James Street was a Texas legend for 30 years. Then his son became one too. Huston Street started his Texas career as the son of a national championship winning quarterback. But he blazed his own different path to glory. On this Father’s Day, we look at the greatest father and son duo in Texas Longhorns history.
James Street – Quarterback (1966 – 1969)
Street started his Texas career as the 7th string quarterback. Something not even done today with scholarship limits. In 1968, he was the backup behind Bill Bradly. That was also the year Texas coach Darrell royal and assistant coach Emory Bellard introduced the wishbone, the offense Texas, and then Oklahoma, would dominate college football with for the next decade.
Royal decided Street was better suited for the new offense, and he became the starter against Texas Tech. Royal reportedly told Street as he put him in, “Hell, you can’t do any worse. Get in there.” UT lost the game, but they would never lose another game with Street was the starter.
The Longview native won 20 straight games, culminating with one of the most famous matchups in college football history, “The Great Shootout,” which is still referred to as “The Game of the Century.” The game, played in college football’s ‘Centennial year.’
The Horns were the No. 1 team in the nation and Arkansas was No. 2. ABC executive Beano Cook had arranged for Texas and Arkansas to move the game to the final game of the regular season in the first weekend in December, instead of the usual October date. President Richard Nixon even flew in on Air Force One to attend the game.
In a steady, cold rain with icy fog hovering over the stadium, the Hogs went up 14-0, working the home fans into a frenzy. But legendary Texas QB James Street led the Longhorns comeback. Street scrambled for a TD on the first play of the fourth quarter. Darrell Royal had decided before the game to go for two after the Longhorns’ first touchdown to avoid a tie, which Street converted.
Texas intercepted Arkansas quarterback Bill Montgomery on the Longhorns 7-yard line, preventing a back breaking Razorbacks’ score. With 4:47 left, Royal gambled again and went for it on fourth-and-3 from their own 43-yard line.
Royal called “Right 53 Veer Pass,” still the most famous call in Texas football history. The play was a deep pass to the tight end, Texas only attempted 10 passes during the game. When the play was called, Street famously asked, “Are you sure that’s the call you want?” Royal snapped back, “Damn right I’m sure!”
Randy Peschel made a difficult catch over his shoulder in double coverage, gaining 44 yards putting Texas on the Razorbacks’ 13. The Horns would punch it in the endzone a few plays later and win the game.
In the locker room after the game, Nixon declared Texas National Champions and presented Royal with a commemorative plaque. Of course, UT still had to play its bowl game to officially win the title. Texas beat Notre Dame in the Cotton Bowl 21-17 to secure the championship. James Street became a bona fide Longhorns legend.
Baseball career: Street was a two-time 2nd Team All-American, posting a overall 29-8 record. He made the All-Southwest Conference Team three years in a row and was the team’s MVP every year. He threw a no-hitter in 1969 versus SMU and another in 1970 versus Texas Tech, which was a perfect game. That is the ONLY perfect game in the history of the Southwest Conference or the University of Texas. He helped Texas win three Southwest Conference titles and go to three straight College World Series, finishing as high as 3rd in 1970.
Pro Career: Street was not drafted into the NFL, but he was drafted in the 31st round of the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft by the Cleveland Indians. Street suffered an injury at the 1970 College World Series he chose not to play in the Indians’ farm system, ending his career.
Huston Street – Pitcher/Closer (2001 – 2004)
Statistically, Huston Street one of the best college closers of all time. He ranks in the top 20 for career saves (41) and fewest hits allowed per nine innings (5.46). Street was a four time All-American, receiving the honor in every season he was in Austin.
In his best season, Street was the best player on the 2002 team that won the national championship. He set the CWS record for most saves and was named the Most Outstanding Play of CWS that year.
In 2003, he won the USA Baseball Richard W. “Dick” Case Award, given from 1984 to 2002 to the player who was not only an outstanding player on the field, but also exemplified sportsmanship and love of the game. The award has been renamed the Richard W. “Dick” Case Award in honor of the organization’s founding Executive Director/CEO.
The next year, Street led Texas to the CWS finals, but UT lost to Cal State Fullerton in the final series. Street was named to the NCAA College World Series Legends Team in 2010.
Pro Career: Street has a very solid pro career from 2005 to 2017. He was drafted in 2004 by the Oakland Athletics in the first round with the No. 40 overall pick. Street spent a few months in the minor leagues, spending less than a month at each level. He pitched in the Arizona Fall League where his team took the championship.
He pitched for the Oakland A’s (2005-2008), the Colorado Rockies (2009-2011), San Diego Padres (2012-2014) and finally the LA Angels of Anaheim (2014-1017). Street finished his MLB career with a 42-34 record, 324 saves, 665 strikeouts and a career 2.95 ERA.
This article originally appeared on Longhorns Wire: Father’s Day: Best dad, son duo in Texas Longhorns history
Reporting by Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire / Longhorns Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Trey Luerssen, Longhorns Wire | USA TODAY Network
