Gordon S. Cochrane
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Sport:
Multiple |
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Year
Graduated: 1924 |
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Year
Inducted: 1959 |
Gordon "Mickey" Cochrane is forever enshrined
in Cooperstown, NY in Baseball's Hall of Fame for his exploits
as a member of the Philadelphia A's and Detroit Tigers in
the 1920's and 30's, but it was primarily his skill on the
gridiron that made him a legend at Boston University.
His legend was cemented in a game in 1922 against Holy Cross.
Carried off the field unconscious in the second quarter, Cochrane
returned in the fourth quarter, against doctor's orders, and
proceeded to orchestrate a 60-yard scoring drive, carrying
the ball on every play. He even added the extra point as BU
earned a 7-7 tie against the undefeated Crusaders in perhaps
the biggest upset of the year. It was certainly the biggest
game BU would play that year.
Cochrane came to BU from Bridegwater, MA, working his way
through school by washing dishes and serving as an usher at
Boston Arena. His daily commute by train took two hours each
way.
At BU, Mickey was a five-sport athlete, also playing baseball,
basketball, hockey, and boxing. He took up baseball at BU
his sophomore year and was regarded as a third baseman and
not a catcher, where he would make his name in the majors.
As a junior he moved behind the plate, but also played every
position in the infield and was even used as a relief pitcher.
By the time he was a senior, he had signed with Portland of
the Pacific Coast League and his Hall of Fame career began
to take shape.
He was a member of three pennant winning teams with Philadelphia
before moving on to Detroit, where he served as player, manager
and team vice president! While in Detroit, Cochrane led the
Tigers to two pennants and doubled the attendance at Navin
Field.
Not surprisingly, Cochrane's name is attached to the award
honoring the top male athlete at Boston University.
