Victor Hanson
(1903-1982)
Hall of Fame Induction: 1960
Card Shown:
1986-2002 Hall of Fame Metallic
Position: G
Height: 5’10”
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Victor “Vic” Hanson was a three-sport star at Syracuse University in the 1920’s. He captained the basketball, baseball, and football teams in 1926 and 1927. One of the best all-around college athletes in history, Vic led his basketball team to a national title and he was named the national player of the year. In football, he played end and called the plays for the team. As a baseball player, he made the New York Yankees farm team. After his playing days concluded, Vic coached the Syracuse football team for seven years.
Awards and Honors
- Hanson led his Central High School team from Syracuse to the New York state basketball title in 1921. He played basketball, baseball, football, and was on the track team in high school.
- Vic led Syracuse basketball to a 48-7 record during his three-year career, losing only one home game in the process. In 1925-26, he guided the Orangemen to a 19-1 record and they were named national champions by the Helms Foundation.
- Hanson was a basketball All-American at Syracuse in 1925, 1926, and 1927 and was honored as the Helms Foundation Player of the Year in 1927.
- Hanson is the only player ever inducted into both the Hall of Fame in basketball in 1960 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
- In 1952, renowned sportswriter Grantland Rice named Vic to his All-Time All-America basketball team. The other players honored were George Mikan, Bob Kurland, Hank Luisetti, and John Wooden.
Points of Interest
- Hanson was a nine-time letterman at Syracuse, three each in basketball, baseball, and football.
- Vic played professional basketball with the talented Cleveland Rosenblums of the American Basketball League (ABL) and later joined the Syracuse All-Americans.
- Hanson was also a three-time All-American in football. His three Syracuse football teams compiled a record of 23-5-3.
- Vic coached the Syracuse football team from 1930-1936 and led the Orangemen to a 33-21-5 record.
- As a baseball player, Hanson was a good enough 2nd baseman that he was signed by the fabled 1927 New York Yankees team that featured Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth. He played for the Yankees in their farm system.
Victor Hanson
Signed First Day Cover
