Athlete. Weston High School Class of 1942. An all-state basketball player in 1941 and 1942, his high school basketball team went to state twice and finished Class C runner-up in 1941.  All the while, despite his school not fielding a baseball team, his prowess on the diamond came evident at a young age in summer play. 

After serving in the military in World War II, he returned home to lead the Nebraska Cornhuskers to their last conference basketball championship in 1950. He also played baseball at Nebraska and went on to a distinguished major league career, playing for the Yankees, Athletics, Angels and Astros. He had a lifetime batting average of .276 with 105 home runs. His best year produced 38 home runs at Kansas City. Was understudy to Mickey Mantle while playing for the Yankees and roomed with Mantle and Roger Maris.