Dick Groat

This week’s Veterans Spotlight shines on Dick Groat

Richard "Dick" Groat was born in Wilkinsburg, Pennsylvania, in November 1930. He attended Duke University on a basketball scholarship and excelled in both basketball and baseball, earning All-American honors in both sports. He was later inducted into the College Basketball Hall of Fame.

Groat transitioned directly from college baseball to Major League Baseball. In June 1952, he signed with the Pittsburgh Pirates and was also selected by the Fort Wayne Pistons in the 1952 NBA draft.

His career was interrupted by the Korean War, leading to his draft into the Army in 1953, where he served for two years at Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

After his military service, Groat focused solely on baseball, despite his preference for basketball. After playing two years with the Pirates, he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in 1962. As a shortstop, Groat enjoyed a 14-year career but eventually retired due to a right ankle injury.

Throughout his career, Groat participated in eight All-Star games and was named the National League MVP in 1960. He became the first athlete to be inducted into both the Basketball and Baseball Hall of Fame and remains Duke's second-leading scorer. Groat won two World Series titles, with the Pirates in 1960 and the Cardinals in 1964.

In April 2023, Groat passed away from complications following a stroke. His legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren.

Thank you for your service!