A graceful athlete who was a two-time all league basketball selection in 110 and 120-pound divisions, he was a standout member of three varsity baseball teams, winning the league title in 1944. On a 1949 San Mateo Junior College (CSM) team undefeated in league play, he compiled a team-leading .500 batting average. A Boston Braves rookie in 1949 with Ventura in the California State League, he subsequently starred at second base with the Redwood City Merchants softball team, competing in 1956-57 World Championship tournaments in Sacramento and Clearwater, Fla.