Northeastern University Athletics

John R. "Dick" McPherson was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his achievements in the sports of football and baseball.

As a center on offense and linebacker on defense, McPherson helped stake Northeastern to an undefeated, 8-0, season in 1963, and as a hard throwing right-hander, led the Huskies to the New England Division I Championship playoffs in 1964. On the gridiron, McPherson's renowned blocking ability opened sufficient running room for backs the caliber of Bob Capadona and his devastating open field tackling was a prime factor in a Husky defense that recorded three shutouts in 1963. In his three varsity years of 1962, '63 and '64, the Huskies ran up win-loss totals of 18-6, and along the way posted five shutouts.

As a baseball pitcher, McPherson set the University career win record with a three-year aggregate of 15-8, to accompany even more impressive E.R.A. totals of 2.20, 2.12 and 1.37 respectively. McPherson was the key to the Husky pitching rotation and led the Diamond Dogs into Fenway Park and the New England Championship series against Maine in his senior year of ball in 1964. Before graduating, McPherson won the Northeastern Alumni Trophy as the baseball team's MVP in 1964, captured three straight Greater Boston League all-star selections and league MVP honors in 1964 in baseball, and was selected to the 1963 All New England football team.

McPherson began a distinguished coaching and teaching career right out of Northestern. After a year as football coach and teacher of Physical Education at Medford High School, McPherson coached football for over 25 years at Weymouth North High School, and taught physical education.