CNN —
Baseball Hall of Fame reliever Bruce Sutter, who saved his career while popularizing the split-finger fastball, has died at the age of 69, Major League Baseball announced Friday.
MLB commissioner Rob Manfred called Sutter’s 12-year career in which he led the National League five times in saves an “incredible baseball success story.”
“Bruce ascended from being a non-drafted free agent to the heights of Baseball by pioneering the split-fingered fastball. That pitch not only led him to the Major Leagues, but also made him a Cy Young Award winner with the Cubs and a World Series Champion with the 1982 Cardinals,” Manfred said. “Bruce was the first pitcher to reach the Hall of Fame without starting a game, and he was one of the key figures who foreshadowed how the use of relievers would evolve.”
According to the National Baseball Hall of Fame , Sutter was a “struggling minor league pitcher with an injured arm” when Cubs minor league pitching coach Fred Martin taught him the split-finger fastball – in which the thumb pushes the ball out from between wide-spread fingers – in the spring of 1973.
“Fortunately for me, it clicked right away,” Sutter said at his National Baseball Hall of Fame induction in 2006.
The deceiving pitch looks like a fastball before quickly diving as it arrives at home plate.
Sutter made his major league debut with the Chicago Cubs in 1976. He would win the 1979 National League Cy Young Award when he saved a league-record-tying 37 games.
He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals before the 1981 season, where he featured as the team’s closer and notably recorded the final out in Game 7 of the 1982 World Series to clinch the title for the Cardinals.
Between 1979 and 1984, Sutter led the league in saves each year except 1983, and he recorded 300 career saves, which ranked third at the time of his 1989 retirement. He ended his career with the Atlanta Braves where he battled arm injuries.
“He had the best makeup of any closer I’ve ever seen,” St. Louis manager Whitey Herzog said of Sutter, according to the Hall of Fame. “He just cut the percentages down for me from 27 outs a game to 21.”
When Sutter was inducted into the Hall of Fame, he was the fourth reliever to be enshrined.
“When I played, I never needed the spotlight, nor did I want it,” he said during his induction speech. “I simply wanted to play baseball and be respected by my teammates and the opposing players.
“So today my name (Howard Bruce Sutter) goes on this plaque. This day is not about me. It’s about the many people who have helped me along the way.”
Cardinals owner Bill DeWitt Jr. sent his condolences to the Sutter family on behalf of the organization.
“Bruce was a fan favorite during his years in St. Louis and in the years to follow, and he will always be remembered for his 1982 World Series-clinching save and signature split-fingered pitch,” DeWitt said. “He was a true pioneer in the game, changing the role of the late-inning reliever.”
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He was 89.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Charlbi Dean, an actress whose star had just begun to rise with a starring role in Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” died August 29, a representative for the actress confirmed to CNN. She was 32. The representative confirmed reports that Dean died from unexpected and sudden illness but did not provide further details.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Robert “Bob” LuPone, the Tony and Emmy nominated actor arguably best known for his role in hit TV show “The Sopranos,” died at the age of 76 on August 27.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Len Dawson, the Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Kansas City Chiefs to their first Super Bowl victory, died at the age of 87, his family and the Chiefs announced on August 24.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Joe E. Tata, who played Nat, the kindly owner of the Peach Pit on “Beverly Hills, 90210,” died on August 24, according to his daughter. He was 85. ” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Tim Page, whose images and exploits from the Vietnam War made him a legendary figure of journalism in the 1960s, died on August 24, according to fellow journalist Ben Bohane. He was 78.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Tom Weiskopf, former professional golf player and winner of the 1973 British Open, died on August 20, according to the PGA Tour. He was 79.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Pete Carril, who coached the Princeton Tigers men’s basketball team for 29 years, died on August 15, according to a statement from the Carril family released through Princeton Athletics. He was 92.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Anne Heche, an entrancing actor whose versatility powered an admirable career spanning four decades, died after being removed from life support on August 14. Heche’s car crashed into a Los Angeles home and erupted into flames on August 5. She was 53.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Denise Dowse, whose prolific career featured roles in “Beverly Hills, 90210,” “Insecure” and “Ray,” died on August 13, her family confirmed to CNN. She was 64.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Hanae Mori, the first Asian fashion designer to break into the exclusive world of haute couture, died at the age of 96 on August 11. Mori’s elegant creations were worn by high-profile figures from Hillary Clinton to Empress Masako.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Dean “Diz” Laird, the only known US Navy ace to shoot down both German and Japanese planes during World War II, died on August 10, his daughter said. 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In addition to his sporting achievements, Russell was one of sport’s leading civil rights activists and marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. when he gave his “I Have a Dream” speech in 1963.