Arlington may be a very small county but that doesn’t mean it hasn’t produced its share of great athletes. In this collection we did the best we could with research and card collecting, and while I’m sure we’re missing some local athletes, we think you’ll enjoy what you see.
The oldest card is that of George McQuinn, a Washington-Lee graduate in the late 1920’s, who was one of the most decorated Major League Baseball players to come out of Arlington. He also went on to play an important role in the County after hanging up his spikes.
Clay Kirby was a favorite of local baseball fans and went to W-L in the 1960’s with local basketball legends, Ed and John Hummer, and future Buffalo Bills kicker John Leypoldt. Of course, there’s also Super Bowl heroes Jake Scott and Reggie Harrison, who both played football along Quincy Street at W-L.
Viewers might recall four more recent football players who made it in the NFL and were either born or grew up in and around Arlington. There were two in my era starting with Eric Sievers, a tight end at W-L whom my brother Bill threw passes to, and later Brian Blados, who was four years behind Eric at W-L. Then there’s Bishop O’Connell grad Eric Metcalfe who, like his father Terry, had a nice career in the NFL. The fourth player is kicker Connor Barth – I can’t find a trading card for him so if anyone has an extra let me know and I’ll trade with you. Born in Arlington, Connor had a very good NFL career.
Swimmer Tom Dolan isn’t the only Olympic gold medal winner from Arlington, he was preceded by Frank Havens. Frank was a W-L grad whose father, Bill, was on his way to the 1924 Games in Paris as a rower when his wife informed him she was pregnant. As fate would have it, he chose to stay home for the delivery of his son Frank who grew up and went on to set the world record as a canoeist at the Helsinki Games in 1952. Frank came home and presented the medal to a proud dad.
In the 1950’s the area had another great pitcher who pitched for several Major League teams by the name of Fred Talbot. Fred actually pitched at Fairfax and McLean High Schools as well as Arlington All-Star teams in the 1950’s, but someone shared a story with me that Fred and Whitey Edwards had one of the all-time Arlington County fist fights at Mario’s Pizza one night so he seemed to earn his way on my list.
Using a Major League Baseball stat site, I learned three other pitchers were reportedly born in Arlington and made it to the Majors, granted for less than 70 combined innings. They are Bob Ferris, Bob Malloy, and Mark Smith. It should be noted that Mark is listed in two different baseball sites as born in Arlington and Alexandria. Tie goes to the runner here.
Four additional pro athletes have listed affiliation to Arlington, including the 2016 high school soccer Gatorade Player of the Year, Lucas Mendes, who is probably the greatest player to come out of Arlington (W-L) and was listed on the New York Cosmos; Walter Palmer, Arlington’s tallest professional athlete at 7’1″, who played basketball at W-L and spent two seasons in the NBA; Kendall Marshall, who starred at O’Connell H.S. and the University of North Carolina then played for four different teams in the NBA; and finally Curome Cox who is listed in Pro-Football Reference as being born in Arlington but Wikipedia reads he was born in New York. Hey Curome, having your own Wikipedia page is very cool but please contact us with the correction information.
The 2018 NFL Draft was special for Arlington since two former county high school stars were drafted. In the second round, M.J. Stewart, a Yorktown High School graduate in 2014, was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and 2014 O’Connell grad Kamrin Moore was drafted by the New Orleans Saints in the sixth round.
Enjoy the cards and stories.
Clay played Arlington Little League for coach Bert Whittington on Stewart Buick. The Whittington's lived up the street from our family when I was growing up. Writing of neighbors, Arlingtonian Charlie Clark tells me, as kids, Clay lived next door to Jay Franklin. Jay played at James Madison H.S. and was a first round (2nd overall) MLB selection.
Clay played Arlington Little League for coach Bert Whittington on Stewart Buick. The Whittington's lived up the street from our family when I was growing up. Writing of neighbors, Arlingtonian Charlie Clark tells me, as kids, Clay lived next door to Jay Franklin. Jay played at James Madison H.S. and was a first round (2nd overall) MLB selection.
