Ron Reed
Ronald Lee Reed (born November 2, 1942) is an American former professional baseball pitcher and basketball power forward, renowned for his rare dual-sport career spanning Major League Baseball (MLB) and the National Basketball Association (NBA).[1][2] Reed's basketball journey began at the University of Notre Dame, where he excelled as a forward, averaging 20.0 points and 17.7 rebounds per game in the 1963-64 season.[1] Drafted in the third round (23rd overall) by the Detroit Pistons in the 1965 NBA Draft, he played two seasons with the team from 1965 to 1967, appearing in 119 games and averaging 8.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists per game.[1] His NBA highlights included a career-high 30 points against the Baltimore Bullets in December 1966 and a 20-rebound performance, competing against legends such as Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Oscar Robertson.[3] Transitioning to baseball, Reed signed with the Milwaukee Braves as an undrafted free agent in 1965, though he initially pursued basketball.[2] He made his MLB debut on September 26, 1966, with the Braves, and went on to pitch for 19 seasons across four teams: the Atlanta Braves (1966–1975), St. Louis Cardinals (1975), Philadelphia Phillies (1976–1983), and Chicago White Sox (1984).[4] As a right-handed starter early in his career, he achieved 18 wins in 1969 and was selected to the 1968 All-Star Game; later transitioning to relief pitching, he amassed 103 career saves, including leading the Phillies in saves three times (1976, 1978, 1982).[4] Over 751 games, Reed compiled a 146–140 record with a 3.46 ERA, 1,481 strikeouts, and 2,477.1 innings pitched, contributing to six postseason appearances, notably the Phillies' 1980 World Series championship.[2][4] What set Reed apart was his ability to balance both sports simultaneously during the 1966–1967 overlap, playing 62 NBA games while beginning his MLB tenure—a feat accomplished by few athletes.[3] Ultimately choosing baseball for its longevity, Reed retired from the majors in 1984 and later pursued business ventures.[3]Background
Early Life
Ronald Lee Reed was born on November 2, 1942, in La Porte, Indiana.[4][1] His father, a factory worker at Allis-Chalmers in La Porte, significantly influenced his early interest in sports by catching fastballs with him after work, instilling a strong work ethic and dedication to athletics.[5] Reed attended La Porte High School, where he distinguished himself as a three-sport star in basketball, baseball, and football.[6][7] Standing at 6 feet 6 inches, he excelled particularly in basketball and baseball, showcasing the versatility that would define his future career.[7] He graduated from La Porte High School in 1961, having built a reputation as an outstanding athlete in his hometown.[7] Reed's high school prowess in basketball led to recruitment by the University of Notre Dame, where he continued his development in the sport.[8]Education and Amateur Athletics
Ron Reed attended the University of Notre Dame from 1962 to 1965 on a full basketball scholarship.[8][4] During his three seasons with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish men's basketball team, Reed, a 6-foot-6 forward, established himself as a dominant rebounder and scorer. As a sophomore in 1962–63, he averaged 14.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game; his junior year in 1963–64 saw him lead the team with career highs of 20.0 points and 17.7 rebounds per game, setting a single-season school record for rebounding average that still stands.[9][8] In his senior season of 1964–65, Reed averaged 21.0 points and 13.2 rebounds per game, finishing his college career with overall averages of 18.4 points and 14.4 rebounds across 61 games.[9] His rebounding prowess earned him recognition on Notre Dame's All-Century Men's Basketball Team, reflecting his lasting impact on the program's history. Although Reed excelled in basketball, he maintained an interest in baseball throughout his amateur career, prioritizing the former sport initially. Upon graduating from La Porte High School in Indiana, he turned down a $25,000 signing bonus offer from the Kansas City Athletics to focus on basketball at Notre Dame.[10] At the collegiate level, Reed participated in baseball only during his senior year in 1965, playing as a pitcher for the Fighting Irish while balancing his primary commitment to basketball.[8][11]Basketball Career
Collegiate Career
Ron Reed began his collegiate basketball career at the University of Notre Dame as a sophomore in the 1962-63 season, playing as a 6-foot-6 forward for the independent Fighting Irish under coach John Jordan. In 16 games, he averaged 14.2 points and 12.3 rebounds per game, contributing to a team record of 17-9 that earned Notre Dame an at-large bid to the NCAA Tournament. There, the Irish advanced to the Mideast Regional semifinals but fell 77-72 to Bowling Green in the first round.[12][13] As a junior in 1963-64, Reed elevated his performance amid a challenging 10-14 season for Notre Dame, averaging 20.0 points and a nation-leading 17.7 rebounds per game—still the school's single-season record. His rebounding prowess ranked sixth nationally and fifth among independents, while he also totaled 872 career rebounds by graduation.[9][8] In his senior year of 1964-65 under new coach Johnny Dee, Reed capped his college career with career-high averages of 21.0 points and 13.2 rebounds over 27 games, helping Notre Dame to a 15-12 record. He ranked 12th nationally in scoring among independents and 18th in total rebounds, finishing his Notre Dame tenure with 1,153 points and an 18.9 points-per-game average that ranks eighth in school history. For his efforts, Reed earned honorable mention on The Sporting News All-America team, Division I All-District Third Team honors, and selection to the NABC All-Star Game.[9][8] Reed's dominant rebounding and scoring led to his selection by the Detroit Pistons in the third round (20th overall pick) of the 1965 NBA Draft, marking a successful bridge from college to professional basketball.[1][14]| Season | Games | Points per Game | Rebounds per Game | Field Goal % | Notable Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1962-63 (Sophomore) | 16 | 14.2 | 12.3 | .424 | NCAA Tournament participant |
| 1963-64 (Junior) | 18 | 20.0 | 17.7 | .411 | Ranked 6th in NCAA for rebounds per game |
| 1964-65 (Senior) | 27 | 21.0 | 13.2 | .428 | 12th in independent scoring |