By DOUG IRELAND, Journal Sports
Some of the best things are, indeed, free.
That’s certainly true for sports fans and especially LSU fans this evening in Natchitoches, at the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame and Northwest Louisiana History Museum.
An extraordinary exhibit showcasing an expansive array of material from the life of one of Louisiana’s best known and most accomplished sports figures has its opening reception from 6-8 p.m. Admission is free. Attire is casual, with light finger food and refreshments available.
“Billy Cannon – They Called Him Legend” shares the life story of LSU’s first football superstar, the 1959 Heisman Trophy winner.
The display debuted with a 14-month run at the Capitol Park Museum in Baton Rouge. The Louisiana State Museum curatorial staff has brought nearly all of that expansive exhibit to Natchitoches. The Cannons – Billy’s parents, then his wife Dot – kept everything of any significance from his Istrouma High School days forward. Example: the telephone that fielded a phone call from coach Paul Dietzel offering young Billy a football scholarship at LSU.
There’s much more, from every stage of Cannon’s 80 years: the early days, his LSU career including his pivotal role in the Tigers’ 1958 national championship, his 11-year pro career, family life, and yes, his tumble from grace — and redemption in his later years.
Cannon is remembered for his fabled 1959 Halloween night punt return that beat No. 1-ranked Ole Miss, counterbalanced by a brief in federal prison in the early 1980s for his involvement in a counterfeiting scheme.
What is less known is how Cannon, a dentist who had a successful practice in Baton Rouge, shunned in his hometown upon his release. He eventually channeled that isolation into a deeply impactful role as a dentist and counselor for inmates at Angola State Prison.
Reluctant to accept acclaim for his football accomplishments lest it overshadow the team’s glory, Cannon shied away from the spotlight even before his arrest and guilty plea. But as he entered his later years, friends helped him ease into the role of an LSU football statesman who represented the most celebrated days of the program – just as Nick Saban arrived to fuel the rise of the Tigers into one of the nation’s premier teams.
Cannon engaged fans and reunited with LSU in this century, to mutual delight.
All of the ups and downs of his life are reflected in the exhibit in Natchitoches.
Following this evening’s free reception, the exhibit will be in Natchitoches until next April along with over 23,000 square feet of permanent exhibits in the world-renowned two-story structure.
The most expensive ticket to the museum at 800 Front Street (at the traffic circle) is just $6, with discounts for senior citizens, military and students. The museum is open Tuesday-Saturday weekly from 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Contact Doug at sbjdoug@gmail.com