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Post by jimsteel on Jul 21, 2023 23:09:14 GMT -5
Miller Farr, a former cornerback who played for ten seasons in the American Football League and the National Football League, passed away at the age of 80 He attended Wichita State University, lettering in football and track. In his senior year, he led the nation in kickoff and punt returns. He is a member of a family of athletes and artists, including a brother and cousins, football players Mel Farr, Lem Barney, and Jerry LeVias, and cousin, singer Marvin Gaye. Miller Farr was a first-round draft choice by the AFL's Denver Broncos in the 1965 Red Shirt draft, then went to the San Diego Chargers for 1965 and 1966. He played defensive back for the Houston Oilers from 1967 through 1969. During the 1967 season, Farr was the AFL co-leader in interceptions with ten. Despite a bout with hepatitis, he intercepted two passes for touchdowns in one game in 1968. He led the AFL in interception touchdowns that year and was selected All-AFL and All-Pro. Following the AFL–NFL merger, Farr signed with the St. Louis Cardinals beginning in 1970 where he finished out his NFL career. In 1974, he played with the Florida Blazers of the World Football League. A three-time American Football League All-Star, Farr established an AFL record for the most touchdowns on pass interceptions in a game (2) and tied the AFL record for a season (3). Miller Farr was selected to the All-Time All-AFL second-team. Farr is part of a family full of professional football players. He is the older brother of former NFL player Mel Farr as well as the uncle of former players Mel Farr, Jr. and Mike Farr. He and his brother attended Hebert High School in Beaumont, Texas, and were among 16 pro footballers given the keys to the city in 1971.
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 21, 2023 23:11:38 GMT -5
Brian O'Neill, a longtime NHL executive who helped oversee the league's first major expansion and was tasked with writing the first 12-team schedule, passed away at the age of 94. The NHL confirmed O'Neill's death in a statement Friday. The cause of death was not given O'Neill was hired by NHL president Clarence Campbell in 1966 as the league's director of administration. A native of Montreal, he was responsible for developing the NHL's 1967-1968 schedule, which added six teams, doubling the size of the league. While Chicago was the westernmost team of the original six, O'Neill had to assemble a schedule of 444 games over a 25-week period, with teams spanning the continent from Boston to Los Angeles. By 1971, he was appointed executive director of the league and helped organize the NHL Amateur Draft. Beyond the draft, O'Neill used his position as executive director to promote a reduction in violent play on the ice, which he deemed "hooliganism." After Campbell retired in 1977, O'Neill was named the NHL's Executive Vice-President and took over all player disciplinary cases. During his first few months in the position, he advocated for harsher penalties for dangerous plays on the ice which resulted in injury. When explaining his reasons for increased forms of discipline, O'Neill said: "Every penalty handed down serves two purposes. One is to penalize the player. The second is to act as a deterrent. If the message does not get across, then you have to increase the severity of the penalty. And that has been the case between now and, say, 10 years ago. There's been an inflationary factor to it." His management of disciplinary cases was met with criticism from players across the league, including Mike Bossy, who claimed O'Neill had a conflict of interest as he was employed by the owners to punish the owners' employees. He argued that this was the reason for a lack of suspensions under O'Neill's rule. He retired in 1992 and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame two years later. "Elegant and erudite Brian has served in the league in many ways for more than 50 years, ultimately as executive vice-president of hockey operations," NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said in a statement. He played each role with modest grace, uncommon dignity and meticulous attention to detail that garnered universal respect and admiration – from fans, players, team owners and executives as well as the media. "On a personal level, for much of my 30 years as NHL Commissioner, Brian has been a trusted advisor, providing advice that has contributed to the growth of our game."
