Today is the 106th birthday of Rod Dedeaux. You know he won 11 baseball NCAA titles at USC.
But here’s a 1959 interview where his love for USC was apparent.
Q: What would you say is humor’s part in baseball?
A: It’s half of baseball. Its entertainment and we have one of the loosest teams there is.
Q: And one of the winningest. Besides your on-the-field coaching, few people realize how many hours you spend scouting high school games and the public relations luncheons that you attend as a part of your job. Bet you get tired of those luncheons?
A: Something I never get tired of is selling SC.
Q: But with your coaching at SC. running your trucking company and ail your other activities, do you sleep?
A: I sleep fast so it doesn’t take very much time.
Q: What would you say is your greatest thrill in sports?
A: Winning is always a big thrill.
Q: The story of your life.
A: I would say my biggest thrill was SC’s come-from behind win the NCAA playoffs last year to become the first team in history to win five straight.
Q: Of all the traits that have made SC’s teams great, which one would you say is No. 1 with respect to giving us victories? Inspiration? Ability? Coaching?
A: The shirt with the name ‘Trojans’ on it is responsible for SC’s athletic success. I don’t care what sport it is — baseball, football, basketball every athlete that wears a Trojan uniform knows he is representing a great institution. There is no greater athletic heritage than here with the Trojans. It is this heritage that makes a Trojan.”
Thanks, Scottie, great post.
Dedeaux was one of a kind. We were lucky to have had him.
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Agreed, 67. Great way to jog our memories of Rod.
Just when his critics were closing in, Scott comes through….
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I played for Dedeaux for two years. He NEVER made a strategic baseball mistake, when to hit and run or steal a base. He was a nice guy as well. Would walk along the bench during game with fungo and would take a shot at your family jewels. If you had a cup on no big deal, if you didn’t well that was another story. In the spring of 1966 he brought me down into the dugout at Bovard Field and introduced me the team. Called me the “latest phenom from the Valley.” One of the proudest moments of my life. A great, great human being.
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Great memories –thanks so much for sharing them!
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Nice!!
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He was the Best! A Trojan Legend!
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Question: Which of USC’s present coaches will be considered a legend in 60 years?
#ToEncourageParticipants:QuizzIncludesLegendarilyBadCoachesToo
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Not to be too much of a nitpick here but the blogger says this article is from 1959.
Yet in the interview Dedeaux mentions the Trojans winning 5 straight NCAA titles. That didn’t happen in the 1950’s. It happened in the 1970’s.
I think the blogger got something wrong here.
#FactCheck
#WhoIsMoreCredible-RodDedeauxOrScottWolf?
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Your correct. Scott had it wrong about date.
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Good call… but It could have been worse….
#IProbablyWouldHavePickedItUpIfArticleWasDated1919
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Good catch, has to be a 1975 interview.
” I would say my biggest thrill was SC’s come-from behind win the NCAA playoffs last year to become the first team in history to win five straight”- the fifth straight was in 1974.
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