April 15, 2000

BLUE HOSE BASEBALL RECOGNIZES “TEAM OF THE CENTURY”  
AS PART OF FINAL REGULAR SEASON WEEKEND

CLINTON, SC — Presbyterian College’s baseball team recognized their “Team of the Century” today prior to their scheduled South Atlantic Conference game with Wingate University.

The Team of the Century was made up of former Blue Hose standouts spanning the years to program has been in existence, from the early 1900’s with “Chick” Galloway ‘16 to current Blue Hose player Bucky O’Hara ‘00. The 24-player team represents the top voters getters picked by former players, fans, and supporters of the Blue Hose baseball program.  

The following is the Presbyterian College Baseball Program “Team of the Century”:

Centerfield

Cy Williams ’28 — Speedy outfielder who was a leadoff hitter that led PC in doubles, triples, and runs scored all three years he played at PC. Played alongside such legendary greats Enos Slaughter and Frank Howard.

Herbert Rollins ’47 — Considered by many to be the finest “athlete” of the century. Lettered in football, baseball, basketball, and track all four years. WWII cut short his future as a potential major league player. Perhaps the fastest CF ever at PC.

Elton Pollock ’95 — Two-sport athlete who excelled in both football and baseball. Still holds career records for homeruns, slugging percentage and has #3 ranking with .348 batting average lifetime. Played three years in the Pittsburgh Pirates farm system.

Clay Hall ’98 — Greatest all-around baseball player of the 90’s. Named “SAC Male Athlete of the Year” in ‘98 and SAC Player of the Year with baseball as a CF and RHP. Currently leads in 25 different single-season & career record categories. One of only two players to make all-conference team (SAC) three times.  

Leftfield

Kirby Jackson ’52 — Speedy outfielder with great quickness who also excelled at football while at PC. Played in the Cincinnati Reds farm system following graduation. For parts of four seasons regarded as one of the best all-around athletes at PC!

Brad Bolemon ’99 — Played in 222 career games out of 223 opportunities in his career. One of the “toughest” players to don a PC uniform on the baseball or football field. Career record holder for runs scored and HBP. His 61 HBP total ranks 2nd in NCAA Division II history.  

Rightfield

Ben Gregg ’46 — Doubled as a hard-throwing RHP who once struck out 17 Georgia Bulldogs in one game! Had a “cannon” for an arm and could hit with the best of them during the mid “40’s.”  

Joe Henry Berube ’92 — Three-time All-SAC player who signed with the Seattle Mariners after junior year. All-time batting average leader at .379 and among the top 5 in seven other offensive categories. “No doubt the greatest left-handed hitter of the decade.”

Second Base

Gregg Desto ’93 — “The captain” - no other player has been chosen to be captain of three different teams. A “leader” who played the game hard and played the “old-fashioned way.” Still holds records for sacrifices and HBP and a career leader in assists.  

Damian “Mio” Patrick ‘98 — A transplanted “Panamanian” who earned a reputation for having the “best hands” ever seen in this program. Averaged over 100 assists/year at 2B - quite a feat for second baseman and ranked #2 all-time with 402 career assists.  

Shortstop

“Chick” Galloway ‘16 — Played in over 1,000 major league games for the Philadelphia Athletics and Detroit Tigers from 1919-1928. He was given the title as the “World’s Best Shortstop” during his storied career. Later coached PC baseball teams in the 30’s!

Charlie Wilson ’28 — Power hitting shortstop that played for the St. Louis Cardinals in 1932, ‘33, & ‘35 and one year for the Boston Braves in 1931. Played alongside such greats as Leo Durocher, Joe Medwick, Dizzy Dean, and Pepper Martin.

Dick Weldon ’52 — Named to the South Carolina All-State team four years in a row. Played in three consecutive textile league All-Star Games during the summers of ‘49-‘51. Offered a contract with Pittsburgh Pirates in ‘52 - chose instead to enter the coaching profession & gain his fame at Bamberg HS and USC in the 50’s & 60’s.

Gene Gobbel ’98 — First All-American in modern day history — two-time All-SAC selection at SS and in the classroom. His 17 HR’s, 146 total bases, 69 RBI’s and 152 assists are single-season highs that may never be broken. Played one season for the New York Mets farm team in Kingsport, TN.

Third Base

Ryan Kane ’94 — Though only here for two years - Ryan put up great numbers offensively and defensively. Among the leaders in batting average (.335) and slugging percentage (.582). Ryan was revered as a major league talent even as a freshman. Participated in the ‘96 TEAM USA Olympic Trials prior signing with California Angels.

Roger Foltynowicz ’99 — Outstanding power hitting 3B who broke nearly every hitting record on the books. His .407 average in ‘98 is best ever and he ranks 3rd all-time in assists. Roger played one year as a catcher with the Cincinnati Reds.

First Base

Bucky O’Hara ’00 — Only current player to be selected - quite an honor. Known as a great defensive 1B, he holds a career .990 fielding percentage playing in all but 6 games of his career. His career is not over, but Bucky has already broken the career record for hits (268) and RBI’s (193).

Catcher

Ross Mundy ’99 — Superb defensive catcher that brought significant offensive output to the catching position. His 10 HR’s in ‘99 and 19 total HR’s are 5th best of all-time. Played with great intensity and emotion. Ross was respected for his leadership behind the dish.

Pitchers

Tom Clyde ’44 — Hard throwing right-hander who pitched for legendary manager Connie Mack of the Philadelphia Athletics in 1943. Career was cut short due to WWII and the time he spent serving our country.

Lew Brissie ’45 — Hard throwing lefty who picked up 44 major league wins and 29 career saves pitching for the Philadelphia Athletics and Cleveland Indians from ‘47-‘53. Also pitched for the legendary Connie Mack.

Kris Kirkland ’92 — Outstanding and dependable RHP who still holds many single-season and career records for wins (19), innings pitched (221.0), and complete games (13). Pitched in Philadelphia Phillies organization for three years after signing as a free agent his senior year.

Jason Bradley ’95 — Highly regarded as the toughest pitcher “mentally” to pitch in the 90’s. A fierce competitor who threw pitches with great command. Lifetime ERA of 4.01 is fourth best in program’s all-time history and Jason ranks highly in wins (15), innings pitched (199.2), and strikeouts (133).

 Brett Evilsizor ’98 — Outstanding student-athlete who was named “SAC Scholar-Athlete of the Year” in 1998. Gutsy RHP with deceptive“stuff” who set appearance records three of four seasons. Finished career ranked all-time best in saves (12), appearances (80), and second all-time in ERA (3.79).

 STUDENT-ATHLETE CLUB TEAM COACH

Jimmy Montgomery ‘83 — Student-athlete who started grass-roots movement to bring baseball back to PC in early 80’s. His efforts were the impetus that moved PC from club level status to varsity status by 1986-87.

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