Gene Hackman & wife Betsy Arakawa dead - RIP

Another sad loss in the world of films but as this is something of a shock even given his age you normally don't see someone known like an actor and his or her life partner die also in a non accident along with the house pet. So finding out that both Gene Hackman and wife Betsy Arakawa & dog are dead are deemed 'suspicious' by investigators? Well no duh!? Front door open, pills scattered, no obvious indication of gas leak, police say as the bodies of the two-time Oscar winner and his classical pianist wife were found on Feb. 26.

The deaths of actor Gene Hackman and his wife of over 30 years, Betsy Arakawa, are “suspicious,” according to investigators, but there are no obvious signs of foul play? So they both die and not just the bodies of the couple but as well as their dog? (no witness left behind even the dog!? Holy shit!) Wait what? The couple and the Dog were discovered in their Hyde Park, N.M., home on Wednesday at approximately 1:45 p.m., the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Yahoo Entertainment. 

While “foul play is not currently suspected as a factor,” the public information officer said early Thursday morning, a search warrant affidavit from a detective on the case detailed the “suspicious” findings at the scene. At a press conference later on Thursday, Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said that while there are no obvious signs of foul play, they’re not ruling it out, according to KOB4 Eyewitness News Albuquerque.

The warrant, obtained by media outlets including ABC News, stated that the deaths of Hackman, 95, and Arakawa, 63, were “suspicious enough in nature to require a thorough search and investigation.” Gene Hackman was supposed to be on the list of the first witness to the Epstein names and ill get more on that in a minute but if this was the case this would lead anyone to think this might be a hit job to keep people from talking. 

Now again let's look at the optics here. The front door of the couple’s home was “unsecured and opened,” according to the warrant. There were two healthy dogs found on the property, one “running loose” outside and another inside by Arakawa’s body, which was located in a bathroom. The deceased dog was in a closet of the bathroom approximately 10 to 15 feet from Arakawa, a classical pianist. 

Nothing makes sense here at all!!!

As several social media users baseless linking of the Oscar-winning actor's death to the release of the infamous Jeffrey Epstein files, far-right commentator Alex Jones busted the theory. The 95-year-old 'Superman' star and his pianist wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead at their New Mexico home along with their dog, the Santa Fe County Sheriff's office confirmed early on Thursday. While officials did not confirm their cause of death, a detective reportedly called their passing as 'suspicious'. 

According to TMZ, the detective wrote in an affidavit that he believed the deaths needed to be thoroughly investigated. The media outlet added that the couple's front door was open and unsecured, and a pill bottle was found near Arakawa’s body.

“As of now, there are no signs or evidence indicating there were any problems associated to the pipes in and around the residence,” the gas company said. But yes again there was an open prescription bottle and “pills scattered” on a counter top near Arakawa, who was found positioned on her side. Near her head, there was also a space heater, which the deputy suspected could have fallen when she did. The body of Hackman, who starred in The French Connection, Superman and Unforgiven, was located in a separate room of the residence, the mud room, the warrant noted. 

It appeared to authorities that he fell suddenly. A pair of sunglasses were at his side. Hackman’s daughter, Elizabeth Jean Hackman, told TMZ that the family suspected carbon monoxide poisoning. However the warrant noted there were “no obvious signs of a gas leak,” and that the front door was open and could have vented out possible fumes.

The warrant said the Santa Fe Fire Department found no signs of a possible carbon monoxide leak nor did the New Mexico Gas Company. A maintenance worker reportedly called authorities after responding to the home and finding the door open, according to the warrant. There was no sign of forced entry nor were their belongings rummaged through. The two maintenance workers authorities spoke with hadn’t heard from Hackman and Arakawa in about two weeks. The bodies of Hackman and Arakawa, who married in 1991, “showed obvious signs of death” the warrant said. 

Her body showed signs of decomposition, including mummification of her hands and feet. Mendoza told the New York Times that there were no signs of trauma to the bodies. There was no note found. The Office of the Medical Investigator will conduct autopsies to determine the causes of death. 

The public information officer told Yahoo that a press release is expected later on Thursday with additional information.

Rest in Peace Michelle Trachtenberg

10/11/1985 - 02/26/2025

WOW This is shocking and sad... Over my life I've become a big fan of comedies and one of my all time favorites is one she was in called 'Euro Trip' which is a very underrated comedy and she is absolutely delightful in it. She is also well known as a child star of 'Harriet the Spy', 'Gossip Girl' and as "Dawn" in the 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer series' respectively. Michelle Trachtenberg has sadly passed away at the age of 39. So young, and a life so troubled as many who grow up in the world of Hollyweird often end up in bad shape once they get older. She was a real talent, and a gorgeous lady.

Don't know exactly what went wrong in her life as I didn't follow her but other than she's now another sad statistic on what happens to young people in the liberal driven world of Hollyweird, and has become yet another tale which I'm sure we will find out more, and more as to what lead to this tragic ending.

The New York Police Department responded to a 911 call around 8 a.m. in Manhattan Wednesday morning. "Upon arrival, officers observed a 39-year-old female unconscious and unresponsive," and emergency medical services subsequently pronounced her deceased, police told NPR in a statement. The woman was identified as Trachtenberg. "Criminality is not suspected. The Medical Examiner will determine the cause of death. The investigation remains ongoing." A former child actress whose earliest credits again as I said earlier included stints on soap opera and crime procedurals, Trachtenberg broke out at age 10 acting as the star of the 1996 movie Harriet the Spy. "Miss Trachtenberg, who makes her screen debut as Harriet, gives a performance that is as endearing as it is devoid of self-conscious cuteness," wrote New York Times critic Stephen Holden in his review. "Her Harriet is high-spirited and stubborn, but never unlikable."

