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William "Wild Bill" Hagy
William "Wild Bill" Hagy
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William Hagy Obituary
Hagy was found unresponsive Monday in his home by his roommate, the Orioles said. Efforts by paramedics to revive him failed.
Wearing a straw hat and a scraggly beard, Hagy led cheers at the Orioles' old stadium during the 1970s and 1980s. He spelled out O-R-I-O-L-E-S with his body while fans yelled each letter in unison.
A cabdriver during the day, Hagy guzzled many a beer in the stands while the fans eagerly waited for him to wave his hands over his head to start his trademark cheer. During important games, the team allowed him to climb on top of the Orioles dugout to rally the crowd with his act.
Hagy was scruffy, had a beer belly and often wore tank tops to the game. Yet he led a generation of Orioles backers in the cheap seats of an aging stadium that drew far more fans for NFL games involving the Baltimore Colts.
Hagy put an end to his antics when the Orioles moved to Camden Yards in 1992, in part because he couldn't stand the new breed of upper-crust fans who spoke on cell phones during the game.
But he reprised his act in the middle of the decade during the playoffs.
Copyright © 2007 The Associated Press
52 Entries
Harry Kellerstapf
October 7, 2024
In 1978 November you brought me home from the hospital after my father passed away and you told me that if I need a ticket to go to the game you would take me and I remember you driving that cab. Thank you for the good times at the Oriole games when I used to watch you on TV.
September 15, 2024
Out of the blue I thought of wild Bill and memorial stadium.Great part of my childhood.
Joseph Smith
February 11, 2021
Man, I miss him ! We had such good times up there in Section 34. The more time passes , the more your missed, Bill !!!!!!
Robert Petty
March 29, 2015
I rember setting I my seat me and my wife and then the the roar from 34 she loved it god rest both of them . She also loved memorial stadium
How you can show support
Wayne Bosley
October 16, 2014
wish you were still here Wild Bill we need you
Wayne Bosley
October 16, 2014
to bad your non with us anymore.
Mike D
October 2, 2014
Wild Bill...give us some of that Orioles Magic from beyond. Go O's!!
Dick Cox
August 4, 2010
Wild Bill,
My Grandson Zach still tells his friends about our last meeting at Camden Yards! Some great times at "Butlers", "EDS INN" on the fields around Gray Manor and Section 34 at Memorial Stadium - RIP my brother!
Dick Cox - Dundalk (Gray Manor)
Steve Mazer
October 6, 2009
I worked with Bill Hagy at Good Humor during the early and mid-seventies and I felt he was a true gentleman. He was knowledgeable about so many things and it was a plesure just to sit and converse with him. I was grateful to have someone like him for a friend and I miss him terribly. And of course, I guess the Orioles probably need him now more than ever! There's little argument there. But Bill, I salute you for the friend and colleague you were to me and you'll always have a special place in my heart from the days we spent working at Good Humor. Rest in peace, old pal!
Gene Egeberg
September 11, 2009
Oh if we could only have bottled the spirit this guy had for bringing fans to their feet and making the game exciting and fun. It's something that's definitely missing now and I don't know if we'll have that again.
Looking back, I am proud to say that my family and I attended many games and were witnesses to the great things that went on in that Stadium in the late 70s and early 80s. Wild Bill Hagy was a huge part of that magical time. As an individual, I believe he is alone at the top in terms of bringing an entire stadium to a frenzy and perhaps even having an impact on the games themselves. Those who were there will never forget that. We love him for that.
Chris B
April 11, 2009
Wild Bill, to better baseball times when players were loyal to their teams and vice versa, and when it was fun to go the games. I had a great time watching you whether in the stands or watching tv. God bless......
bonnie hagy
June 3, 2008
we miss you very much. your memory is never forgotten.
mike
September 9, 2007
i remember my first os game in 79 and seeing wild bill in action...as a lifelong fan i miss those days at memorial stadium and magic we had...have a cold nati boh for me big guy...you live on in our hearts!
Tom Jones
August 30, 2007
Wild Bill, A large part of my childhood died with you. Thanks for all of the memories!!
LouAnn DiNoto
August 24, 2007
I'll always remember Memorial Stadium, and the cheers from you. That's when there were real baseball fans, and we didn't have to be tole to make some noise!!!
bruce johnson
August 24, 2007
thanks for those exciting games you cheered us on,and i know you where god send,,you are a one and only ,we now have an angel that will look over our team and i know you will cheer us on,god bless you bill,you sure were a blessing
August 23, 2007
Rest in peace Wild Bill
L, D, B & M McCarthy
August 23, 2007
"O-R-I-O-L-E-S"
Wild Bill will live in the Hall of Fame of all Oriole Fan Hearts. A man with a truly genuine spirit for life. May You Rest in Peace, The McCarthy Family
CHARLES PACHECO
August 23, 2007
Our deepest sympathies to Wild Bills family , friends and Oriole fans who followed him. He will be missed by all of us. FROM CHARLES & TERESA PACHECO "CHICO" DUNDALK , MARYLAND
Orioleinflorida
August 23, 2007
I had the extreme honor of being at games when Wild Bill was there. As a child it was a added enjoyment. Wild Bill did things the real ORIOLE WAY and he will be missed.
Harry Simpson
August 23, 2007
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
Robyn
August 23, 2007
You are a true fan to all of us sports lovers. You are now amoung the greatest. Say hello to Dale Earnhardt.
Michael iezzi
August 23, 2007
Father we entrust our brother William to your mercy. You loved him greatly in this life: now that he is freed from all its cares, give him happiness and peace forever. Welcome him now into paradise where there will be no more sorrow, no more weeping or pain, but only peace and joy with Jesus your Son, and the Holy Spirit forever and ever.
