The O'Briens were selected in the 1953 NBA draft by the Milwaukee Hawks but were also standouts in baseball. Upon graduation, Eddie and Johnny opted for the diamond and played together in the major leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1953 to 1958. Eddie (1930–2014) was later the baseball coach and athletic director at SU.
The O'Briens were drafted by the Milwaukee Hawks in the 1953 NBA draft, but they also excelled in baseball. After graduating, Eddie and Johnny chose to play professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1953 to 1958. Eddie later became the baseball coach and athletic director at SU.