2019 Deaths, Sports

A   B   C   D   E   F   G   H   I   J   K   L   M   N   O   P   Q   R   S   T   U   V   W   X   Y   Z  

Joe Arenas (age 94) - Arenas was a halfback and kick returner for the 49ers in the 1950s, also filling in as a defensive back. He amassed a startling 3800 kick return yards; averaging more then 27 yards per return, still ninth best in NFL history. He was one of the first LatinX players in the NFL. Arenas died June 30, 2020.

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Cas Banaszek (age 74) - Banaszek, a tackle, was the 49ers first-round draft pick in 1967. He remained in San Francisco for the entire eleven years of his career (1968-1977), appearing in 120 games and 112 as a starter. After retirement, he served as the team's OL coach for 1981. Banaszek died December 4, 2019.

Tony Barone (age 72) - Barone played varsity basketball at Duke before coaching Creighton and Texas A&M. After more than 20 years as a college coach, Barone took an assistant coaching job with the NBA's Memphis Grizzlies in 2002, assuming the head coaching job in the 2006-7 season. Barone passed away June 25, 2019.

Barry Bennett (age 61) - Bennett had an eleven-year career as an NFL defensive tackle and end, most of it with the Jets and Saints. He recorded 18.5 sacks and 4 fumble recoveries over his career before retiring to Minnesota in 1988. Bennett and his wife were murdered in their home on August 19, 2019, allegedly by their 22-year-old son.

Cedric Benson (age 36) - Benson was a star running back at the University of Texas, which led to the Bears picking him fourth in the 2005 NFL Draft. He spend three seasons witht he Bears followed by four with the Bengals before retiring during the 2012 season at Green Bay. His career netted nearly 7000 combined yards and 33 TDs, not to mention approximately one arrest per year. Benson was killed in a motorcycle accident August 17, 2019.

Bill Bidwill (age 88) - William Bidwell was the principal owner of the St. Louis and Arizona Cardinals franchise of the NFL. He and his brother inherited the team from his parents, his father Chrales having bought the Chicago Cardinals in the 1930s. His mother moved the team to St. Louis in 1960 and Bill packed them off to Phoenix in 1988. He died October 2, 2019.

Jeff Blackshear (age 50) - Blackshear was a college all-american and an NFL player who spent nine seasons with four different teams. He appeared in over 140 games, starting 96 including all regular-season games at guard for the Ravens in 1997-1999. Blackshear died of pancreatic cancer on August 31, 2019.

André Boudrias (age 75) - Boudrias spent twelve seasons as a center in the National Hockey League, mainly with the Vancouver Canucks. In 1975, he joined many fading NHL players in jumping to the WHA, where he spent two seasons with the Quebec Nordiques. In 662 NHL games, he accumulated 491 points and 216 penalty minutes. Boudrias passed away February 5, 2019.

Jim Bouton (age 80) - Bouton was a pitcher in major league baseball, spending all or part of eight season with the Yankees, Astros, and Seattle Pilots in the 1960s. He retired in 1970, returning for part of the 1978 season with the Atlanta Braves. His lifetime record was 62-63, 2-1 in the World Series. He pitched in the 1963 All-Star game on his way to a 21-7 record. Bouton also wrote a diary of the 1968 series, Ball Four, a frank treatment of the league that hastened his retirement. He died July 10, 2019.

Pat Bowlen (age 75) - Bowlen was one of a group who bought the Denver Broncos in 1984 and he served as CEO of the team until retiring in 2014 due to advancing Alzheimer's disease. During his tenure, the team made seven SuperBowl appearances and had an NFL-best 21 winning seasons. He died only months before he was to be officially inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, on June 13, 2019.

Cliff Branch (age 71) - Branch was a favorite target of Oakland Raiders QB Ken Stabler for much of his fourteen-year career; including three Super Bowl seasons. The wide receiver finished his career with 501 receptions for almost 9700 yards and 67 TDs, resulting in four Pro Bowl appearances. Branch died August 3, 2019.

Zeke Bratkowski (age 88) - Illinois native Bratkowski played college ball at Georgia before being drafted as a quarterback by the Bears in 1954. He played for the Chicago team in 1954 and '57-60, missing two years for an Air Force stint. He moved to the Rams in 1961 and Packers in '64, playing on three consecutive NFL championship teams with the Pack. He coached for two years before returning to the playing field in 1971, and closed out his career with the Bears in 1973. In his career, Bratkowski threw for 10,000=plus yards with 65 TDs and 122 interceptions. He died November 11, 2019.

Ernie Broglio (age 83) - Broglio pitched in the major leagues from 1959 to 1966, most of that time with the St. Louis Cardinals before finishing up his career with the Cubs. He amassed a 77-74 record in 259 appearances, including leading the NL in wins in 1960. Broglio may be best remembered as a principal in the Cards-Cubs trade that brought Lou Brock to St. Louis. He died of cancer on July 16, 2019.

Tommy Brooker (age 79) - Brooker was drafted by both the Redskins and (Dallas) Texans in 1962, ending up playing end and place kicker for the Texans/Kansas City Chiefs for five seasons. He was an AFL All-Star as kicker in 1964. Brooker passed away September 21, 2019.

Willie Brown (age 78) - Brown played 16 years at cornerback in the AFL and NFL, starting with the Broncos before being traded to the Raiders in 1967. He racked up three Super Bowl rings with the Raiders, as well as being a 5-time AFL all-star and four-time pro-bowler. After retirement, he was a defensive backs coach for the Raiders for another 15 seasons. An NFL Hall of Famer, Brown passed away October 21, 2019.

Bill Buckner (age 69) - Buckner's career covered 22 years in the major leagues, including stints with the Dodgers, Cubs, Red Sox, Angels, and Royals. He led the NL in hitting in 1980 and was an All-Star in 1981. He finished his career with more than 2700 hits, 174 home runs, and a lifetime .289 batting average; but will always be remembered for an error in game 6 of the 1986 world Series that allowed the Mets to win the game, preventing a Red Sox win. Buckner died May 27, 2019.

