Mary & Al Schwarz Hall of Fame
A two-sport athlete at WSU, Bob Grote starred for both the basketball and baseball teams.
In basketball, Grote ranks 13th all-time in scoring with 1,406 points. He is in the top ten all time in free throws made (342) and free throw percentage (.797), and third in career steals with 228. He led his team in scoring in 1974-76, and in rebounds in 1975-76.
Grote garnered recognition as team MVP in the 1974-75 and 1975-76 seasons, and was the program’s first All-American in Division II in 1976.
Grote also received accolades in baseball, where he was nominated as an All-District selection as a pitcher in 1976. He holds several records, including the second best career earned run average (2.10) and second most career shutouts (5).
Going professional in baseball, Grote was the first Raider to sign a professional sports contract when he signed with the New York Mets, where he spent four years pitching in their organization.
After his playing career, Grote spent some time as an assistant basketball coach under Ralph Underhill in the 1980s, and then transitioned into radio as one of WSU’s color commentators.
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