A Game of Death

In sports, a physically fit body is important, as well as mental preparation and a high amount of psyche for a better performance. But there have been times that not even the fittest of athletes would leave the game standing on their own two feet, let alone leave with their hearts still pumping. That was the case in four key sports deaths that occurred during a game.

Ray Chapman

In 1920, Major League Baseball saw the loss of Cleveland Indians shortstop Ray Chapman due to a fatal hit by pitch by New York Yankees pitcher Carl Mays. While Doc Powers was the first batter to die due to a similar incident, Chapman's death became more publicized, eventually resulting in several rule changes, which include the prohibition of the spitball and the eventual usage of batting helmets.

Bill Masterson after collapsing during a game in Minnesota in 1968.

In 1968, ice hockey player Bill Masterton of the then-Minnesota North Stars died as a result of a checking hit by Oakland Seals' Larry Cahan and Ron Harris. His death eventually paved the way for the mandatory use of helmets in the National Hockey League, effective in the 1979-80 season. Checking, though, in some cases, remain legal hits which count as a statistic for NHL players.

Chuck Hughes after collapsing during a game in Tiger Stadium in 1971.

In 1971, National Football League player Chuck Hughes died of a heart attack during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Chicago Bears. Hughes collapsed as he ran to join his teammates on the bench. It turns out Hughes's family had a history of heart problems which may have played a role in his death. The Lions later honored him by retiring his jersey no. 85 and also named the Most Improved Player award after him.

Hank Gathers after collapsing during an NCAA game in 1990.

While no NBA player died during a game, in the U.S. NCAA one particular on-court death has occurred. In 1990, Loyola Marymount forward Hank Gathers collapsed on the hardwood after performing a dunk during a game against the University of Portland Pilots. Gathers was declared dead on arrival hours later in the hospital, and in the autopsy that followed, doctors conclude that he suffered from a cardiac arrest. The closest an NBA player had come from dying during a game was Reggie Lewis, who collapsed on the Boston Garden parquet during a 1993 playoff game. It was discovered that Lewis had a heart problem while during a checkup, an ailment that eventually claimed Lewis's life several months later during an offseason practice.

Sports is indeed a game of death, temporary death that is. A loss means temporary pain and disappointment, a win means redemption and triumph. Win or lose, however, the health of an athlete is important, for any mistake may cause premature retirement, or worse, death.