So far, 2023 has been a tough year for the California Golden Seals. Since the team is no longer active, it is only a matter of time before there aren’t any more former players, coaches, and employees left. This year we’ve lost, among others, Dave Gardner, Marv Edwards, Vic Stasiuk, and Danny Belisle, and now unfortunately we have to add the great Bobby Baun to that list.

I wasn’t going to add anything to the site this week since I’m on my summer holiday, but I also felt I couldn’t let Bobby Baun’s passing go by without a mention. After all, he was the NHL Seals’ very first captain, and the first skater chosen in the expansion draft. Despite other quality players such as Billy Harris, Charlie Hodge, Kent Douglas, Gerry Ehman, and Bill Hicke who were all on the opening day roster, it was Bobby Baun who truly was the brand new franchise’s marquee name. He wasn’t particularly flashy or fast. He didn’t score many goals or pick up a lot of assists. What he did do, however, was hit… hard! He was a defensive specialist of the first order, and a highly respected defenseman around the league. Part of that respect was earned in game 6 of the 1964 Stanley Cup Final when Baun broke his leg blocking a Gordie Howe shot. He could have taken the rest of the night off (not to mention the rest of the playoffs off) considering his physical condition, but Baun chose to have his leg frozen and to get back into the game. It’s a good thing he did too, because in overtime, the puck found its way to Baun, who let an awkward shot go from near the blue line, and somehow it bounced and fluttered its way to the net and past Terry Sawchuk for the game-winner. Baun also played in game 7 two days later where the Leafs won 4-0 to clinch the Cup, their third in a row. Baun’s remarkable achievement has become one of the NHL’s most famous moments, and an excellent example of how tough hockey players truly are. So, this week, I’ve added a new Oakland Tribune article from February 2, 1968, the day after Baun scored his first goal as a member of the Seals.

Until next time, stay gold!