Frank Card

This article is about the basketball player. For the Irish republican sometimes known by this name, see Proinsias MacAirt.

Frank Howard Card (December 28, 1944 – April 14, 2021) was an American basketball player who played five seasons in the American Basketball Association (ABA).

Frank Card

Personal information
Born	(1944-12-28)December 28, 1944 Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died	April 14, 2021(2021-04-14) (aged 76)
Listed height	6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
Listed weight	195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school	West Philadelphia (Philadelphia, Pennsylvania)
College	South Carolina State (1962–1964)
NBA draft	1967: 7th round, 77th overall pick
Drafted by	Philadelphia 76ers
Playing career	1965–1974
Position	Power forward / small forward
Number	35, 34, 13, 20
Career history
1965–1966	Camden Bullets
1966–1968	Allentown Jets
1968–1969	Minnesota Pipers
1969–1970	Washington Caps / Virginia Squires
1970–1971	Carolina Cougars
1971–1973	Denver Rockets
1972–1974	Allentown Jets
Career highlights
EPBL champion (1968)
Stats at Basketball Reference

Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he played collegiately for the South Carolina State University.

He was selected by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 7th round (77th pick overall) of the 1967 NBA draft.

He played for the Minnesota Pipers (1968–69), Washington Caps (1969–70), Virginia Squires (1970–71), Carolina Cougars (1970–71) and Denver Rockets (1971–73) in the ABA for 306 games.

Card played for the Allentown Jets of the Eastern Professional Basketball League (EPBL) / Eastern Basketball Association (EBA) from 1966 to 1968 and 1972 to 1974.^[1] He won an EPBL championship with the Jets in 1968.^[2]

Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority for nearly 25 years.^[3] He died on April 14, 2021.^[4]

Early life and education

Frank Howard Card was born to Catherine Cheers and Frank Card on December 28, 1944, in Philadelphia, PA. Card graduated from West Philadelphia High School and earned a scholarship to South Carolina State University. His passion in life at that time was to play basketball, and growing up he honed his skills on the playgrounds of his West Philly neighborhood.^[4]

Work and career

Card served in the Army from April 1965 for three years.

During this time he started playing for the Baker League,^[4] where he became known for his jumping ability and earned the nickname “Watusi”. He went on to be selected by the 76ers in the 7th round of the 1967 NBA draft. He played for the Minnesota Pipers, Washington Caps, Virginia Squires, Carolina Cougars and Denver Rockets. He also played pro ball in Europe for several years. During that time he also served in the Army from April 1965 to April 1968.

Following his retirement from basketball, Card worked for the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transit Authority[SEPTA] for nearly 25 years.^[3]

Death and legacy

Card was known for socializing and making friends. His infectious smile, energy and sense of humor was as big as he was. He mentored many of his younger male coworkers who often called him “Mr. Frank”. He showed respect to everyone he met and felt one of the most important jobs he ever had was being a positive role model and father to his two step sons.

Card was honored at the ABA's 50th Anniversary for his professional achievements^[3] and a proud supporter of the Dropping Dimes Foundation.