Cole was an outstanding baseball player at Williamsport High School from 1947-50. He played in the National League for the Boston Braves from 1950-52, the Milwaukee Braves in 1953, the Chicago Cubs in 1954, the Philadelphia Phillies in 1955 and the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1956.

Dave was a member of the Williamsport High state championship basketball team in 1950 and a four-year soccer letterman.