Sports obituaries

[sox83cubs84]

Rod Gilbert, a RW for the New York Rangers for his entire NHL career, died on 8/22 at age 80.

Born in Montreal, Gilbert appeared in one game for the Rangers in both 1960-61 and 61-62 before he became a Rangers legend beginning in the 1962-63 season when he led the NHL in games played (70), a feat he duplicated during the 1964-65 campaign.

Playing through the 1977-78 season, he scored 406 career goals, was selected to 2 All-Star teams, won the Masterton Trophy in the 1975-76 season, and was inducted to the HOF in 1982.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Keith McCants, a DE for 6 seasons in the 1990s NFL, died on 9/2 at age 53.

The 4th pick in the 1990 NFL Draft, the Alabama star was the 1st round selection of Tampa Bay, and played in all but one regular season game for the Bucs from 1990-92, starting in 31 of 32 games from the 1991 and '92 seasons.

He spent 1993 and part of 1994 with the Oilers, before departing for Arizona, where he finished the '94 season before appearing in all 16 Cardinals games in 1995 before retiring.

Dave

[sox83cubs84]

Lou Angotti, a diminutive C/RW who put in 10 solid seasons in the NHL and 1 in the WHA, died on 9/16 at age 83.

Though best remembered as a Blackhawk, the 5-9, 170-pound journeyman began his NHL career in 1964-65 with the Rangers, leading the league in games played (70). During the '65-'66 season, he was dealt to the Blackhawks, finishing the campaign there and sticking around for the 1966-67 action, as well.

He played for Second Six teams (Flyers and Penguins) the next two seasons before returning to Chicago, where he committed to the Indian from 1969-70 through 1972-73. He spent the next season with the Blues, then ended his playing career appearing in 26 games for the WHA Chicago Cougars in 1974-75.

Dave Miedema

[AKSaint]

Richard Kenneth Davis (July 27, 1942 - November 7, 2019) was a linebacker in the National Football League. In 1964, he was drafted by both the San Diego Chargers of the upstart AFL and the Baltimore Colts of the NFL and chose to play for the Colts. Ted wore the Blue and White until 1966 when he swapped for the Black and Gold of inaugural New Orleans Saints team, playing under Tom Fears from 1967 to 1969. He finished his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins in 1970.

Ted played for collage football for Georgia Tech and was inducted into the Georgia Tech Hall of Fame in 1980. He worked as a Football Umpire in the SEC from 1984 until at least 1989. After leaving football, Ted became a veterinarian in Knoxville, TN and owned his own clinic until retiring in 2010.


1968 Ted Davis
New Orleans Saints

[sox83cubs84]

Fred Stanfield, a 14-year NHL veteran who played on 2 Stanley Cup-winning Bruins squads, died on 9/13 at age 77.

Able to play both wings and the center position, Stanfield made it to the NHL in 1964-65, playing his first 3 seasons with the Blackhawks, before the big trade which sent Stanfield, Phil Esposito and others eastward to Boston, where Stanfield was a key contributor to the Bruins for 6 seasons.

When the 1973-74 campaign began, Stanfield was part of the Minnesota North Stars roster, playing with them through 40 games of the '74-'75 schedule before being dealt to the Sabres, for whom he played until retiring after the 1977-78 season.

He led the NHL in games played with 80 in 1975-76 and, while not shattering any goal scoring records during his career, he scored 20 or more goals in all 6 seasons he played with Boston, and a seventh time after he left.

Dave M.

[sox83cubs84]

Sam "Bam" Cunningham, a RB who played all 9 of his NFL seasons with the Patriots, died on 8/15 at age 71.

Bam's NFL career began when the Patriots made him their 1st round draft pick (out of USC) in the 1973 NFL draft. He played from 1973-82 with New England, sitting out 1980 due to a contract dispute.

Despite that, Bam finished his career as the all-time leading Patriots rusher, running for 5.453 yards and 43 TDs. He owned the longest run from scrimmage in the NFL in 1974 (75 yards) and played in 1 Pro Bowl.

Dave M.

[sox83cubs84]

Frank Russell, a shooting guard who came off the bench in 23 games for the 1972-73 Bulls, died on 9/6 at age 72.

A 3rd round pick by the Bulls in 1972, Frank is part of a large hoops family. His brothers are Campy and Walker Russell.

Dave Miedema





Russell is in front row, #34