Timothy R. O'Connell (2015) - Hall of Fame - Xavier University Athletics

Timothy R. O'Connell

Induction:
2015
Class:
1968

Tim O'Connell was a two-sport standout in basketball and baseball and was drafted to play pro ball in both sports. There were many big moments in his hoops career. In 1966 he won Tournament MVP honors at the American Legion Classic in Seattle, Wash. He scored a career-high 34 points vs. Memphis State in the 1965-66 season. As a senior he scored 15 points to lead XU to a 72-71 win over rival Cincinnati. Although not selected in the NBA Draft following graduation, the Indiana Pacers, who then resided in the ABA, drafted O'Connell.

O'Connell earned plenty of praise for his baseball prowess as well. O'Connell had a tremendous junior year on the diamond. He pitched 35 innings and posted a 1.29 ERA. The same season he hit .357 and was among the national leaders in triples. More importantly, O'Connell became a member of the first Xavier team ever to earn a berth in the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately due to exam week, Xavier was forced to decline the invitation. O'Connell was drafted by the New York Yankees organization.