Sports obituaries

[sox83cubs84]

Mike Stratton, an offensive end from 1959-61 who went on to a great career in the NFL as a linebacker, died on 3/25 at age 78. Cause of death was heart complications after a fall.

Stratton played 12 seasons in the AFL and AFC, with all but the last wearing the uniform of the Buffalo Bills. In his final year (1973) he was with the Chargers.

In his pro career, Stratton won 2 AFL titles and played in 6 AFL All-Star Games.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Pat "Whitey" Stapleton, a longtime fixture on defense, died 4/8 at age 79 due to a stroke.

Stapleton was a main cog in Coach Billy Reay's Blackhawks defense for 8 seasons. He left the Blackhawks to spend 2 season playing for the WHA Chicago Cougars (actually a player-coach in one of them.) After the Cougars folded, he stayed in the WHA, joining the Indianapolis Racers forr 2 seasons before finishing up with the Cincinnati Stingers in 1977-78.

Before he joined Chicago's NHL team, Stapleton got his first taste of the NHL, playing for the Bruins for 2 seasons. Spending some time in 1962-63 in the minors, as well, Stapleton spent the next 2 full seasons down on the farm. In 1965, he was dealt to Toronto, but went to Chicago the next day. After 14 games with the minor league squad in St. Louis (the Blues didn't exist in the NHL yet), he was promoted to Chicago, and never looked back.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Rich Hacker, a SS for 18 games with the 1971 Expos, died on 4/22 at age 72.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Matt Keough, a RHP from 1977-86 (except for '84) with Oakland and 4 other MLB teams, died on 5/1 at age 64.

One of the Five Aces on Oakland in the early 1980s who had their arms pretty much ruined due to manager Billy Martin overworking them, Keough posted a 16-13 record with a 2.92 ERA and 20 CG in 1980. He was dealt to the Yankees in 1983, then finished his MLB career with the Cardinals (1985) and finally the Cubs and Astros in 1986.

Dave Miedema

[KGoldin]

Dave are you OK?
not like you to go a week without a sports Obit unless you are not well

[sox83cubs84]

Dave are you OK?
not like you to go a week without a sports Obit unless you are not well

I haven't been for the last 9 days, although I'm now getting somewhat back to normal. I had an illness which completely sapped me of strength and stamina, as well as other issues, Most of the other problems (fever, loss of appetite) have subsided, but I'm still well under full physical strength. This is still a big improvement from a week ago, where my wife had to help me get out bed to go the loo and I was unable to sit up in a chair for more than 10 minutes. All that is now in the rear view mirror.

I appreciate the concern, Ken, and thanks for the contact.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Arnie Umbach, who pitched briefly for both the Milwaukee and Atlanta Braves, died on 5/30. He was 77.

Umbach pitched in onlyy 1 gamee in 1964 for Milwaukee. He started it, and he won it. In 1966, he threw in 22 games for Atlanta, mostly out of the bullpen, but was let go in midseason.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Roosevelt Taylor, a DB who played for 12 seasons in the NFL, died on 5/29 at age 82.

Taylor spent most of his NFL career as a member of the Chicago Bears, beginning in 1961 and running through mid-1969, when he was dealt to the 49ers. He stayed there through the end of the 1971 season, after which he closed out his career with the Redskins in '72.

Taylor played in 2 Pro Bowls, was named to the All-Pro team once, and was a starter on the NFL Champion Bears in 1963. He was also very dependable to be on the field patrolling his area, as in those 12 seasons, he only missed 2 games.

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Since my surgery and recovery kept me away me from GUU for several weeks: I'm planning to list some MLB obituaries here. Since there are several, my mentions of each will be limited to player name, years played in the Majors, age and date of death. No photos at the moment. although I may post some in the near future.

Bob Sebra, 1985-90, 58, 7/22
Tony Taylor, 1958-76, 84, 7/16
Bill Gilbreth, 1971-72 and 1974, 72, 7/12
Frank Bolling, 1954-66 (military service in 1955), 88, 7/11
Mike Ryan, 1964-74, 78, 7/10
Tyson Brummett, 2012 (Phillies, 1 game), 35, 7/3

Dave Miedema

[sox83cubs84]

Biff Pocoroba, a back-urap catcher whose entire MLB career was spent with the Atlanta Braves, died on 5/24 at age 66.

Pocoroba's 10-year stint in The Show began in April 1975, and ended in April 1984. Only in one season (1977) did he appear in over 100 games.

Dave Miedema