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Nichelle Nichols, best known for her groundbreaking portrayal of Lt. Nyota Uhura in “Star Trek: The Original Series,” died July 30 at the age of 89, according to a statement from her son, Kyle Johnson. When “Star Trek” began in 1966, Nichols was a television rarity: a Black woman in a notable role on a prime-time television series. There had been African-American women on TV before, but they often played domestic workers and had small roles; Nichols’ Uhura was an integral part of the multicultural “Star Trek” crew.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Bernard Cribbins, a stage and screen actor who appeared on “Doctor Who” and narrated the British children’s series “The Wombles,” died at the age of 93, his talent agency confirmed on July 28. Cribbins’ acting career spanned six decades, much of it spent in children’s entertainment in the 1960s and ’70s.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Tony Dow, an actor and director best known for portraying Wally Cleaver on the sitcom “Leave It to Beaver,” died on July 27, according to his manager Frank Bilotta, citing Dow’s son Christopher. Dow was 77.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> James Lovelock, the British environmental scientist and creator of the Gaia theory, which hypothesizes Earth acts as a single living organism, died July 26 at the age of 103. Lovelock was an early advocate for climate action, and some of his ideas have shaped the way climate scientists and biologists think about the world’s ecosystems today.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Paul Sorvino, an imposing actor whose roles ranged from the mob boss in “Goodfellas” to an early stint on the long-running cop drama “Law & Order,” died on July 25, according to his publicist Roger Neal. He was 83. ” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> David Warner, an English actor who played villainous supporting characters with aplomb in films like “Titanic” and “Tron,” died from a “cancer-related illness” on July 24. He was 80.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Claes Oldenburg, the pop artist who reimagined everyday objects like clothespins and spoons as mammoth sculptures, died on July 18, according to Pace Gallery in New York, which has represented the artist since 1960. He was 93.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ivana Trump, a longtime businessperson and an ex-wife of former US President Donald Trump, died at the age of 73, the former President posted on Truth Social on July 14. Ivana Trump was the mother of Donald Jr., Ivanka and Eric Trump.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Shinzo Abe was fatally shot on July 8 while giving a speech on a street in Nara, Japan. Abe, 67, was Japan’s longest-serving prime minister, holding office from 2006 to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020 before resigning due to health reasons.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Tony Sirico, best known for playing henchman Peter Paul “Paulie Walnuts” Gualtieri on HBO’s “The Sopranos,” died at the age of 79, according to his manager Bob McGowan. Sirico’s “Sopranos” co-star Michael Imperioli also shared the news on Instagram, saying Sirico died on July 8.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Larry Storch, a television actor best known for his role in the ’60s sitcom “F Troop,” died on June 7, according to a statement shared by his family on Facebook. He was 99.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> James Caan, the veteran screen actor known for his work in such films as “The Godfather,” “Misery” and “Elf,” died on July 6, his family said in a statement on his verified Twitter account. He was 82.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Peter Brook, whose ground-breaking stage productions transformed 20th-century theater, died on July 2, according to his publisher, Nick Hern Books. He was 97.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Sam Gilliam, the first Black artist to represent the US pavilion at the Venice Biennale, died on June 25, according to the David Kordansky Gallery. He was 88.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mary Mara, an actress known for roles on “ER” and “Ray Donovan,” died in late June, her manager, Craig Dorfman, said in a statement to CNN. She was 61. 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Swanigan made 75 appearances and four starts during his three seasons in the NBA.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mark Shields, who was best known for his work on CNN’s “Capital Gang” and “PBS NewsHour,” died June 18 at the age of 85.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Jim Seals, one half of 1970s soft-rock duo Seals and Crofts, died at the age of 80, his family announced on June 7. Seals is seen here at right with musical partner Darrell “Dash” Crofts. They were known for hits such as “Summer Breeze,” “Diamond Girl” and “Get Closer.”” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Alec John Such, a founding member and original bass player of the band Bon Jovi, died at the age of 70, according to a tweet from the group on June 5.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Marion Barber III, who spent most of his career with the Dallas Cowboys, died at the age of 38, the team said on June 1. No cause of death was provided.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Jeff Gladney, a cornerback for the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals, died in a car crash on May 30, according to the team’s official website. He was 25. Gladney signed with the Cardinals this year after playing his rookie season with the Minnesota Vikings.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ronnie Hawkins died on May 29, according to a post on The Band’s verified Facebook page. He was 87.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ray Liotta, the actor known for his roles in “Field of Dreams” and the Martin Scorsese mob classic “Goodfellas,” died at the age of 67, it was reported on May 26.