Long Bloodlines in Pro Sports

SI Staff | Mar 4, 2011

Long Bloodlines in Pro Sports /

Long Bloodlines in Pro Sports

Howie Morenz, Bernie, Danny and Blake Geoffrion

In late February, Blake Geoffrion made his debut in the NHL for the Nashville Predators, making him the fourth generation in his family to play in the league. He follows in the footsteps of his great grandpa Howie Morenz, his grandpa Bernie "Boom Boom" Geoffrion and his dad, Danny. Howie and Bernie are in the Hall of Fame and his dad was a first-round pick who played 111 games in the NHL.

Lee, Richard, Kyle and Adam Petty

Between the four Pettys, Lee, Richard, Kyle and Adam amassed 263 victories in NASCAR. Lee won the first Daytona 500, in 1959. Richard won a record-seven Daytona 500s and a record-seven season points titles while Kyle finished a career-best fifth in the points race in 1992 and '93. Lee and his great grandson passed away during the span of one month in 2000, Lee from natural causes and Adam in a tragic crash during a practice run in New Hampshire.

Clay Matthews Sr., Jr. and III

The Matthews family brand grew even bigger after Clay Matthews III helped lead the Green Bay Packers to a Super Bowl win in February 2011. Casey Matthews (not pictured), the brother of Clay Matthews III, also led the Oregon defense to a national championship appearance this past season and has entered the 2011 NFL Draft. Their father, Clay Matthews Jr., was an All-America at USC and played 19 seasons in the NFL. Clay Matthews Sr. played four seasons with the San Francisco 49ers in the 1950s.

Ray, Bob, Bret and Aaron Boone

Many associate the Boones with Aaron's Game 7, 11th inning walk-off homer to send the New York Yankees to the 2003 World Series. Not to be overlooked, Aaron's brother Bret was a four-time Gold Glove winner at second base and a two-time Silver Slugger. Their father, Bob, was a seven-time Gold Glove catcher who was behind the backstop on the 1980 Philadelphia Phillies championship team. The late Ray Boone played 13 seasons in the pros and won a world championship in 1948 with the Cleveland Indians. All four Boones were selected to an All-Star game during their respective careers.

Gus, Buddy and David Bell

The Bell family has carved out its place in baseball history, particularly with the Cincinnati Reds. Former third-baseman David was named the manager of the Reds Double-A affiliate Carolina Mudcats in 2008. His brother Mike (not pictured) played one season in the bigs, in 2000. Their father, Buddy, was a five-time All-Star who collected 2,514 career hits in 18 seasons, four of those seasons with the Reds. His father, Gus, played for Cincinnati from 1953 to '61 and was a four-time All-Star as a catcher.

Sam, Jerry, Jerry Jr. and Scott Hairston

Brothers Scott and Jerry Hairston are still active in the majors. Scott is with the New York Mets, his fourth team, and Jerry is playing for the Washington Nationals, his seventh squad. Their father, Jerry Sr., played 14 seasons, mostly with the Chicago White Sox. His father, Sam played for the White Sox for one season, in 1951.

Joe, Joe Jr. and Casey Coleman

Pitcher Casey Coleman made his debut at 23 last season with the Chicago Cubs. While his pitching performance was forgettable -- three earned runs over 4.1 innings in a loss -- his debut will go down in baseball history. He is the first third-generation pitcher to play in MLB. His father, Joe, was an All-Star who won 142 games with seven teams from 1965 to '79. His grandfather, also named Joe, was an All-Star pitcher who threw in the big leagues for 14 seasons. Who would you add to the list? Send comments to siwriters@simail.com.

Published Mar 4, 2011

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