Death Notices (OT)

[bkeich]

Funny, I was about to say what a great player he was Ian’s how he might have been the WORST analyst I ever heard. He was (in)famous for extreme statements of how great mediocre players were.

RIP.

[MichaelJackSchmidt]

RIP Bill Walton. I loved watching him play when it wasn't against the Sixers. As an analyst, he talked too much, IMO. I couldn't stand listening to him.

[rkeden]

He definitely went for the entertainment perspective. Like Barkley. He never took himself too seriously but I did like his perspective. He, Barkley and Shaq could have played the Catskills. SNL missed the boat on that pairing.

[zambonir]

Yeah Emanuel Acho tweeted the other day that there are really three broadcast roles: Host (or PBP guy), Analyst and Opinionist. The last roles involves cult of personality as much as "takes." Walton was just an odd one, if you loved his personality you tolerated it but if you didn't (or he was calling a big game with your team) not so much. He was best suited for regular season college hoops I think. His true love and more room to ramble. He he called the Blazers he would have been like Kruk.

[schillingfan]

I always felt a kinship with Bill Walton because we both got arrested on the same day protesting the Vietnam war in 1972, he qt UCA and me at Oregon State. Of course then he played for the Portland Trailblazere.

[bkox]

Former 76ers player Drew Gordon, older brother of Nuggets starter Aaron Gordon,...

[bkeich]

Obviously not a Cowboys fan, but 52 is shockingly young. RIP, you were a serious problem for every team that played against him. Not often that a guard is this good.

Cowboys Hall of Famer Allen dies suddenly at 52

[xogfog]

Former 76er Chet "The Jet" Walker

Basketball HOF forward Walker dies at age of 84

:

[Earl_U]

NBA great Jerry West

NBA all-time great Jerry West dies at age 86

[BostonRoss]

Just announced on the Phillies telecast that Willie Mays passed away

[zambonir]

"arguably one of the greatest centerfielders of all-time," says Tom McCarthy.

[bkeich]

Legendary outfielder Willie Mays dies at age 93

Somewhere on the list of greatest players ever.

[zambonir]

Arguably

[BostonRoss]

The only reason he had "only" 12 Gold Gloves is because they didn't start awarding them until his sixth season. He still has as many as any other outfielder (tied with Clemente, who is arguably one of the best RF).

[MichaelJackSchmidt]

I'll always remember when I went to a baseball memorabilia show and stood in line for Willie to autograph my two baseballs. A guy in front of me said to him, "Sign it, Willie Mays 660.". Willie responded, "That's my number, my accomplishment, not yours. I'm not doing that." I brought my mother (who passed away in 2007) with me, and she stood before me, and he smiled when she approached him. She asked him if he'd kindly add his home run total to the ball. He smiled at her again, and he did. I still have the ball. 'Willie Mays 660".

[BostonRoss]

When I was 9, I got my dad to promise to take me to a game against the Giants so that I could see Willie Mays play. We went to a night game at Connie Mack Stadium. Willie was past his prime, but I got to see him! Thanks, Dad!

[xogfog]

I think Willie Mays was the best all around baseball player ever. I think Mantle would have shared that title if not for the injuries. What Mays did at 5'10", 170lbs is astounding.

[zambonir]

Well, that's what I found so funny about "arguably," "one of" and "centerfielders."

[Philsmania]

One of the best ever. A worthy debate whether Mays or Ruth was the best of all time.

[flyers19rw]

When I was six I started going to the ball games with an Uncle of mine at Connie Mack Stadium. We'd go to see the NY Giants which was his favorite team. He always wanted to go early enough to watch the Giants take field practice before the game. Mays would come in and play SS chasing Alvin Dark off of the position. He played SS with amazing speed and skill. It was like watching a water bug skim around on a pond. I asked my Uncle why didn't Mays play SS during the game. He told me that Durocher had said that he wouldn't risk Mays playing there. Some red neck would try to hurt him with a dirty play around the second base bag. So Willie was in CF where he was safe.
Mays was simply the best baseball payer that I ever saw.