Jesuit Dallas Athletics

John Michael “Bear” Vance was a tremendous pitcher and outfielder for the Rangers’ diamond nine in the early 1960s. He lettered three times, earning TCIL All-State honors as a junior and serving as the Jesuit team captain as a senior. As a pitcher, he delivered a great junior season by compiling a 13-2 record. The Rangers advanced to the state finals that year, but lost to St. Thomas (Houston).

In 1963, the Rangers knocked off UIL power South Oak Cliff twice in the same season. Vance handed star pitchers Tommy Gramly, who later played in the majors with the Cleveland Indians, and Mike Livingston their only losses of the season as well as South Oak Cliff’s only two blemishes of the year. Vance pitched one-hitters in both winning efforts.

After graduating, Vance continued his playing career at North Texas while logging time with a semi-pro team in Denton.