From Kobe Bryant to Maradona: the numbers that left us in 2020

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As if the coronavirus pandemic wasn’t deadly enough for the sport in 2020, this year it left fans saddened to see famous athletes like NBA star Kobe Bryant and the football legend leave. Diego Armando Maradona.

These were two of the most shocking deaths in 12 months, which also made Puerto Rican sport mourn the death of dignitaries such as federal judge and former Olympic champion Juan R. Torruella and former world champion Carlos. ” Sugar “of Leon.

KOBE BRYANT

The legendary Los Angeles Lakers player died on January 26 in an accident while traveling by helicopter accompanied by his 13-year-old daughter, Gianna, and seven other people. He was 41 years old. It was news that shook the whole world. The crash occurred on a hill in Calabassas, California, amid a dense morning fog that – according to a partial report by the National Transportation Safety Council – could have disoriented the pilot.

His unexpected death triggered a whirlwind of reactions in the world of sports and beyond, as his fame crossed this border. In fact, star LeBron James took over the sentiment of many, stressing that Bryant’s death made no sense. Bryant, along with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett, will be included in the Basketball Hall of Fame in May next year. Bryant won five Lakers championships and was featured on the dream team in the United States, winning gold medals at the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He was also a basketball ambassador at FIBA.

DIEGO MARADONA

The football star died of cardiac arrest on November 25 at her residence in the province of Buenos Aires at the age of 60. The captain of the Argentine team – which became World Cup champions since 1986 – underwent cranial edema surgery a few weeks before his death. At this moment, the General Prosecutor’s Office of San Isidro is investigating the doctors who treated the former footballer for alleged negligence. A recent autopsy report ruled out drugs and alcohol linked to his death. The Argentine country mourned the departure of the legendary footballer, who in addition to shining in the national team, was a figure alongside the clubs Boca Juniors, Napoli and Barcelona, ​​among others.

The death of “El Pelusa” provoked heartbreaking scenes of his fans and emotional tributes such as that made by his compatriot, Lionel Messi, who after scoring a goal against Osasuna took off his shirt from Barcelona to show a shirt of club Newell’s Old Boys Messi’s favorite in which Maradona played, with the number 10 on his back.

Other figures who died this year

Star of David: Former NBA commissioner died on January 1 due to a brain injury. He was 77 years old.

  • David Stern became NBA commissioner in 1984. In the photo, with Akeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in that year's cartoon.

    David Stern became NBA commissioner in 1984. In the photo, alongside Akeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in that year’s cartoon. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • In 1996, he presented Michael Jordan with the most valuable player in the final trophy.

    In 1996, he presented Michael Jordan with the trophy for the most valuable player in the final. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern increased his NBA popularity in the 1990s and 2000s.

    Stern increased his NBA popularity in the 1990s and 2000s. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Jordan was the NBA's leading star in the 1990s.

    Jordan was the NBA’s leading star in the 1990s. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • He presented the LeBron James Most Valuable Player trophy four times.

    He presented the LeBron James Most Valuable Player trophy four times. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern welcomes Carmelo Anthony to the NBA in the 2003 draft.

    Stern welcomes Carmelo Anthony to the NBA in the 2003 draft. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern with Dwight Howard in the 2004 draw.

    Stern with Dwight Howard in the 2004 draw. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Derrick Rose, the first choice of the 2008 draw with Stern.

    Derrick Rose, the first choice of the 2008 draw with Stern. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern with Kyrie Irving, the first selection of the draw in 2011.

    Stern with Kyrie Irving, the best choice of the 2011 draw. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Maurice Harkless, originally from Puerto Rico, was part of the 2011 extraction.

    Maurice Harkless, originally from Puerto Rico, was part of the 2011 extraction. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern left the post in 2014. The post reverted to Adam Silver, his right hand man for years.

    Stern left the post in 2014. The post reverted to Adam Silver, his right hand man for years. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

Don Larsen: The only one to launch a perfect game in World Series history. It happened in the fifth game of the autumn classic of 1956. He died on January 1 at the age of 90.

Tony Fernandez: The Dominican has played in 17 major league seasons. The shortstop died on February 16 due to kidney problems. He was 56 years old.

Roger Mayweather: Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr.’s uncle died on March 17, at the age of 58. He was a two-time world boxing champion.

Al Kaline: He played in Detroit for 22 seasons, including when the Tigers won the World Series in 1968. He died on April 6 at the age of 85.

Don Shula: He holds the record for NFL coaching victories. He led the Miami Dolphins to an undefeated season in 1972. He died on May 4 at the age of 90.

Jerry Sloan: Emblematic leader of Utah Jazz. He died on May 22 from complications with Parkinson’s and dementia. He has been at the helm of Jazz for 23 years.