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Andy Fletcher, a keyboardist and founding member of Depeche Mode, died on May 26, the band announced on their official social media channels. He was 60 years old. ” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Marnie Schulenburg, a soap opera actress who documented her journey from becoming a new mother to a cancer patient, died on May 17 after battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer, according to her representative. Schulenburg was 37.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> John Aylward, a veteran film and television actor for more than three decades, died on May 16, according to his longtime agent and friend, Mitchell K. Stubbs. Aylward, a Seattle native, was best known for playing the stern but fair Dr. Donald Anspaugh on NBC’s “ER” and Barry Goodwin on “The West Wing.” He was 75.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Lil Keed died May 13, according to a tweet from his record label, Young Stoner Life. He was 24.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Bob Lanier, a Hall of Fame basketball player who was an eight-time NBA All-Star, died May 10, the NBA said. He was 73.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Fred Ward, a veteran character actor in film and television, died on May 8, according to his publicist. Ward was known for his work in “The Right Stuff,” “Short Cuts” and numerous other films. He was 79.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Kelly Meafua, a Samoan rugby star who played for the French rugby club US Montauban, died May 7, after falling from a bridge in France. He was 32.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mickey Gilley, best known as the pioneer of the “urban cowboy” style, died May 7, his publicist Zach Farnum said. He was 86. Gilley had 17 No. 1 country records, starting with “Room Full of Roses” in 1974.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mike Hagerty, a character actor known for his roles in shows like “Friends” and films like “Overboard,” died at the age of 67, according to his family on May 5. Through the years, Hagerty amassed a long list of TV guest roles, primarily in comedies, but also in dramas such as “ER” and “Deadwood.”” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Naomi Judd — one half of the duo The Judds — died at the age of 76, her daughter Ashley announced on April 30. Naomi and her daughter Wynonna began singing together as a professional act in the early 1980s, eventually producing a string of major hits, including “Mama He’s Crazy” and “Love Can Build a Bridge.”” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Andrew Woolfolk, a longtime member of the band Earth, Wind & Fire whose sweet signature instrument made songs like “September” impossible not to dance to, died on April 25, group member Philip Bailey announced. Woolfolk was 71.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Johnnie Jones Sr., a decorated World War II veteran and pioneering civil rights lawyer, died at the age of 102, according to the Louisiana Department of Veterans Affairs on April 25.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Orrin Hatch of Utah, the longest-serving Republican senator in US history, died April 23 at the age of 88. Hatch served in the chamber for 42 years, from 1977 to 2019.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Guy Lafleur died at age 70, the Montreal Canadiens announced on April 22. Lafleur, nicknamed “The Flower,” was a five-time Stanley Cup champion with the Canadiens. He scored 560 goals and had 793 assists during his NHL career.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Robert Morse, a Broadway star best known to TV viewers as “Mad Men” boss Bertram Cooper, died April 20 at the age of 90. Appearing on Broadway since the mid-1950s, Morse originated the role of the enterprising J. 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Rupe is credited with launching the career of Little Richard and helped make R&B a mainstream genre of music, according to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Liz Sheridan, a veteran stage and screen actress who played Jerry Seinfeld’s mother, Helen, on “Seinfeld,” died on April 15, her manager and friend Amanda Hendon confirmed to CNN. She was 93.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mike Bossy died at the age of 65, the New York Islanders announced on April 15. Bossy, a four-time Stanley Cup champion with the Islanders, is the franchise’s all-time leading scorer with 573 goals.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Freddy Rincón died on April 14 after being involved in a car crash in Cali, Colombia, the hospital treating him said in a statement. 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Albright was a central figure in President Bill Clinton’s administration and helped steer Western foreign policy in the aftermath of the Cold War.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> John Clayton, who was known as “The Professor” because of his encyclopedic knowledge of the game, died March 18, according to ESPN, where he was an analyst, and Seattle Sports, where he hosted a radio show. Clayton was 67.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Don Young, an Alaska Republican and the longest-serving member of the current Congress, died March 18, according to a statement from his office. He was 88.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Scott Hall, a WWE Hall of Famer who reached stardom as “Razor Ramon” during the heyday of his career in the 1990s, died at the age of 63, the WWE said on March 14.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Stephen Wilhite, the developer who created GIFs in the late ’80s and transformed the way we communicate on the internet, died on March 14. His wife, Kathaleen, told CNN that he died from complications of Covid-19. He was 74.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> William Hurt, the Oscar-winning star of “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” “The Big Chill” and “Broadcast News,” died on March 13, his son Will told The Hollywood Reporter. He was 71. Hurt played a variety of roles in classic 1980s films, including “Body Heat” and “Children of a Lesser God.”” