Ralph "Toddy" Giannini (1917–1996), known to many as "Hot Toddy," was a member of the 1940
All-America
The All-America designation is an annual honor bestowed on outstanding athletes in the United States who are considered to be among the best athletes in their respective sport. Individuals receiving this distinction are typically added to an Al ...
n basketball team representing
Santa Clara University
Santa Clara University is a private university, private Jesuit university in Santa Clara, California, United States. Established in 1851, Santa Clara University is the oldest operating institution of higher learning in California. The university' ...
. He and his other teammates were known as the "Magicians of the Maplewood". In 1940 Giannini headed the All-American all star team to a 44–42 defeat of the
Harlem Globetrotters
The Harlem Globetrotters is an American Exhibition game, exhibition basketball team. They combine athleticism, theater, entertainment, and comedy in their style of play. Over the years, they have played more than 26,000 exhibition games in 124 ...
before a crowd of 22,000 fans in Madison Square Garden. Ralph "Toddy" Giannini was also inducted into the San Francisco Prep Hall of fame as well as Santa Clara University's Hall of Fame."The Golden Age of Amateur Basketball" by Adolph Grundman, 2004.