Dick Parsons

Dick Parsons: Kentucky’s Ultimate Dual-Sport Legend & Coaching Stalwart

A Rare Two-Sport Star

Dick Parsons (1958–61) carved out a unique place in UK history as an:

• All-America shortstop (Baseball) – Batted .400 as a senior

• 3-year basketball letterman – Scored 511 career points for Adolph Rupp

• Team captain in both sports – Only a handful of Wildcats have ever achieved this

On the Diamond:
⚾ 2× First-Team All-SEC
⚾ NCAA All-District (Junior & Senior years)
⚾ Led baseball Cats to 53-24 record over 3 seasons

On the Hardwood:
🏀 Helped Rupp’s Cats to 61-19 record, 2 NCAA Tournaments
🏀 Freshman known on the team known as the Fiddlin Five

Coaching Legacy at Kentucky

After his playing days, Parsons became one of the few to coach both major sports at UK:

• Baseball Head Coach (1970–72) – Posted 2 winning seasons

• Basketball Assistant Coach (1970–80) – Key staffer for:

  • 1978 NCAA Championship team (Under Joe B. Hall)

  • 1975 NCAA Runner-Up

• High School Legend – Inducted into KHSAA Hall of Fame for coaching success

Parsons Par Excellence

Last true two-sport star to excel at UK in baseball & basketball
Bridge between eras – Played for Rupp, coached for Hall
Proved versatility – From All-America player to championship coach

“Player. Coach. Champion. A Wildcat who did it all.”