Trachtenberg brought similar buoyant qualities to her role as Dawn Summers, younger sister to Sarah Michelle Gellar's Buffy in Buffy The Vampire Slayer. She joined the hit show in its fifth season, in 2000. In recent years, after cast members accused showrunner Joss Whedon of sexual impropriety and toxic bullying, she posted a statement on social media in support, saying that she had not been allowed to be in a room alone with him. (Whedon told New York Magazine that he had no idea about this rule.)

After Buffy ended in 2003, Trachtenberg worked steadily, with arcs on such television shows as Mercy and Weeds. In the peak Disney princess era, she starred in its 2005 film Ice Princess. But it was on Gossip Girl that Trachtenberg made the greatest impact on popular culture. She joined the CW show in 2008 as the devious Georgina Sparks. She was a fan favorite.

🕊️ Rest in Peace 🕊️ Voletta Wallace... Notorious BIG MOM...

The mother of Notorious BIG has passed away... RIP to one Ms Voletta Wallace (02/03/1953 - 02/21/2025) and like Tupac Mother Afeni Shakur now both these ladies are gone. They didn't get to live to see full justice in the death of their son but at least Ms Wallace was able to see the law catching up to Sean "Diddy" Combs. 

She can rest knowing that the law will finally put Diddler where he belongs for good.. ON DEATH ROW. And I don't mean the record label. But yeah looks bad for Diddy as he's been denied 50 Million for bail remember. But to be honest this news is still sad as Voletta like Afeni were strong women who had to live with the tragic passing of their kids over hate by demons in the music industry who were directly tied to street gangs which did the dirty work for these monsters in the record industry.

But again sadly now now they all gone but now in Heaven together so may The lord may keep them all in his glory. RIP

This was the official report...

🕊️ We suffered a tremendous loss today. Our mother, our matriarch, the woman who dedicated herself to uplifting her son, Christopher Wallace, and preserving his legacy has passed. It is with immense sadness that we share this news with you, and ask that you give our family the space and time needed to grieve this monumental loss. Thank you for your continued outpouring of love, prayers and condolences in this difficult time.

Please know that we will reach out in the coming days to share how we can all honor Ms. Wallace. 

Thank you for your extraordinary support and love.

15 Year old Harvey Willgoose RIP...

Our condolences to another victim by someone who should not be in England as many are saying from there ... This young kid was stabbed to death on his lunch hour at school Harvey Willgoose Sister Sophie said her heart had been "broken into a million pieces". A 15-year-old boy stabbed to death at school can you even imagine this happening on our schools folks? 

Harvey Willgoose died following an incident at All Saints Catholic High School in Sheffield England on Monday. A 15-year-old boy, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, remained in police custody, South Yorkshire Police said. In a post on Facebook, accompanied by two pictures of her brother, Sophie wrote: "I love you so much Harvey. "Hug your loved ones a little tighter tonight cos I wish I could." 

Harvey's mother Caroline shared posts with her 56,000 followers on TikTok to express her loss. In one, she wrote, "our Harvey, no words" with broken heart emojis and a montage of images of them together.

In another, she wrote: "My Harvey, life is never going be the same. Love you so much." Shocked parents and pupils continued to leave flowers and cards outside the closed school gates on this morning Tuesday 2/4/25 as the school shut its doors on Monday afternoon in the aftermath of the stabbing, which took place at about 12:17 GMT. Lines of parents gathered at the school, which instituted a lockdown procedure, to collect their children as police shut off a section of the road outside. 

Parent Katie said she waited for over two hours for her 13-year-old daughter Gracie. "It was the worst two and a half hours of my life," she said. "She couldn't use her phone, I couldn't get in touch with her personally, it was just going on what her teacher told me. "I was told she was safe and that she was calm but I wanted to speak to her and talk to her."

A 15-year-old boy who died after being stabbed at a school in Sheffield has been named locally as Harvey Willgoose.

Omar Killed Harvey Willgoose

RIP Harvey Willgoose 💔 pic.twitter.com/3kaUEPu7lC

— Sumit (@SumitHansd) February 4, 2025

Gracie said the school had also previously gone into lockdown on 29 January. A message sent to parents from the school said this was due to "threatening behaviour between a small number of students where threats were made of physical violence". When it happened on Monday, she said she had been on her way to get food with a friend when she heard shouting about a knife and "just ran". "I can't remember much else about what happened afterwards," she said. "At first it had shocked me. When I was with my teachers it felt OK and I felt more calmed down, and then I saw my mum." Gracie said while she was not close friends with Harvey, he seemed like "a proper nice boy". "Whenever you'd see him around school, he'd always have a smile on his face," she said. "He had such a bubbly personality."

Tributes left at the school gates described the teenager as someone who had been "the life of a party" and who had "brought joy and laughter to everyone who knew him". One card read: "Harvey my 'pal', gone too soon but won't be forgotten. Rest in Peace. 

Bailey and the RE department." Parent Luisa Meco said her daughter had known Harvey since nursery and that his death shocked everyone. "It's not something you imagine, that your children go to school and then something like this happens," she said. "We just don't understand how it happened, it's just really shocking, sad, heart-breaking." Ms Meco said she was told the school would reopen on Thursday but that her daughter's return was making her "nervous". "We just have to wait and see what happens and see how she's feeling because I'm going to go on how the children are feeling and not what the school say they want to do," she said.

Floral tributes have also been left outside Sheffield United's Bramall Lane ground in memory of Harvey. A spokesperson said the club was "saddened" to learn of his death and offered their condolences to family and friends. "We share the shock and distress of the community following this tragic incident and appreciate that discussions are under way with regards to tributes to remember Harvey," the spokesperson added.

RIP Bob Uecker passed away!

I'm heartbroken to announce that Brewers icon & Baseball Hall of Famer Bob Uecker passed away at the age of 90... I grew up a major fan of the movies MLB and would watch Brewers games just to hear him do it for real. He was so hilarious both in his film roles and in his real gig with MLB. A Little info on who he was starts with his full name which was Robert George Uecker and again yes he was an American actor, professional baseball catcher and sportscaster who served as the primary broadcaster for the Milwaukee Brewers of Major League Baseball for 54 seasons.

