A two-time All-American at Duke and the Helms National Player of the Year in 1951, Groat was the Southern Conference Player of the Year and the tournament most valuable player in 1951 and 1952. A first round draft pick of the Fort Wayne Pistons of the NBA in 1952, Groat played shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates from 1952-1962 and also played for the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies and San Francisco Giants before retiring after the 1967 season. He was a five-time National League All-Star and the National League MVP in 1960.