Dick Grotto, who played an active part in both MLB and NBA, has passed away at the age of 92.
MLB.com reported on the 28th (Korean time) that Pittsburgh Pirates legend and basketball star Grott passed away. Grott’s family announced in a statement that Grott died at a Pittsburgh hospital from complications of a stroke.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of Pittsburgh’s family,” said Pittsburgh owner Bob Nutzing. “He was a great player and an even greater man.”
Grott is an undisputed star who has excelled in both baseball and basketball.
In the 1950s, he was a regular in baseball and basketball at Duke University, and was inducted into the College Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame.
Even after he entered the pro, he played baseball and basketball at the same time.
Signed by Pittsburgh in 1952, he was drafted a few weeks later by the then-new NBA Fort Wayne Pistons (now Detroit). He appeared in 26 games in his first season in the NBA, averaging 11.9 points, 3.3 rebounds and 2.7 assists.
But he went on to say that he couldn’t do both. When Grott returned from military service, then-Pittsburgh general manager Branch Rickey convinced him to focus on baseball.
Grott reluctantly agreed.
According to local media, the sport that captured Grott’s heart was basketball rather than baseball. “Baseball has always been like work for me,” Grott confessed. “Basketball was my favorite sport, but it was baseball that made a living.”토토사이트
Giving up his lingering interest in basketball and concentrating only on the major leagues, Grott showed off his talent to the fullest.
From 1952 to 1967, he played for the Pittsburgh, St. Louis Cardinals, and Philadelphia Phillies, posting a batting average of 0.286, 2138 hits, 39 homers, 707 RBIs and 829 runs in 1929 games.
He was named the National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) in 1960 and made eight All-Star appearances. He has also won the World Series twice.
After his retirement, he returned to basketball, which he described as his “first love,” and worked as a commentator for the University of Pittsburgh basketball team for over 40 years.