This year the world of sports experienced the loss of several notable athletes. Individuals who appeared larger than life during their hay-day and have now transitioned on. Here now are just a few that we would like to memorialize.
Willie McCovey, a Hall of Fame player for the San Francisco Giants. McCovey played both first base and was an outfielder for the team. He finished his career with 521 home-runs and an overall batting average of .270. He was 80 years old.
Alex Spanos, owner of the San Diego Chargers. Spanos made his fortune in real estate and construction in the Stockton California area. In 1984 he realized his dream to become an NFL owner. He was 95 years old.
Stan Mikita, one of the greatest Chicago Blackhawks in franchise history. Mikita was one of the innovators of the curved hockey stick after he accidentally bent his stick in a bench door. He was voted one of the top 100 National Hockey League players of all time. He was 78 Years old.
Ray Emery, was an NHL goaltender for several teams, including the Chicago Blackhawks. A fierce competitor, he drowned while swimming in Lake Ontario. He was 35 years old.
Dwight Clark, the San Francisco 49ers wide receiver was best known for “The Catch” in the 1981 NFC Championship game. With the clock running down, 49ers quarterback, Joe Montana, threw a high pass in the end zone. Just as it appeared to be out of reach, Clark came out of nowhere, leapt, and caught the ball for the win. He was 61 years old.
Hal Greer, was a Philadelphia 76ers player who starred at the guard position. Greer was a 10-time all-star, NBA champion, and member of the Hall Of Fame. In 1996 he was named one of the 50 Greatest Players in NBA History. He was 81 years old.
Oscar Gamble, played 17 years in the Majors, including seven with the New York Yankees. A player that was well liked by his teammates, Gamble was known for the best afro in major league baseball. He finished his career with a batting average of .265 and hit 200 home-runs. He was 68 years old.
Jojo White, was an NBA Hall of Fame point guard and most notably 10 years with the Boston Celtics. White was a seven-time NBA All Star and was the Most Valuable Player of the 1976 NBA Finals. JoJo White continued on in the Celtic front office at the time of his death. He was 71.
The Traveler Weekly 