Tim Cohane

I played basketball at the Naval Academy for Hall of Famer Ben Carnevale and am an Emeritus member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, having been a member for fifty years. I graduated 97% of the student-athletes under my tutelage. But I feel exceptionally qualified to comment on Pete Babcock’s career in the NBA. My father, Tim Cohane Senior, was a sportswriter, poet, and the author of several best-selling books. Hall of Fame athletes, coaches, and administrators were among his closest friends throughout my childhood. I was fortunate to eavesdrop on their conversations at their offices and in our home. They became my heroes, more so for their character than athletic achievements, and they inspired me to choose a career in athletics. 

 

Joe Lapchick, Basketball Coach at St. John’s and the New York Knicks, coached the first African American Superstar, Sweetwater Clifton, in 1950. An annual award in Lapchick’s name goes to a worthy individual promoting good character. The legendary Coach Clair Bee wrote a series of inspirational books for youngsters from which “The Chip Hilton Good Character Award” was initiated. West Point legend Earl “Red” Blaik received the Presidential Medal of Freedom for meritorious contribution to security, world peace, cultural, or other significant public or private endeavors from President Ronald Reagan. There was Ted Williams, who was responsible for what the Jimmy Fund is today. There were Branch Ricky and Jackie Robinson, who broke the color line in American Sports together. Pete Newell ran his “Big Man Camp” for free because he said, “I owe it to the game.” Vince Lombardi, my sister’s Godfather, preached the virtue of hard work and winning.

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Now, decades later, and having been associated with dozens of individuals in the Navy as a businessman, lawyer, and coach, Pete Babcock is at the top of my hero list. Pete Babcock extols not one, but all the characteristics described in the Hall of Famers enumerated above, although his innate humility does not lend itself to widespread recognition. The success record of the organizations with which he has been associated is well-documented. What sets him apart is superhuman stamina, not to give and go, but to give and give more.

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The scope of Pete Babcock’s contributions is legendary. Who else has done more work to benefit the inner city, native Americans, and special needs individuals? Who else has worked tirelessly to inspire youngsters to finish their education and prepare for life after basketball? And who else has been such an articulate advocate for African Americans and spreading seeds of peace internationally?