“May His Soul Rest in Peace” – Brought Braves Baseball to Atlanta, 88YO Legend’s Saddening Loss Rocks MLB & Soccer World

The soccer fraternity wakes up to the news of the tragic passing of Mr. Dick Cecil. He passed away at age 88 and left a legacy to ponder upon. The iconic Cecil made pivotal decisions in his life and influenced the community in any way he could have. Consequently, he brought sports teams to various cities and became successful in every way. Notably, he helped establish the dominance of the Atlanta Chiefs by becoming the president in the late 60s while also the Atlanta Braves in the MLB after taking over the team as a vice president.

Soon after, he became the president of Braves Productions and booked various events at the Atlanta-Fulton County Stadium when the team did not play. Moreover, he managed to bring in The Beatles in 1965 to create a revolution in Atlanta. In addition, Atlanta played host to various sports events and other concerts using Dick’s contacts to generate extra revenue. Many fans took to social media platforms to give their tributes to the visionary figure. 

Fans mourn after soccer visionary passes away

Fans took to X to share their tributes as one fan commented, “May His soul rest in peace.” Other fans duly gave him their respects following the passing of the former chairman. One soccer player stated, “Rest in peace to the man that led to what we are today…We’re forever grateful.” During the late 60s, Cecil signed the current Kaizer Chiefs Chairman, Dr Kaizer Motaung, in 1968. He became instrumental in the Atlanta Chiefs’ North American Soccer League victory in 1968. Accordingly, Motaung offered his tributes to Cecil out of respect.

He stated, “Dick Cecil gave me the opportunity to play professional football with players from all over the world. I still feel very honoured to have been part of the first team from Atlanta to win a championship in any sport in 1968. I held him in very high esteem. He was a kind gentleman. Atlanta Chiefs is the reason there is a Kaizer Chiefs today in South Africa.” By bringing the Braves to the MLB and the Chiefs to the North American Soccer League, Cecil was truly a prophet in building sports teams. Motaung’s Kaizer Chiefs FC even has its logo inspired by the Atlanta Chiefs.

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There were many reactions aimed toward his work for the sports franchises. One fan commented, “Thank you. Mr Dick Cecil for your vision and belief in our chairman and many other talents you gave a break. Rest in peace.” 

Leaving behind a legacy to remember

Thus, it truly is a saddening loss for everyone involved in the sports community. After the Chiefs won their first championship in Atlanta, Cecil voiced his opinions about the journey to the top. We sum it up with his personal touch on building Atlanta sports teams. 

According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Cecil stated, “This is the first professional championship in Atlanta. I’ve been to things that they just talk about the (Braves 1995) World Series. Well, excuse me. I always want to underscore that (the Chiefs) paid their dues. They did a hell of a job and they are really responsible for Atlanta’s soccer scene. They were the base. And Atlanta United exploded on top of that.” 

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He has remained an icon in soccer and other sports for ages. Rest in Peace!