Dodger Correspondence: Lee Pfund

If you are a college basketball fan then you may know the name of Lee Pfund. From 1951 to 1975 he coached the basketball team at Wheaton College. Over those years he won five College Conference of Illinois (CCI) championships, captured the 1956-57 Small College National Championship and had a lifetime 362-240 (.601) record. Prior to his career as a coach, though, he played pro ball for the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945.

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He wrote the following.

I spent 8 seasons in professional Baseball over a period of 10 years. I was a member of the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1945. Pitched in 15 games (10 starts) before injury to my right knee ended my career there. It happened in the Red Cross Benefit game played in Wash. D.C. vs. the Senators. That year was the only year there had been no All-Star game scheduled since 1933. I was the starter and got hurt in the 2nd inning while fielding a swinging bunt on a wet field.

Since 1949 til 1975 I coached Baseball and basketball at Wheaton College in Illinois. I resigned from coaching that year to become the Executive Director of the schools Alumni Association. I have just retired as of December 31, 1987.

I have a keen interest in footbal, basketball, Baseball and golf. We have three sons. One with Bank of America in Calif., one in a men's clothing business in Wheaton and the youngest an assistant coach with the LA Lakers.

Keep well, enjoy the game and read the bible regularly.

Cordially,

Lee Pfund

His youngest Son, Randy Pfund, is currently the GM of the Miami Heat. Also, an important note is that when he played for the Dodgers he pitched with a "no Sunday" contract.

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