Clayton Lewis Kirby, Jr. is the poster child for great players drafted by lousy franchises who end up in professional mediocrity. The San Diego Padres took Clay in the 1968 MLB expansion draft and moved him straight to the big leagues for the 1970 season. In 1971, he was throwing a no-hitter through eight innings when his manager, Preston Gomez, shocked fans by lifting Clay for a pinch hitter. Later that season, Clay had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning when he finally gave up a hit – the Padres made two errors in the ninth and lost the game. Clay’s very next start, he retired the first 21 batters he faced then Willie McCovey hit a home run. It was the only hit Clay gave up but the Padres lost 2-1.
Clayton Lewis Kirby, Jr. is the poster child for great players drafted by lousy franchises who end up in professional mediocrity. The San Diego Padres took Clay in the 1968 MLB expansion draft and moved him straight to the big leagues for the 1970 season. In 1971, he was throwing a no-hitter through eight innings when his manager, Preston Gomez, shocked fans by lifting Clay for a pinch hitter. Later that season, Clay had a no-hitter going into the eighth inning when he finally gave up a hit – the Padres made two errors in the ninth and lost the game. Clay’s very next start, he retired the first 21 batters he faced then Willie McCovey hit a home run. It was the only hit Clay gave up but the Padres lost 2-1.
This is an article about Clay Kirby written by Dave Facinoli in the Sun Gazette 2017.
This is an article about Clay Kirby written by Dave Facinoli in the Sun Gazette 2017.
John Hummer was a superstar on the court at W-L in the mid 1960's, following his brother Ed who starred in the early 1960's. He also followed Ed to Princeton where they both played college basketball.
John Hummer was a superstar on the court at W-L in the mid 1960's, following his brother Ed who starred in the early 1960's. He also followed Ed to Princeton where they both played college basketball.
John was a member of the 1970 Buffalo Braves NBA expansion team which eventually became today's Los Angeles Clippers.
John was a member of the 1970 Buffalo Braves NBA expansion team which eventually became today's Los Angeles Clippers.
A nice photo of John Hummer and his former W-L High School coach, Mo Levin, from a 2017 W-L alumni magazine.
A nice photo of John Hummer and his former W-L High School coach, Mo Levin, from a 2017 W-L alumni magazine.
Shown here in his Miami Dolphins uniform, Jake later played for the Washington Redskins, a team his Dolphins beat in the 1972 Super Bowl when Jake was selected the MVP.
Shown here in his Miami Dolphins uniform, Jake later played for the Washington Redskins, a team his Dolphins beat in the 1972 Super Bowl when Jake was selected the MVP.
It was rumored that Jake didn't play a lot for his coach, John Youngblood, at W-L but it didn't stop him from signing with the University of Georgia and becoming a great safety in the NFL. He's listed in Sports Illustrated as the 31st greatest athlete to come out of the state of Virginia.
It was rumored that Jake didn't play a lot for his coach, John Youngblood, at W-L but it didn't stop him from signing with the University of Georgia and becoming a great safety in the NFL. He's listed in Sports Illustrated as the 31st greatest athlete to come out of the state of Virginia.
According to an article written by Thomas Ayers for Society for American Baseball Research, while growing up in Arlington, Dave’s mother Marion was a civilian clerk for the Naval Department and his father Paul worked for the Social Security Administration.
According to an article written by Thomas Ayers for Society for American Baseball Research, while growing up in Arlington, Dave’s mother Marion was a civilian clerk for the Naval Department and his father Paul worked for the Social Security Administration.
The article went on to read, Dave was a high school teacher when by chance he met a scout for the Baltimore Orioles who convinced him to spend his summer pitching in the minor league. Later Dave was in the National Guard early in his MLB career and his Maryland Air National Guard unit was called in to keep peace after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.
The article went on to read, Dave was a high school teacher when by chance he met a scout for the Baltimore Orioles who convinced him to spend his summer pitching in the minor league. Later Dave was in the National Guard early in his MLB career and his Maryland Air National Guard unit was called in to keep peace after the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King.
When I was in third grade our teacher, Miss Schuler, lived in the apartments across from W-L near Quincy St and Washington Blvd. She took a group of us to her apartment for dinner then to see Reggie Harrison play football. I've still never seen anything like him in high school. A man playing among boys.
