Alvin Dark: Spotlight on Former Athlete

Click on the Spotlight on Former Athlete banner on the right of the AN News Box and be taken to the profile of Alvin Dark, known to many as "the Swamp Fox." Dark was a five sport letterman at S.L.I. during 1943-44 when he led the Bulldogs to the Oil Bowl Championship in Houston. In 1948,his first full season in the Baseball Major Leagues, he was named Rookie of the Year. His 14 year career as a player included being named to three National League All-Star teams, 1951, 1952, and 1954. As a manager his Oakland team won the World Series in 1974. He served as manager for the All Star games in 1963 and 1975. On December 1-2, 2006 the university recognized Alvin Dark at a reception and at half time of the Football Game Coach Tony Robichaux presented him with a framed Baseball Jersey. The Athletic Network is honored to place the spotlight on former athlete on Alvin Dark.

Submitted photo Courtesy Daily Advertiser Sports, Dan McDonald.

1956 baseball card

Alvin Dark Family at Dec. 1, 2006 reception in his honor. For the reception Photo Gallery click:

http://www.athleticnetwork.net/site709.php

Tony Robichaux, John Dugas, and Alvin Dark at Dec. 2 jersey presentation at half time of UL-M football game
For the photo gallery of tailgating, Senior Day, Weightlifting Team Recognition and other activities surrounding Alvin Dark’s recognition on Dec. 2, 2006 click on http://www.athleticnetwork.net/site696.php

On July 6, 1964, former Ragin’ Cajun Alvin Dark appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated, as the manager of the San Francisco Giants. Dark and Hall of Famer Jackie Robinson are the only baseball players in Major League history to win the Rookie of the Year award for the entire League. In 1949, the American and National Leagues began awarding separate Rookie of the Year awards for their respective leagues. Dark later went on to manage the Oakland Athletics to a World Championship in 1974. Image courtesy of sicovers.com and Chris Yandle, UL Sports Information.

Note: The Photo Gallery (left side of home page) at www.athleticnetwork.net contains over 7,500 pictures of former and current athletes and support groups. Just point and click to view teams by years. One click on the thumbnail picture and it is enlarged; a click on the enlarged photo and you are back to the thumbnail. Contact the AN if you have a team picture for one of the years where voids exist. The AN seeks to add pictures of each team for each year they represented the university.

The 2007 honorees in the Athletic Network "Spotlight on Former Athlete"
June – Michael Langston Football 1973-77;
July – Hollis Conway Track & Field 1986-89;
August – Leigh Hennessy Gymnastics/Trampoline 1976-1980;
September – Dean Church Basketball (M) 1961-65;
October – Dr. David Fisher Football 1946-49 Track & Field 1947-50;
Novermber – Kim Perrot Basketball (W) 1986-90;
December – John McDonnell Cross Country/Track & Field 1966-1969;

The 2008 honorees in the Athletic Network "Spotlight on Former Athlete"
January – Alvin Dark Football, ’43; Basketball, Baseball, Golf, Track, ’44; Coaches, 1947.