Lyle Bauer
{{Short description|Canadian football player and executive (1958–2024)}}
{{Use Canadian English|date=May 2024}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2024}}
{{Infobox CFL biography
|name=Lyle Bauer
|team=
|image=
|ImageWidth=
|caption=
|status=
|import=no
|position1=Guard|position2=Centre|position3=CEO
|number=59
|College=Weber State University
|birth_date={{Birth date|mf=yes|1958|08|22}}
|birth_place=Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada
|death_date={{Death date and age|mf=yes|2024|04|27|1958|08|22}}
|death_place=Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
|Height_ft=6
|Height_in=3
|Weight_lbs=275{{cite news|title=Bauer takes over as GM of Blue Bombers|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348630007|page=B5|date=February 16, 2000|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Sudbury Star|agency=The Canadian Press|id={{ProQuest|348630007}}}}
|CFLDraftedYear=1979
|CFLDraftedRound=5
|CFLDraftedPick=38
|CFLDraftedTeam=Saskatchewan Roughriders
|administrating_years1=2000–2009
|administrating_team1=Winnipeg Blue Bombers
|administrating_years2=2010–2013
|administrating_team2=Calgary Stampeders
|playing_team1=Winnipeg Blue Bombers
|career_highlights=
- 3× Grey Cup champion (1984, 1988, 1990)
- Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Lineman (1988)
|CFLAllStar=
|Awards=
|Honours=Blue Bomber Hall of Fame (1998)
|Records=
|CFHOF=
}}
Lyle Bauer (August 22, 1958 – April 27, 2024) was a Canadian professional football player and executive in the Canadian Football League (CFL). He played as an offensive lineman for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers from 1982 to 1991. After retiring he served in executive roles with the Blue Bombers and Calgary Stampeders.
Bauer played college football for the Weber State Wildcats before being drafted by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in 1979. He was ultimately cut from their roster and signed with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 1982, when he made his CFL debut. He was part of the franchise's Grey Cup-winning teams in 1984, 1988 and 1990. He retired after the 1991 season and subsequently worked as assistant general manager of the Blue Bombers from 1992 to 1995. After carrying on other business opportunities for five years, he returned to the Blue Bombers in 2000 as president and chief executive officer, playing a key role in steering the team out of financial trouble. He later served as president and chief operating officer of the Calgary Stampeders from 2010 to 2013. Outside of football, Bauer was noted for establishing the Never Alone Foundation to help individuals with cancer and their families, after surviving stage four throat cancer in 2004.
Early life
Bauer was born in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan,{{cite news|title=Lyle Bauer, former Winnipeg Blue Bombers player and CEO, dies at 65|url=https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/manitoba/lyle-bauer-winnipeg-blue-bomber-dies-1.7190455|date=May 1, 2024|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=May 2, 2024}}{{cite news|title=Former Bombers CEO Lyle Bauer gone at 65|url=https://winnipegsun.com/sports/former-bombers-ceo-lyle-bauer-gone-at-65|first=Paul|last=Friesen|date=May 1, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Sun|accessdate=May 2, 2024}} on August 22, 1958.{{cite news|title=Sampras is preparing for Monday farewell|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/358424986|page=A12|date=August 22, 2003|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Kamloops Daily News|id={{ProQuest|358424986}}}} His father worked as a firefighter; his mother was a homemaker.{{cite news|title=He thinks like a champion|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/384320770|page=F3|first=Krista|last=Foss|date=August 25, 2001|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|384320770}}}} He attended Mount Royal Collegiate in his hometown.{{cite news|title=Sask. connection: On board with CFL teams|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/871927516|page=C3|date=June 13, 2011|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The StarPhoenix|location=Saskatoon|id={{ProQuest|871927516}}}}{{cite news|title=Saskatonians architects behind Bombers' success – Bauer, Taman also have links to Roughriders' organization|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348933942|page=C2|first=Cory|last=Wolfe|date=November 22, 2007|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The StarPhoenix|location=Saskatoon|id={{ProQuest|348933942}}}} He then studied business administration in the United States on an athletic scholarship at Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where he played college football for the Wildcats as a guard and centre.{{Cite news |last=Tait |first=Ed |date=May 1, 2024 |title=He was tough as nails, take no prisoners. And that was his life, too. |url=https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/01/he-was-tough-as-nails-take-no-prisoners-and-that-was-his-life-too/ |access-date=June 12, 2024 |publisher=Winnipeg Blue Bombers}}{{cite news|title=Blue Bombers Mourn the Passing of Lyle Bauer|url=https://www.bluebombers.com/2024/05/01/blue-bombers-mourn-the-passing-of-lyle-bauer/|date=May 1, 2024|publisher=Winnipeg Blue Bombers|accessdate=May 2, 2024}} Bauer was selected by the Saskatchewan Roughriders in the fifth round of the 1979 CFL draft. He subsequently signed with the team in mid-April of that same year.{{cite news|title=Sports Roundup – Football|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/387132671|page=38|date=April 17, 1979|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|387132671}}}}
