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My Best in Sports
Our recent blog journeys into high school sports teams of the past brought back many great names. The North Country sports scene is rich with outstanding athletes, and readers published many comments about players who live on in our memories. But who were "the best of the best"? That sounds like something we could blog about for months. I have my opinions, based mostly upon the athletes I observered while playing football, basketball and baseball at Our Lady of Victory Academy in Plattsburgh. Oh, I'd love to be on somebody's best list, but, admittedly, I wasn't big enough, strong enough or talented enough to make it.
In football I started as a quarterback, but was too short to see over the offensive linemen, so making an accurate pass was purely guesswork. In basketball I wasn't confident enough to shoot -- not until my final four games of my high school career. I went out in a blaze of glory with 25 points in my final high school game, a Catholic League playoff game on some faraway court. I remember standing in the locker room showering and wishing I could start my high school basketball career over again. In baseball I could hit the ball with accuracy and occasional power, but I played first base. I was the shortest first baseman in the league. In my senior year when there was a hint that a pro scout might be interested I was moved to the outfield, where I felt like a stranger and played like a blind man. So much for a college or pro baseball career.
But I did play alongside, against and then watch some greats. What follows are my choices, hoping readers will toss in theirs:
Best running back in football - Leon Angevine of Peru- This guy ran over defensive linemen, he ran over linebackers and then could outrun the defensive backs. Heck, he could run over stone walls and small cars. Then he went off to play at Penn State. The closest I ever got to him was sitting in the grandstand at Bailey Avenue Ballpark, being in awe whenever he took the handoff.
Best all-around football player - Greg Ducatte of Mount Assumption Institute - This guy was a quarterback and running back rolled into one. Solidly built he was tough to tackle, plus he had the speed for the breakaway and an outstanding passing arm. Joe Paterno wanted him at Penn State, and Ducatte obliged, where he ended up a starting defensive back.
Best ballhandler in basketball - Joe Cardany of PHS - Not only was he a great scorer, he controlled the basketball. He saw the court, anticipated the moves of his teammates and seldom turned the ball over to the opposition. It's no coincidence he went on to set so many records Union College.
Best pure shooter - Tommy Herlihy of St. John's / PHS and Andy Morelli of St. Mary's of Champlain. These guys could score from the outside. In the days before the three-point shot these guys were natural long-range shooters. They could have scored 20 in any gym with the lights out.
Best high school baseball pitcher - Jody Johnston of Franklin Academy in Malone - I didn't play with or against this guy, but I did coach against him. When I coached junior varsity baseball at PHS I took my team to face this guy on a Saturday morning in Malone. In seven innings, facing this freshman righthander, we hit three foul balls and cheered when we did! He had blazing speed and our batters, one-by-one, came back to the bench knowing they had never seen a pitcher like this one. Johnston's outstanding high school pitching career landed him a pro contract with the New York Mets. Jody could have stuck his nose up at the North Country at that point, but he never did. He remained humble and a great guy, and probably still is.
Best pure baseball player - Lefty Tessier of Our Lady of Victory Academy - You can't make a list like this and not have Lefty some place. One of the legendary names in North Country high school sports he was a standout basketball player, one of the scoring leaders during his time. However, he went on to play professional baseball, so I've listed him here. Lefty was a natural hitter. He just made it look easy. And the Philadelphia Phillies agreed, signing him to a contract after his college career at St. Michael's College. Lefty was on his way to the big leagues, but a collision and ensuing injury short-circuited his promising pro career.
Best baseball teammate at OLVA - Mike Flynn - Mike later transferred to MAI, but we played a few years on the same diamond. He was smooth at shortstop and an outstanding hitter. He knew the game of baseball and, from my vantage point at first base, I knew he was like a coach on the field, even as a youngster. Plus, he played some great practical jokes in the locker room!
Toughest pitcher for me to hit - Alan Beaubriand of MAI - Oh, my! I was a pretty good hitter from the left side of the plate, but I once took three fastballs from this southpaw -- three pitches that sliced the outside corner like a knife through butter on a June day -- and I never swung at one of them. I took my bat back to the bench and Coach John Flynn said, "Hey, you've gotta swing." I smiled and shrugged, "Yah, but I never saw one of them!" To this day if I saw Alan Beaubriand walking down the street, I'd take to the other side.
Best all-around athlete - Carl King of OLVA - Carl was a senior when I was a freshman. I never had to play against him, but watching him play high school sports for four years was a joy. Carl was the quarterback in football. What an arm! What a runner, like a deer, those long legs taking long strides and then changing direction in a split second! My freshman year I was Carl's backup quarterback. That year the team went 7-1. The one game we lost was the first game of the season. Carl suffered a concussion in Ticonderoga in the second quarter. In my high school debut as a backup quarterback, I had to fill in the rest of the game. We lost. Carl loved kidding me about that! In basketball he scored at will and in baseball he tore the cover off the ball, sometimes slugging the ball over 400 feet onto South Catherine Street. In my mind, and in the minds of many, he'll always be "The King of the Hill."
