Memories of Hall of Famer Dick McGuire

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On Wednesday, while reviewing the biographical material our editorial research library gathered for the news obituary of Hall of Fame point guard Dick McGuire of the New York Knicks, I discovered some conflicting information: His date of birth was variously reported as Jan. 25, 1926,and Jan. 26, 1926. Also, some sources said he was born in the Bronx, while others reported Queens. I was ready to call the Knicks’ public relations department when I realized I didn’t have to call New York, I only had to call Orange County.

The Knicks’ team historian is Dennis D’Agostino, who happens to be married to Times columnist Helene Elliott, one of my former colleagues in the Sports Department. I was pretty sure Dennis could answer my questions. He said McGuire was born in the Bronx on Jan. 26, 1926, noting that the team had only recently confirmed that date after years of believing the 25th was the correct date. The self-effacing McGuire apparently didn’t want to point out the error.

Dennis’ remembrance of McGuire is posted here on the Knicks’ website.

And how ‘bout those Chuck Taylors and slouchy socks in the photo above?

-- Claire Noland