Rudy pruett
In speaking of Rudy Pruett, Jess Bucy said the following: “In the ‘other’ category, i don't know of anyone who did as much for athletic enjoyment, in Rector, as Rudy Pruett. He served as general manager of the Rector Cardinals semi-pro baseball and basketball teams for several years. He brought prominent professional touring teams to Rector and added former college players from Southeast Missouri, as well as from Arkansas, to some talented Rector players to make up some outstanding semi pro teams in baseball and basketball. He was able to schedule the Harlem Globetrotters, and because of the overflow crowd and a very close game, they returned the following year. He was able to get the All American Redheads [professional women’s team] (who we defeated easily) and the Mid-South champions, Memphis Air Base for two (2) games. We lost the 1st game in overtime and won the 2nd. He was also able to get a barnstorming team of Major League baseball players to play in Rector following the end of the Major League baseball season. Many stars played including Robin Roberts, who is in the MLB Hall of Fame. Rudy put together baseball teams that won semi pro league championships. We usually played three (3) games per week vs the best teams Rudy could schedule from Arkansas, Missouri, and Tennessee. Rector won the Arkansas semi pro state championship in 1959 and finished in a tie for 17th place in the National tournament. He did more to organize things to bring enjoyment to the people of Rector than any other person.”
Owen Moseley commented: I don’t know for sure if Rudy arranged it or not [he probably did since he seems to have arranged everything else]…but I remember seeing a ‘donkey baseball’ game at the old ball park.
In addition, Pat Pruett Bishop [Rudy’s daughter] provides the additional comments. In the 1940’s, dad refereed high school basketball games in the old gym by the old high school. During the 1950’s the House of David (bearded wizards) [professional men’s basketball team] came to Rector to play.
The selection committee selected Rudy Pruett because of his continuing, long-term involvement and support of athletics in Rector. However, the following items taken from newspaper clippings are noteworthy.
1927 Rudy Pruett in lineup against Marmaduke. (basketball)
1929 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett showed up good at forward making some difficult shots. Pruett scored eight points.
1930 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett scored two against Leachville.
1930 independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett started at forward and played a good game. Although hurt, he stuck throughout the game.
1930 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: “Rudy” Pruett played the first half of the game at guard and did a good job of it.
1935 Rudy Pruett of Piggott refereed in game between Rector and Arbyrd.
1949 Manager Rudy Pruett had some of the best basketball material in this part of the state on his club. (independent basketball)
1952 …the famous Harlem Globe Trotters are expected to play Rector’s Cardinals. Rudy Pruett, Card manager,…
Owen Moseley commented: I don’t know for sure if Rudy arranged it or not [he probably did since he seems to have arranged everything else]…but I remember seeing a ‘donkey baseball’ game at the old ball park.
In addition, Pat Pruett Bishop [Rudy’s daughter] provides the additional comments. In the 1940’s, dad refereed high school basketball games in the old gym by the old high school. During the 1950’s the House of David (bearded wizards) [professional men’s basketball team] came to Rector to play.
The selection committee selected Rudy Pruett because of his continuing, long-term involvement and support of athletics in Rector. However, the following items taken from newspaper clippings are noteworthy.
1927 Rudy Pruett in lineup against Marmaduke. (basketball)
1929 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett showed up good at forward making some difficult shots. Pruett scored eight points.
1930 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett scored two against Leachville.
1930 independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: Pruett started at forward and played a good game. Although hurt, he stuck throughout the game.
1930 Independent Basketball—Rector Red Devils: “Rudy” Pruett played the first half of the game at guard and did a good job of it.
1935 Rudy Pruett of Piggott refereed in game between Rector and Arbyrd.
1949 Manager Rudy Pruett had some of the best basketball material in this part of the state on his club. (independent basketball)
1952 …the famous Harlem Globe Trotters are expected to play Rector’s Cardinals. Rudy Pruett, Card manager,…