The initials “LB” are emblazoned on the helmets of the Johns Hopkins men’s lacrosse team this season to honor the remarkable life of Baltimore native Dr. Larry Becker, who was killed in an automobile accident in West Palm Beach, Fla., in January at the age of 77.
Now, Becker’s lacrosse legacy will be on display at Homewood Field as a two-time national champion, a dedicated and supportive alumnus and an orthopedic surgeon who specialized in getting athletes back on the field.
“During my 16 years as head coach at Johns Hopkins, Larry was always there to lend his support, both financially and, more important, emotionally,” Hopkins head coach Dave Pietramala said. “As a player, he was tough, hard-nosed and always put the team first.”
That team was the Blue Jays. According to his son, Gary, Becker bled Hopkins blue and played with David Cordish and Joe Cowan in the late 1950s. The trio worked together to make the Cordish Lacrosse Center a reality.