Uecker signed with his hometown Milwaukee Braves in 1956, spending several years in the minor leagues with various affiliate clubs before making his major league debut in 1962. As a backup catcher, he played for the Milwaukee Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, and Atlanta Braves from 1962 to 1967. He won a World Series with the Cardinals in 1964. After retiring, Uecker started a broadcasting career and served as a play-by-play announcer for Milwaukee Brewers radio broadcasts from 1971. 

Uecker became known for his self-deprecating wit and became a regular fixture on late night talk shows in the 1970's and 1980's, facetiously dubbed "Mr. Baseball" by TV talk show host Johnny Carson. He hosted several sports blooper shows and had an acting career that included his role as George Owens on the television program Mr. Belvedere and as play-by-play announcer Harry Doyle in the film Major League and its two sequels.

ecker was honored by the National Baseball Hall of Fame with its 2003 Ford C. Frick Award in recognition of his broadcasting career. Though he sometimes joked that he had been born on an oleo run to Illinois, Uecker was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin,[1] the son of August "Gus" Uecker, who immigrated from Switzerland in 1923, and Mary Schultz Uecker, originally from Michigan. He had two younger sisters, Carol Ann and Rosemary. He grew up watching the minor-league Milwaukee Brewers of the American Association at Borchert Field. 

Uecker enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1954, ultimately achieving the rank of corporal. He played baseball while at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Fort Belvoir in Virginia, where he was teammates with future fellow major leaguer Dick Groat.

Rest in Peace Bob Ueker, the legendary voice of the Major League!

RIP Legend pic.twitter.com/cB0h0Zf3Fw

— Lone Star American (@MadDog_TX) January 16, 2025

Uecker's sports expertise extended beyond baseball. He hosted two syndicated television shows, Bob Uecker's Wacky World of Sports and Bob Uecker's War of the Stars. The former has since become known as The Lighter Side of Sports (albeit with a different host, Mike Golic) and remains one of the longest-running syndicated sports programs in American television history. 

Uecker also appeared in a series of commercials for the Milwaukee Admirals of the American Hockey League in the mid-1990's, including one in which he re-designed the team's uniforms to feature a garish plaid reminiscent of the loud sports coats synonymous with Uecker in the 1970's and 1980's. In February 2006, the Admirals commemorated those commercials with a special event in which the players wore the plaid jerseys during a game. The jerseys were then auctioned off to benefit charity.

In March 1987, Uecker appeared at World Wrestling Federation's (WWF, now WWE) WrestleMania III in Pontiac, Michigan, as the ring announcer for the pay-per-view's main event of Hulk Hogan versus André the Giant. He returned in 1988 at WrestleMania IV as a ringside announcer, commentator during the opening Battle Royal and backstage interviewer. Known for his humor, particularly about his undistinguished playing career, Uecker actually became much better known after he retired from playing. 

He made some 100 guest appearances on Johnny Carson's Tonight Show. Most of his wisecracks poked fun at himself. He once joked that after he hit a grand slam off pitcher Ron Herbel, "When his manager came out to get him, he was bringing Herbel's suitcase." On another occasion, he quipped, "Sporting goods companies would pay me not to endorse their products."

Uecker hosted Saturday Night Live during its 10th season on October 13, 1984. The episode also featured musical performances by Peter Wolf. Uecker appeared in a series of Miller Lite commercials starting in the 1980's. In one commercial from that decade, Uecker was seen preparing to watch a baseball game when an usher informs him he is in the wrong seat. Uecker pompously remarks, "I must be in the front row", which became another of his catchphrases. The punch line was that Uecker's seat was actually in the nosebleed section. 

Since then, the farthest seats from the action in some arenas and stadiums have been jokingly called "Uecker seats". There is a section of $1 seating called the "Uecker seats" at American Family Field, which is an obstructed-view area in the upper grandstand above home plate where the stadium's roof pivot comes together (in reference to one of his Miller Lite commercials).

Another of Uecker's catchphrases from the aforementioned Miller Lite 'front row' commercial is, "He missed the tag!" which he yells with confidence from his seat in the top row of the upper deck of the stadium, far away from the action. Uecker authored two books, an autobiography titled Catcher in the Wry with Mickey Herskowitz, and Catch 222. 

Uecker played the character of father and sportswriter George Owens on the 1985–1990 sitcom Mr. Belvedere, appearing regularly. He made cameo appearances as himself in the films O.C. and Stiggs, and Fatal Instinct, and in episodes of the sitcoms Who's the Boss?, D.C. Follies, and Late Line. He was the voice of the "head of Bob Uecker" in the Futurama episode "A Leela of Her Own".

Uecker played Harry Doyle, the broadcaster for the Cleveland Indians (now Cleveland Guardians), in the Major League film trilogy. In the movies, Uecker's character is known for his witticisms and his tendency to become intoxicated from drinking during losing games, as well as downplaying poor play by the team for the radio audience: for example, in the first film he also coins another popular sports catchphrase "Juuust a bit outside", to downplay an extremely wild pitch from Ricky "Wild Thing" Vaughn (played by Charlie Sheen). 

Uecker received the role not because of his broadcasting history with the Brewers but because of his popular Miller Lite commercials. In 2021, Uecker made a guest appearance in the Disney+ series Monsters at Work where he voiced a parody of himself named "Bob Yucker". The National Sportscasters and Sportswriters Association named Uecker as Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year five times (1977, 1979, 1981, 1982, 1987), and inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 2011. Uecker was inducted into the National Radio Hall of Fame in 2001.