"King Kong" Bundy (age 61) - Real name Christopher Alan Pallies, Bundy was a professional wrestler on the WWF circuit in the 1980s and 90s, including the World Wrestling Federation championship fight in Wrestlemania 2. Pallies died March 4, 2019.

Nick Buoniconti (age 78) - Buoniconti was a Football Hall of Fame member, a linebacker for the Patriots and Dolphins. He spent six seasons (1962-68) with the AFL Boston Patriots before being traded to the Miami Dolphins in 1969. At Miami, he was a member of the famed "no-name" defense during three Superbowl seasons, including the undefeated 1972 season. He was a six-time AFL All-star, a 2-time Pro Bowler, and is on both the Patriots and Dolphins "ring of fame." Buoniconti passed away July 30, 2019.

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Al Carmichael (age 90) - Carmicachael was a little-used running back and kick returner in the NFL, playing six seasons for the Green Bay Packers. After a year on the sidelines, Carmichael signed with the Denver Broncos of the AFL. He scored the first touchdown in the league on a 56-yard pass reception in 1960. After retiring from football, Carmichael was a stuntman with more than 50 credits. He died September 7, 2019.

Howard Cassady (age 85) - "Hopalong" Cassady was a two-sport man, football and baseball, for Ohio State; winning both the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award in 1955. He went on to play eight seasons in the NFL, seven of them for the Browns. He amassed 1600 yards receiving and 1230 running for a total of 24 touchdowns. Cassady passed away September 20, 2019.

Kelly Catlin (age 23) - A member of the 2016 U. S. Olympic track cycling team, Catlin turned professional after the games, signing with Rally UHC Cycling. She had been a graduate student at Stanford University when she committed suicide on March 7, 2019.

Wally Chambers (age 68) - Chambers was a defensive lineman for the Chicago Bears and later he Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the 1970s. He was the NFL defensive rookie of the year in 1973, and a three-time Pro-Bowler. In 1976 he was an NFL All-Star and the NFL Defensive Player of the Year. after retiring as a player, he coached in college and one year as defensive line coach for the Jets. Chambers died September 22, 2019.

Colin Clark (age 35) - Clark spent seven seasons as a professional soccer player in the MSL, most of them in the Colorado Rapids organization. He  played for the Houston Dynamo for three seasons, 2010-12, and made five appearances for the LA Galaxy. He played on the 2009 United States team as well. Clark suffered a heart attack and died on August 26, 2019.

	Tex Clevenger (age 87) - Clevenger was a relief pitcher in the major leagues in an era when most pitchers completed their own games. He appeared in 307 games, starting only 40, and compiled a lifetime 36-37 record with 30 saves. In 1958 his 55 appearances for the Washington Senators led the American League. Clevenger died August 14, 2019.

Jim Coates (age 87) - Jim "the Mummy" Coates was an pitcher with the Yankees, Senators, Reds, and Angels during a 12-season career. Often used as a reliever, he was also a starter for the Yankees in their 1960 season, when he made the American League All-Stars. Lifetime, Coates had a 43-22 record with a 4.00 ERA and played on the Yanks 1961 and 62 world champion teams. He died November 15, 2019.

Reggie Cobb (age 50) - Cobb was a star running back at University of Tennessee before being cut from the team for drug use. After rehab, he signed with the Tampa Bay Bucs, where he spent four seasons. He then played one season with the Packers before being drafted by Jacksonville in the expansion draft, playing one game for the Jaguars. He finished his career with the Jets in 1996; having amassed 3,743 yards rushing and 949 yards receiving in his career. Cobb had a heart attack and died April 20, 2019.

Mike Cofer (age 58) - Cofer, a linebacker, recorded 62.5 sacks in an 10-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions. He was the Lions' third-round pick in the 1983 draft; out of Tennessee. He was chosen for the Pro Bowl after the 1988 season. Cofer succumbed to amyloidosis on March 21, 2019.

Kelly Coleman (age 80) After setting the all-time points record for a Kentucky high-school basketball player, Kelly Coleman went on to play at Kentucky Weslayan. He was drafted by the Knicks in 1960 but never played in the NBA. He played two seasons in the American Basketball League before joining the Harlem Globetrotters for one season in 1963. Coleman died June 16, 2019.

Jon Comer (age 43) - Despite or perhaps because of an amputated lower leg and a prosthetic limb due to a childhood accident, Comer became a professional skateboarder. He was considered an inspiration for adaptive athletes and widely respected by other skateboarders. Comer died of undisclosed causes December 5, 2019.

Bert Cooper (age 53) - Cooper was a heavyweight boxer out of Philadelphia who trained under Joe Frazier. He fought 63 bouts in his career, with a 38-25 record. He challenged three times for the world title, losing to Evander Holyfield (1991) and Michael Moorer (1992). Cooper succumbed to pancreatic cancer May 10, 2019.

Eric Cooper (age 52) - Cooper wore number 56 during his 20-year career as a major league baseball umpire. The Iowa native is tied for the most no-hitters as plate umpire at three, one of which was a perfect game. Other milestones include World Series games, an All-Star game, division series, and championship series. He was an umpire at the last game in Yankee Stadium and in Cal Ripken, Jr;s final game. Cooper died October 20, 2019, of complications after surgery.

John Coughlin (age 33) - A two-time U. S. National Pairs figure skating champion, coach, and TV commentator; Coughlin committed suicide one day after being suspended from skating by the U. S. Center for SafeSport and U. S. Figure Skating. He died on January 18, 2019.

Fred Cox (age 80) - Cox played fifteen seasons in the NFL, all as a kicker for the Minnesota Vikings. His long tenure led to his position as the Vikings' all-time scoring leader, and second in the NFL at large. He made one trip to the Pro Bowl (1970) and appeared on the Vikings' 1969 NFL championship team. He is also credited with having invented the NERF football. Cox died November 20, 2019.