My list leaves out some great athletes I competed against. Guys like Jeff Burns of PHS, Harry Canning of St. John's, Joe Proctor, who became my good buddy at OLVA before leaving for Beekmantown. My list also leaves out the females, because girls sports hadn't really been invented yet. But I will say this:
Best female athlete - Missy West of Franklin Academy - This one was easy. In softball she tossed no-hitters with regularity, but in basketball she was amazing. Everyone agreed she would have started and starred on any boys team at the time. Missy played at Duke University, and would have had a standout collegiate career had it not been for injuries. I wonder what she's doing now. She is my dream interview for my "Fox on the Run" public-access tv show.
Well, that's my list. What's yours?
Comments
My dad William J Brown went to High school in Tupper Lake and graduated in 1935. I have been trying to get informaton from the school, as to what happened to the trophies and signed balls, Basketball, footballs, etc. The last I heard they are in storage, but I can not find out where? Any help would be greatly appriciated.
Posted by: William A Brown | April 17, 2007 4:54 PM
i love your blog, could you research the history and the great athletes of tupper lake and post
(Foxy's note: That's a good challenge, Mike. I mostly write about players and teams I played against and Tupper Lake was like another country to us city guys in those days. When they joined Section 7 we started to cover some Tupper Lake games, but I just never see them enough. Can you suggest some names for me to research?)
Posted by: mike russell | October 30, 2006 11:29 AM
foxy, in regards to missy west, she is an assistant
basketball coach at canton college. my daughter when she played for NCCC college played up there in november of 2005. she looks like she could still run the court with the best of them.
Posted by: robert mccorry | March 27, 2006 8:01 PM
I THINK EVERYBODY FORGOT A GREAT LINEBACKER FROM PHS - THE WICK MAN HE PLAYED FOR CRAUMER - WAS BEST. CHECK IT OUT.
Posted by: wick cadieux | March 16, 2006 8:39 PM
I have read most of your letters from your fan club and no one has mentioned a great athlete of the late 50's at MAI. John Fountain, Montcalm Ave, was the quarterback in football, a guard in basketball and 2nd baseman in baseball. He did all of these positions very well. He would score 20plus points a game in basketball and hit .375 in baseball. A super athlete in his day and he would be a super athlete today.
(Foxy's note: Plus a great guy on top of all that!)
Posted by: Fred Forkey | March 12, 2006 9:35 AM
I have a great blog for you Foxy. . .how about you pick a few of your favorite local teams from the past? (Possibly the 2003-2005 Chazy soccer team, 1989 PHS baseball team, etc. . .). Possibly a dream all-star baseball team with players taken from every era could work? I love the blog Foxy. I read it every chance I get!
Posted by: Kelly Miller | March 9, 2006 1:30 PM
great blog...but you really missed some great athletes from PAFB...
Posted by: bill glasscock | March 8, 2006 12:51 AM
Foxy,
Boy you really challenged my memory. Hard to believe we are in our mid-fifties. I will attempt to give some opinions, thoughts but hopefully JOG THE BLOG for others to give their memories to help me remember those I missed by accident.
Here goes:
BEFORE MY TIME: From talks with Cliff Sr., Shorty Flynn and Bill Flynn- Basketball: Bob Garrow, the Altona Flash, Lefty Tessier (OLVA), Jimmy LaPierre (PHS), Neil Breen (Dannemora), Bobby LaMare (SJA) and my father's favorite Tom McFadden (SJA)
Baseball: Tessier again, Garrow again, Bobby Parker (PHS), Pete Cronin (SJA). I remember a Bill Flynn story when he was umpiring in the NY-PENN minor leagues and he was behind the plate umping, Pete Cronin was catching and Tom Kowalowski (Lyon Mt.) was batting. Pretty neat. Can't say much about Football in those days but I remember a great running back from the Moriah area playing for UVM name of Mitchell that was a star there.
3 sport athletes: Garrow again with soccer, Billy Benson (PHS). Another story I read in an old clipping of Bill Benson. As a 16 year old sophomore Billy had been a starting tight end, defensive end, forward on the basketball team, both of these being varsity teams and was now a sprinter on the track team. The coach asked him to run the mile in a track meet and Billy did not want to because he had never run the mile. The coach thought he could do pretty well and convinced him to do it. So Billy agreed and went out a set the Section 7 record in his first mile race.
