University of Dayton Athletics

DONALD "BUTCH" ZIMMERMAN - Football, Baseball 1955-58

One of the best two-sport athletes in UD history, Don "Butch" Zimmerman was a star at quarterback in the fall and as a pitcher/centerfielder in the spring.

Zimmerman gave notice from the start of his career, coming of the bench as a sophomore to spark the Flyers to a win over Cincinnati, their first in six years. He fought through a series of injuries throughout his career, but persevered to lead Dayton football to its only winning season in the 12-year period from 1953 to 1965.

During his senior year in 1957, Zimmerman finished the season and his career five-game winning streak that clinched that winning season. As a senior, was 46 of 112 passing (.411) for 626 yards with six TD. Five of his six passing TD's as a senior came during the winning streak.

In baseball, Zimmerman pitched and played center field. Over his entire career, he was the team's leading pitcher, batted over .300 every season he played and led the team in stolen bases.

He was team captain for both teams as a senior.