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Post by jimsteel on Aug 29, 2024 13:17:46 GMT -5
Jim Norris, a former defensive tackle for the Oakland Raiders, passed away back on February 20th 2020 at the age of 80. A family member recently contacted me and advised me of this information. Norris starred at Mercedes Texas High School and went on to the University of Houston where he played football. At the conclusion of his college career, he was drafted into both the AFL and NFL by the Oakland Raiders (7th round) and the Los Angeles Rams (10th round) during the drafts held in 1962. He signed with the Raiders and played in 22 games for the Raiders from 1962-1964. That ended Mr. Norris's pro football career.
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 30, 2024 7:29:45 GMT -5
Blue Jackets' Johnny Gaudreau, brother killed in car-bike crash Ages 31+29
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Post by jimsteel on Aug 31, 2024 11:58:26 GMT -5
Tom Donchez, a former NFL running back, passed away on August 28th at the age of 72. The following is an excerpt from Donchez's online obituary which will be included below: "Tom graduated from Liberty High School in Bethlehem and went on to play collegiate football at Penn State for his mentor Joe Paterno. It was at Penn State where Tom met the love of his life in his wife of nearly 50 years, Sheela. After a short career in the NFL ended by injuries, Tom and Sheela moved back to Bethlehem to be close to his mom and continue to build their lives together. Tom began what became a long and successful 35-year professional career at Air Products in Allentown, PA. He received his MBA from Lehigh." He was one of Penn State's best fullbacks in their history. Tom also was PSU's leading rusher in 1974 and starred in the 1975 Cotton Bowl against Baylor. He was also part of the 1973 undefeated Penn State team where he shared time with Bob Nagle at fullback blocking for John Cappelletti. Donchez was originally drafted by the Buffalo Bills in the 4th round of the NFL Draft. He later in 1975 signed to play for the Chicago Bears, where he appeared in 14 games. His career was cut short due to injuries.
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 1, 2024 4:44:11 GMT -5
Sol Bamba, the former Cardiff City captain has died at the age of 39.
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 1, 2024 18:25:00 GMT -5
ob Blaylock, a former MLB pitcher, passed away on September 1st at the age of 89 as announced by his family on Facebook. Blaylock was a right-handed pitcher who played parts of two Major League Baseball seasons for the 1956 and 1959 St. Louis Cardinals. Blaylock spent his entire, ten-year professional career in the Cardinals organization after signing with the club following his Muldrow, Oklahoma, high school graduation. A hard thrower who led the 1958 American Association in strikeouts, Blaylock lost two fingers on his left (non-pitching) hand after a farm accident in his youth. His first trial with the Cardinals came in 1956 after a hot start (nine wins, four losses and an earned run average of 1.67) with the Rochester Red Wings of the International League. On July 22, he made his Major League debut as a starting pitcher against the Brooklyn Dodgers at Busch Stadium; he pitched five shutout innings against the defending world champions, but tired thereafter and surrendered five runs (including home runs by Rube Walker and Duke Snider) in 7⅔ innings in a 5–3 defeat. Wildness plagued Blaylock in his next start four days later against the Philadelphia Phillies, as he issued seven bases on balls in four innings pitched and was lifted with none out in the fifth frame. All told, Blaylock appeared in 14 games and 41 innings as a rookie; while he struck out 39 batters, he walked 24 and gave up 45 hits. He dropped six of his seven decisions, with an earned run average of 6.37. Blaylock spent the next three seasons in minor league baseball before he was recalled in September 1959. Blaylock appeared in three games, all against the Chicago Cubs, one as a starter. He was more effective than in 1956, but lost his only decision. As a Major Leaguer, he appeared in 17 games and 50 innings, and yielded 53 hits and 27 bases on balls, with 42 strikeouts. His minor league career ended after the 1962 season, his fourth consecutive season with the Redbirds' Double-A Tulsa Oilers
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 2, 2024 8:33:48 GMT -5
Tom Redmond, a former defensive end and offensive lineman, passed away back on September 21st at the age of 86. Redmond played college football for Vanderbilt and was drafted into the NFL by the Chicago Cardinals in the 6th round of the 1959 draft. Mr. Redmond played in 60 NFL games and started 14 of those contests. He played for the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960-1965. The following is an excerpt from Redmond's online obituary: "As a child, Tom was studious and gravitated toward sports very early. His competitiveness and athletic stature carried him far in his athletic career. Tom graduated from Russell High School Class of 55 as an outstanding athletic scholar receiving a football scholarship to Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and was drafted sixth round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1959. Tom at 6-5, 250 pounds, primarily a Defensive End, played six other positions as well during his professional career. His coach hailed him as a very versatile and gifted athlete. Tom retired from the NFL after 6 years in 1965 due to a knee injury. Tom was also in the army reserves where he achieved the rank of Captain."
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Post by TTX on Sept 2, 2024 8:38:00 GMT -5
RIP
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 3, 2024 9:51:00 GMT -5
Bodybuilder, 19, dead 'from a heart attack' five years after taking up the sport to overcome obesity Matheus Pavlak, 19, had transformed his body in just five years after taking up the gruelling sport to overcome his obesity.
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 3, 2024 19:41:28 GMT -5
Eric Dean Moten, a former offensive tackle for the San Diego Chargers, passed away on August 24, 2024, at the age of 56. Eric was a dedicated player who spent his entire five-season NFL career with the Chargers, from 1991 to 1996. He was known for his strength and skill on the field, playing in 67 games and making 61 start1. His impressive performance earned him a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team in 1991. Before his professional career, Eric played college football at Michigan State University, where he was a key player in the Spartans’ victories in the Aloha Bowl and the Sun Bowl. His contributions to the sport were significant, and he will be remembered for his dedication and passion.
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Post by jimsteel on Sept 4, 2024 11:16:39 GMT -5
Legendary college baseball coach Wayne Graham dies aged 88
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