WHO I SAW AND AGAINST: Basketball-Bill and Bob Finney (Peru) and Matt Galarneau (Peru) the best HS guard I ever played against, often overshadowed by the Finney's. Randy Senecal (MAI), Jerry Seon (MAI) 6-5 center when I was a 9th grader. Jim & John Recore (Dann.) Tom Herlihy (PHS), Carl King (OLVA), Jack Premore (PHS), Harry Yelle (PHS),
Baseball: Lyon Mt.-Carly Rounds, Jerry Juntenan, Tom Kowalowski all in their 30's awesome hitters, Scooter Giroux (Peru) could do it all, Lefty Pitchers Mike St. Louis and Pip Lafontaine, I was lucky to catch them both in 69 and unlucky to hit against them in college, 0 for what ever. Mike Rock (Peru), smooth infielder, smart pitcher, incredible competitor. Tim O'Connell (MAI) cannon of an arm strongest hitter I ever saw.
Carl King (OLVA), arm, speed, power, he had it all. Mike Flynn(OLVA/MAI), one of the most cerebral players ever, played everywhere and knew how to play everywhere, hit for power, went with the pitch,knew how to win.
Football: Leon Angevine, Gregg Ducatte, Paul "Scooter" Giroux, Larry Ewald, all the Duprey's from Peru. Football wasn't my best memory sport.
Finally the 3 sport Athelete: This era had a lot of great 3 sport stars, guys who were all stars in 3 sports of all stars in 2 sports and starters in a third. Repeats; Mike Flynn, Randy Senecal, Mike Dandrow (MAI) QB, Catcher with power and point guard, Joe Proctor (OLVA/BCS) 6-4 QB. Power Forward, Catcher who played several years in minor leagues, great friendly guy who treated me always with respect. Terry Ladd (PCS) Split End, Guard, great lefty hitter, one of my dad's favorite peple. Dale McNally (PHS) Tough FB player, defensivestopper in BB, leadoff hitter in baaseball, won 3 Black letter for his 3 sports at PHS in Sr. year. Great teammate on Post 20. Chris Cringle (Saranac) one of the most athletic, competitive people ever born. His third sport was lacrosse and he was probably the best ever or second best to his brother Kenny in the North Country. He was almost drafted by the Dallas Cowboys after his FB exploits at PSUC in the mid 70's. Russ Keller (PHS), another QB, catcher and bsketball guard. Robin Vaughn (Saranac), often not noticed as he played on some good baseball and basketball teams but at 6'2'" and about 190 he was quick, fast, strong and agile. His best sport was probably football where his teams were not as strong, but if I were to build a team he might be one of my first picks for any team. Lastly, my high school hero and many others, Carl King. He reminded me of Superman, he was so fast, so quick and he made it look so easy and fun. Above all, he seemed to enjoy it and he was such a nice person and that never changed.
By now everyone is probably bored to death, but again this is just to JOG THE BLOG. Later I will add my years of coaching and coaching against and my years as an AD.
Joe Staves
Posted by: cstaves | March 6, 2006 9:17 PM
Foxy, Coach Mac is absolutely right on. I graduated with John Nixon. Not only a great athlete but a good friend. I also was there senior night and watched that game. However, I feel that baseball was his best sport. Not only was he a natural hitter he had an unhittable (at least for me) knuckleball.
Another good athlete that played for Ausable valley during that time was Steve Davey. He was defensive player of the year in CVAC football the same year that Nixon was the Offensive player of the year. Davey and Nixon were the leaders of our defensive team that allowed 15 points for the whole season.
Posted by: chad garcia | March 6, 2006 11:35 AM
Foxy,
You have definitely listed some EXCELLENT athletes. I, as always, will add my two cents. As for an All around athlete, from the 90's, AVCS' Jon Nixon comes to my mind. Jonnie was a CVAC All Star in Football, Basketball, and Baseball. In football he was one of the best receivers I feel to play at anytime, and in basketball, wow, a true shooter. I was doing the announcing during Jonnie's Senior night when he erupted for 40 points on 10 three's. Tupper Lake had Jimmy Page and he went for 30 on 7 three's. That night Jonnie was possessed....I remember him falling into the bleachers in the corner as he dropped yet another three; another possession, Gary Finney, head coach, was yelling no, no, no, as Jonnie pulled up from just inside half court, BANG, Gary said, "Yes!"!!!! And finally at baseball,, believe it or not, that was his best sport. This kid was just an amazing athlete who I wanted to recognize as one of the best! Jonnie now proudly works to protect the USA in Miami, where he is employed with the US Coast Guard.
Posted by: Ed McCallister | March 6, 2006 10:22 AM
You didn't mention any of the running sports like track or cross-country. Do your background checks and see how many other athletes have been state champions, won Div I scholarships, and even went as far as the Olympics. Since you haven't done your homework on this you would probably be surprised that these athletes are more in number and success than the other athletes.