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 22, 2023 13:48:29 GMT -5
Mike Ivie, a former MLB 1st baseman, passed away at the age of 70. He played in Major League Baseball for the San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants, Houston Astros, and Detroit Tigers during his career from 1971 to 1983. In addition to playing first base, Ivie put in considerable time as a third baseman, a left fielder and was a designated hitter. Ivie is one of only five Major League Baseball players to hit two pinch-hit grand slams in the same season. The others are Davey Johnson of the Philadelphia Phillies, Darryl Strawberry of the New York Yankees, Ben Broussard of the Cleveland Indians, and Brooks Conrad of the Atlanta Braves. Ivie was drafted first overall in the 1970 Major League Baseball Draft as a catcher by the San Diego Padres. He began his career in the Padres' minor league system, where he once hit 21 homers in 21 games. He made his major league debut as an 18-year-old in 1971. Even though he was a catcher in the minor leagues, he occasionally started as a third baseman, but was then moved to first base and made the Padres in 1974. During the 1978 off season, he was traded from the Padres to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Derrel Thomas. During the 1978 season, which was to become one of the most memorable National League West races of all time, Ivie played a significant role in helping the Giants win and stay in contention for first place throughout most of the season. On May 28, 1978, during the 6th inning of a game between the Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers, whose rivalry was in full force that season, Ivie was called upon to pinch hit. After the count went to 0–2, Ivie hit the next pitch from Dodger ace Don Sutton into the left field bleachers for a grand slam. As the ball cleared the left field fence, Darrell Evans, Jack Clark and Larry Herndon all scored while the largest paid crowd at Candlestick Park erupted. Ivie was mobbed at home plate by the Giants. The Dodgers tied it in the 7th, but the Giants won the game by a score of 6–5. He went on to hit a total of 4 pinch hit home runs that year. After the 1978 season, Ivie was the talk of a trade rumor involving the Minnesota Twins to bring Rod Carew to the Giants. The trade fell through and Carew ended up with the California Angels. Ivie went on to hit a career high 27 home runs and 89 RBI for the Giants in 1979. Going into the 1980 season, Ivie was considered the Giants' successor at first base to Willie McCovey upon his retirement, but after an off-season accident with a hunting knife in which he sliced part of his fifth finger from his hand, he was unable to perform and became a bench player. He walked away during that season, but a phone call from McCovey convinced him to return and he played out the 1980 season, hitting four home runs. In 1981, when Frank Robinson was given the job as Giants' manager after Dave Bristol was fired after the 1980 season, Ivie's career took a turn. Even though he was reported to have a good attitude during spring training and worked hard, he lost the starting first base job to free agent Enos Cabell, acquired during the off season. Ivie was dealt by the Giants to the Houston Astros for Dave Bergman and Jeffrey Leonard on April 20, 1981. He asked for his release, which was granted. He then called on Sparky Anderson, manager of the Detroit Tigers, and was signed to play first base and designated hitter. He was their starting first baseman and DH during the 1982 season and hit 14 home runs. During the 1983 season, Ivie was released by the Tigers and retired from baseball.
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Post by Bazzy on Jul 24, 2023 10:00:42 GMT -5
Soccer / footballer English forward Trevor Francis died aged 69 has died from an heart attack played for Birmingham City, Nottingham Forest, Manchester City, Sampdoria (Italy), Queen's Park Rangers, Sheffield Wednesday etc and 52 games for England . Then managed Queen's Park Rangers, Birmingham City, Sheffield Wednesday and Crystal Palace. Famously known as the first ever £1 million transfer player in 1979
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 24, 2023 10:55:48 GMT -5
Gary Brandt, a former offensive lineman in the CFL, passed away on at the age of 80. In college, Brandt played for the University of Washington and soon after graduation he signed to play in the CFL. He played his entire career: eleven seasons in the Canadian Football League for the Saskatchewan Roughriders from 1967 through 1977. The following is an excerpt from Brandt's online obituary: "Gary was a remarkable individual who led a fulfilling life. He grew up in Regina, excelling both academically and athletically at Balfour Tech. He then attended the University of Washington on a scholarship where he played football for the Huskies. Following his college career, Gary was selected to play for his beloved hometown CFL team, the Saskatchewan Roughriders, where he enjoyed an impressive 11-year career. He was inducted into the Roughrider Plaza of Honour in 2002. In addition to his love for football, Gary was an avid fisherman who found joy in angling off both the West and East Coasts. He also possessed a talent for woodworking, crafting beautiful birdhouses and cutting boards for his friends and loved ones."
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 24, 2023 18:38:15 GMT -5
Ex-Sheffield Wednesday and Nottingham Forest star Chris Bart-Williams passes away at the age of 49 The former midfielder became something of a Premier League cult hero due to his eight years in the top flight during the 1990s.
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 25, 2023 9:54:07 GMT -5
Dan Morrison, a former MLB umpire, passed away at the age of 75 This information came from social media and more info will be provided when it becomes available. Morrison was a professional baseball umpire who worked in the American League from 1979 to 1999, and throughout both major leagues in 2000 and 2001. He wore uniform number 34 when the AL adopted them for its umpires in 1980 and retained the number when the AL and NL umpiring crews merged in 2000. Morrison umpired 2,660 major league games in his 23-year career. He umpired in the 1992 World Series, the 1988 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, three American League Championship Series (1989, 1996 and 1999), and three Division Series (1995, 1997, and 2000). He was a minor league umpire in 1979 during the major league umpire strike. He turned down an offer for a major league position during the strike. This earned Morrison respect among major league umpires. Later that season, he ended up in the major leagues anyway; Lou DiMuro was injured and Morrison was called up as his replacement.
