MSU Hall of Famer Tom Yewcic dies at 88

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McLane Baseball Stadium/Photo Credit: MSU Athletic Communications

Zach Surdenik, General Assigment Reporter

EAST LANSING — Michigan State legend Tom Yewcic passed away Tuesday at the age of 88. Yewcic was a two-sport All-American at Michigan State, where he played on the football and baseball teams. 

On the football field, Yewcic led the Spartans to a national championship in 1952 as well as their first Big Ten title and Rose Bowl victory in 1953. He was named an All-American in 1952 by NBC-TV after leading the Spartans to a 9-0 season and a consensus national title. He was also the team’s starting punter and averaged 38.7 yards per punt during his collegiate career. 

Just months after helping MSU win its first Rose Bowl, Yewcic helped the baseball team win its first Big Ten title and advance to the College World Series for the first time in program history. He led the Spartans to a 3-2 record and a third-place finish in the CWS and was named Most Valuable Player.  For his athletic achievements, Yewcic was inducted into the MSU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2003. 

He also became the first player in program history to be named a first-team All-American by the American Baseball Coaches Association after he hit .305 with three home runs, five doubles and 12 RBIs in conference play. 

Yewcic is the only player in history to win a Rose Bowl and also be named College World Series MVP. 

Following his career at MSU, Yewcic reached the major leagues with the Detroit Tigers before switching back to football. He was a member of the Boston Patriots of the American Football League from 1961-1966. Yewcic was mainly used as a punter, but he was pushed into action as a quarterback due to an injury and led the Patriots to three straight victories. In addition to being used as a punter and quarterback, he also got some playing time at running back and wide receiver. 

According to a release from MSU, memorial information will be announced at a later time.