Sports History

Born May 21, 1902, in Snohomish, Washington, was Baseball Hall of Fame Center Fielder Earl Averill. Earl was the father of a Hall of Fame Catcher named Earl Averill Jr. The Senior version played in the MLB from 1929 to 1941, including 11 seasons for the Cleveland Indians. Averill was a six-time All-Star from 1933–1938, and in his ten seasons with the Indians he is still the leader of the franchise in total bases, runs batted in, runs, and triples. On September 17, 1930, Averill became the first major league player to hit four home runs in a doubleheader when he crushed 3 in game one and an additional bomb in the later game.

Earl Francis Lloyd’s Biography from the HistoryMakers.com website. This is an excellent post telling of the trailblazing bravery that Mr. Lloyd displayed to become the first black man to break the racial barrier in the NBA. This Basketball Hall of Fame inducted player is celebrated as he played for the Syracuse Nationals in 1950-1955 and later went on to play with the Detroit Pistons

Earl Monroe, nicknamed "The Pearl" and "Black Jesus" for his dazzling play and captivating personality, was a maestro of the basketball court. Drafted by the Baltimore Bullets in 1967, he quickly established himself as a scoring machine, averaging over 25 points per game in his rookie season.

Monroe possessed an unmatched arsenal of offensive moves. His signature "up-and-under" dribble and hesitation crossover left defenders bewildered, creating space for him to unleash his silky-smooth jump shot. He was a master of ball-handling, showcasing an ability to change direction and create scoring opportunities with ease.

While known for his offensive brilliance, Monroe wasn't a one-dimensional player. He exhibited a high basketball IQ and impressive passing ability, making him a valuable asset to his teammates. However, his individual brilliance sometimes overshadowed his team-oriented approach, leading to criticism and even trade talks early in his career.

In 1971, Monroe landed with the New York Knicks, joining forces with the legendary Walt Frazier. While their individual styles initially clashed, they eventually found a way to co-exist, leading the Knicks to the NBA Finals in 1973. Although they fell short of the championship, Monroe's contribution was undeniable, showcasing his ability to adapt and succeed within a team structure.

Monroe retired in 1980, leaving a legacy of unparalleled skill and artistry. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 1990, a testament to his impact on the game. His influence transcended generations, inspiring young players with his dazzling footwork and creative approach to the game.

Born August 14, 1930, in St Louis, Missouri was Baseball Hall of Fame Manager Earl Weaver.

This legend guided his team, the Baltimore Orioles to the World Series title in 1970. Funny thing is that Weaver after playing in minor league baseball, he retired without playing in Major League Baseball but became one of his era's top managers.

Born November 21, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Guard Earl Monroe. This legend was known by many endearing nicknames like Earl The Pearl, Black Jesus, Black Magic, Einstein, The Lord’s Prayer, Thomas Edison, and The Magic Man. Monroe lived up to the hype as he was a four-time NBA ALL-Star, a Rookie of the Year in 1967-68, and was selected to be on the 2017 NBA 75th Anniversary Top 100 Players list. He was a master at handling the ball and contributed over 18 points and 3.9 assists per game on average during the span of his fourteen seasons in the League.

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Earl Lloyd career numbers and more from Basketball-Reference.com

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Earl Lloyd's brave story is told by legend Nate Thurmond.

The This Day in Baseball History website celebrates May 9 baseball with stories about Hughie Jennings, Win Mercer, Earl Moore, Christy Mathewson, Three Finger Brown, Nap Jajoie, Johnny Hopp, Larry Doby, Ralph Kiner, Mickey Mantle, and more. MLB May 9

From the school where he started it all, West Virginia State Universityand their story of Earl Lloyd