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Post by jimsteel on Aug 2, 2024 6:15:41 GMT -5
Benjamin Gay, a former NFL running back who spent the 2001 NFL season with the Cleveland Browns, passed away on July 29th at the age of 44. The following is an excerpt from Gay's online obituary: "Benjamin played for no less than three different professional football teams, spending time with the Edmonton Eskimos from Canada and having an NFL career with the Cleveland Browns and the Indianapolis Colts. During the 2001 NFL season, Benjamin was a third-string running back. Most noteworthy was his 27-17 Browns victory at Baltimore, where he was responsible for a touchdown. Following his career in the NFL, Benjamin began a career as a welder, which he continued until his passing. Born in Houston, Gay was a star running back at Spring High School in Spring, Texas. As a senior in 1997, he was a USA Today first-team All-American. He chose Baylor over Florida, Florida State, and Miami. But five weeks into his freshman season in 1998, he was kicked off the team for rules violations. He eventually enrolled at Garden City Community College. Playing nine games in 1999, he rushed for 1,442 yards and 17 touchdowns but was dismissed from the team because of his grades and rules violations. He took a job as a bouncer at a bar in Garden City, Kansas. In 2000, he was signed by the Edmonton Eskimos, but was released after the first preseason game. On July 20, 2001, he was signed by the Cleveland Browns. He spent the 2001 NFL season as third-string RB behind James Jackson and Jamel White. His career game came in a 27–17 Browns win at Baltimore on November 18, when he had his first 18 NFL carries for 56 yards, including one touchdown.
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Post by TTX on Aug 2, 2024 7:03:02 GMT -5
Jim Reaper going through the sports world again.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 2, 2024 9:34:11 GMT -5
Gary Richard Dotter, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, passed away on July 27, 2024, due to complications of Parkinson’s disease. His passion for sports, especially baseball, led him to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals Baseball Club at the age 17 Dotter signed with his hometown St. Louis Cardinals after high school, but was drafted out of the Redbird farm system after his first minor league season in Class D, then the lowest classification of the minors. After posting 14 wins with the 1961 Wilson Tobs of the Class B Carolina League, he was recalled by the Twins that September at the age of 19. He made his debut by pitching four innings in relief against the Kansas City Athletics. He did a creditable job for his first three innings — giving up only one earned run — but in his fourth frame, he surrendered five runs and was relieved. Dotter would appear in six other MLB games for Minnesota in relief over his career, and pitch well. He worked a total of seven Major League games and 12 ⅓ innings pitched, surrendering nine hits, seven earned runs, walking seven and striking out ten. But he spent the remainder of his professional career in the minor leagues, retiring after the 1967 campaign with a 55–40 won-lost record. Gary also proudly served in the Army reserves for six years. After retiring from baseball, Gary moved to Wichita Falls, Texas, where he owned racehorses alongside Carter McGregor. He graduated from Midwestern State University with a business degree and later settled in Trophy Club, Texas, with his wife, Christi Dotter. Gary’s career spanned the computer, bookkeeping, and accounting fields, including working at Perot Systems until his retirement in 2007.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 2, 2024 10:20:06 GMT -5
Larry Louis Poncino, affectionately known as “Moose,” passed away peacefully at his home in Tucson, Arizona, on July 14, 2024, at the age of 67. Larry lived a cherished and full life, leaving behind a legacy in Major League Baseball as an umpire. Born on February 3, 1957, in Los Angeles, California, Larry was the son of Louis (deceased) and Anna Marie (Sale) Poncino. He proudly served MLB from 1985 until his retirement in 2007, wearing his lucky numbers #13 and #39. One of the highlights of his illustrious career was calling a perfect game for Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos at Dodgers Stadium on July 28, 1991. Larry was also part of the umpiring crew during the epic 1998 Mark McGwire–Sammy Sosa home run chase. Beyond baseball, Larry had a passion for golf. Known for his stellar short game, he was fondly remembered as “a magician with a wedge and putter.” Larry achieved five “hole-in-ones” during his lifetime, with four of them at his “homebase” of Tucson Country Club. He even won the San Clemente City Championship, showcasing his versatile skills on the golf course. Larry’s integrity, storytelling abilities, and heart of gold endeared him to all who knew him. His memory will live on, especially in the heart of JoAnn, whose love and commitment sustained him through good times and health challenges. Larry and JoAnn cherished their many friends, from the “Pride of the Pacific” in San Clemente to the “Back Porch Mafia” at Tucson Country Club and their summer home on Hamilton Lakes. Larry Poncino’s legacy remains etched in the hearts of those who admired his character and passion for life.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 2, 2024 17:38:25 GMT -5