In 2003, he received the Ford C. Frick Award, bestowed annually by the Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster for "major contributions to baseball". His humorous and self-deprecating speech was a highlight of the ceremony. In 2005, Uecker's 50th year in professional baseball, the Milwaukee Brewers placed a number 50 in his honor in their "Ring of Honor", near the retired numbers of Robin Yount and Paul Molitor. 

Four years later, on May 12, 2009, Uecker's name was also added to the Brewers Wall of Honor inside American Family Field. Uecker was inducted into the Celebrity Wing of the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010, honored for his appearances at WrestleMania III and WrestleMania IV.

On August 31, 2012, the Brewers erected the Uecker Monument outside American Family Field alongside statues of Hank Aaron, Robin Yount and Bud Selig. Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers declared September 25, 2021, as Bob Uecker Day in honor of his 50th year broadcasting Brewers games. Uecker threw out the first pitch in the game against the New York Mets. 

But instead of throwing the ball to the catcher, he unveiled a pitching machine and used that. Before the game, left fielder Christian Yelich presented a gift on behalf of the players, a pair of custom Nike sneakers with "Air Uecker" and "Get Up, Get Up" on one foot and "One Of Us" and "Just a Bit Outside" (see reference in the section above) on the other.

Uecker and his first wife, Joyce (died 2015), had four children: Leeann (1957–2022), who died of ALS in March 2022; Steve (1959–2012), a cowboy, who died of complications of San Joaquin Valley fever; Sue Ann; and Bob Jr. Uecker and his second wife, Judy, were married in Louisiana in 1976 and divorced in 2001. At the time of the divorce, he lived in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin. On April 27, 2010, Uecker announced that he was going to miss 10–12 weeks of the 2010 baseball season because of heart surgery. 

His aortic valve and a portion of his aortic root were successfully replaced four days later, and he returned to broadcasting for the Brewers on July 23. On October 14, 2010, the Brewers announced Uecker would again undergo heart surgery, this time to repair a tear at the site of his valve replacement. Uecker was diagnosed with small-cell lung cancer in 2023. He died in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, on January 16, 2025, at the age of 90.

Rickey Henderson RIP!

Oh wow so this just broke, and it's breaking my soul! I grew up idolizing this man and watching him play while living in California. By far the worlds all time best lead off hitter, and stolen base icon! Not only was he this in Americas MLB but he's considered the greatest at what he did on any continent when it comes to baseball. This man will always be a major icon in the sport. Cannot believe this but. Rickey Nelson Henley Henderson , nicknamed "Man of Steal", played 25 seasons in Major League Baseball for nine teams from when he made his debut in 1979 until he hung up his cleats in 2003 he accumulating 111.1 WAR in his 25 MLB seasons. This including four separate tenures with his original team, the Oakland Athletics.

Rickey is also the all-time leader in runs scored. He was named the American League MVP in 1990 after leading the AL with a 1.016 OPS, 65 stolen bases and 119 runs scored. He also played for the Yankees, Padres, Mets, Mariners, Red Sox, Blue Jays, Angels and Dodgers. But to us all he will always be a member of the Oakland A's during the BASH BROTHERS ERA, and he was the man who did most damage batting 1st than anyone EVER! He is a major factor why they had so much fun in Oakland in the late 80s. Rickey Henderson's wife, Pamela, confirmed her husband's death in a statement.

"A legend on and off the field, Rickey was a devoted son, dad, friend, grandfather, brother, uncle, and a truly humble soul. Rickey lived his life with integrity, and his love for baseball was paramount. Now, Rickey is at peace with the Lord, cherishing the extraordinary moments and achievements he leaves behind," Said Pamela. "For multiple generations of baseball fans, Rickey Henderson was the gold standard of base stealing and leadoff hitting. Rickey was one of the most accomplished and beloved Athletics of all-time," MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred said in a statement. "He also made an impact with many other clubs during a quarter-century career like no other. Rickey epitomized speed, power and entertainment in setting the tone at the top of the lineup. When we considered new rules for the game in recent years, we had the era of Rickey Henderson in mind.

"Rickey earned universal respect, admiration and awe from sports fans. On behalf of Major League Baseball, I send my deepest condolences to Rickey’s family, his friends and former teammates, A’s fans and baseball fans everywhere." Henderson won two World Series, one with the A's in 1989 and another with Toronto four years later. Henderson became MLB's all-time stolen bases leader May 1, 1991, when he swiped third base in Oakland. He finished with 1,406 in his career, surpassing Lou Brock by nearly 500 bags. Henderson also retired with 2,295 runs scored, 50 more than Ty Cobb. His 3,055 hits are 27th all-time.

His 130 stolen bases in 1982 are the most in the live ball era. He and Vince Coleman are the only players since 1920 to have three seasons of at least 100 stolen bases. Henderson swiped 50-plus bags in 13 seasons, the most ever. The amount of awesome that was his career is unmatched by ANY lead off man in the sport, and will remain so forever I feel. What a true legend... 

Rest in PEACE!

Tony Todd has sadly passed away RIP

Well this really is sad news friends but ICONIC actor Tony Todd has sadly passed away at the age of 69. The actor in the horror franchise series “Candyman”, Tony Todd, died Friday evening. He was 69. The president of the agency Todd belonged to, Defining Artists, confirmed to NBC News of his passing. Tony who's acting awareness go beyond his work as "Candyman" he also was a major factor in his small roles in the "Final Destination" franchise. While not the main villian in that franchise his overall character was so spooky which always kept us wondering if he was "FATHER DEATH" while watching him everytime he came out.

But his acting background has a long list of fine work as he was an actor with amazing range while yes best known for his work in the horror movies.



He is forever remembered as Candyman, Sergeant Warren in Platoon, Ben in Night of the Living Dead (1990), Grange in The Crow (1994), Captain Darrow in The Rock, Johnny Valentine in Wishmaster, William Bludworth in Final Destination, and The Fallen in Transformer 2: Revenge of the Fallen. We will miss him dearly.

