The Great Shabazz

For those on here with Pine Bluff ties, like myself, Basil Shabazz was and is a legend. Arguably the greatest high school athlete in Arkansas sports history. 4-sport all-american his Senior year. Gatorade National HS Football POY. Too many HS State Championships to count, but he had at least one every year in either football, baseball, basketball or track. Still holds many records in track and football that may never be broken.

Not the best student. Struggled to get into college, and instead to a $150k signing bonus to play for the Cardinals organization after high school. Made it to AAA for a brief period but mostly languished in AA. By his mid-20s his baseball career was clearly not progessing towards the majors. He tried a comeback in his true sport, football at UAPB, but hurt his neck in his first season back and retired for good.

Back in the early 2000s ESPN did a 30/30 on Torii Hunter who played in the same outfield as Basil (Basil played center, Torri rightfield). Basically Torii said he was super lucky to be where he was because the scouts only found him because there would be 20-30 scouts at every game watching Shabazz.

I was in jr high during this period and remember it vividly - including Shabazz's 5 TDs vs. Texarkana in the state championship game his senior year. I was there. It was ridiculous.

I haven't seen or heard anything Shabazz since that 30/30 show about 10 years ago. Until today, when a buddy from PB sent me this gem. Enjoy.

LINK