Gunther Cunningham (age 72) - Born to a German mother and an American soldier, Gunther Cunningham emigrated to the USA at age 10. He quickly adopted American-style football, playing at the college level before becoming a coach. He peaked as the head coach of the Kansas City Chiefs in 1999-2000, but held assistant positions with seven NFL teams and several colleges. Cunningham died of cancer May 11, 2019.

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Maxim Dadashev (age 28) - Dadashev was a Russian-born welterweight boxer, taking bronze and silver in the Russian national championships in back-to-back seasons. He turned professional in 2016, winning 13 of his 14 matches. In an event in Maryland on July 19, Dadashev was beaten badly and required assistance to leave the ring. He was hospitalized for TBI and died on July 23, 2019.

Clem Daniels (age 81) - Daniels broke into the American Football League in 1960 with the Dallas Texans, but was traded to the Oakland Raiders the following year. He came into his own with the Raiders, being chosen for an All-Star for four consecutive years and leading the league in rushing in 1967. He is the AFL's all-time rushing leader. Daniels died March 23, 2019.

Adrian Devine (age 68) - Devine was a right-handed pitcher for the Braves and Rangers in the 1970s, compiling a 26-22 record. Oriinally a starting pitcher, he became a middle reliever, also recording 31 career saves. Devine, who recovered twice from tongue cancer, died after a long battle with the disease on June 27, 2020.

Elbert Dubenion (age 86) - Dubenion, a wide receiver, was a 27-year-old draft pick of the Browns in the 1959 NFL draft. He was released before playing a down, but made the roster of the Buffalo Bills the in their first season, 1960. In all, he spent nine years with the Bills, racking up 294 receptions and 35 TDs, He was a four-time All-Star and holds the AFL record for the longest reception for a touchdown, 93 yards. Dubenion died December 26, 2019.

Chris Duncan (age 38) - Duncan, the son of former St. Louis Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan, was drafted by the Cards in the first round of the 1999 draft. He made his major league debut in 2005, and by 2006 had made his way onto the regular roster, ending the season as the Cardinals Rookie of the Year. He was traded to the Red Sox in 2008, and sent to the minors. He retired in 2010 to join a St. Louis-area ESPN radio station. Duncan died of a glioblastoma on September 6, 2019.

Carlin Dunne (age 36) - Dunne was a motorcycle racer and stuntman. While competing in the 2019 Pikes Peak Hill Climb in Colorado, Dunne crashed seconds from the finish line and was killed. He died on June 30, 2019.

Alice Dye (age 91) - Dye was well-known as an amateur golfer and also designed courses. She was U. S. amateur champion once and twice each U. S. and Canadian Senior Women's Champion in the 1970s and 80s. She is perhaps best-known for her design of the "Island Green" on the 17th hole at Sawgrass in Florida and Crooked Stick in her native Indianapolis. Dye passed away February 1, 2019.

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Roger Emrich (age 62) - Emrich spent four decades as a radio newsman and sportscaster in Texas, most recently in the Dallas area where he was the PA announcer for Dallas Cowboys games. The Texas Radio Hall of Fame member was a newscaster for Dallas station KRLD. Emrich suffered a heart attack on April 24, and died on April 27, 2019.

Andy Etchebarren (age 76) - Etchebarren spent fifteen years behind the plate for the Orioles, Angels, and Brewers. He was a two-time AL All-Star (1966, 1967) and played on two World Series champs. Etchebarren finished his career with a .235 batting average over 948 games. He died October 5, 2019.

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Ron Fairly (age 81) - Fairly, a solid but slow-footed first baseman / outfielder, debuted with his hometown L A Dodgers in 1958. He played twelve seasons for the Dodgers before joining the Montreal Expos in 1969. He also spent time with the A's, Blue Jays, and Cardinals before retiring with the Angels in 1978. After retirement, he became a broadcaster for Angels, Giants, and Mariners, remaining in the booth until 2012. Fairly is one of few major-leaguers to have played more than 1000 games in both the infield and outfield. He passed away October 30, 2019.

George Ferguson (age 67) - Ferguson was the 11th overall pick of the 1972 NHL draft, spending six seasons with the Maple Leafs before being traded to Pittsburgh in 1978. After five seasons with the Pens, Ferguson closed out his NHL career with the North Stars, retiring in 1984. His career stats include nearly 800 games, in which the center amassed 398 points. Ferguson passed away December 16, 2019.

Bob Friend (age 88) - Friend pitched for sixteen seasons in the major leagues, fifteen with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He was an NL All-Star three times, and led the league in wins (1958) and E.R.A. (1955). He finished with a 197-230 record while pitching for perennial losers most of his career. Friend passed away February 3, 2019.

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Larry Garron (age 81) - Garron played fullback for the Boston Patriots of the American Football League from 1960 to 1968, before the team renamed itself the New England Patriots. He carried 759 times for 2981 yards and 14 TDs, plus 185 receptions for 2502 yards and 26 TDs. He was all-AFL four times. Garron passed away September 14, 2019.

Alex Grammas (age 93) - Grammas had a moderately distinguished major-league career as light-hitting shortstop, He was the regular for the Cardinals in the mid-1950s before a trade to the Reds. He spent two years in Cincinnati before returning to the Cards, finally spending two years with the Cubs. After retiring as a player, he managed the Pirates for 5 games, then spent two seasons heading the Brewers. Grammas died September 13, 2019.

Bruno Grandi (age 85) - Grandi headed the International Gymnastics Federation (Federation Internationale de Gymnastique) for more than 20 years, and was a member of the International Olympic Committee from 2000 to 2004. He died September 13, 2019.

Danny Grant (age 73) - Grant spent 14 seasons as an NHL winger, braking in with the Canadiens near the end of their 1968 Stanley Cup championship run. The next season, his first full season in the league, he won the Calder Trophy as rookie of the year withe the North Stars. He was an NHL all-star three times. Grant finished his career with the Kings after six seasons with the Red WIngs, amassing 535 points in 736 games. He died October 14, 2019.

