Philadelphia Phillies third base coach John Vukovich tips his cap to the crowd as it gives him a standing ovation in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles June 15, 2001, in Philadelphia.
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John Vukovitch
Phillies Player And Coach
Photo Credit William Caine - AP Wire
Vukovich, a longtime Phillies coach, was reported to be in grave condition in a Philadelphia-area hospital due to complications caused by an inoperable brain tumor, as the team reported March 7th. The 59-year-old Vukovich, who was also a former manager with Philadelphia and the Chicago Cubs, spent the last 19 years with the Phillies died yesterday at the tender age of 59. Signed in 1966 Vukovich was a popular and enormous boost to the Phillie organisation his entire career. The only coach who reamained from that spectacular World Series team of 1980.
Always referred to as "Vuk" (vooke), the team will be wearing his name in this summer's baseball season on their uniforms in remembrance.
I guess we come and we go. I have often said with such daily contact with our hero's, stars, etc, that I wish for the days you saw them on the screen or the field and then heard or read of their passing instead of seeing them grow old before our eyes through the technology of today, updating the ravages of time before our eyes, diluting the memories within. Although Vuk (Vook) was a young man, another too soon gone, I say this mostly for myself because it is true.
Vuk is no longer going to be seen down in the third base coaches box. That smile, clap of encouragement of his hands, tipping of the cap and all the "secret" signs of the team catching our eye on occasion. Vuk and Richie Ashburn, no longer tugging on his pipe into the microphone, which always gave me a chuckle, are about the last of baseball guys. Guys who played and loved the game.
Thanks Ultra...Yup...The Vuk is a last of his kind baseball man. Pleasure in the clubhouse, on the field and out and about. He's coachin' Ruth now...Giving him the "you swing when I say take you're gonna buy dinner". ;0)
Yeah..Chris Wheeler...He's close to all the players. There's a guy who, from listening to him during a game, you can tell absoulutely loves the game of baseball. Sometimes I gotta turn the sound down and wait for Harry coz Chris is just gushing somtimes over a play. (Although it irks me when he compliment's the opposing team for a great play...the opposing team get's lucky...they don't make great plays. (old school)
1steelerfan1 and HomerSports - I thank you guys for the compliment and taking time to place it. Yeah. ..Vuk is most defintely missed as we speak. Saw some old video of Vuk telling "The Krucker" he's going to be one of the best hitting "round" players in the game (after letting him know just how "round" he was) during spring training. Laughed...as Vuk would have you do.
Like a dog with a bone - or an over/under or even a staff of good, hard wood
I am a FOX Sports Blogger who NEEDS to VENT. You may also enjoy my tuneful stylings at www.myspace.c om/billdyckns Don't try to give me all that money I know you're going to want to donate or any personal information. . .OR, be the 1st to buy one of my songs. The FIRST.
On top of all that...well.. .there isn't much more on top of that since i'm on the glidepath down. But, as I say in my best song, "Time keeps tellin' me to fold. You know that always makes me crack a smile. Mr Time he believe I growin' old." (copyright 2005 All Rights Reserved) (means don't try rippin' that line off)
OK, On 51 Hut BREAK!
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