Don Webb, a former AFL/NFL defensive back for the New England/Boston Patriots, passed away on July 25th at the age of 85. Mr Webb was the 187th pick in round 24 of the AFL draft and was able to have a 11 year professional football career. The following is an excerpt from Webb's online obituary:"Don attended Washington Elementary School, Jefferson City High School, and Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. Don was listed in the House on Hobo Hill, a history of Jefferson City Public Schools, as one of the first Negroes to attend Jefferson City High School after integration, and he and friend Mel West were the first black players for the Jays. He attended Iowa State University and was a member of their well-known 1959 Dirty Thirty Team. Don joined the Boston Patriots in the American Football League, later known as the New England Patriots, and played for the Patriots for eleven seasons. He was an AFL All-Star selection in 1969 and was selected to the Patriots All-1960’s Decade Team. During his career he recorded 21 interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns After being retired from football for more than 50 years, he continued to receive trading cards in the mail to be autographed.
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Post by TTX on Aug 2, 2024 17:39:21 GMT -5
RIP Larry. Umpiring a perfect game is a very noteworthy thing.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 4, 2024 13:47:45 GMT -5
James Waddell Smith, a former wide receiver in both the NFL and CFL, passed away on July 26th at the age of 70. He made a significant impact in the Canadian Football League. He played as a wide receiver for the Edmonton Eskimos from 1977 to 1983. During his seven seasons with the Eskimos, Smith was an All-Star in 1979 and contributed to five Grey Cup championship victories for the team. His remarkable career extended beyond the CFL; in 1984, he played two games for the Dallas Cowboys in the NFL. Smith’s legacy remains intertwined with Eskimos’ five-in-a-row dynasty.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 5, 2024 6:56:13 GMT -5
England cricket legend Graham Thorpe dies aged 55
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 5, 2024 19:17:39 GMT -5
Duane Julius Thomas, a former professional football player known for his powerful running style, passed away on August 5, 2024, at the age of 77. This was posted on social media by Thomas Hollywood Henderson and by Thomas' daughter. Thomas made a significant impact during his brief NFL career, leaving an indelible mark on the league. Born on June 21, 1947, in Dallas, Texas, Thomas attended Lincoln High School, where he showcased his exceptional talent as a running back. His success continued at West Texas State University, where he played alongside fellow standout Mercury Morris. Thomas’s college career included impressive rushing yards and touchdowns, solidifying his reputation as a rising star. In 1970, the Dallas Cowboys selected Thomas in the first round of the NFL draft. As a rookie, he wasted no time making an impact. Despite not starting until the fifth game of the season, Thomas led the team in rushing, finishing eighth in the league with 803 rushing yards. His explosive speed and agility drew comparisons to legendary running back Jim Brown. During the playoffs, Thomas further cemented his status as a force to be reckoned with. He became the first rookie to achieve two 100-yard rushing games in the postseason. However, contract disputes and disagreements with Cowboys management led to his departure from Dallas after just two seasons. Thomas went on to play for several other teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Washington Redskins and the British Columbia Lions. His career spanned only four seasons, but his impact resonated far beyond the field. Thomas’s defiance, individualism, and enigmatic persona left an enduring legacy in NFL history. Off the field, Thomas faced personal challenges, but his talent and determination remain etched in the memories of football fans. As we bid farewell to this remarkable athlete, we celebrate his contributions to the game and honor the mark he left on the sport he loved. Duane Thomas is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans who will forever remember his electrifying runs and unforgettable moments on the gridiron.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 6, 2024 12:47:16 GMT -5
Alabama defensive back Terrance Howard was tragically killed in a car accident, he was only 19 years old. “He was involved in a traffic accident. When he got out of his vehicle to check on the other motorist, Howard was struck by a car,” ABC reports.
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