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Post by jimsteel on May 4, 2024 15:59:48 GMT -5
Former Lakers Player Darius Morris Dead at 33
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Post by jimsteel on May 4, 2024 22:02:32 GMT -5
Joe Shipley, a former MLB pitcher passed away at the age of 88. The following is an excerpt from Shipley's online obituary: "Joe was drafted by the Chicago White Sox when he was 17, he was then traded to the San Francisco Giants in 1958, where he played on the first team that ever played in San Francisco. After some time, he was then transferred to the St. Louis Cardinals where he participated in many Spring Trainings. He had a lashing sidearm motion and his fastballs danced as they approached the plate and were unparalleled. After he retired as a ballplayer, Joe started working at General Motors and eventually Station Casinos, also known as Ameristar, when it was established in 1994, for over 25 years." Joe’s 29 big-league appearances included 28 as a relief pitcher. In one notable starting assignment against the Philadelphia Phillies on June 14, 1959, he allowed two hits, five walks, and two earned runs in 2 innings pitched, but the Giants ultimately lost 6–3.
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Post by jimsteel on May 4, 2024 22:05:34 GMT -5
Robert Hayden “Bob” Avellini, an American former professional football player who played as a quarterback in the National Football League, primarily with the Chicago Bears, passed away at the age of 70. Avellini’s career spanned nearly a decade. Born on August 28, 1953, in Queens, New York City, Avellini was selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round of the 1975 NFL draft. His arrival coincided with the emergence of another Bears legend, Walter Payton. Avellini’s rookie season saw him start the final four games, where he showcased his arm strength and leadership. In a memorable victory over the New Orleans Saints, he passed for 268 yards and three touchdowns. The following year, Avellini secured the starting quarterback position. In 1976, he led the team to a 7-7 record, passing for 1,580 yards with eight touchdowns and 15 interceptions. However, it was the 1977 season that defined Avellini’s career. The Bears tied the Minnesota Vikings atop the NFC Central with a 9-5 record. Avellini threw for a career-high 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns and 18 interceptions. Walter Payton also had a stellar season, setting personal highs with 1,852 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns and a 5.5 per-carry average. Despite their success, the Bears were eliminated from the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys. Avellini faced challenges in subsequent seasons, including being replaced by Mike Phipps after a 4-8 start in 1978. His relationship with coach Mike Ditka was strained, and Avellini’s departure from the team in 1984 marked the end of an era.
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Post by on_the_edge on May 5, 2024 0:16:23 GMT -5
Morris was a Wolverine. RIP
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Post by TTX on May 5, 2024 5:53:41 GMT -5
RIP. Reaper working his way through sports again.
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Post by jimsteel on May 7, 2024 21:35:50 GMT -5
Joe Collier, the mastermind behind the Denver Broncos’ iconic “Orange Crush” defense, passed away at 91 years old. Collier’s impact on the Broncos franchise was profound. As the team’s defensive coordinator, he played a pivotal role in shaping their defensive strategy during his 20-year tenure. Here are some highlights from his remarkable career: Innovator of the 3-4 Defense: Collier is credited as an early adopter and innovator of the 3-4 base defense. His strategic approach helped propel the Broncos to three Super Bowl appearances. Steady Leadership: Known for his intelligence, modesty, and soft-spoken demeanor, Collier provided steady leadership to the Broncos during the 1970s and 1980s. His influence extended beyond the playing field, impacting players, coaches, and fans alike. Ring of Fame Selection Committee Member: Collier’s loyalty to the Broncos extended beyond coaching. He served as a Ring of Fame Selection Committee member for over two decades, dedicated to recognizing the team’s all-time greats. Notable Defensive Players: Under Collier’s guidance, the Broncos boasted a slew of talented defensive players, including Pro Football Hall of Famer Randy Gradisher and Broncos Ring of Famers Rich “Tombstone” Jackson, Paul Smith, Billy Thompson, Tom Jackson, Louis Wright, Dennis Smith, Karl Mecklenburg, and Simon Fletcher. The Orange Crush defense carried the Broncos to their first playoff berth and their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977. Collier’s defensive unit ranked third in scoring defense during that memorable season. Collier's stops in the NFL and AFL included the following teams in a nearly thirty-year career. Boston Patriots (1960–1961) Assistant coach Buffalo Bills (1962–1965) Linebacker and defensive backs coach Buffalo Bills (1966–1968) Head coach Denver Broncos (1969–1971) Defensive backs coach Denver Broncos (1972–1988) Defensive coordinator New England Patriots (1991–1992) Defensive coordinator
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Post by jimsteel on May 8, 2024 11:28:50 GMT -5
