Byron Nelson dies at 94

[UrbScotty]

From Yahoo Sports:

Byron Nelson, golf's elegant "Lord Byron" whose 11 straight tournament victories in 1945 stand as one of sports' most enduring records, died Tuesday. He was 94.

His death was confirmed by the Tarrant County Medical Examiner's Office. No cause of death was listed on its Web site.

Known for his graceful swing and gentle manner, Nelson had the greatest year in the history of professional golf in 1945 when he won 18 tournaments. He captured 31 of 54 tournaments in 1944-45. Then, at age 34, he retired after the 1946 season to spend more time on his Texas ranch.

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[Captain Hilts]

1. A very gracious man. nt

[UrbScotty]

2. Indeed. Just like the person in your avatar.

O8)

[Awsi Dooger]

3. I guess Caesar's Palace will have to take him off the future odds

Maybe 3 years ago Caesar's put up future odds on Byron Nelson winning the Masters. I kid you not. In fact, I think I posted a thread in DU. A smartass friend of mine who is a huge sports bettor went up to the window and tried to bet something like $2000 on Nelson. I think it was 200/1. Of course, he had no intention of making the bet but he just wanted to test them. Sportsbooks are now notoriously timid and stupid. Sure enough, the Caesar's sportsbook staff did not disappoint. They huddled for several minutes then came back and said the couldn't take the full $2000, but offered a much lower amount instead.

Can you believe that? Nelson was confined to a wheelchair, in his 90s, and hadn't played a professional tournament in decades, yet Caesar's Palace wasn't bright or ballsy enough to take a $2000 bet on him. It sounds like an invented story but I swear it's the truth. Maybe Jim Lampley can use that next time he wants to certify how sophisticated the sportsbooks are.

Sorry, I guess I needed a cheap Lampley dig when my Canes and Dolphins are rolling at 1-2 apiece, victories over the mightly Titans and Florida A&M.