Eddie O'Brien

Eddie O'Brien

Legendary Eddie O'Brien

Passes Away at 83

They say the true test of a man's character is what he does when no one is watching. Although many watched Ed O'Brien on the baseball field or on the basketball court, it was his off-field values that made him a legend in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Ed was born in South Amboy, NJ to Margaret and Edward "The Chief" O'Brien. A gifted athlete, Ed and his identical twin brother, John, passed up offers to play major league baseball immediately after high school to pursue athletic scholarships that could provide them a valuable college education. That opportunity came after meeting then Seattle University basketball and baseball coach Al Brightman at a semi-pro baseball tournament in Wichita, KS, in 1949. Al offered them both athletic scholarships to play for the SU Chieftains.

From 1950 to 1953, Ed helped anchor the SU basketball team to a 90-17 record (.841), averaging 13 points per game. Ed played a key role in the infamous defeat of the Harlem Globetrotters in 1952. Additionally, Ed played baseball for SU from 1950 to 1952, hitting .431 with nine home runs during the 1952 season.

After the 1953 NCAA Basketball Tournament, the twins began their professional baseball career. Encouraged to join Pittsburg by part owner, Bing Cosby, the twins signed with the Pirates, where Ed played from 1953 until 1958. Ed's athletic career was interrupted while he served his country in the US Army from September 1953 to June 1955. While with the Pirates, Ed formed a close relationship with General Manager, Branch Rickey, who earlier had famously broken the color barrier by signing Jackie Robinson. Ed and John made history as the first set of twins to play on the same team in the major leagues. The O'Briens ended their careers with major-league records for most games and most double plays by a second base/shortstop brother combination - a record that was eventually broken by the Ripkens, Cal and Billy.

Ed returned to Seattle U in 1958 as Athletic Director for 22 years and head baseball coach for a total of 14 years, compiling a record of 276-135 (.672).

Ed married Patricia McGough in 1955 and together they had six children. Ed gave enthusiastically and fully of himself to family, friends and his community. He dedicated more than 30 years to the Forgotten Children's Fund, raising awareness and delivering Christmas gifts to more than 800 families annually. In addition, Ed and his brothers, through O'Brien Baseball Services, coached more than 6,000 children in the fundamentals of baseball. For 14 years, Ed enjoyed coaching the "Pac Asians", a women's softball team, who became extended family.

Ed also continued to be a strong supporter of the SU athletics program as it renewed its membership within the NCAA and reclassified to Division I status. The annual fundraising golf tournament benefiting the men's basketball program is named after the O'Brien brothers. As a thank you to the twins for their invaluable contribution to the University, SU named the O'Brien Center for Athletic Administration in their honor in 2010.

On August 4, 1990, Ed married his beloved wife Terry. They enjoyed an active life of travel and friendships. Ed was the first to give thanks to Terry who not only gave him love but great companionship.

Ed will be especially missed by his identical twin brother, John. Whether sharing assists on the court, double plays on the diamond or even speeding tickets on the road, the O'Brien twins were two halves of a whole. Ed is also survived by his two close siblings, Jim and Teresa.

Ed is additionally survived by his wife, Terry; six children, Buc, Peggy, Colleen, Danny, Katie and Molly; three stepchildren, Doug, Jill and Shelly; and 15 grandchildren. We are comforted that Ed has joined his brother Bill, cousin Jerry and nephew Sean, who no doubt greeted him at heaven's gate with his favorite Manhattan.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to "Eddie O'Brien Athletic Fund at Seattle University" 901 12th Ave., Seattle, WA 98122. For online donations go to www.seattleu.edu - click on "Give" on the top right then "Make a Gift" on the left nav bar. Please type Eddie O'Brien in appropriate "In memory of:" section.

Services for all friends and family will be held at St. James Cathedral in Seattle on Monday, March 3, 2014 at 1pm. A celebration of Ed's life will immediately follow in Campion Hall, Seattle University campus.