RIP Tony Todd 1970-2024

Cuban legend Luis Tiant passes at 83

WOW One of the biggest names ever to come from my country island Cuba and former Red Sox pitcher Cuban legend Luis Tiant passes away at 83. I remember as a kid my dad would talk about him A LOT as he was a major icon in Cuban baseball here in America and really did a lot to open the eyes of scouts, and people in MLB (Major League Baseball) in terms of scouting Latin America for talent.

With an amazing whirling, twisting delivery a style on his own in the history of the sport Luis Tiant turned his performances into theatrical magic. While in his prime in the 1970's, you didn’t need a radio or television to know that Tiant was pitching at Fenway Park. Throughout the packed houses he pitched in front of, cries of “Looie, Looie, Looie!” echoed around Kenmore Square and other parts of Boston’s Back Bay neighborhood. The lovably charismatic El Tiante as he came to be known throughout his memorable career was said that “Luis had the kind of unforgettable presence that made you feel like you were part of his world,” said Red Sox principal owner John Henry in a statement. “He was a pitcher with incredible talent, accomplishing so much with a style uniquely his own. But what truly set Luis apart was his zest for life, embracing every moment with an infectious spirit, even in the face of his many challenges. He channeled everything into his love for the game and the people around him. He was magnetic and had a smile that could light up Fenway Park. Luis was truly one of a kind and all of us at the Red Sox will miss him.”

But he left behind a legacy that won’t be forgotten by those who knew him, played with him or cheered for him. "At least people still remember me and remember what I did all those years,” Tiant said in a 2017 interview with MLB.com. “I know what I've had to do with my life, and I'm lucky. I'm lucky I played all those years. God gave me the opportunity to play. What more can you ask? You can't ask for more than that." His teammates never asked for more than what Tiant gave them. “Nobody was a tougher competitor or a better teammate. He meant too much to us, and to the fans. We all loved him,” wrote Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski in the foreword of Tiant’s autobiography, “Son of Havana,” which was published in 2019. In a 19-year Major League career, the Cuban native had a career record of 229-172 with a 3.30 ERA, pitching for Cleveland (1964-69), Minnesota (’70), Boston (’71-78), the Yankees (’79-80), Pittsburgh (’81) and the Angels (’82). When fellow Cuban Tony Oliva was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2022, he stood on the stage on a stifling hot Sunday in Cooperstown, N.Y., and noted that Tiant deserved to be there also.

Though Tiant never got the call from the Hall, the three-time All-Star led the American League in Baseball Reference WAR for pitchers in 1968 and was in the top 10 in seven other seasons. That '68 season was the Year of the Pitcher and Tiant played the part better than anyone not named Bob Gibson or Denny McLain, posting a 1.60 ERA in the first of his eventual four 20-win seasons. The 1975 World Series, in which the upstart Red Sox played a compelling seven-game set before ultimately falling to Cincinnati’s vaunted Big Red Machine, turned Tiant into a household name. But for the gritty righty, the son of a Negro Leagues star (Luis Tiant Sr.), it all started in Cuba, where he was born on Nov. 23, 1940. Tiant followed in his father’s footsteps, becoming an ace in his homeland during his youth. The problem was that Cuba didn’t have professional baseball once Fidel Castro took power in 1959. For three seasons from 1959 through ’61 Tiant pitched for the Mexico City Tigers, hoping he would be noticed by a pro scout. Tiant got his wish when Cleveland purchased his contract from Mexico City for $35,000 prior to the '62 season. Any remorse Tiant might have had for fleeing to the United States straight from Mexico City was eliminated by a letter his father had written him a couple of months earlier that was quoted in Tiant’s autobiography:

“Don’t come home. Castro is not going to allow any more professional sports here no baseball or boxing. If you do come home, I don’t think you’ll be able to get out again. They are not letting many people leave the island, especially young men of military age.” Years after his father, a lefty, had dominated in the Negro Leagues, Luis Jr. carved his own path in the United States, starting with parts of three seasons in the Minors. In 1964, Tiant got his break when Cleveland needed a starter for a July 19 game at Yankee Stadium against a team that was in the middle of a dynasty. All Tiant did in his debut was fire a four-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts while out dueling the legendary Whitey Ford. “I was not nervous, but had a little tension,” Tiant said in a 2009 documentary about his life, “Lost Son of Havana.” “You’re pitching against best team in baseball, you’re a rookie. That day was my day. They let me do what my father couldn’t do.” When Tiant started the ’68 All-Star Game, many Cubans including his father watched him on television as a Major Leaguer for the first time. By the time '69 came Tiant started to have arm problems and his ERA swelled to 3.71. In ’70, he started 6-0 for the Twins, but disaster soon struck. Tiant felt a popping sensation on a breaking ball during a start and learned that he had a broken scapula. Medical science not being what it would evolve into, doctors suggested to Tiant he would never pitch again.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of Luis Tiant.

Anyone who met him, on or off the mound, knew he was a true force. A fixture of Fenway and Fort Myers well beyond his playing days, El Tiante was family.

We send our love to his wife, Maria, their children, and grandchildren. pic.twitter.com/idhRVDc76P

— Red Sox (@RedSox) October 8, 2024

Cut by the Twins the day before camp broke in '71, Tiant was signed to the Braves’ Minor League system, but he was released after a month. The Red Sox signed him two days later, and it wound up being one of the best moves in club history. Still building his arm strength back up after the Red Sox recalled him from the Minors, Tiant went 1-7 with a 4.85 ERA in 21 appearances. There weren’t many expectations for Tiant entering '72, but that was the season he reinvented himself. Lacking the dazzling fastball he once had, Tiant recreated his delivery into one that nobody had ever seen before. Perhaps Joe Garagiola described it best to the NBC audience years later. “If you’re sitting in center field, you got to see his eyeballs. Look at that,” Garagiola said. There was a method to Tiant’s madness, which he explained in the documentary. “I knew I needed something different,” he said. “I had to do something so I could hide the ball better to keep me back more. It gave me more power. I changed my delivery completely.” For the Red Sox, Tiant turned into an utter force, winning 81 games in a four-season span (1973-76).

