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Athletes who left us far too soon
galaxy27
Posts: 7,135 ✭✭✭✭✭
Joe Delaney is the first person who popped into my head when i decided to create this thread. a truncated career (2 seasons) that showed glimpses (AFC ROY & Pro Bowl in 1981), but it's how he died that left an indelible mark. he could not swim, yet he risked his life to save 3 children who were floundering & screaming in a water hole at a park. he perished along with two of the children. the ultimate sacrifice.
he was 24
5
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Roberto Clemente. Just gets his 3000th hit. goes to help storm victims (if I remember correctly) in his native land when his plane crashes.
I did not know that story about Joe Delaney. That is the definition of a true hero.
Galaxy- get out of my head!
When I saw the title of the thread Delaney was my first thought, probably because
being a lifetime Chiefs fan I remember him well. It was fun watching him play if only
for a short period of time. A true hero.
In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
Ken Hubbs, was rookie of the year for the Cubs in 1962.
Also won a gold glove. Died in a plane crash when he was just 22.
In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
Thurman Munson comes to mind. lymon bostock as well.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Bostock was a .311 career hitter in his short time in the majors before
being shot and killed while a passenger in a car.
In the course of every human endeavor since the dawn of time the risk of human error has always been a factor. Including but not limited to field goals, 4th down attempts, or multiple paragraph ramblings on a sports forum authored by someone who shall remain anonymous.
Len Bias
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Korey Stringer is the first that comes to my mind.
Reggie Lewis was in the prime of his career when he suffered sudden cardiac death
he was 27
Hank Gathers.
Ernie Davis. Heisman Trophy winner at Syracuse, drafted #1 overall in the 1962 NFL draft, never played a down of pro ball before dying of leukemia in mid-1963.
Mack Lee Hill
Lou Gehrig
What would his numbers be if he hadn't contracted ALS?
Steve
He was flying relief supplies to Nicaragua after a devastating earthquake.
Steve
Pistol Pete
Ken Hubbs is my 1st thought as well...
Ben Wilson - possibly the top high school player in 1984.
Arthur Ashe - Aids
Walter Payton - Rare liver disease
Terry Bradshaw was AMAZING!!
Ignore list -Basebal21
Pat Tillman , Brian Piccolo
Magic was forced to retire due to HIV.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
He didn't die, but Bo Jackson
Yes, Delaney made the ultimate sacrifice. What an incredible human being.
Still with us . . . but his career ended too soon
Normand Léveillé
He played two seasons in the National Hockey League for the Boston Bruins, before his career was cut short at age 19 by a brain aneurysm suffered during a game, which left him unable to walk.
Oscar Taveras, a prized prospect for the Cards, was killed in a fatal car crash at the age of 22
OK, Showing my Oklahoma roots, but David Overstreet was a first rounder with LEGIT 4,4 speed, He died in a car wreck way too earliy. Although, I agree with the start of this thread about Joe Delaney. Courage isn't about overcoming fear, it is taking action when afraid. He definitely did so.
He didnt die but, Barry Sanders.
Terry Bradshaw was AMAZING!!
Ignore list -Basebal21
Sean Taylor. An absolutely amazing player, could have had an all time great career.
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Reggie White. Football player.
I love how this thread makes me reminisce about the past.
Derek Thomas was definitely taken too soon. what a terrific pass rusher he was. I believe he recorded 7 sacks in one game.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
If memory serves, Rocky Colovito retired very young because of anxiety.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
I still remember when Stirling Sharpe was taken off the field for the final time with the spinal injury. he could have been great.
George Brett, Roger Clemens and Tommy Brady.
Darryl Kile died from a heart attack at the age of 33
Steve Olin (27 yrs old), Tim Crews (31), and Jose Fernandez (24) were killed in boating accidents.
btw i found this fellas
a former Monroe, LA police department rescue diver describing his attempt to save Joe Delaney
and beneath the vid clip is an article about the relationship this man has with Delaney's family to this very day
good stuff
https://www.kansascity.com/sports/nfl/kansas-city-chiefs/article214143174.html/video-embed
https://www.ktbs.com/sports/bond-continues-between-joe-delaneys-family-diver-who-attempted-to-save-his-life/article_e1b8f18c-d06b-11ea-9c5e-e7ea10e10149.html
Harry Agganis, the Golden Greek of Lynn Massachusetts
Gone at 26.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Agganis
Pelle Lindbergh. Flyers goalie.
email bcmiller7@comcast.net
Kirby Pucket. Had to retire at age 36; woke up in spring training without vision in one eye and later diagnosed with glaucoma and died 10 years later due to stroke. Per Wikipedia: "Puckett died at the second-youngest age (behind Lou Gehrig) of any Hall of Famer inducted while living, and the youngest to die after being inducted in the modern era of the five-season waiting period"
Yordano Ventura
Jerome Brown
Drazen Petrovic
Don Wilson
Brian Piccolo