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WHEREAS, it has been said that Dick Groat is perhaps the greatest athlete to come out of Pittsburgh; and,
WHEREAS, Richard Morrow Groat, born in Wilkinsburg and educated at Swissvale High School and Duke University, had a storied career as a shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates but it was preceded by a season in the NBA and an All American basketball career at Duke University which is a rare combination of talents in any era ; and,
WHEREAS, Dick Groat played for four National League Teams and was named the League’s Most Valuable Player in 1960 after winning the batting title for the Championship Pirates. From 1956 to 1962, he teamed with second baseman Bill Mazeroski to give Pittsburgh one of the games’ strongest middle infields, leading the NL in double plays, putouts and assists; and,
WHEREAS, Dick Groat was twice an All American at Duke and was the Helms Foundation Player of the Year, the UPI National Player of the Year, was inducted into the National College Baseball and Basketball Halls of Fame and had his Duke jersey retired. He was a 5-time baseball All Star, led the National League in singles and appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated three times; and,
WHEREAS, Dick Groat was the recipient of the Dapper Dan Lifetime Achievement Award given in February 2016 at the Dapper Dan Dinner. The award was given for outstanding athletic performance during his playing career and imprint on the fabric of Pittsburgh sports. Dick Groat is the color commentator for the Pittsburgh Panthers Men’s Basketball radio broadcast, bringing his wit and insight to the fans; and,
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby recognize, commend and congratulate Dick Groat for a spectacular career in sports and for the contributions he has made to Pittsburgh and to sports everywhere; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, June 12 2018, to be “ DICK GROAT DAY ” in the City of Pittsburgh.