“Luis embodied everything we love about this game: resilience, passion, and an undeniable sense of belonging to something greater than himself,” said Red Sox chairman Tom Werner in a statement. “He was a cornerstone of the Red Sox pitching staff for years, with an unmatched grit and tenacity on the mound. His ability to rise in the most pressure-filled moments especially his complete-game performances cemented his place as a true legend." In '75, it all came together for Tiant, on and off the field. With relations between the United States and Cuba softening a little that year, United States Senator Edward Brooke from Massachusetts wrote a letter to Castro asking for Tiant’s parents to be permitted to fly from Cuba to Boston to see their son for the first time in 14 years. Senator George McGovern, who had already scheduled a trip to Cuba to discuss other business, hand-delivered the letter to Castro, who granted the request. In fact, Castro said that Tiant’s parents could remain in the United States for as long as they wished. Luis Sr. and Isabel Rovina Vega Tiant arrived in Boston in August 1975.  Luis Jr., by then a husband and a father, wept with joy when his parents walked off the plane. One of the most emotional moments took place on Aug. 26 of that '75 season, when the Red Sox invited the elder Tiant to throw out the ceremonial first pitch on a night his son was starting against the Angels. While Luis Sr. fired a strike, his son held his dad’s sport coat from just behind the mound and beamed with pride.

We send our deepest condolences to the family, friends and fans of three-time All-Star Luis Tiant, who has passed away at 83.

Luis started three games for the @RedSox in the ‘75 World Series, with two complete games and 25.0 innings pitched. He accompanied @MLB on the 2016… pic.twitter.com/GHkwzwJvQI

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) October 8, 2024

The real fun started in October. Tiant started Boston’s postseason run with a Game 1 American League Championship Series shutout against an Athletics team that had won the World Series the three previous years. Then came the Fall Classic, which Tiant opened by not only firing another shutout against the heavy-hitting Reds at Fenway, but he also jump-started his team’s six-run rally in the bottom of the seventh with a lead off single followed by some of the most humorous base running of all time. On a sacrifice bunt by Dwight Evans, the throw by Johnny Bench to second was low. The bulky Tiant, wearing his warm up jacket, basically rolled over second base as the ball traveled into the short outfield. Tiant had Boston coaches, players and fans gasping for air when he started toward third, but somehow stumbled back into second safely. On an RBI single by Yaz, Tiant originally missed home plate, but then tip-toed back before the Reds could throw it back in as the park lit up with a combination of joy and laughter.

Then came the pure guts of Game 4 in Cincinnati in which the Red Sox needed a win to tie up the Series. It took a whopping 155 pitches from Tiant, but he got the job done, leading Boston to a pulsating 5-4 victory. "In my time, that's what we did we finished games," Tiant said in 2017. "My father used to tell me, 'What you start, you finish.' That's how you learned and you grew up that way. Now, it's different. They are protected more. I guess you have to because there's a lot of money involved. A lot of guys want to keep pitching but they come out." Boston’s 4-3 loss in Game 7 was heartbreaking, especially on the heels of the euphoria created by Bernie Carbo and Carlton Fisk a day earlier. It is surely no coincidence that all three victories the Red Sox had in that Fall Classic were started by Tiant. In his post-playing days, it became clear which of his teams Tiant identified most with: He settled in the Boston area and eventually opened up a Cuban food stand on the street outside Fenway Park, where he would smoke cigars and converse with fans.

Tiant also became a fixture at Red Sox Spring Training and loved to pass those days riding around the complex in a golf cart while laughing with former teammate Jim Rice. “Luis had a style of pitching that was as memorable as it was effective, but to me, the rarer gift was his ability to lift you up with just a smile,” said Red Sox president & CEO Sam Kennedy in a statement. “When you were with him, you were reminded of what really matters. Whether you were a teammate, a fan, or just someone fortunate enough to share a conversation, Luis had a way of making you feel special, like you were a close friend. "His legacy on the mound is undeniable, but all of us today are mourning the man, the friend, the mentor who connected generations of fans and players. I am gutted by the news of his passing and will miss him more than words can express. Spring Training won’t be the same without Luis’s infectious energy spreading throughout camp.” Poignantly, Tiant at last visited Cuba in 2007 during a celebration of his 67th birthday. It was there he visited family members, friends and teammates he hadn’t seen in 46 years. Many scenes from that trip were included in the '09 documentary, which originally aired on ESPN.

As he headed back to his second home of Boston after the emotional trip, Tiant offered this: “I feel better, my heart is better, my head is better. I guess I can say, I can close my book now. If I die, I die happy. Now, I’m a free man. I feel free inside of me. Full of good inside of me. That’s a feeling nobody can take away from me now.”

James Earl Jones Rest in Peace

Wow this broke my heart... The voice of my favorite cinematic character of all times has passed away as we have lost the incredible Icon James Earl Jones. Not just the voice of Lord Vader but also the voice of many iconic roles. His voice was one for the ages, be it as a Lord of the Sith in "Star Wars" to King of the jungle in "The Lion King" the mans voice was one you can recognize for his voice was one for the ages. But he was more than a voice... He was a true cinema GEM, and one of the greatest actors in the history of cinema period.

Born January 17, 1931 not just an American actor of films but he was also very known for his amazing years of work in theater. He was one of the few performers to have achieved the EGOT (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony). Jones has been described as "one of America's most distinguished and versatile" actors for his performances on stage and screen, and "one of the greatest actors in American history".

