Bobby Baun Obituary, Death Cause: Maple Leafs’ Warrior Who Won on a Broken Leg

Bobby Baun, who played 17 seasons in the NHL as a fearless and hard-hitting defenseman, has passed away at the age of 86. His death was announced by the NHL Alumni Association on Tuesday, but no cause was given.

A Legendary Career

Bobby Baun was born on Sept. 9, 1936, in Lanigan, Saskatchewan, as Robert Neil Baun. He started his hockey career with the Toronto Marlboros, winning two Memorial Cups in the junior league. He made his NHL debut with the Toronto Maple Leafs in 1956-57.

He was a key member of the Maple Leafs dynasty that won four Stanley Cups in 1962, ’63, ’64 and ’67. Bobby Baun played alongside some of the greatest names in hockey history, such as Dave Keon, Johnny Bower, Tim Horton, and Frank Mahovlich.

But his most memorable moment came in the 1964 final against Detroit. The Leafs were down 3-2 in the series and facing elimination in Game 6. Baun blocked a shot from Gordie Howe with his leg while killing a penalty in the third period. He collapsed on the ice and had to be carried off on a stretcher. He said

I didn’t know what was wrong at first. It felt numb. Then I tried to get up for a faceoff with Gordie Howe and I heard a snap. It caved in under me and I couldn’t stand on it.

The doctors told him he had broken his ankle, but he could not do any more damage to it. They froze and taped it up and Baun returned to the game late in the third period. He scored the game-winning goal in overtime with a shot from the right point that eluded Detroit goalie Terry Sawchuk.

“I’m thankful for ‘The Goal,’” he wrote in his 2000 autobiography “Lowering the Boom: The Bobby Baun Story” with Anne Logan. “It was the culmination of 28 years of passion, perseverance and pride.”

He later described his shot as “A triple-flutter-blast with a followup blooper that went off (Detroit defenseman) Bill Gadsby’s stick and changed direction on Sawchuk.”

Bobby Baun played through the pain again in Game 7 as the Leafs won 4-0 at home to claim their third straight Cup.

A Savvy Negotiator

Baun was also known for his savvy handling of his contracts and his advocacy for other players’ rights. He often negotiated his own deals and advised other players on their salaries. This put him at odds with Leafs’ general manager Punch Imlach, who did not appreciate Baun’s assertiveness.

Their relationship worsened when Bobby Baun held out for more money before the 1965-66 season. He eventually got a raise, but Imlach never forgave him. Baun also suffered several injuries that reduced his playing time and value.

In 1966-67, Baun broke his toe and was replaced by Larry Hillman. He barely played in the Leafs’ fourth Cup win in 1967 and did not join the celebrations.

The next season, Baun was left exposed in the expansion draft and was picked by the Oakland Seals. He joined three other former Marlboros teammates on the Seals, but they were a dismal team that finished last in the league.

Bobby Baun spent two seasons with Oakland before being traded to Detroit in 1969. He came back to Toronto for three more seasons from 1970 to 1973 before hanging up his skates at age 36.

A Private Family Man

While Baun’s exploits on the ice were widely celebrated, his personal life was kept private. He had a close relationship with his wife Sallie, who stood by him throughout his career and beyond. They had four children: Bob Jr., Brian, Bonnie, and Barbara. They also had several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Bobby Baun rarely spoke about his wife and children in public or media interviews. He wanted to protect them from the spotlight and focus on his hockey career.

He also did not seek much fame or recognition for himself after retiring from hockey. He worked as a sales representative for a steel company and later as a real estate agent. He also coached youth hockey and participated in charity events.

He was honored by the Saskatchewan Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the Ontario Sports Hall of Fame in 2014. He also received a banner-raising ceremony from the Maple Leafs at the Air Canada Centre in 2016.

A Lasting Legacy

Baun’s death came one day after Rodion Amirov, a promising young prospect for the Maple Leafs who was drafted in the first round in 2020, died from a brain tumor at age 21.

The hockey world expressed its sorrow and condolences for both players and their families and friends.

“The Toronto Maple Leafs are deeply saddened by the passing of Bob Baun, whose incredible legacy of resilience includes his iconic overtime game-winning goal during a Stanley Cup final on a broken leg,” said Maple Leafs president Brendan Shanahan in a statement.

“Bob was a fierce competitor and a proud Maple Leaf. His inspirational spirit continues to embody the heart of the game. He will be greatly missed by the team and its fans. Our thoughts are with Bob’s loved ones during this difficult time.”

Baun’s former teammates and opponents also paid tribute to him and his contributions to the game.

“He was a great teammate and a great friend,” said Keon, who played with Baun for 11 seasons in Toronto. “He was always there for you, on and off the ice. He was one of the best defensemen I ever played with. He was fearless and he never gave up.”

“He was a tough competitor and a hard hitter,” said Howe, who faced Baun many times as a member of the Red Wings. “He always played with respect and integrity. He was one of the players I admired the most. He was a true champion.”

Baun’s legacy will live on in the memories of hockey fans, especially those who witnessed his heroic performance in 1964. His goal is widely considered one of the greatest moments in Stanley Cup history and one of the most remarkable feats of courage and determination in sports.

Bobby Baun: A Summary of His Life and Career

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