Former Alabama Basketball Player Harry Hammonds Dies

One of Tuscaloosa's oldest bars informed its patrons that the original owner, a former Crimson Tide basketball player, had passed away.

1962-63 Alabama men's basketball media guide

Harry's Bar in Tuscaloosa notified its patrons that its founder and original owner Harry Hammonds died Monday morning. 

Hammonds was a a former University of Alabama basketball player out of Tuscaloosa High School.

Hammonds was listed as being a 6-4 center who played 72 games with the Crimson Tide and scored 780 career points. He averaged 10.8 points and 8.4 rebounds over his three years with the varsity. His statistics:

1963-64: 3.6 points, 3.0 rebounds
1964-65: 12.9 points, 9.4 rebounds
1965-66: 14.4 points, 11.6 rebounds

Hayden Riley was the coach at the time. The Crimson Tide was .500 or better in Southeastern Conference play all three years, finishing between fifth and seventh all three years. Specifically, Alabama was 14-12 (7-7) his sophomore season, 17-9 (9-7) his junior year, and 16-10 (9-7) during Hammond's final year.   

The message posted on Facebook: 

"It is with a Sad heart that we have to inform you, the Original Harry Hammonds passed away this morning. Harry Hammonds opened Harry's Bar in 1972. A Tuscaloosa Native, He attended and played Basketball for the University of Alabama. He had a personality Bigger than life and never met a stranger."

"The 35 years he owned Harry's, he made many a friend and entertained Generations of Students and Locals.

"Throughout the years, I have had many people come in and tell me about Harry. Each Story is Bigger than the last, and knowing him, all are equally believable and fantastic.

"Tuscaloosa lost a Good one today.

""Starting Forward for the University of Alabama, #42 "Handsome" Harry Hammonds!!"

"Good Night to Sir, RIP."