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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 11:26:50 GMT -5
And another one Canadian wrestler/promoter JT Playa passed away at 43 He also wrestled as Tiberious Kng+Jesse Scott
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Post by jimsteel on May 8, 2024 6:10:54 GMT -5
Game of Thrones star Ian Gelder dies at 74 after cancer battle
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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 7, 2024 14:18:42 GMT -5
Grease star Susan Buckner dead at 72: The actress played cheerleader Patty opposite Olivia Newton-John and John Travolta in the 1978 film
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Post by jimsteel on May 7, 2024 8:37:01 GMT -5
(Big guy(no mask) Wrestler Anorphis died this Sunday of a heart attack, his Universal Warrior brother confirmed. The youngest gladiator of the Gildo dynasty named Ivan invaded wrestling on the impulse of his Chale Brothers || and Warrior universal. According to confirmed information Ivan passed away this Sunday after suffering a heart attack that took my life. Ivan was only 35 years old and apart from being a wrestler he was also involved in the design of masks for various characters in this sport.
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Post by jimsteel on May 7, 2024 8:32:46 GMT -5
Jeannie Epper, Legendary ‘Wonder Woman’ and ‘Romancing the Stone’ Stuntwoman, Dies at 83 She also doubled for Linda Evans on ‘The Big Valley’ and ‘Dynasty,’ got caught in a fire on ‘Lancer’ and was smashed in the head by Pam Grier in ‘Foxy Brown.’ Epper died Sunday night of natural causes at her home in Simi Valley, her family told The Hollywood Reporter. Just one member of a dynasty of stunt performers that Steven Spielberg dubbed the “Flying Wallendas of Film” — starting with her father, John Epper, there have been four generations of Eppers in show business since the 1930s — she worked on 150-plus films and TV shows during an astounding 70-year career In 2007, Epper received the first lifetime achievement honor given to a woman at the World Taurus Awards and ranks among the greatest stuntwomen of all time. Known for her agility, horse-riding skills and competitiveness, the 5-foot-9 Epper also stepped in for Linda Evans on the ABC shows The Big Valley in the 1960s and Dynasty in the 1980s. When Evans’ Krystle was engaged in one of those knock-down, drag-out catfights with Joan Collins’ Alexis, chances are it was Epper you saw mixing it up. Epper also put herself in harm’s way for Kate Jackson on Charlie’s Angels, for Lindsay Wagner on The Bionic Woman, for Angie Dickinson on Police Woman, for Jessica Walter in Play Misty for Me (1971), for Jill Clayburgh in Silver Streak (1976) and for Nancy Allen in RoboCop (1987). Epper was caught in a fire and wound up in the hospital after a stunt went awry on an episode of the 1968-70 ABC series Lancer, and she received a severe head wound when smashed with a heavy picture frame in a barroom brawl with Pam Grier in Foxy Brown (1974). On the latter, “The cameraman loved it. I had blond hair, the blood was running down, they kept the camera right on me,” she told Dan Rather for a CBS Sunday Morning segment in 1979. In 2000, she donated a kidney, possibly saving the life of good friend Ken Howard. “It’s very humbling when someone gives you a part of themselves to keep you alive,” the actor said three years later. “Thankful doesn’t seem to quite make it.” Epper served as Carter’s main stunt double on Wonder Woman, which aired on ABC and CBS from 1975-79 (Debbie Evans and Kitty O’Neil were among those who also suited up for the star). She learned how to mimic Carter’s running gait and did most of the superhero’s (and Diana Prince’s) fighting and signature jumping on the show.
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Post by jimsteel on May 6, 2024 18:53:14 GMT -5
MCW Pro Wrestling POSTED Indy wrestler Dick Dynamo passed away at 26 With a heavy heart and a complete loss for words, the MCW Pro Wrestling family mourns the loss of Brandon Holman, better known to fans as Dick Dynamo. Brandon was the epitome of hard work and was never one to shy away from challenge. Our thoughts, prayers and deepest condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. For anybody out there who feels like the world has left them behind; you are important, you matter and you are not alone.
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Post by jimsteel on May 6, 2024 18:06:14 GMT -5
WWE reportedly doesn’t renew one of Jerry Lawler’s contracts Over the weekend, Jerry Lawler offered an update on his health during a virtual signing for East Coast Autographs Auctions. The WWE Hall of Famer and Memphis rasslin’ legend said that he’s still dealing with “some minor difficulties” from the stroke he suffered in February of last year, but that overall his “health is great.” We’ll see what the future holds for the 74 year old as he continues to recover. It doesn’t appear his plans will include any announcing or hosting work for WWE. Earlier today (May 6), PWInsider reported that “WWE quietly declined to renew Lawler’s broadcast contract” when it expired at the beginning of 2024. The news was met with surprise internally at WWE, sources told Insider’s Mike Johnson. Lawler has worked as talent for the company for most of the last 30+ years, most recently appearing on NXT last November as one of the legends who helped announce the participants in the Iron Survivor matches at the brand’s Deadline premium live event. WWE did reach out to PWInsider after their initial report to clarify that Lawler remains under a Legends contract (which covers things like merchandising rights), so there are still ties between him and the company.
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Post by jimsteel on May 5, 2024 12:02:01 GMT -5
Actor Bernard Hill, who played roles in Lord Of The Rings and Titanic, has died aged 79
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