The tallest player ever recruited to Georgetown to date, Sylvester (Stretch) Goedde stood over 6-9, having been an All-State center in Ohio and averaging just under 30 points a game in an era where high school scores regularly averaged in the forties. The presence of two towering centers on the roster forced coach Elmer Ripley to choose between Goedde and 6-8 John Mahnken, and Goedde was relegated to the bench.

Whether due to homesickness or waning interest, Goedde was less motivated in the sport. According to an Associated Press account, Goedde would routinely ask to be let out of evening practices. When Ripley asked why, "Stretch" said that basketball was fun, but he'd have to quit the squad if he couldn't get near a radio in time to hear the nightly broadcast of "Superman".

In February 1943, after having played in just three games, Goedde left the team and signed a professional baseball contract with the Class AA Toledo Mud Hens, arguably the tallest pitcher to that point in the minor leagues. Goedde played three years in the minor leagues among three teams, and enrolled at the University of Toledo in 1945. Goedde graduated in 1948 with a degree in education, and is cited as becoming a high school teacher and coach in later years.