ECU Athletics Mourns The Passing Of Lawrence “Cotton” Clayton
July 01, 2022 | General
GREENVILLE, N.C. – The ECU Athletics community is mourning the loss of Lawrence "Cotton" Clayton, who passed away Wednesday, June 29 at the age of 82.
Clayton, who was inducted into the university's athletics hall of fame in 1984, played baseball and basketball for the Pirates from 1959-61 earning All-America honors in both as well as being named to the All-North State Conference and all-district teams.
He helped lead the Pirates to the 1961 NAIA National Championship as the club's leading hitter, while play outfield and third base earning all-tournament team honors. During that magical season, Clayton became the first triple crown winner in program history batting .372 with 32 hits, four home runs and 32 RBI.
On the hardwood, Clayton was the team's leading scorer in 1961 averaging 14.9 points (313 total) on the season. He also led the team in rebounding (9.9 rpg) and field goal percentage (61.0).
Following graduation, Clayton went on to play in the Baltimore Orioles organization for seven years.
Clayton, who was inducted into the university's athletics hall of fame in 1984, played baseball and basketball for the Pirates from 1959-61 earning All-America honors in both as well as being named to the All-North State Conference and all-district teams.
He helped lead the Pirates to the 1961 NAIA National Championship as the club's leading hitter, while play outfield and third base earning all-tournament team honors. During that magical season, Clayton became the first triple crown winner in program history batting .372 with 32 hits, four home runs and 32 RBI.
On the hardwood, Clayton was the team's leading scorer in 1961 averaging 14.9 points (313 total) on the season. He also led the team in rebounding (9.9 rpg) and field goal percentage (61.0).
Following graduation, Clayton went on to play in the Baltimore Orioles organization for seven years.
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