Being born In 1931 at Arkabutla, Mississippi, he had a stuttering issue since childhood. Just picture this Darth Vader with a stuttering issue! But some would shy away from public speaking due to this curse it wasn't something James Earl Jones would do as he said that poetry and acting helped him overcome the challenges of his disability. A pre-med major in college, he served in the United States Army during the Korean War before pursuing a career in acting. 

His deep voice was praised as a "stirring basso profondo that has lent gravel and gravitas" to his projects. Jones made his Broadway debut in 1957 in Sunrise at Campobello (1957). He gained prominence for acting in numerous productions with Shakespeare in the Park including Othello, Hamlet, Coriolanus, and King Lear. Jones worked steadily in theater, winning the Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play for his role as a boxer in The Great White Hope (1968), which he reprised in the 1970 film adaptation, earning him Academy Award and Golden Globe nominations.

Jones won his second Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Play for his role as a working class father in August Wilson's Fences (1987). He was nominated for Tony awards for his roles as part of an aging couple in Ernest Thompson's On Golden Pond (2005), and a former president in the Gore Vidal play The Best Man (2012). Other Broadway performances include Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (2008), Driving Miss Daisy (2010–2011), You Can't Take It with You (2014), and The Gin Game (2015–2016). He received a Special Tony Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017.

Jones made his film debut in Stanley Kubrick's Dr. Strangelove (1964). He received a Golden Globe Award nomination for Claudine (1974). Jones gained international fame for his voice role as Darth Vader in the Star Wars franchise, beginning with the original 1977 film. Jones' other notable roles include in Conan the Barbarian (1982), Matewan (1987), Coming to America (1988), Field of Dreams (1989), The Hunt for Red October (1990), The Sandlot (1993), and The Lion King (1994). Jones reprised his roles in Star Wars media, The Lion King (2019), and Coming 2 America (2021).

He was inducted into the American Theater Hall of Fame in 1985. He was honored with the National Medal of Arts in 1992, the Kennedy Center Honor in 2002, the Screen Actors Guild Life Achievement Award in 2009 and the Honorary Academy Award in 2011.

From the age of five, Jones was raised by his maternal grandparents, John Henry and Maggie Connolly, on their farm in Dublin, Michigan; they had moved from Mississippi in the Great Migration. Where Jones found the transition to living with his grandparents in Michigan traumatic and developed a stutter so bad that he refused to speak. He said, "I was a stutterer. I couldn't talk. So my first year of school was my first mute year, and then those mute years continued until I got to high school." He credits his English teacher, Donald Crouch, who discovered he had a gift for writing poetry, with helping him end his silence. Crouch urged him to challenge his reluctance to speak through reading poetry aloud to the class.

Jones graduated from Dickson Rural Agricultural School In 1949 (now Brethren High School) in Brethren, Michigan, where he served as vice president of his class. He attended the University of Michigan, where he was initially a pre-med major. He joined the Reserve Officers' Training Corps and excelled. He felt comfortable within the structure of the military environment and enjoyed the camaraderie of his fellow cadets in the Pershing Rifles Drill Team and Scabbard and Blade Honor Society. After his junior year, he focused on drama with the thought of doing something he enjoyed, before, he assumed, he would have to go off to fight in the Korean War. After four years of college, Jones graduated from the university in 1955 with a Bachelor of Arts with a major in drama.

But for all his work over the years it was In 1977, Jones made his debut in his iconic voiceover role as Darth Vader in George Lucas' space opera blockbuster film Star Wars: A New Hope, which he would reprise for the sequels The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983). Darth Vader was portrayed in costume by David Prowse in the film trilogy, with Jones dubbing Vader's dialogue in post production because Prowse's strong West Country accent was deemed unsuitable for the role by director George Lucas. At his own request, Jones was uncredited for the release of the first two Star Wars films, though he would be credited for the third film and eventually also for the first film's 1997 "Special Edition" re-release. As he explained in a 2008 interview:

When Linda Blair did the girl in The Exorcist, they hired Mercedes McCambridge to do the voice of the devil coming out of her. And there was controversy as to whether Mercedes should get credit. I was one who thought no, she was just special effects. So when it came to Darth Vader, I said, no, I'm just special effects. But it became so identified that by the third one, I thought, OK I'll let them put my name on it.

In 1977, Jones also received a Grammy Award for Best Spoken Word Album for Great American Documents. In late 1979, Jones appeared on the short-lived CBS police drama Paris, which was notable as the first program on which Steven Bochco served as executive producer. Jones also starred that year in the critically acclaimed TV mini-series sequel Roots: The Next Generations as the older version of author Alex Haley.

The year 1987 saw Jones starring in August Wilson's play Fences as Troy Maxson, a middle aged working class father who struggles to provide for his family. The play, set in the 1950's, is part of Wilson's ten-part "Pittsburgh Cycle". The play explores the evolving African American experience and examines race relations, among other themes. Jones won widespread critical acclaim, earning himself his second Tony Award for Best Actor in a Play. 

Beside the Star Wars sequels, Jones was featured in several other box office hits of the 1980's: the action/fantasy film Conan the Barbarian (1982), the Eddie Murphy comedy Coming to America (1988), and the sports drama/fantasy Field of Dreams (1989) which earned an Academy Award for Best Picture nomination. He also starred in the independent film Matewan (1987). The film dramatized the events of the Battle of Matewan, a coal miners' strike in 1920 in Matewan, a small town in the hills of West Virginia. He received an Independent Spirit Award nomination for his performance.

In 1985, Jones lent his bass voice as Pharaoh in the first episode of Hanna-Barbera's The Greatest Adventure: Stories from the Bible. From 1989 to 1992, Jones served as the host of the children's TV series Long Ago and Far Away. Jones appeared in several more successful films during the early-to-mid 1990's, including The Hunt for Red October (1990), Patriot Games (1992), The Sandlot (1993), Clear and Present Danger (1994), and Cry, the Beloved Country (1995). He also lent his distinctive bass voice to the role of Mufasa in the 1994 Disney animated film The Lion King. In 1992, Jones was presented with the National Medal of the Arts by President George H. W. Bush. Jones had the distinction of winning two Primetime Emmys in the same year, in 1991 as Best Actor for his role in Gabriel's Fire and as Best Supporting Actor for his work in Heat Wave.

