Opening Day Baby!!!!!!

[L Verge]

Dan - I grew up rooting for the Celtics - unless they were playing the St. Louis Hawks (more birds!). In the 1950s, a college star named Cliff Hagan graduated college and served two years in the Air Force. He was stationed at Andrews AFB in my father's unit, and they became friends. We went to every game at the base gym, met his wife Martha, and thoroughly enjoyed watching him play with another big guy that went pro after the Air Force -- Lou Tsuroupolis (hope I spelled that correctly).

Hagan was signed by the St. Louis Hawks and played out his career there, I think. It was in the era of Bob Pettit at the Hawks, and those two were a dynamic duo. Cliff retired and coached college, including his alma mater, Kentucky. Both Hagan and Pettit are still alive and must be in their 80s now.

The days of Bob Cousy, Cliff Hagan, Bob Pettit, Larry Bird, and Pistol Pete Maravich were the days of sheer talent - not just height and slam dunks. Hagan was known for his accurate hook shots. Do they even use those anymore?

Since we are supposed to be Lincoln-oriented, do you think Abe would have played basketball in his day? I see him as too awkward, despite his strength.