Bobby “Slick” Leonard was born on July 17, 1932 in Terre Haute, Indiana. He attended Terre Haute Gerstmeyer High School where he was an outstanding tennis player. He chose Indiana University where he became one of the school’s greatest basketball players. After military service he joined the Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers and became an All-Star player for them. However, it was in 1968 that his fame really began when he took the job as head coach of the second year ABA Indiana Pacers. Under his tutelage the Pacers became the ABA’s most dominant team.
It can truthfully be said that Leonard was the Pacers’ godfather. Leonard led the movement to help the Pacers become an NBA franchise when the opportunity presented itself. He was the force behind the drive to build Market Square Arena, giving the Pacers an NBA-worthy home court and Indianapolis a landmark event center (Elvis played his last concert there).
For 29 years Slick was the voice of the Pacers on radio and TV. He coined the term “Boom Baby!” He was a vocal supporter of Indiana High School and College basketball. He was a teacher, gentleman and ambassador of Indiana basketball and sports in general. As long as there are hoops and round balls in the Hoosier State, Slick Leonard’s name will live. Bobby, you are always in our hearts.
2021 Masters : A History Maker
Congratulations to Hideki Matsuyama, the first Japanese national to win a green jacket in the Masters Tournament, considered by many to be professional golf’s greatest game. Matsuyama is 29 years old and hails from Ehime, Japan. His pro career started in 2013 and he has 6 major PGA Tour wins. We wish continued success to Hideki Matsuyama.
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