He might be gone but he will never be forgotten as he's sealed a legacy unmatched by many... 

(January 17, 1931 – September 9, 2024) Rest in Peace.

Fatman Scoop passes away! RIP

Damn this is some sad news here as Rapper Isaac Freeman III, aka Fatman Scoop, has died after the iconic musician collapsed onstage Friday night. This according to Scoop's tour manager who posted, "I am honestly lost for words… You took me all over the world and had me performing alongside you on some of the biggest and greatest stages on this planet, the things you taught me have truely made me the man I am today. Thank you so much, I love you x."

The Reminisce Festival, where Fatman Scoop was set to perform Sept. 7 also posted to Instagram saying, "It is with the deepest sorrow that we at Reminisce have received the devastating news of the tragic passing of the legendary Isaac Freeman III, known to us all as Fatman Scoop. This loss has left us all heartbroken."

TMZ broke the news that the legendary hip hop hype man was performing at Town Center Park in Hamden, CT when he appeared to suffer a medical emergency. Horrifying video showed Scoop collapse mid-performance. Following his collapse and being rushed to the hospital, Hamden Mayor Lauren Garrett asked fans to "please keep him in your thoughts and prayers."

Our deepest condolences to his family, fans and the rap industry for this loss. He was a true great... RIP

Sidney Raymond Eudy has passed away! RIP

The name Sidney Raymond Eudy might not ring a bell to some but those who watched American professional wrestling in the 80's and 90's will never forget this man and to those who will know him by the in ring name which he's best known as I'm talking about the one and only "Sid Vicious", aka "Sycho Sid", "Sid Justice", his tenures in the World Wrestling Federation and World Championship Wrestling we're iconic for multiple reasons. Him prime really was during the WWF now known as WWE when he was am A level star for sometime and even had matches with icons like Hulk Hogan.

SID was a six-time world champion, having won the WWF Championship twice, the WCW World Heavyweight Championship twice, and the USWA Unified World Heavyweight Championship twice. In addition to world title success, Eudy held the WCW United States Heavyweight Championship once, among other accolades. During his tenures with the WWF and WCW, Eudy headlined multiple pay-per-views for both organizations, main-eventing WrestleMania VIII and WrestleMania 13 in 1992 and 1997 respectively as well as Starrcade in 2000.

Also he entered wrestling after an encounter with Randy Macho Man Savage and his brother Lanny Poffo. After being trained by Tojo Yamamoto, SID made his debut as he teamed with Austin Idol and wrestled the team of Nick Bockwinkel and Jerry Lawler. He then adopted the masked wrestler persona known as Lord Humongous. He began his career in Continental Championship Wrestling (CCW) in 1987, under a mask and the name Lord Humungous. On Christmas Day 1987 he won the NWA Southeastern Heavyweight Championship (Northern Division), going on to be the final titleholder. Later he turned fan favorite after rekindling a (kayfabe) childhood friendship with Shane Douglas, resulting in the two forming a tag team and capturing the NWA Southeastern Tag Team Championship.

He also competed in New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he challenged Tatsumi Fujinami for the IWGP Heavyweight Championship under the name Vicious Warrior, but was unable to win the title. SID then made a very brief stint in World Class Championship Wrestling (WCCW), where he adopted one of his most notable ring names: Sid Vicious, which he took from the punk rock musician of the same name who played bass for the Sex Pistols. 

When he did return to WCW he came back as a challenger for Scott Steiner's WCW World Heavyweight Championship, but Sid failed to defeat Steiner in their title match at Starrcade. On January 14, 2001, at the Sin pay-per-view in Indianapolis at Conseco Fieldhouse (now Gainbridge Fieldhouse), Sid faced Steiner, Jeff Jarrett and Road Warrior Animal in a Four Corners match for the WCW World Heavyweight Championship. During the match, he suffered a near career-ending injury. WCW executive John Laurinaitis allegedly felt that SID needed to broaden his arsenal of wrestling moves and suggested that he try an aerial maneuver, despite his "unwillingness".

SID felt it unnecessary for a wrestler of his size and type to do high spots and did not feel comfortable doing them. During the match, Eudy suffered a leg fracture following his leap from the second turnbuckle in an attempted big boot on Steiner. This had him awkwardly landing with all his weight on one foot while kicking with the other, severely fracturing the leg on which he landed. SID broke his left leg in half, snapping both the tibia and fibula, with at least one of the bones breaking through the skin and rotating his foot without his input at 90 degrees anti-clockwise. The fracture was too graphic for many television stations to re-air, although it was shown on the following Nitro.

The injury put Sid out of action indefinitely, and he pondered retiring from wrestling for good: "I had about a year left on my contract, and I was thinking back then prior to hurting my leg what was I going to do as far as wrapping up my career. The only thing I really wanted to do was ideally go out in a big pay-per-view, like a WrestleMania or something like that main event, leave like that, and not come back again. It would really be the retirement match". A 17-inch (43 cm) rod was placed in his leg during the two-hour surgery. For a while, Eudy used a cane to walk. Sid later sued WCW, claiming that he was made to jump off the second rope against his objections. 

The injury forced a plot change in the SuperBrawl Revenge event. The main event was supposed to be Kevin Nash, Diamond Dallas Page, and Sid against Scott Steiner, Jeff Jarrett, and Road Warrior Animal but was rewritten as Kevin Nash versus Scott Steiner...

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I'd like to say he was a true legend and his time in the ring was one for the ages. Shame what happened to him with the leg injury but he will always be remembered. We extend our condolences to his family on the loss, and to fans of his world wide never forget the name SID VICIOUS!