Robbert de Greef (age 27) - de Greef was a up and coming Dutch cyclist, riding on the team Alecto. While competing in  the Oomlop van de Braaken race on April 2, 2019, de Greef suffered a heart attack. He was placed in a medically-induced coma, but succumbed on April 25, 2019.

Donnie Green (age 71) - Green played for eight years in the NFL, six of them as an offensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills. He was one of the linemen who blocked for O. J. Simpson in his record-setting 2000-yard 1973 season. Green finished his career with the Eagles in 1977-78. He died August 28, 2019.

Pumpsie Green (age 85) - Elijah "Pumpsie" Green played infield positions for five seasons in the major leagues, breaking in in 1959 with the Boston Red Sox as the Red Sox' first black player. He was traded to the Mets in 1962, finishing his career in 1963. Green's nickname was a reference to his frequent flatulence as a child... he died July 17, 2019.

Forrest Gregg (age 85) - Gregg was an NFL offensive lineman for sixteen seasons, fifteen with the Packers including three Superbowls. At one point he held the record for consecutive games played at 188. He played in nine Pro Bowls and was all-NFL eight times. After retiring, he coached in college and at the professional level in both the NFL and CFL. Gregg died of complications of Parkinson's disease April 12, 2019.

Gabrielle Grunewald (age 32) - Grunewald, born Gabrielle Anderson, was a professional track star who competed in middle-distance running events. She missed the 2012 U.S. Olympic team, finishing 4th in the tryouts for the mile. Grunewald was first treated for cancer in 2009, and competed despite several rounds of chemotherapy and invasive surgeries. She succumbed to cancer on June 11, 2019.

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Cedrick Hardman (age 70) - Hardman had a thirteen-year career in the NFL as a defensive end. He played for the San Francisco 49ers from 1970-79 before moving across the bay to play his last two seasons for the Oakland Raiders. His 107 quarterback sacks still rank as the most all-time for a 49er. Hardman died March 8, 2019.

Jim Hardy (age 96) - Hardy was a member of the first team fielded by the Los Angeles Rams, in 1946; that after playing both high school and college ball in LA. He played three seasons for the Rams (1946-8) and three for the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) and one for the Lions. Hardy, a quarterback, holds the NFL record for most interceptions thrown in a single game, an eight-pick game against the Eagles in 1950 (he still, however, made the Pro Bowl that year). Hardy died August 16, 2019.

John Havlicek (age 79) - Havlicek's career as a basketball superstar began in college, where he played with Jerry Lucas and Bobby Knight on the 1960 Ohio State team that won the NCAA title. After graduation, he was drafted by the Boston Celtics, where he spent his entire 16-year career. Havlicek finished with 13 NBA All-Star picks, 8 championships, and an NBA finals MVP. His number 5 was retired by Ohio State and 17 was retired by the Celtics. He is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame. Havlicek succumbed to Parkinson's Disease on April 25, 2019.

Rusty Hilger (age 57) - Hilger was a perennial backup quarterback in the NFL,  spending three seasons with the Raiders before finishing with the Lions and Colts. His best season was with the 1988 Lions, when he was the team's offensive MVP. He finished his career with a W-L record of 11-19. Hilger succumbed to cancer on December 24, 2019.

E. J. Holub (age 81) - Holub was drafted by both Dallas teams (AFL Texans and NFL Cowboys) in the 1961 draft, choosing to play for the Texans both before and after they became the Kansas City Chiefs. He originally played center on offense and linebacker on defense before settling on linebacker. At that position, he was a 5-time AFL All Star. Holub is still the only player to have started as both defensive and offensive player in a Super Bowl (Super Bowl VI). Holub died September 21, 2019.

Bronco Horvath (age 89) -Horvath appeared in six different NHL uniforms over a career that lasted from 1955 to 1968. IN all, he played in more than 434 games, the majority with the Boston Bruins including the 1959-60 season in which he was tied for the league lead in goals and was an All-Star for the second time. He played his last NHL game with the North Stars in 1968. Horvath died December 17, 2019.

Harry Howell (age 86) - Howell spent seventeen years as a defenseman on the NHL's New York Rangers, and another five years on California team before jumping to the fledgling WHA in 1973; playing in another three seasons. He still holds the team record for the most games as a Ranger. He played in seven All-Star games and was inducted into the Hall of fame in 1979. Howell passed away March 9, 2019.

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Cathy Inglese (age 60) - Inglese was the head coach of the women's basketball programs at three different universities, spanning 27 seasons in all. Her teams made ten NCAA tournament appearances, reaching the Sweet 16 with Boston College in 2005. Her teams compiled a lifetime record of 423-315. Inglese suffered a fatal brain injury in a fall and died July 24, 2019.

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Al Jackson (age 83) - Jackson labored for all or part of six seasons with the hapless Mets, including the team's major-league record 120-loss inaugural season in 1962. He managed to win 43 games, including 10 shutouts, over the interval; including setting a modern-day record for the longest time to complete a nine-inning game. He also pitched for the Cardinals, Pirates, and Reds; compiling a 66-99 record with a sub-4.00 ERA. Jackson died August 19, 2019.

Randy Jackson (age 93) - Ransom "Randy" Jackson had a ten-year career in major league baseball that included two appearances as an All-Star. He played for the Cubs and Dodgers in the NL and the Indians in the AL before returning to Wrigley to close out. A lifetime .261 hitter, one of Jackson's 103 home runs happens to be the last ever hit by a Brooklyn Dodger. Jackson died March 20, 2019.

Greg Johnson (age 48) - Johnson was a Canadian hockey center who spent twelve seasons in the NHL, playing for the Red Wings, Blackhawks, Penguins, and Predators. He played in almost 800 games, amassing 350 points. Johnson also played on Canada's 1994 silver-medal Olympic team. Johnson passed away July 8, 2019.

