R.I.P. Josh Hancock 1978-2007

Cardinals reliever Josh Hancock was killed in a car crash early Sunday. Another tragedy strikes the Cardinals.

R.I.P. James Brown 1933-2006

Holy shit.

The holidays have been hectic around here (more on that later), so I’ve been off the grid the past couple of days.

I just found out from JP that James Brown has died.

The Godfather of Soul truly was a musical genius, and like all artistic geniuses, he also had his flaws. But that man could make music. If James Brown can’t make you get up and shake your ass on the dance floor, you must be dead.

Not only was he the Godfather of Soul, he also could be considered a Godfather of Hip-Hop. During hip-hop’s creative explosion in the mid- to late 1980s, he was one of the most-sampled artists, with the Clyde Stubblefield drum break from “Funky Drummer” probably being the most-sampled bit of music of all. Off the top of my head, I know that Public Enemy and Ultramagnetic MCs sampled “Funky Drummer” for “Fight the Power” and “Give the Drummer Some,” respectively.

The world of music has lost a true heavyweight.

Crikey!

Steve Irwin, the Crocodile Hunter, is dead:

The Queensland Ambulance Service have confirmed Austraila’s ambassador for our wildlife has died suddenly from injuries sustained earlier today from a stingray barb to the heart.

With all due respect to Mr. Irwin, taking a stingray barb to the heart is a pretty badass way to go out.

R.I.P. Syd Barrett 1946-2006

Shine on, you crazy diamond.

In memoriam: Darryl Kile 1968-2002

Man. What a rough week that was four years ago.

About a month ago, a woman named Allison Wollam shared her memories of D.K. with CardNilly. It’s a wonderful story; I’m sure there are a million others just like it. Darryl Kile seemed to be an extraordinary human being, one who touched a lot of people’s lives for the better. We should all strive to be remembered that fondly.

My personal tribute to D.K. is my softball hat. My six-year-old, filthy, dusty, sweat-stained Cardinals hat I play softball in. It never fails that at least once every season, a guy on a team we’re playing compliments my hat.

(logo courtesy Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Page) 

In memoriam: Jack Buck 1924-2002

“Smith corks one into right down the line! It may go! … Go crazy, folks, Go crazy! It’s a home run! And the Cardinals have won the game … by the score of 3 to 2 … on a home run … by the Wizard! Go crazy!”

I get chills merely reading that quote.

Other, more competent bloggers will pay tribute to Mr. Buck far better than I could possibly dream of. I’m just doing my part here to remember a man with whom I grew up.

I was 27 years old when Mr. Buck died. When I got to work that afternoon, the office was busy… but quiet. That’s what I remember from that day, the stillness. People went quietly about their work, as if stopping would cause them to really think about what was lost.

A few days later, a colleague was pictured on the front page of The Post weeping at Mr. Buck’s memorial service at The Stadium.

The last memory I have of Mr. Buck is of Sept. 17, 2001, the first night that baseball resumed after 9/11. I was in awe, not only from his words, but by the sheer force of his will and determination to be out there doing what he could to help heal a nation.

John Francis Buck, Cardinal Nation misses you and will never forget you.

(logo courtesy Chris Creamer’s Sports Logos Page)

R.I.P. Eric Gregg 1951-2006

Former National League umpire Eric Gregg, known for his super-sized strike zone and personality, has died.

Gregg was the third African-American umpire in the major leagues and was on the field for several notable games, including Tom Browning’s perfect game.

Unfortunately, he was also on board with Richie Phillip’s ill-fated umpires’ revolt in 1999. MLB called Phillips’ bluff and chose to accept the resignations and pay severance up front. Gregg and 21 others were casualties of this bluff.

R.I.P. Craig Heyward 1966-2006

“But Ironhead, aren’t body washes for ladies?”

R.I.P. Kirby Puckett 1961-2006

Another one gone too soon…