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Post by jimsteel on Apr 15, 2024 11:07:25 GMT -5
Kenneth Dale Holtzman, a left-handed pitcher who etched his name into baseball history, passed away at the age of 78. The information was made public by his brother through friends on social media. His remarkable career spanned from 1965 to 1979, leaving an indelible mark on the sport. Born on November 3, 1945, in St. Louis, Missouri, Ken Holtzman’s journey began as a young talent. He graduated from University City High School in St. Louis in 1963, and his skill was evident even then. His curveball had opponents frozen in the batter’s box, and his MLB potential was undeniable. Holtzman’s legacy extended beyond the diamond. As a Jewish pitcher, he held records that reflected his excellence: 174 career victories, second-most strikeouts (1,601), and second-most pitching appearances by a Jewish pitcher. His 3.49 ERA placed him among the elite1. In 1965, the Chicago Cubs recognized his talent, selecting him in the fourth round of the amateur draft. Holtzman’s journey continued, and he pitched two no-hitters for the Cubs—one in 1969 and another in 1971. His left arm weaved magic on the mound, captivating fans and fellow players alike. But it was with the Oakland Athletics that Holtzman truly shone. As part of the Athletics dynasty, he contributed to three consecutive World Series championships (1972–1974). In 1973, he achieved the remarkable feat of being a 20-game-winner for the A’s. His impact extended beyond statistics; he was a mentor and a leader in the clubhouse. Holtzman also played for the Baltimore Orioles and the New York Yankees,
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Post by TTX on Apr 15, 2024 11:26:30 GMT -5
One of those names I knew from an old baseball what would you do book.
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Post by TTX on Apr 16, 2024 14:08:03 GMT -5
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 16, 2024 14:12:55 GMT -5
Carl Erskine a Baseball Legend and Human Rights Advocate passed away at the age of 97. Erskine, a fierce fighter for human rights and an All-Star for the Brooklyn Dodgers, passed away at Anderson Community Hospital early Tuesday morning after a brief illness. He was 97 years old. Born in 1926 in Anderson, Indiana, Erskine grew up in a mixed neighborhood, where he formed an enduring friendship with “Jumpin” Johnny Wilson, a high school basketball superstar who was Black. Together, they wowed crowds of more than 5,000 at the Wigwam gym, leading their team to the state semifinals in 1944. Erskine cherished his time on the court, equating making the Anderson Indians basketball team to donning a Dodgers uniform—an accomplishment that felt almost impossible. Erskine’s baseball career with the Brooklyn Dodgers spanned from 1948 to 1959. He pitched in five World Series, striking out a then-record 14 batters in a single game during the 1953 season. Fans affectionately called him “Oisk” in their Brooklyn accents. But beyond the diamond, Erskine was so much more. He championed human rights, fought for racial equality, and immersed himself in advocating for people with special needs after his late son Jimmy was born with Down syndrome. Filmmaker Ted Green captured Erskine’s remarkable life in the documentary “The Best We’ve Got: The Carl Erskine Story”. Erskine’s legacy extends far beyond baseball statistics; he leaves behind a trail of compassion, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice. To those who knew him best, Carl Erskine was simply the best guy they’d ever known. Erskine broke into the majors a year before Don Newcombe, and from 1948–50 was used primarily as a relief pitcher, going 21–10. In 1951, he mixed 19 starts with 27 relief appearances, and went 16–12. Erskine was 14–6 in 1952 with a career-best 2.70 earned run average, then had his 20-win season in 1953, leading the league with a .769 winning percentage along with 187 strikeouts and 16 complete games, all career highs. This was followed by 18–15 in 1954, posting career highs in starts (37) and innings (260+1⁄3), then by 11–8 in 1955 and 13–11 in 1956. When Newcombe was pitching in the ninth inning of the third game of the playoffs with the New York Giants on October 3, 1951, Erskine and Ralph Branca were warming up in the bullpen. On the recommendation of pitching coach Clyde Sukeforth, who thought Branca had better stuff, Newcombe was relieved by Branca, who then gave up the game-winning home run to Bobby Thomson. Whenever Erskine was asked what his best pitch was, he replied, "The curveball I bounced in the Polo Grounds bullpen in 1951." Erskine, author of two no-hitters (against the Chicago Cubs on June 19, 1952 and the New York Giants on May 12, 1956), was a member of the beloved Dodgers team that won the 1955 World Series for the franchise's first Series title.