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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Fuzzy Zoeller, 1984 U.S. Open Champion, Dies at 74
rank Urban “Fuzzy” Zoeller Jr., who won two major titles in playoffs, including the 1984 U.S. Open, died on Nov. 27 at the age of 74.
"Fuzzy was one of a kind," said USGA CEO Mike Whan. "We are grateful for all he gave to golf. I hope we can all remember his unmistakable joy. The USGA is sending our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Born and raised in New Albany, Ind., Zoeller received his nickname thanks to the initials of his first, middle and last names. He later played his collegiate golf at the University of Houston, then a Division I juggernaut, before turning professional in 1973. Six years later he became just the second golfer to win the Masters in his first appearance, following Gene Sarazen who did so in 1935. Then 27, Zoeller was tied with Tom Watson and Ed Sneed after 72 holes.
In the first sudden-death playoff at Augusta National, all three players began with pars on the 10th hole. After Sneed and Watson made par on the second playoff hole, Zoeller faced a 6-foot birdie putt to win the title. He memorably flung his putter high in the air after the ball dropped in the hole. “I’ve never been to heaven, and thinking back on my life, I probably won’t get a chance to go,” Zoeller once said. “I guess winning the Masters is as close as I’m going to get.”
In 1984, the 32-year-old Zoeller was making his eighth U.S. Open appearance when the championship was contested on the iconic West Course of Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck, N.Y. After shooting a 1-over par 71 in the first round, Zoeller fired a 66 on Friday, leaving him one stroke behind leader Hale Irwin, winner of the 1974 U.S. Open at Winged Foot. The leaderboard remained the same after Round 3, when Zoeller and Irwin both shot 69. Also shooting 69 on Saturday was Australian Greg Norman, who moved into third place, two strokes behind Irwin and one behind Zoeller.
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Got to watch Fuzzie in the final round at Muirfield one year. He was last in an odd numbered field so it was just him and a small gallery. Finished in less than 3 hours. Lots of banter. Never enjoyed myself so much at the Memorial.
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How can you not have fun with someone who golfs and goes by Fuzzie? Like my dad's friend who owns a funeral home, and goes by the name "Digger".
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Multi-time MLB All-Star dies at 84
Former Chicago White Sox star Wilbur Wood, who made the MLB All-Star game three times, has died at 84.
Multi-time MLB All-Star dies at 84
Former Major League Baseball pitcher Wilbur Wood, who made the MLB All-Star game three times during his career, has died. He was 84 years old.
The Chicago White Sox announced Wood’s death earlier this week on X.
“The White Sox send our condolences to the family, friends and fans of 3x All-Star Wilbur Wood, who has passed away at the age of 84,” the White Sox posted on X. “Wood appeared in 578 games (286 starts) over 12 seasons with the White Sox from 1967-1978.”
In addition to the White Sox, Wilbur Wood also played for the Red Sox and Pirates during his MLB career.
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ScriptOhio
Everybody is somebody else's weirdo.
Clendon Thomas, Hall of Fame RB for Oklahoma in 1950s, dies at 90
Clendon Thomas, a Hall of Fame running back who helped Oklahoma win two national titles in the 1950s, died Monday night. He was 90.
Clendon Thomas, Hall of Fame RB for Oklahoma in 1950s, dies at 90
Clendon Thomas, a Hall of Fame running back who helped Oklahoma win two national titles in the 1950s, has died. He was 90.
Chuck Bowman, Thomas' longtime friend and former college roommate, said Tuesday that Thomas died of pneumonia on Monday night in Tulsa.
Thomas played for the Sooners from 1955 to 1957 under coach Bud Wilkinson. He helped them win national titles in 1955 and 1956 and was a unanimous All-American in 1957. He was a significant contributor to Oklahoma's 47-game winning streak and helped the Sooners win three Big 7 championships.
Bowman, also 90, said he met Thomas when they both played in a high school All-Star football game in 1954, and they remained close from then on.
The Oklahoma City native was inducted into the Oklahoma Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame in 2011.
"Clendon Thomas was one of the great standard-bearers of Oklahoma football and a cornerstone of one of the most legendary teams our game has ever seen," NFF chairman Archie Manning said in a statement. "His excellence on the field, combined with his integrity and leadership off it, exemplified what it means to be a College Football Hall of Famer. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure. We are deeply saddened to learn of his passing."
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