Apr. 19, 1963 - As far as the Cardinals are concerned, Pirate pitcher Don Schwall (pictured) should have stuck to his first love — basketball. While playing college basketball for the Sooners, the 6-6 Schwall once outscored Wilt Chamberlain, then of Kansas University, 30 points to 11. So, why should he be picking on mere 6-foot Redbirds? “I probably would have gone to the Hawks or Pistons,” Schwall said after his 3-2 victory for the Pirates last night in the final game of the Cardinals’ 3-3 homestand. “But I’m glad I chose baseball. Pro basketball’s too rugged. I don’t see how Gene Conley can play both basketball and baseball. Speaking of Chamberlain, I had the whole team helping me guard him when I was at Oklahoma. I still dare anyone to play Wilt one-on-one.” Schwall did the daring last night and got away with it in his National League debut. Repeatedly challenging the Cards’ left-handed batters, Schwall wriggled out of a first-inning jam when Stan Musial’s smash was turned into an inning-ending double play. Later, however, Musial singled and doubled, drawing within one of Babe Ruth’s record of 1,356 extra-base hits. The Cardinals had several other shots at Schwall but let him slip away. Big Don, who received $40,000 to sign, made things rough with his sinker and slider. Catcher Jim Pagliaroni, who was dealt by the Red Sox along with Schwall to the Pirates for Dick Stuart and Jack Lamabe, said Schwall appeared stronger than last year. “Last year, Don’s rhythm was fouled up. This year, Don Osborne [pitching coach] straightened him out,” Pagliaroni said. “When Don’t right, it’s a pleasure to catch him. You see a lot of ground balls and double plays.” Last night’s losing pitcher, Ernie Broglio, was excellent for St. Louis — other than the fourth inning. “I made only one bad pitch, a fastball too true to Bill Virdon,” said Ernie. “I was trying to waste a pitch with two strikes and no balls.” Virdon socked the fastball to left for a run-scoring single. The Cards begin an 11-game road trip tonight in Philadelphia.