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 25, 2023 15:27:03 GMT -5
Joe Kowal, a former NHL right-winger, passed away at 67 He played 22 games in the National Hockey League with the Buffalo Sabres between 1976 and 1978. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1976 to 1981, was spent in the minor American Hockey League. He was drafted in the second round, #33rd overall, by the Sabres in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. Below are the teams Kowal played for during his pro hockey career. 1973–74 Whitby Knob Hill Farms OPJAHL 1974–75 Oshawa Generals OMJHL 1975–76 Oshawa Generals OMJHL 1975–76 Hamilton Fincups OMJHL 1975–76 Hamilton Fincups M-Cup 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres NHL 1976–77 Hershey Bears AHL 1977–78 Buffalo Sabres NHL 1977–78 Hershey Bears AHL 1978–79 Springfield Indians 1978–79 Binghamton Dusters 1979–80 Rochester Americans 1980–81 Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL
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Post by on_the_edge on Jul 25, 2023 16:50:06 GMT -5
Joe Kowal, a former NHL right-winger, passed away at 67 He played 22 games in the National Hockey League with the Buffalo Sabres between 1976 and 1978. The rest of his career, which lasted from 1976 to 1981, was spent in the minor American Hockey League. He was drafted in the second round, #33rd overall, by the Sabres in the 1976 NHL Amateur Draft. Below are the teams Kowal played for during his pro hockey career. 1973–74 Whitby Knob Hill Farms OPJAHL 1974–75 Oshawa Generals OMJHL 1975–76 Oshawa Generals OMJHL 1975–76 Hamilton Fincups OMJHL 1975–76 Hamilton Fincups M-Cup 1976–77 Buffalo Sabres NHL 1976–77 Hershey Bears AHL 1977–78 Buffalo Sabres NHL 1977–78 Hershey Bears AHL 1978–79 Springfield Indians 1978–79 Binghamton Dusters 1979–80 Rochester Americans 1980–81 Nova Scotia Voyageurs AHL That hair and that pucker. Wow. RIP
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Post by jimsteel on Jul 25, 2023 18:48:20 GMT -5
Johnny Lujack, a former NFL quarterback, passed away at the age of 98. Lujack attended Notre Dame, where he was given a scholarship by Frank Leahy, from 1942 to 1943 and then 1946 to 1947. His career was interrupted for two years by World War II after his sophomore season, during which he served as an officer in the United States Navy. His time in the Navy was spent hunting German submarines in the English Channel as an ensign. When Lujack returned from Atlantic (ETO) duty, he appeared on the cover of the September 29, 1947, issue of LIFE. He led the 1947 Fighting Irish to a 9–0 record for his senior year, during which he completed 61 passes on 109 attempts for 777 yards and rushed for 139 yards on 12 carries, and won the Heisman Trophy. As he had in high school, Lujack once again received varsity letters (called "monograms") in four sports (again baseball, football, basketball, and track) while at Notre Dame, becoming the third person to do so. He was a two-time unanimous All-American (1946 and 1947) and led Notre Dame to three national championships (1943, 1946 and 1947). In addition to winning the Heisman, Lujack was named the Associated Press Athlete of the Year. Lujack was paid USD$17,000 for his 1948 rookie season with the Bears and $20,000 for his fourth and final season. In his rookie season he played defensive back, during which he had eight interceptions for 131 yards and kicked 44 out of 46 extra points. In the summer of 1949, Lujack starred in a radio program on ABC, The Adventures of Johnny Lujack, which was a summertime replacement for Jack Armstrong, the All-American Boy show. It was a 30-minute program and broadcast on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The show was broadcast from the studios of WGN in Chicago over the Mutual Broadcasting System (MBS) and ran for 13 weeks. In the final game of the 1949 season, the 9–3 Bears defeated their hometown rivals, the Chicago Cardinals (6–5–1), by a score of 52–21 on December 11. In that game, Lujack threw six touchdown passes and set an NFL record with 468 passing yards. The record was later broken by Norm Van Brocklin. He was the last Bears quarterback to throw at least five touchdown passes in a game until Mitchell Trubisky threw six against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2018. Sid Luckman and George Blanda played behind Lujack in the rotation at quarterback for the 1949 and 1950 seasons. During the 1950 season, Lujack set an NFL record with 11 rushing touchdowns by a quarterback. The record was tied by Tobin Rote with the Green Bay Packers in 1956, and broken by the New England Patriots' Steve Grogan in 1976. Lujack, named to the 1950 All-Pro First-team, also set a Bears record for 109 total points in a season with 11 touchdowns, three (out of five) field-goals, and 34 (out of 35) extra points.That record was surpassed by Gale Sayers in 1965 with 123 total points.
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