Sports History
Cliff Hagan HOF Hoops ForwardCliff Hagan
Cliff Hagan, nicknamed "Li'l Abner," was a dominant force in the NBA during the 1950s and 1960s. With his lightning-fast reflexes and an unstoppable hook shot that became his signature, he carved his name in basketball history as a true legend.
Early Success:
Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, in 1931, Hagan's basketball talent blossomed early. He led the University of Kentucky to two NCAA championships in 1951 and 1954, showcasing his exceptional skills and athleticism.
Dominating the NBA:
Lil' Abner was drafted by the St. Louis Hawks in 1956, Hagan quickly established himself as a key player. He formed a formidable partnership with Bob Pettit, leading the Hawks to the 1958 NBA championship. Hagan's contribution was undeniable, earning him an All-NBA Second Team selection that same year.
Hook Shot Perfection:
Hagan's signature move, the "Hagan Hook," became a staple of his game. This unstoppable shot, launched with his back to the basket, left defenders guessing and frustrated. It became so iconic that it earned him the nickname "Hook Shot Hagan."
A Versatile Force:
Hagan wasn't just a scorer; he was also a remarkable rebounder and passer. He averaged 18.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game during his 10-year NBA career, earning six All-Star selections and being named to the All-NBA First Team twice.
Lasting Legacy:
After retiring from the NBA in 1966, Hagan continued to be an active member of the basketball community. He enjoyed success in the American Basketball Association (ABA) before dedicating himself to philanthropy and community service.
April 30 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 17 - 6 - 22 - 33 - 1 April 30, 1922 - Chicago White Sox pitcher Charlie Robertson, threw a perfect game as the...
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April 29 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 14 - 9 April 29, 1892 - Charlie Reilly of the Philadelphia Phillies becomes Major League Baseball's first pinch hitt...
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April 28 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 20 - 21 - 1 April 28, 1901 - Cleveland Blue's pitcher Bock Baker had a really bad day on the mound. The left hander gave&...
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Athletes have been using their positions and public stature to stand up for political and social justice beliefs quite a bit recently. Perhaps the era of the most frequency took place in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Author and historian Dr. Gregory J. Kaliss joins us to discuss this his...
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April 27 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 3 - 4 - 5 - 32 - 12 - 11 - 30 April 27, 1926 - Mel Ott, who during his career wore Numbers 3, 4 and 5 (but not until 19...
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April 26 Numbers
Sports history is made every day of the year. We will preserve at least a small sampling from some great athletes every day based on the uniform number they wore. 4 - 53 - 34 - 24 - 53 April 26, 1905 - Chicago Cubs left fielder, Jack McCarthy becomes only major league player to throw out...
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