25 years ago: The death of Pete Maravich

On January 5, 1988, Pete Maravich went to be with the Lord Jesus Christ at the age of 40. Pistol Pete's 44.2 average points per game at Louisiana State University (1967-70) is an NCAA record that still stands. Mr. Maravich played in the National Basketball Association with the Atlanta Hawks, New Orleans Jazz, and Boston Celtics from 1970-1980, retiring because of a leg injury. He was a five-time NBA all-star in his 10-year career.

Mr. Maravich came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour at the age of 35, and died in the arms of Dr. James Dobson while on a visit to the headquarters of Focus on the Family. His death was caused by a heart defect so rare (a missing left coronary artery) that it was said that only 2 of every 500 doctors would ever see it during the course of their careers. At the age of 25 Pistol Pete made the eerily prophetic comment that he didn't want to play 10 years in the NBA and die of a heart attack at the age of 40. Fortunately, when that event did happen, he entered into the presence of the Lord. Pistol Pete is still able to witness for his Lord after his death: a recording of his testimony helped lead Mickey Mantle to saving faith in Jesus Christ just days before the baseball legend's death in 1995.