Junior Johnson (age 83) - North Carolina-born Richard "Junior" Johnson was the embodiment of the NASCAR legend: he started out in the family moonshine business, honing his driving skills on twisty mountain roads while outrunning "revenuers." He joined the NASCAR circuit in 1955, winning fifty races in his eleven-year career. After retirement, he became a team owner, with such legendary divers as Cale Yarborough and Darrell Waltrip in his stable. He joined the NASCAR Hall of Fame in 2010, and his life was told in the movie The Last American Hero (1973). Johnson died December 20, 2019.

Vaughan Johnson (age 57) - Johnson had a 10-year career as a linebacker in the USFL and NFL, playing eight years for the Saints before finishing with the Eagles in 1994. He was a four-time Pro-Bowler as a Saint, and an All Pro selection in 1988. Johnson succumbed to kidney disease on December 12, 2019.

Johnny Jones (age 61) - "Lam" Jones, an Olympic sprinter (U.S. 4x100m relay team, gold medal in 1976) was a first-round draft pick by the NFL's New York Jets in 1980. Althugh a speedy receiver who could outrun coverage, he had difficulty in catching the ball. In seven years with the Jets and the Dallas Cowboys,  Jones caught 138 passes for 2322 yards and 13 TDs. Jones died of myeloma March 15, 2019.

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Leonard "Red" Kelly (age 91) - Kelly joined the Detroit Red Wings in 1947 and played 13 seasons as a defenseman before being traded to the Toronto maple Leafs in 1960 and moving to Center. He played on 8 All-Star teams and was also on eight championship winners (four each with the Wings and the Leafs). He was a member of the Canadian Parliament from 1962-65, and also coached for ten years with the Kings, Penguins, and Maple Leafs. Kelly's number 4 was retired by both the Leafs and the Wings, and he is in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Kelly died May 2, 2019.

Scott Kleinendorst (age 59) - Kleinendorst spend parts of eight seasons in the NHL, mostly with the Hartford Whalers (now the Carolina Hurricanes). The left-handed defenseman managed a total of 48 points in 281 NHL games while racking up 452 penalty minutes, suggesting a role as an enforcer. The retired player was killed in an industrial accident on December 17, 2019.

Bob Kuechenberg (age 71) - Kuechenberg was a six-time Pro Bowl guard during a Miami Dolphins career that spanned fourteen seasons (1970-1983). He played on two Super Bowl teams, including the 1972 Dolphins team that racked up a perfect 17-0 record. Kuechenberg died January 12, 2019

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MacArthur Lane (age 77) - Lane was a workhorse NFL running back for eleven seasons (1968-1978), with the Kansas City Chiefs, St. Louis Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers. His 1206 rushing attempts netted almost 5,000 yards and a 1970 Pro Bowl appearance. He accounted for 37 touchdowns in his career. Lane died May 4, 2019.

Jim Langer (age 71) - Langer was an NFL Hall of Fame member, elected to the hall in his first year of eligibility. Although he played linebacker in college, Langer made the 1970 Dolphins as a free agent before switching to center in 1972. He played 141 consecutive games at the position including six consecutive years as a Pro Bowler. He finished his career with two seasons at Minnesota. Langer died August 29, 2019, of heart failure.

Nicky Lauda (age 70) - A championship Formula I racer, the Austrian-born Lauda was also an entrepreneur and businessman who founded three different airlines. He drove for Ferrari early in his career before switching to Brabham. After a brief retirement in the early 1980s, Lauda returned to F1 racing with McLaren; garnering his third world championship with that sponsor. Lauda died of kidney failure May 20, 2019.

Jim LeClair (age 69) - LeClair, a linebacker, spent twelve seasons in Cincinnati with the Bengals, eaarning  Pro Bowl berth in 1976. His career included ten each interceptions and fumble recoveries, and one trip to the Super Bowl. He started for the Bengals in what is believed to have been the coldest NFL game in history, the 1981 AFC Championship game. After leaving the NFL, he played two seasons for New Jersey in the USFL. LeClair died November 4, 2019.

Keith Lincoln (age 80) - Lincoln had an eight-year career as an pro football running back, playing six of those with the San Diego Chargers (1961-66 and 1968). He amassed more than 3500 yards rushing and 2200 receiving yards and was a five-time AFL all-star. Lincoln died July 27, 2019.

Ted Lindsay (age 93) - Lindsay played 13 seasons for the NHL Detroit Red Wings, most of them on the famous "Production Line" with hall-of-famers Gordie Howe and Sid Abel; including four Stanley Cup finals. He was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks in 1958, allegedly in retaliation for his activities in starting a players' union. Lindsay returned to Detroit for the 1964-5 season after four years in retirement, finishing his career where he started. Lindsay died March 4, 2019.

Gene Littler (age 88) - Littler was a championship golfer and inductee to the World Golf Hall of Fame. His career began in the '50s, when he won a PGA event while still an amateur. Over a professional career that lasted into the 1990s, Littler won 29 PGA events including the 1961 U. S. Open, and eight Senior PGA tournaments. He passed away February 16, 2019.

Lewis Lloyd (age 60) - Lloyd had a ten-year career in the National Basketball Association, playing for the Warriors, Rockets, and 76ers at different times. He spent two seasons in the CBA while suspended from the NBA for drug use. He finished withna carer average of 13.1 points per game, retiring after a second stint with the Rockets. Lloyd passed away July 5, 2019.

Frank Lucchesi (age 92) - an itinerant outfielder with an extensive minor-league career, Lucchesi finally made it to the big leagues in 1970 as a manager for the Philadelphia Phillies. He managed three different teams (Phillies, Rangers, Cubs) during the next twenty years, interspersed with stints as a Rangers coach. In all, Lucchesi compiled a 316-399 record. He died June 8, 2019.

