Sally Rock’s dad would be proud.
Sally played an extra in the “Leatherheads” and her dad grew up in the era of the true leatherheads.
Edward (Ed) Spotts, a multi-faceted sportsman, coach, teacher and leatherhead was an icon that personified an American hero.
Sally was revisiting her memories of her father and came across several photos and stories that documented the history of one of Pennsylvania’s great sportsmen.
Edward starred in football and basketball. He played baseball, one-time pitching a no-hitter in American Legion, and he also was a trainer working with boxing legend Jack Dempsey.
Edward was a member of the Pittsburgh Panthers national championship teams in 1936 and 1937 in an era that the only headgear used by players was a leather helmet.
Sally shared stories about her father earning $7.50 a game to play professional basketball.
Edward’s sports career had some very impressive highlights:
He held the Pennsylvania state record for points in the high school state basketball championship that stood for decades.
Edward was the only player ever to play varsity basketball and football at Pitt.
Edward played on Pitt’s national championship football team and played in the Rose Bowl in 1936.
He is the only known collegiate athlete to have played in both a football bowl (Rose Bowl) and basketball bowl (Sugar Bowl).
“He told the tale of dreading Novembers, when he would go from football practice straight to basketball practice at Pitt,” Sally said.
After college, Edward was recruited to be part of Jack Dempsey's Coast Guard unit, which was comprised of top-notch athletes.
“I remember going to visit Jack in New York when we were kids...He and Dad remained friends long after the war,” Sally said.
Edward was a golden glove boxer, played semi-pro baseball, and pro basketball.
Money was tight.... thus, Edward pursued a teaching career (and being a dad) but he remained involved in sports via coaching high school football.
Golf became Edward’s passion. He scored 4 holes in one -- all after age 70 at Pleasant Valley Country Club, Connellsville Pa.
The cycle culminated with special kudos from Arnold Palmer, whose home club in Ligonier was but a few miles away.
A true athlete! A great Dad! We miss him!
Sally
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| Ed Spotts with Jack Dempsey. |
Ed Spotts on the Pitt bench in the real leatherheads era. |
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| Ed Spotts while in the Coast Guard. |
Obit for a true leatherhead. |
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| A sports column about Ed Spotts. |
Edward Spotts' obituary. |
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