Ben McCready and Captain Jake Ryan As a follow-up to my post from this weekend on the potential changes to the Legends program, today I chatted with Ben McCready, godson (and namesake) of Bennie Oosterbaan. Ben confirmed that Jim Hackett called him about the Legends program. A few notes: Nothing is official, but U-M is indeed evaluating the Legends program and considering changes. The evaluation is being driven, in part, by feedback from the players. McCready’s understanding is that they do intend to maintain the Legends distinction, but are considering honoring those players in a different way. All options are on the table including a presence in the stadium to recognize the Legends. Hackett is soliciting input from the Legends/families and has already connected with one other Legend/family. Hackett will be talking with all the Legends families and keeping everyone in the loop as this moves forward. Timeline is TBD, but McCready’s understanding is that they plan to settle this before the season starts. McCready also told me, “I trust Jim Hackett completely,” and added, “I am very confident that everyone – the players, the fans and the Legends families, will be very happy with the way this all turns out.” Follow MVictors on Twitter
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Honoring Oosterbaan: An Interview with Ben McCready
Young Ben McCready with a gift from his godfather, namesake and then-U-M coach Bennie Oosterbaan. It’s the gameball from the 1958 Minnesota Little Brown Jug game & was a Christmas gift. For Michigan historians Saturday’s game holds special significance. Bennie Oosterbaan, arguably the greatest athlete in U-M history will be honored. He was the first football man to have his jersey retired (#47) and against Air Force, he will be the first to have a Michigan jersey “unretired”. Oosterbaan’s exploits on the field are well known: a three time All-American in football, a two time All-American in basketball, and a Big Ten batting title champion in baseball. The Muskegon native turned down offers to play professionally and instead chose a different path: a life dedicated to coaching U-M students in each of the sports in which he dominated. He coached all three sports at one time another, the highlight being when he led Michigan to the 1948 football national championship. After his coaching days he remained an administrator with the athletic department until he retired in 1972. Over the past year I’ve gotten to know Ben McCready, the godson and namesake of the great Oosterbaan. He’ll be there Saturday when his godfather is honored. McCready was kind enough to share some insight on how the “unretirement” came to be, his…