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Traci Braxton, who also starred on the reality series “Braxton Family Values,” died of esophageal cancer on March 12. She was 50.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> according to his manager. He had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2020, according to a report from TMZ, citing his wife. Delgado was 81.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Shane Warne, widely considered one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, died March 4 at the age of 52, his management company confirmed to CNN. Warne was one of cricket’s most lethal bowlers, with 708 Test wickets to his name. That’s the most ever for an Australian and the second-most of all time.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Elsa Klensch, who was among the first to bring fashion to TV screens with CNN’s “Style with Elsa Klensch” in the 1980s, died on March 4. She was 92. For two decades, Klensch gave CNN viewers a front-row seat to runways all over the world, including New York, London, Milan and Paris.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Johnny Brown, who played building superintendent Nathan Bookman on the 1970s sitcom “Good Times,” died on March 2, according to his daughter, Sharon Brown. He was 84.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Sally Kellerman, the prolific Oscar-nominated actress who played Maj. Margaret “Hot Lips” O’Houlihan in the 1970 film “M*A*S*H,” died on February 24, according to The Hollywood Reporter, which cited her son. She was 84.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Mark Lanegan, a leader within Seattle’s grunge music scene and frontman of the influential group Screaming Trees, died February 22 at the age of 57, his family and friends confirmed on his verified Twitter account. Though he often downplayed his contributions to indie rock, the gravelly voiced Lanegan helped usher in a new era for the genre that saw many of his collaborators soar to international fame.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Jamal Edwards, a music entrepreneur best known for founding media platform SBTV, died February 20 at the age of 31. His mother confirmed that her son died from a “sudden illness.” Edwards got into the music scene at the age of 15 and was a pioneering figure in British rap and grime music.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Charley Taylor died at the age of 80, the Washington Commanders announced on February 19. Taylor retired in 1977 as the NFL’s all-time leading receiver. His record of 649 receptions for 9,110 yards and 79 touchdowns would stand until 1984.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Bappi Lahiri, who lent his talent to Indian cinema for nearly 50 years, died February 15 at the age of 69, according to a statement from his doctor. Lahiri, who was fondly referred to as “India’s Disco King,” was known for his love of 1970s-inspired dance beats. His signature hits, including the 1982 smash “Disco Dancer” from the Bollywood movie of the same name, helped to infuse Indian cinema with a lively, more contemporary sound.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ivan Reitman, a storied producer and director behind some of Hollywood’s biggest comedies, died on February 13, according to the CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group. He was 75. Reitman created some of the most enduring comedic films of the ’80s and ’90s, including 1984’s “Ghostbusters,” which he produced and directed.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Jeremy Giambi died at the age of 47, a few of his former teams announced on February 9. The cause of death was not released.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Lata Mangeshkar, the “nightingale of India” who gave her voice to Indian movies for more than 70 years, died on February 6, according to her doctor. She was 92.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Bill Fitch, a Hall of Fame basketball coach who won the NBA Finals with the Boston Celtics in 1981, died February 2 at the age of 89.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Monica Vitti died February 2 at the age of 90, according to Italian politician and family friend Walter Veltroni. Vitti was well-known for her work with some of Italy and Europe’s most influential filmmakers throughout the 1960s and 1970s.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Cheslie Kryst died on January 30, said her family and the New York Police Department, which is investigating her death. She was 30. Kryst was an attorney who sought to help reform America’s justice system, and she was a fashion blogger and entertainment news correspondent. She was crowned Miss USA in 2019.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Howard Hesseman, best known as the hard-rocking disc jockey Dr. Johnny Fever on the sitcom “WKRP in Cincinnati,” died on January 29, according to his manager, Robbie Kass. Hesseman died from complications related to colon surgery, Kass told CNN. He was 81.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Diego Verdaguer died at the age of 70, his family announced in a statement on January 28. Verdaguer first achieved international success in 1975, when his song “Volveré” (“I’ll Be Back”) became a hit in Mexico and went on to sell more than 5 million copies.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Vachik Mangassarian, a character actor who appeared on “NCIS: Los Angeles” and “The Mentalist,” died of Covid-19 complications, his manager told CNN on January 27. He was 78.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Brig. Gen. Charles McGee, one of the last surviving Tuskegee Airmen, died on January 23, according to a family spokesman. He was 102. McGee successfully completed 409 air combat missions across three wars — World War II, Korea, and Vietnam — and he received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Congressional Gold Medal in 2007.