Vukovich dies

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Ex-Phillies infielder and coach Vukovich dies aged 59

PHILADELPHIA (Reuters) - Former longtime Philadelphia Phillies infielder and coach John Vukovich died Thursday from complications of brain cancer, the team said.

Vukovich, a career back-up who went on to become a coach with the Phillies after his playing career ended in 1981, was 59.

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"He was a Californian who married a Philly girl and never left," broadcaster Chris Wheeler, who joined the organization in 1971, said on the team's Web site (www.philadelphiaphillies.com). "He loved Philadelphia because he kept saying these people are tough. He loved the area for that reason."

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20070308/sp_nm/baseball_vukovich_dc;_ylt=AuNx3_Z5QCleebulA8RcWNLMWM0F

For all the long-time Phillies Fans...

RIP Vuke....

[BOSSHOG]

1. Vuke was a fan favorite

I got albums full of Phillie Baseball cards in the attic, many of Vuk. Another hero off to Connie Mack in the sky.

I believe Chris Short died of Brain Cancer back in the 80's. I got an autographed card and ball from Chris. Being a lefty he was one of my favorite Philly pitchers. Loved watching him at Connie Mack. My grandfather was an usher there and I got in free after the third inning.

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2. More from Phill.com

Some more finally up on Phily.com

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/16866186.htm

John Vukovich, a Phillies pillar for parts of four decades, died yesterday at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, from the effects of a brain tumor he had quietly battled for several months.

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On the outside, Vukovich could often be as cuddly as a porcupine. He was gruff and brutally honest. If someone messed up and needed to be reprimanded, he'd do it.

Inside, he was as soft as gelatin.

Players often didn't see Vukovich's soft side until they retired, though.

"You heard from some players that he was too hard, that he didn't get it," said John Kruk, one of the heroes of the 1993 Phillies. "Well, to me, the guys who said that were the ones who didn't get it.

[rep the dems]

3. I'll always remember Vuk.

R.I.P