Argos Mourn Loss Of Ralph Sazio
Published on September 26, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Toronto Argonauts News Release
Toronto - The Toronto Argonauts Football Club is mourning the loss of one of the most important figures in club history, former President and General Manager Ralph Sazio. Sazio was 86 years old and passed away suddenly on Thursday night at his home in Burlington, Ontario.
Argos CEO Michael 'Pinball' Clemons remarked, "Ralph Sazio, my fellow alumnus of William and Mary, was a no-nonsense guy and commanding in his presence. In fact, in our first conversation, he asked me if I wanted to come play football for the Toronto Argonauts and after my usual 5 minute dissertation which explained that I had a job opportunity at Honeywell, he said very simply, 'I don't think you understand. What I'm asking you is can you make a 3:00 flight?' It was 11:30 at the time. So Ralph Sazio gave me my start here in Toronto in his typical no-nonsense style. Accordingly, it makes perfect sense why he led such an incredible life. I wish his family the very best from both his Argonauts and College of William and Mary families."
When Ralph Sazio was named Toronto Argonauts President in 1982, the Argos experienced immediate success. The club charged to its first Grey Cup appearance in more than a decade; then, just once season later, a 30-year drought was ended with a Grey Cup championship over the B.C. Lions. Sazio added the title of General Manager in 1984 to his duties before handing the G.M. reins to Leo Cahill in 1986. Sazio remained President until 1989 when he once again took on G.M. duties and was integral in bringing CFL Hall of Famer Michael 'Pinball' Clemons to the Argonauts.
All-Time Argo lineman and former Argos President Dan Ferrone fondly remembered Sazio, "Ralph was my mentor and he taught me more about Canadian football than anyone else. He was an instrumental part in the success that I had and was largely responsible for changing the fortunes of Argo football in the early years of my career. In 1983, he gave us all the right parts to be successful including bringing in coach Bob O'Billovich and we went on to snap a 32-year drought by winning a Grey Cup."
'The Sazio Years' were among the most successful in the Argonauts' rich history. His teams appeared in three Grey Cup championships (1982-83, 1987) and finished in first place five times (1982-84, 1986, 1988). Sazio was inducted in the Canadian Football Hall of Fame in 1988 as a builder.
All-Time Argo DB Carl Brazley commented, "Ralph was the man who brought me to Toronto. When I first met him, I was intimidated to say the least. He was a smart, stern football mind but once you got to know him, he was like a big old grizzly bear with the heart of a lamb. His commitment to the Argos was like no other and he would do anything to protect his team."
Sazio first entered the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats as a player in 1950. He was later named Head Coach, General Manager and eventually President.
The Toronto Argonauts would like to extend their condolences to Ralph's beloved wife Rose, his son Mark, daughter Peggy and his six grandchildren. A moment of silence will be observed in Sazio's honour at the Toronto Argonauts game tomorrow night at Rogers Centre.
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