Dave Bing NBA HOF Guard
Born November 24, 1943, in Washington D.C., was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Dave Bing. This legend played for the Detroit Pistons, Washington Bullets, and the Boston Celtics over the span of his 12 seasons in the NBA. Bing was a seven-time NBA All-Star, three-time All-NBA selection, and was chosen as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team. He averaged 20.3 points and six assists per game for his career.
Here's a quick rundown of his key achievements:
-[b]College Stardom[/b]
-Before the NBA, Bing was a college legend at Syracuse University, averaging a whopping 24.8 points per game and setting a school scoring record that stood for over two decades.
-Scoring Champion and All-Star: Drafted by the Detroit Pistons in 1966, Bing quickly became a force to be reckoned with. He won the scoring title in 1968 and was named an All-Star seven times throughout his career.
-[b]Pistons Legacy[/b]
Bing spent the majority of his career with the Detroit Pistons, becoming a fan favorite and a key player for the team. While he didn't win a championship, he averaged over 20 points and 6 assists per game with the Pistons.
-[b]Career Highlights[/b]
He finished his career with an impressive 18,327 points and 5,397 assists, solidifying his place as a talented scorer and playmaker.
-[b]Beyond Stats[/b]
Bing was known for his smooth shooting style, his ability to get past defenders, and his leadership on the court.
-After retiring in 1978, Bing transitioned into business and even served as the mayor of Detroit from 2009 to 2014.
-Dave Bing was a highly skilled player who left his mark on the NBA. While he may not have a championship ring, his scoring prowess, all-around game, and dedication to the sport earned him a place among the league's greats.
Cap Anson His Baseball Brilliance and Racial Biases
Anson's baseball journey began in the National Association (NA) before flourishing in the newly formed National League. He quickly established himself as a dominant force, a feared hitter with exceptional bat control. His leadership qualities were evident, and he captained the Chicago White Stockings (later Cubs) to five National League pennants in the 1880s. His innovative tactics, including the use of signals and a focus on pitching rotation, helped shape the game's strategic evolution.
Anson's offensive prowess was legendary. He was one of the first players to reach the coveted 3,000-hit mark, a testament to his longevity and consistency. He led the league in runs batted in (RBI) an astonishing seven times and remains a franchise record holder for the Chicago Cubs in numerous offensive categories.
However, Anson's legacy is deeply tarnished by his unwavering racism. He vehemently opposed integration in baseball, refusing to take the field against teams with Black players. This stance, unfortunately, reflected broader societal prejudices of the time. While his contributions to the game's on-field development are undeniable, his racist views cast a long shadow and represent a dark chapter in baseball history.
The complexities of Cap Anson's legacy demand a nuanced approach. He was a baseball pioneer, a skilled player, and a shrewd manager who helped shape the sport we know today. However, his racism cannot be ignored or downplayed. It is a critical part of baseball's history, a reminder of the sport's long journey towards inclusivity.
Born April 17, 1852, in Marshalltown, Iowa, was Baseball Hall of Fame infielder Cap Anson. Including his time in the National Association, Cap played a record 27 consecutive seasons. Anson was regarded as one of the greatest players of his era and one of the first superstars of the early MLB. He spent most of his career with the Chicago Cubs franchise (then known as the "White Stockings" and later the "Colts"), serving as the club's manager, first baseman and, later in his tenure, minority owner.
1927 New York Yankees Roster
The 1927 New York Yankees Roster provided by the Baseball Almanac website gives a great look at the talented player, many of whom found their way to the Baseball Hall of Fame like Babe Ruth, Earle Combs, Lou Gehrig, and more.
Sylvio Mantha Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman
-[b]Early Hockey Journey[/b]
From Winger to Defenseman: Mantha's hockey roots began on the right wing, but his development led him to excel as a defenseman. This shift allowed him to showcase his well-rounded skillset, combining offensive instincts with strong defensive awareness.