(Foxy's note: With all due respect, one of my favorite things about writing this blog is that I don't have to do "homework" or research. I can just rely on my own memory or opinions. Since track and field wasn't a sport at my high school, and since I have never followed it, I really don't have much to say about it. Since this blog is interactive, the readers can fill in whatever I leave out. We'd all love some specific names of athletes who have excelled in track and field. Since this must be your area of experience, feel free to contribute those names.)
Posted by: G | March 5, 2006 6:24 AM
A test for all you sports nuts. Which North Country athletes competed at the national level, represented a major shoe company, represented the USA or were on a professional team?
This should be a slam dunk for hockey fans!
Posted by: J | March 3, 2006 6:42 AM
Foxy-your blogs keep memories fresh in my head. Thought I'd post some of my favorites.
Running backs - three come to mind--Art Brace/Moriah, Bob Mehan/St.John's, Brent Dupee PHS/St.Johns
Quarterbacks - 2 choices -- Greg Ducatte but how can you leave off Matt Bezio /Peru State Champs
Best High School Pitchers
Hal West/PHS
Mike St.Louis/Beekmantown
Best Little League Pitcher
Tommy Pelkey/Day Brothers
Best Teammate - This was easy- Gerald Burdo
All-Around Athlete -- After much thought. Randy "Cat" Senecal - Excelled in football, basketball &baseball
Best high school baseball hitter -- Foxy Gagnon - At 5'6" I'd put you up against anyone. Perfect swing from the left side, not just base hits but hit with power. I saw it for your four years against some pretty good pitching.
Thanks for the memories guys---------------Goose
(Foxy's note: Wow, I made Goose's list! Thanks! Wish I could go back and play one more high school baseball game.)
Posted by: GOOSE | March 2, 2006 10:56 PM
Hi Foxy: Just wanted to say that I love your blogs! It is great to read about the "old hill". Also the "Ray" I remember was a pretty decent basketball and baseball player no matter how small he was. Here's to the good old days!
(Foxy's note: Thanks, Sue. Maybe your memory is better than mine, so I'll just assume you are correct about "Ray's" sports abilities!)
Posted by: Sue Baker | March 2, 2006 8:37 PM
Hi Foxy, I love reading "On the Sly". It is interesting to me that the great athletes of Tupper Lake and Section X would have filled your blog with the same great descriptors used to bring back to mind the great athletes of the Plattsburgh area. The best football player I knew from the Plattsburgh area was Jimmy Kurz (Peru), a childhood friend, who played the same time I was a Lumberjack at Tupper High.
If you are still looking for that interview with Missy West, I think she is in her second year as assistant girls basketball coach at Canton ATC. The program's head coach is Bruce Tallon.
(Foxy's note: For many years Tupper Lake's Jim Merrihew, who grew up in Plattsburgh and even attended Plattsburgh Junior High, has been Section 7 Girls' Basketball Chairman. He turned over the duties this year to Rick Smith of Ticonderoga.)
Posted by: Jim Merrihew | March 2, 2006 2:25 PM
Excellent choices Foxy, can't disagree with any of those. Unfortunately or fortunately (depending how you look at it) being a tad younger than you, I didn't have the opportunity to see some of your choices in action. My list would read something like this:
Best running back: Larry Ewald(Peru) Bobby McGee (PHS)
Best Quarterback: Gregg Ducatte (MAI)
Best Pure Passer: Pete Proctor (Beekmantown)
Hardest hitting football player(s)and Best overall: Billy Callahan (Moriah/PSUC) and I can't leave out (pound for pound) John Carpenter (SJC/PSUC) Wow could both of those guys hit! and both played at
Plattsburgh St at the same time!
The best hoop pure shooters I can recall would be Steve Manor (OLVA), Steve "Radar"Parker (Saranac) and Leo Ryan (PHS)
but let me add this: worst defensive player of all time ... Leo Ryan!
Best ball handler: without a doubt, Cardany, but Larry Favro from St. John's handled it pretty well
Best High School Pitcher: Mitch Tarr(PHS) (Univ of Maine) and Pip LaFountain(MAI)
Toughest pitcher to hit: Brian Bouyea (MAI) I couldn't touch the guy!
Best Little League player of all time: Lefty Miller (Fountain&Lucas) I think he had over 100 lifetime homers!
Favorite teams to watch:
football: 1968 Mounties
basketball: 1971-72 St. John's Irish
baseball: 1967 & 68 American Legion team
Best all around athlete: Mickey Carpenter - he could do it all! football,basketball,baseball
Best Female Athlete: can't buck your Missy West pick, but Debbie (Defense )Davis was sure fun to watch!
Posted by: kc flynn | March 1, 2006 7:54 PM