Jordie Lunn (age 36) - The Canadian-born Lunn parlayed his passion for mountain biking into a professional career, carving a niche for himself in films about his favorite sport. While riding on a trail near Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Lunn suffered a fatal head injury in a crash. His family announced his death on October 11, 2019.


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John MacLeod (age 81) - MacLeod began coachaing basketball at the college level in 1967 at Oklahoma before jumping to the NBA in 1973. He was head coach of the Phoenix Suns from 1973-1987, coaching the NBA All-Stars in 1981. He also coached the Dallas Mavericks and New York Knicks before returning to college coaching in 1991. He's a member of both the Arizona and Indiana basketball Halls of Fame. MacLeod died April 14, 2019.

Gino Marchetti (age 93) - Marchetti, a defensive end, was the second round pick of the NFL's Dallas Texans in 1953. He played one season in Dallas before embarking a career with the Baltimore Colts that ended in 1966. Marchetti was selected to the Pro Bowl eleven times and made the NFL's 75th Anniversary all-time team. His number 89 was retired by the Indianapolis Colts and he is in the Baltimore Ravens Ring of Fame. Marchetti died of pneumonia April 29, 2019.

John Martin (age 80) - Martin was one of the last "do-it-yourself" racing drivers to succeed in a field that became increasingly corporate. He is said to have been not just a driver, but also an owner, chief mechanic, and engine builder. He parlayed that drive into five Indianapolis 500 starts, finishing as high as 8th in the 1973 running. Martin died November 20, 2019.

Jim McKean (age 73) - McKean broke into pro sports as a CFL quarterback but retired in 1967 after three seasons. He refereed college hockey on the off-season before shifting to baseball in 1970. In a 29-year career, he officiated in Championship series, All-Star games, and the World Series. He was on the field for 10 no-hitters including a perfect game in 1981. McKean died January 23, 2019, after suffering a heart attack.

Walt Michaels (age 89) - Michaels had a twelve-year NFL career as a linebacker, including five consecutive years playing in the Pro Bowl and two NFL championships. After retiring from paying, Michaels spent more than a decade as defensive coordinator for the Jets and Eagles before rising to head coach of the Jets for six seasons, culminating in an AFC championship loss to the Dolphins in 1973. Michaels died July 10, 2019.

Kieran Modra (age 47) - Modra, an Australian was a five-time paralympic champion. He was born visually impaired, but competed at a high level since his teenaged years. He won in track and field, swimming, and road cycling, collecting five golds and five bronzes between 1988 and 2016. He was killed in a cycling accident on November 13, 2019.

David Montgomery (age 72) - Montgomery began with the Philadelphia Phillies in 1971, working in ticket sales and operating the scoreboard for night games. he became head of sales and marketing in the '70s and later the organizations business manager. In 1981, he was a minority member of a group that bought the team, eventually becoming the first native Philadelphian to lead the team. Montgomery died May 8, 2019, of cancer.

Moondog Rex (age 69) - Randy Colley wrestled under several names, most notably the ring name "Moondog Rex." His career lasted from the 1970s to his retirement in 1996 during the heyday of the WCW, including several years with the WWF. Among the hardware he collected during his career was a WWF tag team championship with partners Moondog Spot and Moondog King. Colley died December 15, 2019. Woof.

Don Mossi (age 90) - Mossi pitched twelve seasons in the major leagues, including stints with the Indians, Tigers, White Sox, and Athletics. He finished with a 101- 80 record plus 50 saves. He was an all-star in 1957. Mossi, who joined a pitching rotation including Early Wynn, Bob Lemon, and Bob Feller, was voted one of the 100 greatest Cleveland Indians of all time. He died July 19. 2019.

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Vince Naimoli (age 81) - Naimoli was the first owner of the major league baseball franchise in Tampa, Fla., the Tampa Bay (Devil) Rays. He owned the team from its inception in 1998 until he sold a controlling interest in 2004, years in which the Rays never won more than 70 games. Naimoli was renowned for his thrift and what has been politely characterized as a short temper. He died August 25, 2019.

Johnny Neumann (age 69) - Neumann, at the time an Ole Miss sophomore, was the first college player to claim hardship to leave the NCAA early. He played five seasons in the ABA with five different teams, followed by two seasons in the NBA with the Lakers and Pacers. He finished his career with more than 6,000 points and more than 1200 rebounds and assists. Neumann passed away April 23, 2019, from cancer.

Don Newcombe (age 92) - Newcombe, a powerful right-handed pitcher, broke into the major leagues with the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1949. Along with teammates Roy Campanella and Jackie Robinson, Newcombe broke baseball's "color barrier." He was the first Black player to pitch in the World Series and the first player to win the Cy Young Award. He finished his career with a record of 149-90 after four All-Star seasons. Newcombe died February 19, 2019.

Tom Nissalke (age 87) - Nissalke coached basketball at all levels, from high school to the pros, in a career that spanned almost four decades. He peaked as coach of ABA and NBA teams in the '70s and '80s, including stints with the Jazz, Rockets, and Cavaliers. He was ABA coach of the year in 1972 and NBA coach of the year five years later. Nissalke died August 22, 2019.

Irv Noren (age 91) - Noren broke into the majors with the Washington Senators in 1950, and was traded to the Yankees after two seasons. He spent all or part of five seasons with the pin-stripers before another trade to the Athletics. He also played Cards, Cubs, and Dodgers in an 11-season career including three World Series wins ('52, '53, '55) and an All-Star year ('54). After retirement, he coached with the Oakland As and Cubs. He died November 15, 2019.

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Dave Parks (age 77) - Parks spent ten seasons as an NFL wide receiver with the 49ers, Saints, and Oilers. He was the number 1 pick in the 1964 draft by San Francisco, where he spent four seasons include three as a Pro Bowl pick. In 1965, he led the league in receptions, reception yardage, and receiving TDs. He finished his career with 360 receptions and more than 5600 yards. Parks died August 8, 2019.

