The NBA lost a legend yesterday. Unfortunately, when I say the name Jack Twyman many people (including me) might not have a clue who he was. His life story is one that I am upset I did not know more about. I wish his story was talked about more when people speak about the role sports had in America's race relations in the 1950's and 1960's. Everyone rightfully knows about the Jackie Robinson story. Not enough know about the Jack Twyman and Maurice Stokes story. Even Boston Celtics head coach Doc Rivers said "I knew the story, but honestly I don't know it as well as I probably should."
Jack Twyman dominated the NBA in the 1950's and early 1960's. He played 11 seasons for the Rochester and Cincinnati Royals. He was a 6 time all-star, and averaged 31.2 points per game during the 1959-60 season, joining Wilt Chamberlain at that time as the only players to ever average more than 30 points per game. He scored more than 15,000 points in his career and was inducted into the NBA Hall of Fame in 1983. It was however something that happened during the 1959-60 season that Twyman will forever be remembered.
Maurice Stokes, an African-American, was a Division II phenom at St. Francis University in Pennsylvania. He dominated the league and was rewarded by being drafted 2nd overall in the 1955 NBA draft by the Rochester Royals. To compare him to players of today, many people say he was a little of Michael Jordan, a little Lebron James, and a little Magic Johnson. He could play center, forward, and guard. Legendary coach Red Auerbach called him "Magic without flair." In his first NBA game he scored 32 points and went on to average 16.8 points, 16.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in his rookie season. In one game his rookie season he grabbed 38 rebounds. His second year he led the league in rebounding, averaging 17.4, he also averaged 17 points per game and 6.4 assists. He was well on his way to becoming one of the best players in the NBA. Unfortunately, he only played one more season in the NBA (he was an all-star selection all three seasons as well).
In the final game of the 1959-60 season, Stokes fell over a teammate and hit his head on the court. He was knocked unconscious. In those days, smelling salts were used to wake you up when knocked unconscious. The smelling salts worked and he finished the game and actually played in the 1st playoff game several nights later. After the playoff game, Stokes became ill on the flight home and was rushed to the hospital when the plane landed. He suffered a seizure, fell into a coma and was totally paralyzed when he came out of it. He suffered from post-traumatic encephalopathy, which ravaged the part of his brain that controlled motor skills. He would never walk again. This is where the story becomes one to remember. As Stokes laid in a coma, and his medical bills climbed, Twyman decided he had to step in to help. Stokes family couldn't afford the medical bills and the team refused to pay for them. So Twyman took over as Stokes' legal guardian to help pay the medical bills. He organized what became an annual all-star exhibition basketball game to raise money, bringing in the likes of Wilt Chamberlain to play. That Twyman was white and Stokes was African American made no difference to him, even during a time in America when race relations had become the nation's defining struggle.
Twelve years after his coma, Stokes died in Cincinnati, Ohio on April 6, 1970. He was just 36 years old. In 2004, Twyman was able to achieved something he attempted to do every year after his good friend passed away. In 2004, Stokes was elected into the NBA Hall of Fame and his plaque was placed right next to his good friend.
Stokes's life, injury and relationship with former Royals teammate Twyman all are depicted in the 1973 movie "Maurie".
On the Diamond....
- I have to give a quick shout out to Johan Santana for his no-hitter tonight. It was truly a great moment. The first ever no hitter in NY Mets history. What's more amazing than that is that the Mets have thrown 35 one hitters in their 50 year history. The Johan Santana story this year is amazing. His first year back from shoulder surgery and he throws a 134 pitch no-no against the defending world series champions St. Louis Cardinals. Thank you Terry Collins for keeping him in there for the full 9 innings despite the pitch count. He HAD to keep him in.
On the Homefront....
- It's been a slow start to the summer softball season due to the Monday night accountant's league not yet playing a game. Tuesday nights at the Rez is in mid-season form though. The Lewiston Pub team is off to a 2-1 start. The teams this year seem to be more competitive than past years. Maybe its the new diamonds which are bringing better players back. Maybe its the fact that there are less errors in the infield due to ground balls no longer bouncing over infielders heads. Whatever it is, this year's Pub team needs to get last year's championship out of our heads. Congrats goes out to Dan Banas for hitting the first ever home run over the fence in Rez history. Truly historic. He should of kept the ball. I love the Dave Penale story this year as well. He no shows the first two games, then in his first 2 at bats in his first game he hits 2 bombs that haven't landed yet.
- I can't wait for the Golf Tournament tomorrow supporting Niagara Falls High School Hockey at Hyde Park Country Club. It should be a great day with the four some of Dave Zona, Anthony Vilardo, and Billy Edwards. Hopefully the rain holds off. I'm calling a -8 for our four some. Hopefully this beats the score of Stan Wojton, Steve Penale, Anthony Casero, and some other fella I never heard of. I'm also pretty sure we will defeat our veteran rivals Chris Zona, Mike Capizzi, Brian O'Donnell, and Dave Geisers. I'm sure Chris will blame injuries sustained in a freak slip n' slide accident on his projected poor performance. Can't wait.
That's all I have. Until next time...
