Ten notable sports deaths in 2010
A memorial wreath placed by the Yankees at the plaque of former public address announcer Bob Sheppard in Monument Park at Yankee Stadium. Credit: Christopher Pasatieri
George Steinbrenner and Bob Sheppard, Yankees fixtures who died within two days of each other in July, were among a number of prominent New York-area sports figures to pass away in 2010.
1. George Steinbrenner, 80
No non-player has commanded the New York sports spotlight the way the Boss did, breathing life into a Yankees brand that had faded by the time he took over in 1973. Steinbrenner did not always win over his nearly four decades, but he always kept things interesting, and always kept everybody on their toes.
2. Bobby Thomson, 86
After growing up on Staten Island, Thomson secured his place in baseball history by leading Manhattan's team over Brooklyn's. His three-run homer lifted the Giants over the Dodgers for the 1951 NL pennant, an event that defined his public life and began an unusual friendship with Ralph Branca, who threw the pitch.
From 1951 until 2007, Sheppard's clear, distinctive delivery - dubbed "The Voice of God'' by Reggie Jackson - was a central part of the Yankee Stadium experience. He also served as PA announcer for the Giants and his alma mater, St. John's. Derek Jeter still is introduced by Sheppard's recorded voice.
Most fans are more familiar with McGuire's flamboyant brother, Al, the late Marquette coach and TV analyst. But the quiet Dick was a Hall of Fame guard who flourished in the 1950s, mostly as a Knick, the team he later coached. He continued to work for them as a consultant until his death.
5. Ralph Houk, 90
Although nicknamed "The Major" because of his World War II service, Houk was not an overbearing figure as a manager. His teams seemed to like playing for him, and his Yankees gave him World Series titles in 1961 and '62. He later was the first manager of the Steinbrenner era. That didn't last long.
6. Gil McDougald, 82
Winning the AL Rookie of the Year Award in 1951 began a 10-year career in which the Yankees infielder won five World Series and was a five-time All-Star. Later, he coached a Fordham. In 1957, McDougald famously hit a line drive that struck star Indians pitcher Herb Score in the right eye, ending his season.
7. Joe Gardi, 71
A former long-time Jets assistant, Gardi took over as Hofstra's coach in 1990, led its transition from Division III to I-AA and went 119-62-2 in 16 seasons, reaching the playoffs six times. Among his players were former Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet and current Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris.
8. Howie Vogts, 80
Vogts led the football program at Bethpage High School from its inception through 56 seasons. His 364 victories are the most in New York State history - he initially set the record 10 years ago - and he won three Rutgers Cups and five Long Island titles. Bethpage's field was named after Vogts. In 1989.
9. Clyde King, 86
King spent 60 years in baseball, seven as a major league pitcher. But he was best known for his close relationship with George Steinbrenner and his variety of roles for the Yankees, including general manager, pitching coach, scout and (briefly) manager in 1982. He and Steinbrenner were close until the end.
10. Arthur Mercante, Sr. 90
As third man in the ring for many classic bouts, including Muhammad Ali vs. Joe Frazier at the Garden in 1971, Mercante was the most prominent boxing referee of the late 20th Century. Born in Brockton, Mass., where he was a childhood friend of Rocky Marciano, he eventually settled in Westbury.
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