Dunlap, Michael ‘Bill’ “Dumps”

 

Michael ‘Bill’ “Dumps” Dunlap – (1990)

MICHAEL ‘BILL’ “DUMPS” DUNLAP

“Dumps” was his name and basketball his game. Blessed with remarkable physical skills, Michael William Dunlap was of medium stature, alert, shift and speedy. These attributes served him well.

His peers recognized Dumps as one of the finest defensive third basemen in northern Ohio. He could go to his left or right with equal dexterity and his strong, accurate arm cut down many an aspiring runner. But his basketball exploits were truly outstanding.

Back in the days when the basketball was almost as large as the rim, Dumps could “pop” from his guard position with regularity, but he was a master dribbler and best known for his drives thru the paint for layup or a quick pass for an assist. He was so deceptive and quick that in the low scoring of his era he might tally as many points as the opposing team.

He was one of Lorain’s first to receive national recognition. John Ducar and Jack Barilaric joined him in a most prestigious trip to Denver, competing in the 1937 national AAU basketball tournament and losing in the finals. The three Lorainites were members of Ace Box Lunches quintet of Cleveland, winner of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio championships. In the 1930s, thousands of Lorain Countians were attracted to basketball and baseball games with Dunlap among the outstanding players.

Barnstorming teams, such as New York Harlemites, came to Lorain. The New Yorkers were walloped, 32-16, with “Dumps” scoring 16 of the 32 points—equal the total of the Harlemites.

Dunlap played semi-pro basketball 10 years with Pennzip, National Tube Rolling Mills, Fisher Foods.

On the baseball diamond, Dunlap’s prowess was displayed with the Duskey Brothers team in 1937, winning 27 of 28 games. Eligible for the National Amateur Baseball Federation tournament at Dayton, the Duskey team participated in the tournament parade and other festivities. Dunlap was joined by Bruno Skolnicki, Frank Pawlak, Archie Jenkins and John Ducar in the diamond action.