Don Perry (age 89) - After two decades as a player and player coach of the New Haven Blades hockey team, Perry retired to coach at the professional level in the former International Hockey League. He became the head coach of the Los Angeles Kings in 1982, leading them in two and one half seasons including the team's "miracle on Manchester" playoff game (1982). He finished with a 52-85-11 record as a head coach. Perry died April 15, 2019.

Pete Peterson (age 89) - Harding "Pete" Peterson had a brief career in major league baseball, playing in 65 games for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1950s. After a career-ending injury in 1959, Peterson moved to the dugout as a minor-league manager and the front office as director of the Pirates' farm system and nine years as general manager. He also spent one year as GM of the Yankees. Peterson passed away April 16, 2019.

Tom Phoebus (age 77) - Phoebus pitched for seven seasons in the big leagues, including five with the Orioles (1966-1970). His best year was 1968, when he won 15 games including a no-hitter against the Red Sox. In 1970, he won a World Series game as a reliever for the O's. He pitched for the Padres in 1971-72 and finished a 56-52 career with the Cubs in '72 after having gone 50-37 in Baltimore. His lifetime ERA was a respectable 3.33. Phoebus died September 5, 2019.

Dean Prentice (age 87) - Prentice fashioned a 22-season career as a left-winger in the NHL. He broke into the league in 1953 with the Rangers, spending eleven seasons in New York before being trded to the Bruins in 1963. Over the next ten years, he played with the Bruins, Red Wings, Penguins, and North Stars. He completed his career with 860 points in 1398 games. Prentice died November 2, 2019.

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Harley Race (age 76) - Race was a professional wrestler known in his prime as "Handsome Harley." He was a nine-time champion of the various wrestling world organizations, and is an inductee of four different wrestling halls of fame. After retiring from the ring, he became a promoter and trainer, operating Harley's Wrestling Academy. He died August 1, 2019, of lung cancer.

John Ralston (age 92) - Ralston played college football in the 1940s, and began coaching at the high school level in 1953. Over the next twenty years, he worked his way through the college ranks, ending up at Stanford. He was tapped to be the coach of the Denver Broncos in 1972, where he remained until 1976. He was also an assistant coach in the NFL and a USFL head coach. Ralson passed away September 14, 2019.

Jimmy Rayl (age 77) - The "Splendid Splinter" was 1959 Indiana Mr. Basketball. He went on to star at Indiana University, where he was twice an All-American. Upon graduation he was drafted by Cincinnati of the NBA, but never played in the league. He played for the Indiana Pacers 1968 and 1969. Rayl died in his hometown, Kokomo, on January 20, 2019.

Bert Rechichar (age 89) - Rechichar played ten seasons in the NFL, breaking in with the Cleveland Browns in 1952 before a trade to the Colts in 1953. He spent the next seven seasons with the Colts as a defensive back and place kicker before finishing his career with the Steelers and Titans (later the Jets). His 56-yard field goal in 1953 held the NFL record until beaten by Tom Dempsey in 1970. Rechichar played on two championship teams and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He died July 19, 2019.

Remilia (age 24) - A trans woman, Maria "Remlia" Creveling was briefly a professional eSports player in the League of Legends Championship Series, the first woman to so participate. She streamed on Twitch and also competed as an amateur. She died December 27, 2019.

Mike Roarke (age 88) - After a four-year career as the Detroit Tigers second-string catcher, Roarke retired as a player to become the Tigers' bullpen coach. Over the next thirty seasons, Roarke managed in the minors before becoming a pitching coach for the Tigers, Cubs, Red Sox, Cardinals, and Padres. He coached two World Series-winning pitching staffs (1985, 1987) for the Cards. Roarke died July 27, 2019.

Frank Robinson (age 83) - Robinson spent over sixty years in major league baseball, breaking in as an outfielder for the Cincinnati Reds in 1956. He also played for the Orioles, Dodgers, Angels, and Indians; including a partial season as player-manager of the Indians. He was an All-Star fourteen times, is the only player to have been MVP of both leagues, and finished fourth all-time in career home runs. Robinson is perhaps best remembered as the first African-American manager in the major leagues. After retiring, he managed the Indians, the Orioles, the Giants, and the Expos/Nationals. Robinson succumbed to bone cancer on February 7, 2019.

Charles Rogers (age 38) - Rogers was a college phenom at wide receiver, a unanimous All-American choice, and Biletnekoff award winner; and thus drafted second overall by the Lions in 2003. He played in only 15 games in an injury-shortened 3-year career with the Lions, catching 36 passes for 440 yards and racking up a four-game suspension for failing a drug test. Rogers succumbed to liver failure on November 11, 2019.

Orville Rogers (age 101) - Rogers, then a pilot for Braniff Airliens, took up running at the age of 50. Over the next 51 years, he set numerous age-group speed and distance records, and is currently the record holder in the men's 95-y.o. marathon, men's 100-y.o. 800m, men's 90-y.o and 100-y.o. mile; among others. Rogers died November 14, 2019.

Johnny Romano (age 84) - Romano was a four-time MLB All-Star catcher in the 1960s, primarily with the Cleveland Indians. He played for the Chicago White Sox in 1958-9 and 1965-6, and completed his career with the St. Louis Cardinals. Best-known as a defensive catcher, Romano once led the league in baserunners caught stealing. Romano died March 4, 2019.

Randy Romero (age 61) - Romero, better known as The Ragin' Cajun, was a jockey in thoroughbred racing. In his 25-year career, Romero rode almost 4300 winners, a record that earned him Hall of Fame honors in 2010. The motion picture Casey's Shadow is based on the Romero family, as Randy's father was a breeder and trainer. Romero died August 29, 2019.

Rosie Ruiz (Vivas) (age 66) - Ruiz, a Cuban-American, was infamous for what is widely believed to have been her faked victory in the 1980 Boston Marathon. After being declared the winner, Ruiz was stripped of the victory 8 days later when witnesses said she entered the race course a mile from the finish. Ruiz died July 8, 2019.