[2] He appeared in eleven World Series games (1949–52–53-55-56), and made the NL All-Star team in 1954. Erskine's 14 strikeouts as the winner of Game 3 of the 1953 Fall Classic – including striking out the side in the ninth inning – broke the Series record of 13 held by Howard Ehmke (1929, Game 1), and stood for 10 years until Sandy Koufax struck out 15 New York Yankees in the first game of the 1963 World Series; but he was ineffective in Games 1 and 6, although he was not charged with the losses. From 1951 through 1956, Erskine won 92 games while losing only 58, which helped the Dodgers to four pennants and World Series. Erskine moved to Los Angeles with the team in 1958, but lasted only a season and a half. He made his final appearance on June 14, 1959. In a twelve-season career, he posted a 122–78 (.610) record with 981 strikeouts and a 4.00 ERA in 1718+2⁄3 innings pitched. After retiring, he was made an assistant pitching coach in 1959 and finished the season on the team that went on to win the World Series.
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 17, 2024 6:06:57 GMT -5
Former footy star Peter Davidson has died at the age of 60 following a six-year battle with cancer
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 17, 2024 19:54:46 GMT -5
NFL prospect AJ Simon tragically dies aged just 25: Former Albany defensive lineman passes away days before he hoped to realize his dream at 2024 draf
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 17, 2024 20:01:27 GMT -5
Portuguese bodybuilder 'Monster', who claimed to be the 'most shredded ever', dies aged 46 Marco Cesar Aguiar Luis had nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram He called bodybuilding 'his life and passion' after starting judo at the age of 20
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 19, 2024 13:05:38 GMT -5
Footballer Mattia Giani dies after suffering heart attack while taking a shot on goal at 26
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Post by jimsteel on Apr 19, 2024 13:07:10 GMT -5
Wally Harris, Esteemed NHL Referee and Director of Officials, passed away at the age of 88. Harris’s legacy is etched in the annals of the National Hockey League. As a referee, he officiated 953 regular-season games and an additional 85 Stanley Cup Playoff games between 1966 and 1983. His presence was felt in six Stanley Cup Finals, including those in 1973, 1975, 1976, 1980, 1982, and 1983. His keen eye and unwavering commitment to the game made him a fixture on the ice. Beyond his whistle and arm bands, Harris’s impact extended far and wide. In retirement, he became the NHL’s first Director of Officials, a groundbreaking role that shaped the league’s approach to officiating. His influence reverberated through the ranks of referees and linesmen, instilling confidence and wisdom in the next generation. Stephen Walkom, NHL Senior Vice-President and Director of Officiating, paid tribute to Harris: “With a personality that would light up the room, Wally Harris was respected and revered by all officials he managed. There was an assuredness and confidence that he instilled in his people and an absolute love for the game of hockey.” Harris’s career was punctuated by memorable moments. Two games stand out: the historic 1975 New Year’s Eve clash at the Montreal Forum between the Canadiens and the touring Central Red Army team from the Soviet Union, and the January 24, 1974 game at Boston Garden where he assessed a misconduct penalty to Bruins legend Bobby Orr in the final minute of a 2-1 Chicago Black Hawks victory. The latter incident ignited a near-riot among enraged Bruins fans. The Canadiens-Red Army game, though one-sided in favor of the dominant Canadiens, remains a romanticized memory. It showcased the best of Russian hockey against a supreme NHL club that would go on to win four consecutive Stanley Cups.
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Post by Bazzy on Apr 20, 2024 3:51:02 GMT -5
Welsh soccer player Winger "Leighton James" aged 71 played for Burnley, Derby, QPR, Swansea City, Sunderland, Bury, Newport County and Wales . Manager for various clubs
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