May God hold William in the palm of His hand. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. My deepest sympathy.
DAWN HARRIS
August 23, 2007
MAY WILD BILL REST IN PEACE IN BASEBALL HEAVEN. GOD BLESS HIS SOUL.
ken
August 22, 2007
wild bill you were great up in section 34. you were a true oriole fan.baseball needs more fans like you. may you rest in peace in heaven with the sound of the roar from 34. oriole fan club of york pa
Drue Franck
August 22, 2007
Carol and family, You are in my thoughts and prayers. I was saddened to hear of your loss.
barb cardinal
August 22, 2007
Wild Bill Hagy is in my prayers that his soul may rest in peace up there in Baseball Heaven...and my condolences to his family
Jon Cabeen
August 22, 2007
Wild Bill was a great American because he had a love for baseball and beer. Nothing wrong in that brother! He was a simple man who made a name for himself, and became famous rooting for the team he loved - the Baltimore Orioles. I admire Wild Bill and folks like him. May God accept Wild Bill into his everlasting kingdom. Good job Wild Bill!
Mark Ward
August 22, 2007
Bill, you were the epitome of Oriole Magic, the quintessential Baltimore fan, a Legend. Although the "roar" has been silenced, you are now among those in the heavens and you will not be forgotten here. Long live the memory of the greatest O's fan and his Roar from 34.
Pamela Golden
August 22, 2007
I just know we were related (by marriage). Wish we could all find our niche the way he did. My husband (Harless Earl Hagy) was born in Manchester, England. We had 3 kids together. He was my first husband.
Annamarie born and raised in Baltimore
August 22, 2007
Maryland has lost a true Orioles fan. He loved the Orioles win or lose. As a kid, I remember going to watch the Orioles play and Wild Bill in true spirit knew how to inspire other fans and the players. He is an important part of the Orioles history. Wild Bill, I know you gotta em on their feet in H-E-A-V-E-N! I hope his family finds peace in knowing he touched so many peoples lives just being a dedicated fan.
Steve Micke
August 22, 2007
God must have needed a cheerleadr and you owere the greatest. God Bless.
1SG JAMES George USA ret.
August 22, 2007
God bless wild Bill and his Family. He was quite a crowd pleaser, may he rest in peace.
August 22, 2007
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life’s routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
Edwyna Humperdinck
August 22, 2007
He will be missed by many Baltimore Orioles fans. He is up in heaven on the Orioles dugout cheering them on at every game. God Bless Him.
Sheila Smith
August 22, 2007
Rest in Peace Wild Bill.
Robert Watkins
August 21, 2007
God Bless this great fan.
Beverly Taylor ASERACARE HOSPICE
August 21, 2007
Wild Bill must have been a colorful trailblazer. I am glad someone posted this. It sounds as if he was a true fan to the Orioles. His contention with the cell phones is awesome. I can see why he yearned for the good ol days when fans were more respecful and less distracted. Condolences to all who loved hm.
Larry Harris
August 21, 2007
So sad to hear of Wild Bill's passing but it did bring a smile to my face just like every time he'd stand up and do O-R-I-O-L-E-S! He lived life to the fullest and you have to respect him for that. He is drinking a cold beer, watching dem O's and having a good time with the other legends of baseball somewhere, thanks for the memories "Wild Bill".
Melvin L. Hicks
August 21, 2007
My wife and I just wanted to pay our respect and condolences for "Wild Bill" who brought many many smiles to the baseball fans around Maryland for many years.
Just seeing the love and the passion he had for the game made coming to the park even more enjoyable."Will Bill" will surely be missed.
Phil Reeder
August 21, 2007
Will miss the memories of better times being an Os fan. Wild Bill was the epitome of those times.
Gina Baker
August 21, 2007
What can be said about Wild Bill? He was a true fan. He stuck by them birds through thick and thin. No matter what. My sympathies are with your family and friends. "Ain't the bee cold?" up there in Oriole Heaven?
David Granruth
August 21, 2007
Sorry for the passing of "Wild Bill" he was the ultimate Oriole fan.
He will be missed by many. He was as much of Baltimore's history as Baltimore itself. I will miss him.
Dave G.
Rich Sheridan
August 21, 2007
My sincere condolences to the Hagy family, The Baltimore Orioles and the many fans who followed their guy. I'm sure this is a very difficult but memorable time. "Wild Bill" has earned his way to the Grand Stands now where he will forever cheer on the Orioles from above.
Paul Normile
August 21, 2007
My sympathies to Bill's family, friends and Oriole fans.
This Indian fan enjoyed Wild Bill supporting his O's, even when we played them.
Maria Guido
August 21, 2007
The fond memories of "Wild Bill" will live forever, from Section 34, to "Mike's Happy Hour" on Holibird Ave, to the last cab I've ever called for in 1984 while living in Catonsville, and to my surprise as I reached for the door handle, I heard the 'ole familiar voice ring out in that endearing shutter he loved so say when calling my name, "Maaaarrrriiiiaaaaa", as if to hang onto every syllable. It's been over 22 years since I last saw Bill, but the memories are like yesterday, and will ive forever. May the Lord bless and keep you always! Love Forever, Maria
Irene c morrison
August 21, 2007
sorry for your loss in your sad time he is in gods hands may god be with you in your sad time
Bud Stewart
August 21, 2007
Deepest sympanthy to the extended family and friends of WILD BILL. I never saw him but sure he had many friends who came to see his cheers. God Bless
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