Sports obituaries

[sox83cubs84]

Ralph Backstrom, a center who played for 6 Stanley Cup Champion teams while a member of the Montreal Canadiens, died on 2/7 at age 83. Cause of death has not been announced.

Ralph first played for Montreal during the 1956-57 season, and became a regular as of the 1958-59 NHL campaign. He continued with Montreal through the midst of the 1970-71 season, when he was dealt to the Kings. He was part of the Los Angeles until late in1972-73, when he was dealt to the Blackhawks and played there for 16 games.

In 1973-74, he still played with Chicago...but for the WHA Cougars, where he also played in 1974-75. The 1975-76 season found him with the WHA Denver Spurs, and was sent to the New England Whalers (also WHA) in mid-season, ending his pro career there the following season.

He led or was tied for the league lead in games played 4 times (3 NHL, 1 WHA).

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

John Roach, a QB/DB who played for 3 different NFL teams over 7 seasons, died 2/18 at age 87.

Drafted by the Chicago Cardinals in the 3rd round of the 1956 NFL Draft, he played for the team that season. After a 2-year absence, he returned to the Cardinals in 1959, and relocated to St. Louis when the Cards moved in 1960.

Roach then spent the next 3 seasons with the Packers, the first two found his Packers winning the NFL Championship. His final year (1964) was spent with Dallas.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Irv Cross, a CB who played for the Eagles (1961-65 and 1969) and the Rams (1966-68) died on 2/28 at age 81.

Cross was a member of 2 Pro Bowl teams and wore #27 his entire NFL career.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Coot Veal, a reserve SS for 6 years in the Majors, died on 3/14 at age 88.

His career, which ran from 1958-63, was spent primarily with the Tigers, although he played for the expansion Senators in 1961, and in 1 game for the Pirates in 1962.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Jack Smith, a RHP who spent parts of 3 season as a reliever in the NL, died on 4/7 at age 85

Smith had roster expansion callups with the Dodgers in 1962 and '63 before pitching for a half-season in 1964 with the Braves, where he went 2-2.

Dave Miedema