1. Welcome to SportsJournalists.com, a friendly forum for discussing all things sports and journalism.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register for a free account to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Access to private conversations with other members.
    • Fewer ads.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

RIP Burr Baldwin ...

Discussion in 'Sports and News' started by Claws for Concern, Aug 22, 2007.

  1. Claws for Concern

    Claws for Concern Active Member

    Burr Baldwin, who played in two Rose Bowls and was the first UCLA football player to be named a consensus All-American, has died at age 85.

    Baldwin died Monday night (Aug. 20) at his Bakersfield, Calif., home of complications from cancer, his son, Michael Baldwin, told The Associated Press on Tuesday.

    Baldwin, who played end for the Bruins, earned all-America honors in 1946 when he led his team with 18 receptions for 374 yards and three touchdowns. He also placed seventh in that year's voting for the Heisman Trophy.

    In a career interrupted by military service during World War II, Baldwin also played for the Bruins in 1941 and 1942, helping lead the team to Rose Bowl appearances following the 1942 and 1946 seasons.

    He is one of only eight UCLA football players to have his jersey (No. 38) retired.

    Baldwin served in the Army during World War II, achieving the rank of captain and fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, his son said.

    He was drafted by the NFL's Green Bay Parkers out of UCLA but chose to play for the Los Angeles Dons of the now-defunct All-America Football Conference.

    After leaving pro football, Baldwin moved to Bakersfield, in California's Central Valley, where he worked for 50 years as an insurance broker. He retired last month.

    Baldwin is also survived by another son, Burr Baldwin Jr., two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. His wife, Nancy Smith, died last year.
     
  2. Claws for Concern

    Claws for Concern Active Member

    I know that he might not be a household name to the many on the SportsJournalists.com board, but I had the pleasure of meeting him last year. Great man.

    UCLA's first consensus All-American and they retired his number. Plus he was a military man and was in the Battle of the Bulge.

    He also played at Bakersfield High School, one of the old school powerhouse football programs in California.

    I hope UCLA does something special for him during this season.

    RIP, Burr. Man among men.
     
  3. Colton

    Colton Active Member

  4. Tom Petty

    Tom Petty Guest

Draft saved Draft deleted

Share This Page