Years active 1919–1935 Spouse(s) Kathleen Ayers | Name Eddie Croak Died February 24, 1984 | |
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Full Name Edward Patrick Croak Born September 19, 1900 ( 1900-09-19 ) St. Louis, Missouri, U.S. | ||
Edward Patrick “Eddie" Croak (September 19, 1900 – February 24, 1984) was a U.S. soccer center half back. He spent his entire career in St. Louis with the Ben Millers, was on the roster for the 1920 National Challenge Cup Championship team and started [1] for the 1926 National Challenge Cup runners-up and is a member of the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame [2].
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Professional Career and Beyond
Croak was born in St. Louis, Missouri, and spent his entire professional career with the Ben Millers in the St. Louis Soccer League from 1919 to 1935. After his retirement, he served on the U.S. Olympic Soccer Selection Committee until 1960 when he recused himself as his son Ronald was under consideration for the squad. In 1973, Croak was inducted along with teammate and fellow midfielder Raphael Tracey to the St. Louis Soccer Hall of Fame.
Legacy
Eddie Croak was small for an athlete, even one in the early 1900s. He stood 5'5" and played at 160 pounds. In spite of his size, he was known as a "Chopper", a term at the time which referred to a tough, physical player. In his private life, he was married to Kathleen Ayers for more than 50 years and was father to two daughters and three sons. His sons each excelled in sports including football, baseball and soccer. His legacy continued with his grandchildren as several went on to compete in a variety of sports at the collegiate level.