Mike Wegener, a former MLB pitcher, passed away at 77 Wegener’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges. Wegener’s baseball journey began when he was signed by the Baltimore Orioles before the 1964 season. His talent caught the attention of scouts, and he was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies from Baltimore in the 1964 first-year draft. However, it was with the Montreal Expos that Wegener truly made his mark. In the 1968 MLB expansion draft, he was chosen as the 15th pick by the Expos. Wegener possessed “good stuff” on the mound. His fastball and breaking pitches were formidable, but he struggled with control. In just 270 innings pitched, he issued 152 bases on balls and threw 17 wild pitches. His BB/9IP (walks per nine innings pitched) stood at 5.07, higher than the National League average at the time. Wegener’s career highlights include several memorable performances: Complete Game Shutout: On June 14, 1969, Wegener pitched a four-hit, complete game shutout against the San Francisco Giants. Offensive and wasn’t just a pitcher; he could swing the bat too. He went 3-for-4 with 4 RBIs in a game against the New York Mets on July 11, 1969. On September 10, 1969, he pitched 11 innings with 15 strikeouts against the New York Mets, allowing just two unearned runs. Wegener’s repertoire included a three-hit, seven-strikeout complete game against the Chicago Cubs (winning 8–2) on September 15, 1969, and another complete game victory against the Cubs (6–2) on August 5, 1970. Perhaps Wegener’s most bittersweet moment came on July 18, 1970. He had the honor of facing baseball legend Willie Mays when Mays was just one hit away from the coveted 3,000-hit milestone. Mays achieved that milestone against him. Despite giving up eight runs (four earned) in that game, Wegener’s name forever became associated with Mays' historic achievement. Wegener’s world changed dramatically in 1991 when he was diagnosed with stage three non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer. His determination, which had served him well on the pitcher’s mound, now fueled his fight against the disease. Wegener’s resilience and positive spirit inspired those around him, including his parents and high school baseball coach. Wegener’s career statistics include eight wins, 20 losses and an ERA of 4.73. Beyond the numbers, he left an enduring legacy as a player who gave his all, even when faced with adversity. His excellent fielding skills and contributions at the plate further enriched his impact on the game.
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Post by jimsteel on May 8, 2024 12:27:17 GMT -5
Kevin Hardy, a remarkable athlete who excelled in multiple sports, passed away at the age of 78. His legacy extends beyond the football field, as he left an indelible mark on Notre Dame and the NFL. Hardy’s journey began at St. Elizabeth High in Oakland, where he showcased his talents in football, baseball, and basketball. However, it was in football that he truly shone. As a two-time All-American at Notre Dame, he dominated the gridiron. In the 1968 NFL Draft, the New Orleans Saints selected Hardy as the 7th overall pick. Despite his All-American status, he never played for the Saints. Instead, he was part of a compensation package that sent him to the San Francisco 49ers along with a first-round selection. The NFL invoked the Rozelle rule, a rare occurrence resulting in this trade. Hardy played for the 49ers, Green Bay Packers, and San Diego Chargers during his four-season NFL career. Although he appeared in numerous games, he struggled to secure a permanent spot in the starting lineup. His versatility extended beyond football; he also lettered in basketball and baseball at Notre Dame. L
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Post by jimsteel on May 9, 2024 17:22:58 GMT -5
The professional football world mourns the loss of Jimmy Johnson, a versatile and gifted all-around athlete who became a dominant cornerback in the National Football League for over 16 seasons, all spent with the San Francisco 49ers. He passed away at the age of 86. Born on March 31, 1938, in Dallas, Texas, Johnson moved to California in his youth. His athletic prowess was evident early on as he excelled in multiple sports during high school, captaining his Kingsburg High football, baseball, and basketball teams. At UCLA, Johnson continued to shine. He played both offense and defense, earning the Bruins’ “Iron Man Award” for logging the most minutes in a season. His versatility caught the attention of the 49ers, who drafted him in 1961. Initially intended for offense, Johnson’s broken wrist led coaches to move him to defense, where he responded with five interceptions. He later returned to offense, catching 34 passes for 627 yards and four touchdowns in 1962. However, it was at left cornerback that he truly made his mark. Johnson anchored that position for the remainder of his illustrious career, playing in 213 regular-season games—a team record at the time of his retirement, surpassed only by Hall of Famer Jerry Rice. Dick Nolan, the 49ers’ head coach from 1968 to 1975, held Johnson in high regard: “I coached three defensive backs I felt were great, Mel Renfro and Cornell Green with the Dallas Cowboys and Johnson. Jimmy is the best I’ve ever seen.” Hall of Fame receiver Fred Biletnikoff also heaped praise on Johnson. His lockdown abilities as a cornerback meant that opposing quarterbacks rarely dared to throw in his direction, and when they did, they often regretted it.
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Post by on_the_edge on May 9, 2024 17:41:30 GMT -5
The first ten words had me thinking someone else. RIP to this Jimmy.
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