Dick Ricketts
Encyclopedia
Richard James Ricketts, Jr. (December 4, 1933–March 6, 1988) was an American
professional basketball
player.
A 6'7" forward from Duquesne University
, Ricketts was selected by the St. Louis Hawks with the first pick of the 1955 NBA Draft
. He played three seasons in the NBA with the Hawks and the Rochester and Cincinnati Royals
and scored 1,974 career points.
Ricketts, a strong 225-pounder, was drafted #1 overall by the NBA Hawks because he was also property of the Major-League baseball Cardinals. Pitching largely for the Rochester Red Wings
, Ricketts became part of that NBA franchise there as well. When the team relocated to Cincinnati, the forward/center played the 1957-58 season there. Ricketts was affected by the tragic injury of teammate Maurice Stokes
in March, 1958 and retired from pro basketball following that season.
Ricketts was also signed as an amateur free agent pitcher by the St. Louis Cardinals
in 1955. In 1959 he appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals, including 9 starts. He had a 1-6 record, with a 5.82 ERA in 55 2/3 innings. His brother Dave Ricketts
played six years in the major leagues.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
professional basketball
Basketball
Basketball is a team sport in which two teams of five players try to score points by throwing or "shooting" a ball through the top of a basketball hoop while following a set of rules...
player.
A 6'7" forward from Duquesne University
Duquesne University
Duquesne University of the Holy Spirit is a private Catholic university in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States. Founded by members of the Congregation of the Holy Spirit, Duquesne first opened its doors as the Pittsburgh Catholic College of the Holy Ghost in October 1878 with an enrollment of...
, Ricketts was selected by the St. Louis Hawks with the first pick of the 1955 NBA Draft
1955 NBA Draft
The 1955 NBA Draft was the ninth annual draft of the National Basketball Association . The draft was held on April 13, 1955 before the 1955–56 season. In this draft, eight remaining NBA teams took turns selecting amateur U.S. college basketball players. In each round, the teams select in reverse...
. He played three seasons in the NBA with the Hawks and the Rochester and Cincinnati Royals
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings are a professional basketball team based in Sacramento, California, United States. They are currently members of the Western Conference of the National Basketball Association...
and scored 1,974 career points.
Ricketts, a strong 225-pounder, was drafted #1 overall by the NBA Hawks because he was also property of the Major-League baseball Cardinals. Pitching largely for the Rochester Red Wings
Rochester Red Wings
The Rochester Red Wings are a minor league baseball team based in Rochester, New York. The team plays in the International League and is the Triple-A affiliate of the Minnesota Twins major-league club. The Red Wings play in Frontier Field, located in downtown Rochester.The Red Wings were an...
, Ricketts became part of that NBA franchise there as well. When the team relocated to Cincinnati, the forward/center played the 1957-58 season there. Ricketts was affected by the tragic injury of teammate Maurice Stokes
Maurice Stokes
Maurice Stokes was an American professional basketball player in the 1950s, whose career was cut short by a debilitating injury...
in March, 1958 and retired from pro basketball following that season.
Ricketts was also signed as an amateur free agent pitcher by the St. Louis Cardinals
St. Louis Cardinals
The St. Louis Cardinals are a professional baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri. They are members of the Central Division in the National League of Major League Baseball. The Cardinals have won eleven World Series championships, the most of any National League team, and second overall only to...
in 1955. In 1959 he appeared in 12 games for the Cardinals, including 9 starts. He had a 1-6 record, with a 5.82 ERA in 55 2/3 innings. His brother Dave Ricketts
Dave Ricketts
David William Ricketts was an American catcher and coach in Major League Baseball who played parts of six seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Ricketts was a reserve catcher on the 1967 World Series champion Cardinals and their 1968 pennant winners...
played six years in the major leagues.