Andy Bathgate
In 1951, while playing with the Guelph Juniors, he received a check that severely damaged his left knee. A steel plate was fixed beneath the kneecap yet it plagued him throughout his career. Despite this, he missed only five games in more than eleven seasons with the New York Rangers.
Even though this undoubtedly limited Bathgate's play, his immense talent prevailed. Bathgate was named twice to the NHL's first and twice to the second All-Star teams. He undoubtedly would have made it more times except that his principal rivals were Gordie Howe, Boom Geoffrion and Maurice Richard.
Andy was never much of a backchecker or a physical player, but when he had the puck there were none better. He could weave his way through a team single-handedly, and possessed one of the hardest shots ever witnessed
Bathgate enjoyed his greatest season in 1958-59 when he scored 40 goals and 88 points and won the Hart Trophy as the league's MVP. In 1961-62 he tied Bobby Hull for the league lead in scoring, though Hull got the Art Ross trophy because he scored more goals.
Bathgate was a less charismatic version of Hull. He was a smooth skater and a deft puckhandler, but he too was known for his heavy shot. In fact some say it was Bathgate, not Hull or Geoffrion who perfected the slap shot. Regardless, his shot was feared around the league. It was his shot that hit Montreal goalie Jacques Plante in the face and saw witness to the birth of the goalie mask in the National Hockey League.
Being the first true hockey superstar since the days of Frank Boucher and brothers Bill and Bun Cook, Bathgate was the toast of Manhattan. He was the first Rangers player ever to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. His penalty shot goal against Detroit on March 14th, 1962 that all but assured the Rangers of a playoff spot is still talked about by the old time hockey fans in the city.
Andy was traded to Toronto in 1963-64. It is in Toronto that Andy earned his only Stanley Cup ring. He was later acquired by Detroit, then by Pittsburgh in the 1967 expansion draft.
In total, Handy Andy Bathgate played in 1069 games, scoring 349 goals and 973 points. He was included in Hockey's Hall of Fame in 1978. He briefly played and coach in Switzerland and the WHA following retirement from the National League.
Bathgate stayed in Southern, Ontario upon his departure from the ice. His new passion became golf, and he ran a golf facility in Mississauga for years.
11 comments:
The fact that the Ranger's have not retired Bathgate's number borders on criminality
How can someone read the bio above, and not agree that Andy Bathgate deserves to properly honored by the New York Rangers? If it's too much to ask that the No.9 be raised in his honor, can't we at least have a big banner hanging from the rafters with his name? Do the same for Howell, Ratelle, Boucher and Bill Cook - for starters.
and now he will in February 2009...Congrats to Mr. Bathgate.
Without a doubt the most underrated player of the Original Six. He was super smooth, possessed a great shot and despite the fact that he played during his earlier years on a mediocre New York Rangers team, he managed to put up big numbers for the time. He even beat out Gordie Howe for All Star right winger at one time. The Rangers should be ashamed of themselves for not retiring his #9 jersey. Truly one of the greats to have ever laced up the blades.
I could not agree more with the last blogger, that Andy Bathgate was the most underrated player of his time! Great right wing and one of the players I tried to emulate growing up. His book "Andy Bathgate's Hockey Secrets" was my favorite instructional hockey book and I still have it. Compliments of my mom on my 15th birthday. So glad the Rangers are finally going to give him his due! Another #9 goes to the rafters. Congratulations Andy!
Andy Bathgate from 1956 season to 1964,,,,had more points than any player in the NHL....Classy, smooth, great slapshot....He wins the Hart Trophy and his team didnt even make the playoffs...If Andy hadnt knee probs and played for a better team,people wouldnt be talking about Howe, Jean B, Hull so much...People check out his stats with other players for those yrs....Just a tremendous gifted player.....AMEN...
Andy Bathgate is a TRUE Hall of Famer..Putting up a banner is about time...long overdue...
What really borders on criminality
is the fact that the Rangers retired #9 in honor of Adam Graves before honoring Bathgate.
Andy Bathgate was my favorite player in the NHL and becasue of him I am still a New York Ranger fan.
He was amazing, scoring in 11 consecutive games, that lasted until Gretzky broke it, and his hard shot once took Jacque Plantes glove off leaving it and the puck in the net.
My hero no doubt.
Bathgate was the smoothest of the smooth and the most under-rated player ever to play the game. Although he was on a lacklustre Rangers team for most of his earlier years, he still managed to be consistently among the top point-getters in the league. A great player who was a pleasure to watch.
Brought my son to get Andy's autograph a few years ago before he passed. Mr. Bathgate asked my son if he played hockey & what postion? Nick said yes right wing. Andy told him next time you are coming in on the net shoot for the head! lol priceless RIP Andy.........
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