-[b]Three-Time Stanley Cup Champion:[/b]
Mantha's dedication played a crucial role in the Canadiens' success. He was part of three Stanley Cup victories in 1924, 1930, and 1931, solidifying his place in the team's championship legacy.
-[b]A Two-Way Threat[/b]
Mantha wasn't just a defensive stalwart; he possessed a surprising offensive ability. He was known for contributing on the scoresheet, with a career-high of 13 goals in a single season. Notably, he scored the first goal at the newly-built Boston Garden in 1928.
-[b]Longevity and Leadership:[/b]
Mantha's 14-year career with the Canadiens speaks volumes about his consistency and value to the team. He likely served as a leader in the locker room, mentoring younger players and fostering a winning culture.
-[b]Beyond the Statistics[/b]
Evolution of the Game: Mantha's career spanned a period of significant change in hockey. He witnessed and likely adapted to the evolving strategies and playing styles of the era.
-[b]A Foundation for Future Success:[/b]
Players like Mantha, with their dedication and two-way skillset, paved the way for future generations of defensemen who embraced a more offensive approach to the game.
In conclusion, Sylvio Mantha's career embodies the qualities of a valuable hockey player. His contributions to the Montreal Canadiens, both on and off the ice, solidify his place as a key figure in the team's championship history.
-[b]The life and career bio of Syllvio Mantha[/b]
Born April 14, 1902, in Montreal, Quebec, was Hockey Hall of Fame Defenseman, Sylvio Mantha. Mantha played fourteen seasons in the NHL for the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins. Elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1960. He is one of the best defensive players of his era of pro hockey and one of the top NHL players to have worn the Number 2 Jersey.
Mickey MacKay
Rick Ferrell Baseball Hall of Fame
Eddie Gerard From Wingman to Dynasty Defender
Early Days and Winging It: Born in Ottawa, Ontario, in 1890, Gerard began his professional career with his hometown Ottawa Senators as a left winger. His quickness and offensive prowess shone, contributing significantly to the team's success.
Shifting Gears and Defensive Dominance: In 1919, Gerard made a pivotal career switch, transitioning to defense. His size and strength, coupled with his offensive experience, made him a formidable presence on the blue line. He became a cornerstone of the Senators' defense, anchoring them to their first Stanley Cup victory in 1920.
Dynasty Years and More Cups: Gerard's defensive leadership played a crucial role in the Senators' subsequent championship runs, securing Stanley Cup victories in 1921 and 1923.
Hack Wilson
Born April 26, 1900, in Ellwood City, Pennsylvania, was Baseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder Hack Wilson. Hack played in the MLB for 12 seasons putting on the uniforms of the New York Giants, Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.
Here's a summary:
-Powerhouse Hitter: Nicknamed "Hack" after a wrestler, Wilson was a feared slugger known for his incredible power. He finished his career with a .307 batting average, 244 home runs (NL record for 68 years), and over 1,000 RBIs.
-Dominant Stretch: Wilson's most impressive years came in the late 1920s and early 1930s. He achieved four consecutive seasons with over 50 home runs, culminating in a record-breaking 1930 season with the Chicago Cubs. That year, he smashed an NL-record 56 home runs (broken by Sammy Sosa in 1998) and drove in a staggering 191 runs (still a major league record).
-Defensive Shortcomings: While a force offensively, Wilson wasn't known for his defense, primarily playing center field.
-Later Career and Legacy: Injuries and struggles with alcohol hampered Wilson's later years. Despite a relatively short career (12 seasons), his impact is undeniable. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, a testament to his dominance during his prime years. He remains the shortest player (5'6") to hit over 200 career home runs.
George Scott
Today in Hockey History May 11
The Hockey Writers website has compiled many great moments on the ice from May 11 including pieces about Bobby Orr, Denis Potvin, Gerry Hart, Glenn Resch, Jaromir Jagr, and more. NHL May 11