Monday, April 2, 2012

Mizzou Baseball History: 1962

McArtor Hits for Cycle (Columbia Missourian, April 3, 1962)
Gene McArtor
A stocky six-footer stole a term from poker yesterday when he hit a "full house" in the 15-7 defeat of Arkansas at the Missouri baseball diamond

Gene McArtor, who hit .276 last season, led off with a double, then followed with a triple, a single and a homer in four trips to the plate. The veteran player, who took over first base mid-season last year, grounded out in his last trip to the plate.

In last Thursday's double header with Arkansas State, McArtor was 4 for 6, including two triples. This brings his total to 8 for 11 in three games or a .727 average.

McArtor said he couldn't remember doing this in college ball. He had, however, hit similarly when playing American Legion ball in Maplewood, MO.

Looking at the performance with a coach's caution, John "Hi" Simmons said McArtor's hitting is not necessarily a true test of what he will do for the season.

"Batting averages have a way of fluctuating," Simmons said. "Balls that he is hitting now may fall and be caught later in the season.

"I am pleased with his performance so far, though."

Tigers Whip Arkansas, Stay Unbeaten in Baseball (The Maneater, April 4, 1962)
Missouri's got a winner in baseball. Or at least, the Tigers' early seson play indicates this.

Coach John (Hi) Simmons; diamond squad continued on its merry, undefeated way here yesterday afternoon by defeating southern neighbor Arkansas 10-4.
. . .

The Black and Gold were never in serious trouble in its contest yesterday with the Porkers. Larry Bohannon, a righthander from Sikeston, picked up the victory by hurling the first four frames for the Simmons' crew. Righthander Bobby Jenkins fired the last five innings for Missouri, striking out five batters in the process. Lefthander Ted Mont was the losing moundsman for Arkansas.

First baseman Gene McArtor, a stockily built leftie who swings a bat with the accuracy that a logger swings an axe, belted three hits in five trips to the plate to pace the Tigers offense. All told, Missouri whacked 13 safeties yesterday.

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