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Scott Sanderson (age 62) - Sanderson was a pitcher in the major leagues with an 18-year career, playing for seven different teams in both the AL and NL. He was a regular starter for most of his career, finishing with an overall record of 163-143 and more than 1,600 Ks. He was an All-Star in 1991, while with the Yankees. After retiring, he became an agent and occasional broadcaster. Sanderson succumbed to cancer on April 11, 2019.

Bill Simpson(age 79) - Simpson began his career in drag racing and road racing, including the 1974 edition of the Indy 500. He retired from driving in 1977 and dedicated himself to racing safety. His company, Simpson Performance Products, was blamed in part for the death of Dale Earnhardt, Jr., resulting in Simpson's resignation from the firm. He remained active in auto safety, however, with a new company that featured helmets, fireproof suits, restraints, and other equipment. Simpson died December 16, 2019, after suffering a stroke.

Tyler Skaggs (age 27) - Skaggs was a pitcher in major league baseball. He was drafted by the L A Angels in 2009, and started for the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 2012 and 2013 seasons before being traded back to the Angels. His major league career ended with a 28-38 W-L record and a 4.41 ERA. Skaggs was found dead in his hotel room on July 1, 2019.

Marilynn Smith (age 89) - Smith was one of thirteen women who, in 1950, founded the LPGA.  Smith turned professional in 1949 and over the following three decades, she won 23 tournaments including 21 LPGA events. She was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2006. Smith passed away April 9, 2019.

Bart Starr (age 85) - Starr was the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Green Bay Packers to glory from 1959 to 1971, winning the Super Bowls I and II and being named MVP of both. During his tenure, the Packers won the NFL five times (prior to the Super Bowl era), he was MVP in 1966, and made four Pro Bowl appearances. After retiring, Starr also served as quarterbacks coach and head coach of the Packers, finishing with a 52-76-3 record. Starr died May 26, 2019.

Mike Stefanik (age 61) - Stefanik had a 22-year career as a stock car driver, mostly in the NASCAR series, in which he was a seven-time points winner in the Whelen Modified Tour. He also raced in the Craftsman Truck Series and the Busch Series, where he was a two-time winner. Stefanik was killed in an ultralight airplane crash on September 15, 2019.

Mel Stottlemyre (age 77) - Stottlemyre pitched in the majors for eleven seasons (1964-1974), and was a five-time All-Star with the New York Yankees. After retiring, Stottlemyre coached from 1994-2008, including ten seasons for the Yankees. He finished with a lifetime record of 164-139 and a 2.97 ERA. He passed on January 12, 2019, of multiple myeloma.

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Roosevelt Taylor (age 82) - Rosey Taylor spend 12 seasons as a safety in pro football, the bulk of it with the Chicago Bears. He was twice a Pro Bowler and a three-time ALl-Pro, while never missing a game in nine seasons with the Bears. He finished his career with the Redskins in their 1972 Superbowl season. Taylor died May 29, 2020.

Sammy Taylor (age 86) - Taylor was a perennial backup catcher after starting strong in 1958 and 1959 for the Cubs. In 1962, he was traded to the Mets; he played briefly with the Mets, Reds, and Indians in 1963. He finished his career with a .245 average in 473 games over seven years. Taylor died October 8, 2019.

Vladimir Tsyplakov (age 50) - The Belarusian left-winger compiled more than a decade in the NHL with the L A Kings and Buffalo Sabres. Tsyplakov was drafted by the Kings in the 1995 draft at age 26 after several seasons in Russia. He returned to Russia after the 2000-01 season in Buffalo, having played in 331 NHL games and amassing 170 points. He died December 14, 2019.

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Larry Weinberg (age 92) - with two partners, Weinberg won an NBA expansion to Portland, Ore., in 1970. He was president of the Portland Trailblazers from 1975 to 1988.  Weinberg passed on January 1, 2019.

Jack Whitaker (age 95) - Whitaker was a broadcast journalist for CBS and ABC during the 1960s, '70s, and '80s; beginning at CBS where he covered horse racing, including Secretariat's 1972 Triple Crown run, and golf. He moved to ABC in 1982, covering both news and sports, including the 1988 Winter Olympics. Whitaker was on the broadcast team for the first Super Bowl in 1967. He was inducted into the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2012 and won  Emmys for his news reporting at ABC. He passed away August 18, 2019.

Pernell Whitaker (age 55) - Whitaker was a professional boxer who competed in the lightweight and light, lineal, and super welterweight classes during a career that lasted from 1984 to 2001. As an amateur, he won silver in the 1982 World Championships and Gold in the 1983 Pan American and 1984 Olympic Games. He finished his pro career with 40 wins in 46 fights, 17 by knockout. After retiring, Whitaker became a trainer. He was killed in a traffic accident on July 14, 2019.

Wade Wilson (age 60) - Over nineteen seasons, Wilson quarterbacked for the Vikings, Falcons, Saints, Cowboys, and Raiders. He appeared in 125 games, starting 69, with a record of 36-33-0. On retirement, Wilson was the Cowboys quarterback coach in 2002-2004 and 2007-2017, and coached the Chicago Bears quarterbacks 2004-2006, including the Superbowl. Wilson died February 1, 2019.

Glen Wood (age 93) - Glen and bother Leonard founded the Wood Brothers Racing team, a mainstay in NASCAR circles, in 1953. He won four races during his driving career and, in 1986, was named one of NASCAR's greatest drivers of all time. In 2012, he as inducted into the NASCAR Hall of Fame. Wood passed away on January 18, 2019.

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Bob Zeman (age 87) - Zeman played defensive back for the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers and the Denver Broncos in the early 1960s, appearing in the AFL All-Star game in 1962. After retiting die to a knee injury, Zeman coached defensive backs and linebackers for four different teams, including Super Bowl wins with the Raiders and 49ers. Zeman's death was announced May 8, 2019.

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