When I was in third grade our teacher, Miss Schuler, lived in the apartments across from W-L near Quincy St and Washington Blvd. She took a group of us to her apartment for dinner then to see Reggie Harrison play football. I've still never seen anything like him in high school. A man playing among boys.
Some might remember when Reggie came up large in Super Bowl X. He now goes by the name of Kamal Ali Salaam-El.
Some might remember when Reggie came up large in Super Bowl X. He now goes by the name of Kamal Ali Salaam-El.
Fred Talbot was the butt of many jokes in the popular baseball book, ‘Ball Four’, by Jim Bouton. Apparently, there was a lot of bad blood between the two pitchers who played just a short time together for the Seattle Pilots.
Fred Talbot was the butt of many jokes in the popular baseball book, ‘Ball Four’, by Jim Bouton. Apparently, there was a lot of bad blood between the two pitchers who played just a short time together for the Seattle Pilots.
According to the book by Bouton, lots of pranks were played on Fred but he could dish it out too. A quote in ‘Ball Four’ from Fred on shortstop Ray Oyler: “He’s the only guy on the club who’s physically afraid of his wife.”
According to the book by Bouton, lots of pranks were played on Fred but he could dish it out too. A quote in ‘Ball Four’ from Fred on shortstop Ray Oyler: “He’s the only guy on the club who’s physically afraid of his wife.”
Tom Dolan found his swimming stroke in the pool at Washington Golf & Country Club on Glebe Road. He battled asthma his entire career and went on to set a world record in the 400-meter individual medley.
Tom Dolan found his swimming stroke in the pool at Washington Golf & Country Club on Glebe Road. He battled asthma his entire career and went on to set a world record in the 400-meter individual medley.
A standout at the University of Michigan, Tom won gold medals in the 400-meter individual medley at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
A standout at the University of Michigan, Tom won gold medals in the 400-meter individual medley at both the 1996 and 2000 Olympic Games.
Rich Sauveur didn't accomplish greatness in professional baseball but I just had to purchase and add this baseball card to the collection. Keep scrolling and you will learn this isn't Rich in the photo. Sometimes card makers just get it wrong.
Rich Sauveur didn't accomplish greatness in professional baseball but I just had to purchase and add this baseball card to the collection. Keep scrolling and you will learn this isn't Rich in the photo. Sometimes card makers just get it wrong.
Hey, the card maker got half the card correct - the back.
Hey, the card maker got half the card correct - the back.
This is the real Rich Sauveur!
This is the real Rich Sauveur!
Born in Arlington, Rich played for Falls Church High School then Manatee Junior College. A Major League card has not been located yet.
Born in Arlington, Rich played for Falls Church High School then Manatee Junior College. A Major League card has not been located yet.
Eric was an All-American on and off the field at Washington-Lee H.S.. He also attended Page Elementary and Stratford Junior High. During high school summers he caddied at Washington Golf & Country Club. Eric married his high school sweetheart, Diana, and after his playing ten years in the NFL they moved back to Northern Virginia.
Eric was an All-American on and off the field at Washington-Lee H.S.. He also attended Page Elementary and Stratford Junior High. During high school summers he caddied at Washington Golf & Country Club. Eric married his high school sweetheart, Diana, and after his playing ten years in the NFL they moved back to Northern Virginia.
Eric’s NFL career included time with the Chargers, Rams, Patriots, and Dolphins. He entered the NFL catching passes from QB Dan Fouts as a rookie and ended his career catching them from QB Dan Marino during summer workouts when he broke his leg and retired from football. In 1989, Eric led the New England Patriots with 54 catches and was voted the team’s Unsung Hero Award.
Eric’s NFL career included time with the Chargers, Rams, Patriots, and Dolphins. He entered the NFL catching passes from QB Dan Fouts as a rookie and ended his career catching them from QB Dan Marino during summer workouts when he broke his leg and retired from football. In 1989, Eric led the New England Patriots with 54 catches and was voted the team’s Unsung Hero Award.
Bill Dailey pitched in only one full MLB season. As a reliever, he appeared in 66 games with a 6-3 record, 1.99 earned run average, and 21 saves, statistics that would land him a contract worth millions today. Unfortunately, a rotator cuff injury the following season ended Bill’s career.
