Calvin L. Booth Jr., the former NBA player and General Manager, credits much of his success to the foundation established by his parents, Calvin L. Booth Sr. and Gail L. Hyden Booth.
Born on May 7, 1976, in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, Calvin Jr. grew up in a household where hard work, faith, and education were non-negotiable values.
Growing Up In A Lively Household, Calvin L. Booth Sr., Learned The Value Of Family And Community Early On
Calvin L. Booth Sr.. was born on May 24, 1953, in Columbus, Ohio, the third of six children to Carl L. Booth and Edwina F. Carter Booth.
A standout basketball player at Columbus South High School, he spent three years honing his skills on the court before heading to Ohio Dominican College.
There, he played basketball for about two years, blending his love for the game with his studies.
As a young boy, he joined Jerusalem Baptist Church, where he sang in the junior choir and attended Sunday School.
He lived humbly, guided by the teachings of his parents and his church. When the family moved to Seymour Avenue, a young Calvin Sr.. took on a newspaper route.
His customers still remember him as the best paperboy they ever had—not just for his reliability, but for his kindness.
In 1975, Calvin Sr.’s life changed forever when he met Gail L. Hyden, the woman who would become his wife and the love of his life.
That same year, Calvin Sr.. joined the Ohio State Highway Patrol as a cadet alongside his brother Carl. During a boxing class at the academy, Calvin Sr.. showed his grit.
Matched against the largest man in the group, he calmly measured the distance with his left hand and then knocked his opponent out with a single punch.
In 1976, he and Carl graduated from the Highway Patrol’s 100th class, marking the start of a long career in public service.
By 1979, Calvin Sr. had moved to the Columbus Police Department, where he served for 33 years. Known as the “gentle giant,” he patrolled the Eastside of Columbus with a warm smile and a mild manner.
He worked special duty at places like Bishop Hartley High School and Honey Baked Ham, and his presence was felt at festivals and events across the city.
Behind his calm demeanor, though, was a mischievous streak and a sharp wit that delighted his family and close friends.
Sadly, Calvin L. Booth Sr. passed away on February 1, 2020, at OSU Wexner Hospital, at the age of 66.
His legacy lives on through his children and the countless lives he touched.
While less is known about Gail L. Hyden Booth, her influence on her son’s life is undeniable.
She married Calvin Sr. in 1975, and together, they built a family rooted in love and discipline.
Gail was a steady presence, raising Calvin Jr. and his sister, Carolyn L. Castillo, in Reynoldsburg.
Though details about her life are short, she clearly played a vital role in keeping the family grounded.
Alongside her husband, Gail emphasized the importance of education over everything else—even basketball, which was no small feat given her son’s obvious talent.
Calvin Booth Jr. Was A Tall, Skilled, And Driven Basketball Prodigy Destined For College And Beyond
Most parents might have pushed him to focus solely on the sport, dreaming of the fame and fortune it could bring.
But Calvin Sr.. and Gail had a different vision. They sat their son down and made it clear: education comes first.
Basketball was a gift, but a strong mind was the key to a good life.
That lesson stuck with Calvin Jr. He attended Penn State University, where he excelled on the court and earned a degree.
Calvin Booth’s parents’ guidance paid off in 2002 when, at 25 years old, he signed a six-year, $34 million contract with the Seattle SuperSonics—the biggest deal ever for a Nittany Lion basketball player at the time.
His NBA career spanned several teams, including the Washington Wizards, Dallas Mavericks, Philadelphia 76ers, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Sacramento Kings. But it all started with the values established by his parents.
Calvin Booth Jr. was the Denver Nuggets’ general manager, a role he held with distinction from 2020 until 2025.
His journey from a kid in Reynoldsburg to an NBA executive is evidence of his talent, determination, and his parents’ continuous support.
Calvin Booth’s parents, Calvin Sr. and Gail, didn’t just raise a basketball star; they raised a man who values hard work, integrity, and family.
Though Calvin Sr.. is no longer with us, and Gail remains a quieter figure in the story, their impact echoes through their son’s achievements.
Calvin Booth’s parents didn’t just give him roots—they gave him wings.
