The Tribune

By BRENT STUBBS

Chief Sports Editor

bstubbs@tribunemedia.net

National Hall of Famer Edworth “Eddie” Ford, best remembered as the only Bahamian basketball player to score 100 points in a game, has passed away at the age of 77. He died on Wednesday night at the Princess Margaret Hospital after battling cancer.

Ford has participated in a number of sports, including golf, his new favourite pastime. After playing both sports as a credible outfielder, Ford decided to give back to the sport by becoming a certified baseball and softball umpire.

Condolences were poured in from every sector of society, led by Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture Mario Bowleg.

“Eddie was one of the most versatile and accomplished athletes our nation has ever produced. He was the only player in the country to score 100 points in a single basketball game,” Bowleg said. 

“In cricket, he etched his name into history with an unforgettable 176 runs not out in London in 1976. In softball, he proudly carried The Bahamas to gold at the 1977 international competition in Mexico, where he was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player. “And in baseball, he reached yet another pinnacle, leading the Holston Knights to the triple crown in 1980, winning the pennant, league championship and national championship.”

Beyond these remarkable achievements, Bowleg said Ford gave back selflessly to the games he loved, serving as an umpire and mentor to younger athletes. 

“His dedication, skill, and spirit ensured that his influence extended far beyond his own playing career, leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire for generations to come,” he said. 

“In 2016, Eddie Ford was rightfully inducted into the Bahamas Sports Hall of Fame, a lasting recognition of his extraordinary accomplishments and his enduring impact on Bahamian sport. His memory will continue to inspire, and his legacy will live on for generations to come.”

Bowleg sent out a message to his children and the entire Ford family, encouraging them to find comfort in knowing that Ford’s life and career touched so many and left an indelible mark on the nation’s sporting history. 

The Ministry, along with the entire sporting community, stands with the family during this time of sorrow, united in celebrating a life so richly lived. At their Windsor Line Homestead, persons from all walks of life flocked in to offer their condolences to the Ford clan, including his siblings Keith, Linda, Mario and Andy Ford. Their oldest sister Cory is still in the United States.

Two of Ford’s three children, Esmaralda Ford-Crittendem, and Janielle  Ford, were also present. The other, Tachaka Moxey, was not present.

Janielle Ford, a 1998 graduate ofvSt Augustine’s College, participated in the discus and shot put and also players on the softball team. Ford-Crittendem, however, tried to play softball, but her father wouldn’t teach her.

Ford-Crittendem, who has been residing in the USA for the past 25 years, said her father always took them to the ballpark as little girls running around while the adults watched or played the game.

“I remember him in right field. He was a switch hitter. He was an outstanding player,” she stressed.

With her father contesting just about every sport played in the Bahamas, she said she wasn’t there, but she heard the story of how he scored the 100 points in a basketball game.

“That was their last game and Wentie started passing the ball to my father,” Ford-Crithendem recalled. “Daddy just posted up at the other end of the court.

“It was a team effort. Daddy couldn’t score without Wentie unselfishly passing him the ball. I’m happy for him because he came through.”

In another incident, Ford-Crittendem said her father usually has breakfast in their yard with one one their friends. She noted that whenever she was around, he showed a lot of respect by refraining from using any more foul language.

In giving thanks to God, Ford-Crithendem-also expressed her gratitude to the many persons who showed and connected with their family.