Bill Dailey pitched in only one full MLB season. As a reliever, he appeared in 66 games with a 6-3 record, 1.99 earned run average, and 21 saves, statistics that would land him a contract worth millions today. Unfortunately, a rotator cuff injury the following season ended Bill’s career.
According to an old Sports Illustrated article, in the summer of 1963 the Minnesota Twins were the talk of Major League Baseball and Bill Dailey became a superhero in the Twin Cities. The article went on to read that when the Twins got in trouble, Bill was brought in from the bullpen by a convertible, knelt down, and made the sign of the cross in the dirt with his index finger – all to the tune of “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home.”
According to an old Sports Illustrated article, in the summer of 1963 the Minnesota Twins were the talk of Major League Baseball and Bill Dailey became a superhero in the Twin Cities. The article went on to read that when the Twins got in trouble, Bill was brought in from the bullpen by a convertible, knelt down, and made the sign of the cross in the dirt with his index finger – all to the tune of “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home.”
Mike was a middle inning reliever in Major League Baseball and appeared in 353 games in his nine years.
Mike was a middle inning reliever in Major League Baseball and appeared in 353 games in his nine years.
Mike landed in the Major Leagues with the California Angels when he was 23 years old.
Mike landed in the Major Leagues with the California Angels when he was 23 years old.
Bobby Witt was a first round pick, selected third by the Texas Rangers in 1985. The following season he was pitching in the Majors.
Bobby Witt was a first round pick, selected third by the Texas Rangers in 1985. The following season he was pitching in the Majors.
Bobby once struck out four batters in one inning. He wasn't known for his control on the mound but as of this writing he ranks among the top 100 all-time strikeout leaders for pitchers in Major League Baseball.
Bobby once struck out four batters in one inning. He wasn't known for his control on the mound but as of this writing he ranks among the top 100 all-time strikeout leaders for pitchers in Major League Baseball.
George was born in Ballston, VA, before the name Arlington was decided upon in 1920. He played twelve years in the Majors and was a six-time All-Star. If one purchased sports equipment in Arlington in the 1950's and 1960's, chances are you did from George "Mac" McQuinn at McQuinn's Sporting Goods, formerly located in Clarendon across from Mr. Days Bar and Restaurant. Due to complications from a stroke he died Christmas Eve 1978.
George was born in Ballston, VA, before the name Arlington was decided upon in 1920. He played twelve years in the Majors and was a six-time All-Star. If one purchased sports equipment in Arlington in the 1950's and 1960's, chances are you did from George "Mac" McQuinn at McQuinn's Sporting Goods, formerly located in Clarendon across from Mr. Days Bar and Restaurant. Due to complications from a stroke he died Christmas Eve 1978.
Playing for the St. Louis Browns in 1938 George had a 34-game hitting streak. Years later he signed with his original pro team, the New York Yankees, and at the all-star break in 1947 was hitting a league leading .392. It's been written he was a better fielder than hitter.
Playing for the St. Louis Browns in 1938 George had a 34-game hitting streak. Years later he signed with his original pro team, the New York Yankees, and at the all-star break in 1947 was hitting a league leading .392. It's been written he was a better fielder than hitter.
This photo of half the 1964 W-L varsity football team includes future Buffalo Bills kicker John Leypoldt (No. 80) and Lance Newman (No. 48). Lance had national fame of his own in 1959 when he was one of the four African-American students who enrolled in Arlington's Stratford Junior High making it the first integrated school in Virginia.
This photo of half the 1964 W-L varsity football team includes future Buffalo Bills kicker John Leypoldt (No. 80) and Lance Newman (No. 48). Lance had national fame of his own in 1959 when he was one of the four African-American students who enrolled in Arlington's Stratford Junior High making it the first integrated school in Virginia.
Yes, this card of the former W-L kicker was actually cut crooked. It should make it worth something extra.
John kicked for six years with the Buffalo Bills. He sadly died of a heart attack at the age of 40 in 1987.
Arlington, and especially O'Connell High School, can be thankful that Eric chose to leave Seattle and move across the country to live with his dad so he could play football for the Knights.
Just like his father, Eric was a three-time Pro Bowl player in the NFL.
