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unusual facts about Whiz Kids



Clinton, Illinois

Gene Vance, a member of the 1942-43 University of Illinois Basketball team known as the Whiz Kids

Frank Baumholtz

In contrast to radio's "Quiz Kids" or the 1950 Phillies "Whiz Kids", according to Chicago columnist Mike Royko Baumholtz was the anchor, as it were, of a 1950s Cubs outfield "that was so slow they were known as the Quicksand Kids." Hank Sauer and Ralph Kiner were in left and right fields respectively.

Hank Sauer

In contrast to radio's "Quiz Kids" or the 1950 Phillies "Whiz Kids", according to Chicago columnist Mike Royko the 1950s Cubs had an outfield "that was so slow they were known as the Quicksand Kids."

Maje McDonnell

McDonnell joined the Phillies as a batting practice pitcher in 1947, and was serving as a coach when the 1950 "Whiz Kids" won the National League flag — at that time, only the second pennant in Phillies' history.


see also

1946–47 Illinois Fighting Illini men's basketball team

The starting lineup included 4 of the 5 Whiz Kids, guards Smiley and Vance, forwards Phillip and Ken Menke as well as All-American guard Walt Kirk and Fred Green at center.

Vinay Bhat

In 1998, Bhat contributed to "Whiz Kids Teach Chess" (ISBN 1-58042-007-9) with Eric Schiller.