Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame
There are not many athletes who can combine finesse with toughness, speed with strength and a will to win with a great feel for the game. Bobby Rose was one of those rare athletes who could fool you with his wicked curve ball and hard-hitting defensive style of play.
Bobby Rose was a high school phenom at South Side High School in Memphis where he starred in football, basketball and baseball. He was a great high school pitcher and led South Side to the Tennessee State Baseball Championship by beating Elizabethton in two straight games at Belleview Park.
Bobby brought his skills to Southwestern in 1954 where he was an outstanding football and baseball player for the Lynx. In football, he played end on both offense and defense, and he never left the field. Though Bobby was not large in stature, he was known for his physical style of play and great tackling skills. Though boxing was not a sport sponsored by the college, Bobby fought in the Memphis Golden Gloves competition under the red and black colors of Southwestern, earning a couple of Golden Gloves titles.
Current Hall of Fame member Billy Landers, who transferred to Southwestern from Memphis State University, had the opportunity to face Bobby Rose from his pitching position when the Tigers faced the Lynx in baseball. He said this about Bobby, “Bobby Rose was an outstanding pitcher. He pitched a three-hitter against Memphis State and beat our Tiger team very badly.”
After the 1958 baseball season, Bobby signed to play baseball with the Chicago Cubs. Though his professional career was short-lived, his signing brought great distinction to Southwestern. Bobby went on to complete law school and had a long and distinguished career as an attorney. For his great athletic skills and the distinction he brought his alma mater, Rhodes is honored to induce ROBERT EVERETT ROSE into the Rhodes Athletic Hall of Fame this 23rd day of October, 2009.