  • Jerry Sloan spent 23 seasons as coach of the Utah Jazz. He died on May 22, 2020 at the age of 78.

    Jerry Sloan spent 23 seasons as coach of the Utah Jazz. He died on May 22, 2020 at the age of 78. (The Associated Press)

  • Prior to coaching, Sloan was a star player for the Chicago Bulls. His number 4 jersey was withdrawn by the team, the first in the franchise's history.

    Prior to coaching, Sloan was a star player for the Chicago Bulls. His number 4 jersey was taken out by the team, the first in the history of the franchise. (The Associated Press)

  • During his time in Utah, there were 245 changes of coach in the league, and five teams - Charlotte, Memphis, Toronto, Orlando and Minnesota - did not even exist when he took over the Jazz.

    During his time in Utah, there were 245 coach changes in the league, and five teams – Charlotte, Memphis, Toronto, Orlando and Minnesota – did not even exist when he took control of the Jazz. (The Associated Press)

  • Utah advanced to the finals twice under Sloan, losing twice to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

    Utah advanced to the finals twice under Sloan, losing twice to Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan has led the star duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone for many years. All three are members of the Hall of Fame.

    Sloan has led the star duo of John Stockton and Karl Malone for many years. All three are members of the Hall of Fame. (The Associated Press)

  • Puerto Rican canaster Carlos Arroyo passed through Sloan's reins.

    Puerto Rican canaster Carlos Arroyo passed through Sloan’s reins. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan coached Arroyo in Utah between 2002 and 2005.

    Sloan coached Arroyo in Utah between 2002 and 2005. (The Associated Press)

  • In a recent Instagram Live with José Juan Barea, Arroyo acknowledged the discipline that Sloan demanded of his players.

    In a recent Instagram Live with José Juan Barea, Arroyo acknowledged the discipline that Sloan demanded of his players. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan hugged Scottie Pippen, then a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, in 2000.

    Sloan hugged Scottie Pippen, then a member of the Portland Trail Blazers, in 2000. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan after his 1,000th managerial victory in 2006. He scored 1,221 career victories, the fourth in NBA history.

    Sloan after his 1,000th managerial victory in 2006. He had 1,221 career victories, the fourth-highest in NBA history. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009.

    Sloan was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2009. (The Associated Press)

  • Sloan in 2017 during a jazz activity. The mentor suffered from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, a degenerative disease.

    Sloan in 2017 during a jazz activity. The mentor suffered from Parkinson’s disease and Lewy body dementia, a degenerative disease. (The Associated Press)

Wes Unseld: He was the most valuable player in the NBA in 1969. He led the Washington Bullets to the 1978 championship. He died on June 2 at the age of 74.

John Thompson: He was the first black manager to win the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship with Georgetown University in 1984. He died on August 31 at the age of 78.

Cliff Robinson: He had a remarkable career as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He died on August 29.

Tom SeaverThe legendary pitcher for the New York Mets has won 311 games in MLB. He helped the Mets win the 1969 World Series. He died on August 31 at the age of 75.

Lou Brock: He amassed the second most stolen base in MLB history. He died on September 6 at the age of 81.

Joe Laurinaitis (Road Warrior Animal): He was one of the most popular couples in professional wrestling. He died on September 22 of natural causes at the age of 60.

Bob Gibson: He was one of the most feared jugs of his time with Cardinals St. Louis. After battling pancreatic cancer, he died on October 2 at the age of 84. Puerto Rican catcher Yadier Molina and the rest of the baseball family mourned his departure.

Whitey Ford: The legendary New York Yankees pitcher was 91 years old when he died on October 9. He remains the pitcher with the most World Series victories.

Joe Morgan: One of the best second bassists in MLB history died on October 11 of neuropathy. He was 77 years old.

Juan R. Torruella: The former Olympic sailor died on October 26 following a heart attack. He represented Puerto Rico at four Olympics: Tokyo 1964, Mexico 1968, Munich 1972 and Montreal 1976. He also won a silver medal at the 1966 Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan and in turn at Santo Domingo 1974. .

Luz C. “Lucy” Batista Vega: The administrator of the Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School (PRBAHS) in Gurabo died on November 11.

Juan Felix “Cukin” Nunez: The former Cider Power Bravos from Double A Baseball passed away on November 28th.

Rogelio Moret: One of Puerto Rico’s best left-handed players of all time, he died on December 8. He played for nine seasons and finished with a career record of 47-27. He played for the Boston Red Sox in the 1975 World Series.

José „Tito” Rodríguez Casanova: The former national volleyball coach passed away on December 13 after a lymphoma-related illness. He was 66 years old.

Phil Niekro: The baseball hall of fame that threw the ball with its joints died on December 27 after a long battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.

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