As a crossover athlete who spanned the gap between the early days and the modern era, Bob Nugent was inducted by the Greater Syracuse Hall of Fame’s Old Timer's Committee. Nugent played basketball and baseball in Syracuse in a time frame that covered three decades.

 

Nugent discovered the sport of basketball at a young age and played for a time at St. John the Evangelist. He finished his scholastic hoop career at Christian Brothers Academy where he starred on the 1932-33 team. He also played baseball for the Brothers and made first team All-City.

 

From 1934 to 1938, Nugent played semi-pro ball baseball for the Markson team and basketball for the Hoffman Company squad.

 

In 1939, he joined the Syracuse Reds of the New York State Basketball League where he played two years. He continued his baseball career with the Homer Braves and played basketball for the Newark Elks. In 1941 and 1942, Nugent was in the Army and continued his basketball career with the Fort Niagara US Army team.

 

Following World War II, Nugent returned home to Syracuse and was a member of the Syracuse Stars of the old All-American Basketball League. In 1946, Danny Biasone offered Nugent a professional contract to play with the original Syracuse Nationals and he played in 32 games that year.

 

Nugent ended his playing career making appearances with the Oneida Indians, the Utica Picks and the Geneva Raiders of the New York State League.
 

He passed away in 1995.

 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

 

1934-1938: Played semi-pro ball baseball for the Markson team

 

1939: Joined the Syracuse Reds of the New York State Basketball League

 

1946: Signed contract with the original Syracuse Nationals, played in 32 games that year