosser Winthrop (since 2021-22) 11-16 with Western Carolina in 2020-21 Maurice "Mo" Williams Jackson State (since 2022-23) 9-21 with Alabama State in 2021-22
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