The Sports World Mourns Three Losses

Zachary Swiecicki

September 27, 2016

In 2016, the world has already been shocked by the losses of David Bowie, Prince, Alan Rickman, and Glenn Frey. But the world of sports has had an especially sobering year, remembering Muhammad Ali, Gordie Howe, Pat Summitt, John Saunders, Mike Sadler and Sam Foltz.

What may have been the most shocking 24 hours of the year brought us the news of three more deaths in the sports world this past weekend, those being Mylan Hicks, Jose Fernandez and Arnold Palmer.

Mylan Hicks, former Michigan State defensive back and Detroit native, was killed in a shooting at a nightclub in Calgary early Sunday morning. The 23-year-old had been playing for the Calgary Stampede in the Canadian Football League.

Hicks, like Sadler, was a part of the 2013 Big Ten Championship and Rose Bowl-winning team. He also played a role in the 2015 Cotton Bowl win over Baylor, despite breaking his arm earlier in the season. He later received MSU’s Biggie Munn Award for being the “most inspirational player.”

MSU head coach Mark Dantonio talked about Hicks’ presence and personality on MSU’s official website.

“I had many personal talks with him during his five years here,” Dantonio said. “He went 100 miles an hour. No. 6 was a beautiful person and just lit a room up when he walked in. He established himself as a leader on our football team in his last year. This is just tragic and has rocked our Spartan football community.”

Michigan State assistant head coach and co-defensive coordinator Harlon Barnett also spoke about Mylan.

“He had a great family,” Barnett said. “I feel for his mom (Renee Hill), because he and his mom had a great relationship. Our prayers go out to his family. God got a good one–he got a hard worker. Mylan’s going to do everything right and he’s going to be loyal and do it the right way up in heaven.”

A Mylan Hicks video tribute was shared on Dantonio’s Twitter account on Sunday.

Mylan Hicks Memorial Video #RIP6 https://t.co/839LX0MRPQ

— Mark Dantonio (@DantonioMark) September 26, 2016

Jose Fernandez, a 24-year-old MLB pitching phenomenon, was involved in a fatal high-speed boating accident Sunday morning. Fernandez was already a star in Major League Baseball, and more importantly, a fan favorite with his infectious personality.

The Marlins, after canceling their game on Sunday, played Monday night, and every player wore the No. 16 jersey in memory of Fernandez.

After an emotional pregame tribute, Dee Gordon, Miami’s lefty leadoff hitter, stepped up to the plate to bat right-handed in honor of Jose. He took the first pitch and then switched to his natural left-handed position. What happened next was special.

Just amazing, @FlashGJr. #JDF16 pic.twitter.com/Tgg03ZSJlt

— MLB (@MLB) September 26, 2016

It’s hard to put into words how highly regarded the former Rookie of the Year (and future Cy Young winner) was in the baseball community. He was so well respected that No. 16 will be retired by the Miami Marlins, according to to Hal Habib of the Palm Beach Post.

Marlins manager Don Mattingly talked about Fernandez on Sunday.

“There was just joy with him when he played…and when he pitched, and I think that’s what the guys will say, too,” Mattingly said. “As mad as he would make you with some of the stuff he would do, you’d just see that little kid that you see when you watch kids play Little League or something like that. That’s the joy that Jose played with and the passion he felt about playing. That’s what I think about.”

The report of his death was followed by lots of tears and a few laughs… as Fernandez would want.

This is how I remember Jose Fernandez: "What's that!?" he said of Kenta Maeda's slider. He swung. He missed. He still smiled and laughed. pic.twitter.com/VkCMHmy5zK

— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) September 25, 2016

This remains my favorite Jose Fernandez GIF. pic.twitter.com/A02TUUj8Lu

— Dan Szymborski (@DSzymborski) September 25, 2016

I hope someday anything makes me this happy pic.twitter.com/rbPDJoIMsc

— Adam Peterson (@playerTBNL) September 25, 2016

Arnold Palmer, golf icon, passed away Sunday evening in his home state of Pennsylvania while awaiting cardiac surgery, according to a statement from his company. “The King,” winner of 62 PGA Tour events, was 87 years old.

No one can match the influence that Palmer had on growing the game of golf.

How many athletes, not just golfers, have a drink named after them?

Palmer was not only a world class golfer and ambassador for the game. He served in the U.S. Coast Guard, was a family man, and was a great friend and mentor to countless people.

Arnold Palmer was a pioneer both on and off the golf course.

Here's our short, #TheArnoldPalmer https://t.co/wqZ9tOgZAL

— 30 for 30 (@30for30) September 26, 2016

Arnold Palmer gave out life advice to people he never met. Here is just one of those amazing notes (via @amarc17) pic.twitter.com/lqETHcMFTC

— Darren Rovell (@darrenrovell) September 26, 2016