Another in a series of celebs I wanted to meet, but never did.
Pete Maravich was one of the flashiest, most exciting basketball players ever. Maravich's father Press taught him at an early age. Maravich's practice sessions are legendary. Pete attended LSU, which was coached by the elder Maravich.
At LSU, Maravich averaged 44.2 points per game, leading the NCAA in scoring 3 straight years, while twice
being named College Player of the Year. Upon entering the NBA, Maravich did not slow down. He was named to the All-Rookie team in 1971 and was a 5 time NBA All-Star during his 10 year career. In 1987, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time team and had his jersey retired by the Utah Jazz (formerly of New Orleans), the New Orleans Hornets (although he never played for them) and the Louisiana SuperDome.
As great as he was, I believe Maravich did not get the credit he deserved. He played in the pre-3 point era and the pre-ESPN era. Many of his shots
were deep enough to be 3's and many of his moves were magical enough to be highlights on ESPN. Unfortunately, neither existed and Maravich is often considered to have been ahead of the times.
Late in 1987, I sent a few cards to Maravich, hoping he would sign one. On January 5, 1988, I received all 4 cards signed, along with a short note written by Pistol Pete on his wife's stationary. How do I possibly remember the date? Just hours after opening the envelope which contained those signed cards, I was eating dinner with my family and watching tv. The sportscaster came on and sadly announced that Pete Maravich had died while playing in a pick-up game of basketball.
Pete Maravich was one of the flashiest, most exciting basketball players ever. Maravich's father Press taught him at an early age. Maravich's practice sessions are legendary. Pete attended LSU, which was coached by the elder Maravich.
At LSU, Maravich averaged 44.2 points per game, leading the NCAA in scoring 3 straight years, while twice
being named College Player of the Year. Upon entering the NBA, Maravich did not slow down. He was named to the All-Rookie team in 1971 and was a 5 time NBA All-Star during his 10 year career. In 1987, he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. He was named to the NBA's 50th Anniversary All-Time team and had his jersey retired by the Utah Jazz (formerly of New Orleans), the New Orleans Hornets (although he never played for them) and the Louisiana SuperDome.As great as he was, I believe Maravich did not get the credit he deserved. He played in the pre-3 point era and the pre-ESPN era. Many of his shots
were deep enough to be 3's and many of his moves were magical enough to be highlights on ESPN. Unfortunately, neither existed and Maravich is often considered to have been ahead of the times.Late in 1987, I sent a few cards to Maravich, hoping he would sign one. On January 5, 1988, I received all 4 cards signed, along with a short note written by Pistol Pete on his wife's stationary. How do I possibly remember the date? Just hours after opening the envelope which contained those signed cards, I was eating dinner with my family and watching tv. The sportscaster came on and sadly announced that Pete Maravich had died while playing in a pick-up game of basketball.
I was both saddened by his untimely and premature death at the age of 40 and shocked by the fact that I had just received his autograph earlier that day. I definitely had some of the last autographs that Maravich ever signed.
Pete Maravich's signed 1977-78 Topps card (one of his last autographs).
2 comments:
there is an autograph I would love to have. I never got around to sending anything to him, I thought he would be around for awhile.
Stumbled across this post while researching Maravich autographs. I also have one of very last Pistol autograph on “All College” Basketball Tournament Programs. Was Dec 30th, 1987 and All College Tournament was taking place (OKC, Oklahoma) and Maravich was being inducted into tournaments Hall of Fame on weekend of tournament. My grandad company was sponsoring and so lucky enough to have received seats in VIP area. Low and behold before championship game Pistol came in and his seat was directly behind myself, father, and grandad. I was 7/8 yrs old at time and after handful times turning around and staring in awe he smiled and picked me up and set in his lap and talk to me for 15-20 min. He told me about his 2 sons that were my age and about practicing is only way to get to become elite. He also spoke to me about Jesus and how way more important than money or sports or fame. He finished up signing few of programs for myself and father before heading on court for presentation. Less than week later he would be dead and it’s such a treasured memory of my childhood. Instead of B.C. And A.C dates I have B.P. (before Pistol) And A.P. (after Pistol) in my timeline of life! Enjoyed reading your connection to legend and his autograph. I still have my program as well as fathers. I was name after my dad do both say “ To: Brian …” etc. He also left bible verse at end and scripture I have yet to see on any other autograph. I always enjoy reading the verse feeling gives possible insight into his recent bible studies he had at time.
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