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Thierry Mugler, whose flamboyant creations transformed haute couture, died January 23 at the age of 73, according to a message posted to his official Instagram account.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Clark Gillies, a Hall of Fame hockey player and four-time Stanley Cup winner with the New York Islanders, died on January 21, according to the National Hockey League. He was 67.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Louie Anderson, an Emmy Award-winning actor who also spent part of his career as a stand-up comic and game-show host, died January 21 from complications related to cancer, his publicist Glenn Schwartz confirmed to CNN. Anderson was 68.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Meat Loaf, the larger-than-life singer whose 1977 record “Bat Out of Hell” is one of the best-selling albums of all time, died January 20 at the age of 74, according to a statement from his family on his verified Facebook page. In pictures: Rock ‘n’ roll legend Meat Loaf ” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> André Leon Talley, the former longtime creative director for Vogue and a fashion icon in his own right, died January 18 at the age of 73, according to a statement on his official Instagram account. Talley was a pioneer in the fashion industry, a Black man in an often insular world dominated by White men and women.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Gaspard Ulliel, best known for playing Hannibal Lecter in “Hannibal Rising,” died after a skiing accident on January 18. He was 37.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Lusia “Lucy” Harris, a college basketball star during the 1970s and the first and only woman ever to be officially drafted by an NBA team, died on January 18, according to a statement from her family and Delta State University. She was 66. Harris led Delta State to three national championships from 1975-1977.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Steve Schapiro, an acclaimed photojournalist perhaps best known for his work documenting the civil rights movement, died January 15 at the age of 87. Schapiro was also known for his portraits of some of the world’s biggest celebrities, including Muhammad Ali, David Bowie and Barbra Streisand.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ralph Emery, a legendary radio and television personality in the world of country music, died January 15 at the age of 88, according to the Country Music Association.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ronnie Spector, the leader of pop group The Ronettes and the powerful central voice of hits like “Be My Baby” and “Baby I love You,” died on January 12, her family announced in a statement on her website. She was 78.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Clyde Bellecourt, a leader in the Native American struggle for civil rights and a founder of the American Indian Movement, died on January 11, his wife Peggy Bellecourt told the Star Tribune. He was 85.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Deon Lendore, an Olympic and world championship medalist from Trinidad and Tobago, died in a car accident in Texas on January 10. He was 29.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Don Maynard, a Hall of Fame football player known for helping the New York Jets win Super Bowl III, died January 10 at the age of 86. At the time of his retirement in 1973, Maynard’s career receptions (633) and yards receiving (11,834) were league records. He also amassed 10,000 yards receiving before any other pro player.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Bob Saget, the comedian and actor who played wholesome patriarch Danny Tanner on the sitcom “Full House,” was found dead in an Orlando hotel room on January 9, his family confirmed in a statement to CNN. He was 65.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Michael Lang, co-creator of the Woodstock music festival, died January 8 at the age of 77.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Marilyn Bergman died January 8 at the age of 93. Along with Alan Bergman, her husband and longtime collaborator, Bergman was nominated for 16 Academy Awards over the course of her career and won three. One was for the song “The Way We Were,” from the 1973 film that starred Barbra Streisand.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Sidney Poitier, whose elegant bearing and principled onscreen characters made him Hollywood’s first Black movie star, died at the age of 94, it was reported on January 7. In pictures: Hollywood legend Sidney Poitier ” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Lani Guinier, a legal scholar and champion for voting rights who was once nominated to be assistant attorney general by then-President Bill Clinton, died on January 7, her cousin, Sherrie Russell-Brown, confirmed to CNN. She was 71.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Peter Bogdanovich, the Oscar-nominated director of movies such as “The Last Picture Show” and “Paper Moon,” died on January 6. He was 82.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Ross Browner, a two-time All-American at Notre Dame and a 10-year NFL veteran, died January 6 at the age of 67. Browner, a defensive lineman, started all four seasons at Notre Dame, winning national championships in 1973 and 1977 and setting several school records.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Kim Mi-soo died at the age of 29, her agency, Landscape Entertainment, announced on January 5. The budding TV star and model appeared in the Disney+ series “Snowdrop” and Netflix’s “Hellbound.”” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Richard Leakey, who unearthed evidence that helped prove humankind evolved in Africa, died January 2 at the age of 77.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/> Dan Reeves, a former NFL running back and head coach, died January 1 at the age of 77. Reeves coached 23 seasons in the NFL and was twice named Coach of the Year.” class=”image_gallery-image__dam-img”/>