re: The Latest Ain't the Greatest

From his Wikipedia entry:

quote:

---

Dark was a member of Phi Delta Theta at LSU.[6] During his sophomore year in 1942–43, he lettered in baseball, basketball, and football. Used as a halfback by the football team, he averaged 7.2 yards rushing, gaining 433 yards on 60 attempts.[2] With World War II occurring, he transferred through the V-12 program to Southwestern Louisiana Institute (SLI, now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), in order to train to be an officer in the United States Marine Corps.[2][3] Playing tailback for the most successful football team in school history in 1943, he helped SLI to an undefeated season in 1943 and a New Year's Day victory in the Oil Bowl. Against Arkansas A&M College in the 24–7 victory, Dark ran for a touchdown, passed for another, and kicked a field goal as well as three extra points. Meanwhile, he batted .462 for the baseball team, also participating on the basketball and golf teams.[2] Then, Dark went to Parris Island and Camp Lejeune, completing basic training for the Marines before getting sworn in as an officer at Quantico, Virginia, in 1945.[2] He would ultimately complete his bachelor's degree at SLI in 1947, after his professional baseball career had already begun.[3]

---

His college career was cut short by WW2. Batting nearly .500 is no small feat.

I remember Dark as a player for the Giants and Cards. I was a Braves fan at the time and thought of him as a real pain-in-the you know what.

I lived 4 houses from Jimmy Taylor. He was 2 years behind at Baton Rough High! A great player & so was YA Tittle!!! Billy Cannon was one of the greatest any where!!!

Alvin Dark Needs A Statute!!