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

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As if the 2020 coronavirus pandemic wasn’t lethal enough for the sport, fans were saddened this year when they saw big names like NBA star Kobe Bryant and football legend leave. Diego Armando Maradona.

Those were two of the most shocking deaths of these 12 months, which also left Puerto Rican sports mourning the deaths of personalities such as federal judge and former Olympic champion Juan R. Torruella and former world champion Carlos “Sugar” de León.

KOBE BRYANT

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

His unexpected death unleashed a whirlwind of reactions in the sports world and beyond as his fame transcends that line. In fact, star LeBron James picked up on the sentiment of many by pointing out that Bryant’s death made no sense. Bryant will be inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in May of next year along with Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett. Bryant won five championships with the Lakers and was part of the United States Dream Team by winning gold medals in the 2008 and 2012 Olympics. He was also a basketball ambassador at FIBA.

DIEGO MARADONA

The football star died of cardiac arrest in his hometown in the province of Buenos Aires at the age of 60 on November 25. The Argentina national team captain – who won the 1986 World Cup – had undergone surgery for cranial edema weeks before his death. At the moment, the Attorney General of San Isidro’s office is investigating the doctors who treated the former footballer for alleged negligence. A recently revealed autopsy report ruled out that drugs and alcohol had anything to do with his death. The Argentinian country mourned the departure of the legendary footballer, who in addition to excelling in the national team, was a figure at the clubs Boca Juniors, Naples and Barcelona.

The death of ‘El Pelusa’ caused heartbreaking scenes from his fans and touching tribute, such as that of his fellow countryman Lionel Messi, who took off his Barcelona shirt after scoring a goal against Osasuna to leave a Newell’s Old Boys club shirt see. Messi’s favorite in which Maradona played, with the number 10 on his back.

Other figures that have passed away this year

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

  • David Stern joined the NBA as a Commissioner in 1984. In the picture next to Akeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in that year's drawing.

    David Stern joined the NBA as a Commissioner in 1984. In the picture next to Akeem Olajuwon and Sam Bowie in that year’s drawing. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • In 1996, he awarded the Most Valuable Player of the last trophy to Michael Jordan.

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

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

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

  • Jordan was the main star of the NBA in the 1990s.

    Jordan was the main star of the NBA in the 1990s. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

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

    He presented the Most Valuable Player trophy to LeBron James 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 alongside Dwight Howard in the 2004 draw.

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

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

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

  • Stern with Kyrie Irving, First Selection of the 2011 Draw.

    Stern with Kyrie Irving, top pick of the 2011 draw. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Maurice Harkless, of Puerto Rican roots, was part of the 2011 draw.

    Maurice Harkless, of Puerto Rican roots, was part of the 2011 draw. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

  • Stern left the job in 2014. The position went to Adam Silver, his right-hand man for years.

    Stern left the job in 2014. The position went to Adam Silver, his right-hand man for years. (ELNUEVODIA.COM)

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

Tony Fernandez: The Dominican participated in 17 Major League-seasons. The short stop died on February 16 of kidney problems. He was 56 years old.

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

Al Kaline: Played 22 seasons in Detroit, 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 wins as a coach in the NFL. 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 the Utah Jazz. He died on May 22 of complications from Parkinson’s and dementia. He was at the helm of Jazz for 23 years.

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

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

  • Before coaching, Sloan was a star player for the Chicago Bulls. His number 4 jersey was removed by the team, the first in franchise history.

    Before coaching, Sloan was a star player for the Chicago Bulls. His number 4 jersey was removed by the team, the first in franchise history. (The Associated Press)

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Led by Sloan, Puerto Rican canaster Carlos Arroyo passed.

    Led by Sloan, Puerto Rican canaster Carlos Arroyo passed. (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 Sloan demanded of his players.

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

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

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

  • Sloan after his 1,000th win as a manager in 2006. He had 1,221 wins in his career, the fourth highest in NBA history.

    Sloan after his 1,000th win as a manager in 2006. He had 1,221 wins in his career, 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 was suffering from Parkinson's disease and Lewy body dementia, a degenerative disease.

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

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

John Thompson: 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: Had an excellent career as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers. He died on August 29.

Tom SeaverLegendary pitcher for the New York Mets, 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 collected the second most stolen bases in MLB history. He died on September 6 at the age of 81.

Joe Laurinaitis (Road Warrior Animal): He was part of 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 pitchers of his day with the St. Louis Cardinals. After battling cancer of the pancreas, 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 wins.

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

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

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

Juan Félix “Cukin” Núñez: The former Bravos de Cidra Power in Double A Baseball died on November 28.

Rogelio Moret: One of the greatest Puerto Rican left-handed pitchers of all time died on December 8. He pitched nine seasons in the majors, finishing with a record of 47-27. He pitched with the Boston Red Sox in the 1975 World Series.

José “Tito” Rodríguez Casanova: The former national volleyball coach died on December 13 after an illness related to lymph node cancer. He was 66 years old.

Phil Niekro: The Baseball Hall of Famer who threw the knuckle ball died on December 27 after a long battle with cancer. He was 81 years old.

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