Playing career
During his brief stint with the Roughriders, Bauer was cut from their roster twice.{{cite news|title=Blue's prez suddenly loves green|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/752137688|page=C1|first=Randy|last=Turner|date=November 10, 2006|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|id={{ProQuest|752137688}}}} He played for the Saskatchewan Huskies during the 1981 season in between those cuts,{{cite news|title=Roundup – Football|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386704188|page=S2|date=March 2, 1982|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|386704188}}}} before signing with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in March 1982 and making his debut with the franchise that season. In April 1984, he extended his contract with the Blue Bombers,{{cite news|title=Memo: Early Edition – Winnipeg|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386526220|page=M9|date=April 27, 1984|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|386526220}}}} who won the Grey Cup that year. Bauer's 1985 season was cut short due to torn knee ligaments,{{cite news|title=CFL notebook Doctors clear Bomber loss|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386440717|page=C4|first=Philip|last=King|date=October 16, 1985|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|386440717}}}}{{cite news|title=Regina laughing stock of even their own fans|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435346890|page=E7|first=Rick|last=Matsumoto|date=October 17, 1985|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Toronto Star|id={{ProQuest|435346890}}}} which he sustained in a 31–10 win against the BC Lions on October 11.{{cite news|title=Bombers sweep Lions|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/386299428|page=C4|date=October 12, 1985|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|386299428}}}}
Bauer was named the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Lineman in 1988, despite being part of the franchise's starting five tackles{{cite news|title=Here's how teams look for Argo-Bomber clash|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/435789048|page=E3|first=Mark|last=Harding|date=October 23, 1988|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Toronto Star|id={{ProQuest|435789048}}}} that conceded 67 sacks, the second worst in the league.{{cite news|title=Argos primed for Cup return|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/239228546|page=E2|first=Wayne|last=Scanlan|date=November 19, 1988|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Ottawa Citizen|id={{ProQuest|239228546}}}} Two years later, he was honoured as a division all-star.{{cite news|title=Bomber legend's greatest impact was off the field|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/3049567682|page=D1|first=Allen|last=Taylor|date=May 2, 2024|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|id={{ProQuest|3049567682}}}}{{cite web|title=Lyle Bauer|url=https://www.bluebombers.com/lyle-bauer/|publisher=Winnipeg Blue Bombers|accessdate=May 2, 2024}} He was a member of the Blue Bombers Grey Cup-winning teams in 1988 and 1990. Bauer was inducted into the Blue Bomber Hall of Fame in 1998.
Executive career
Upon retiring from professional football after the 1991 season, Bauer was appointed assistant general manager of the Blue Bombers.{{cite news|title=Bomber boss may coach Bauer hiring increases speculation|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/385394382|page=C11|first=Brian|last=Pardoe|date=February 21, 1992|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|385394382}}}}{{cite news|title=Management suits Lyle Bauer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/251847215|page=D2|first=Norm|last=Cowley|date=July 22, 1992|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Edmonton Journal|id={{ProQuest|251847215}}}} He held this role for three years before stepping down to pursue other business ventures,{{cite news|title=A strong player, a top executive and a cancer survivor|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2547898991|first=Gary|last=Lawless|date=December 18, 2009|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|id={{ProQuest|2547898991}}}} which led to him relocating to Calgary to become general manager of AgPro Grain. He was subsequently rehired by the Blue Bombers as president and chief executive officer in February 2000.{{cite news|title=Bomber president Lyle Bauer battles throat cancer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/348843487|page=B3|first=Ed|last=Tait|date=December 14, 2004|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The StarPhoenix|location=Saskatoon|id={{ProQuest|348843487}}}} At the time of his return, the team was languishing in financial debt of approximately C$5.45 million. Under Bauer's leadership, the Blue Bombers were able to initially reduce their debt to $300,000, before reportedly finishing with a positive balance of about C$5 million by the end of his tenure. He was also instrumental in securing hosting rights for Winnipeg in the 2006 Grey Cup. Bauer resigned his roles with the franchise on December 17, 2009.{{cite web|url=https://vancouversun.com/sports/Bomber+boss+Stamps+bound/2355785/story.html |title=Bomber boss may be Stamps bound |publisher=The Vancouver Sun |access-date=December 18, 2009 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091219200154/http://www.vancouversun.com/sports/Bomber%2Bboss%2BStamps%2Bbound/2355785/story.html |archive-date=December 19, 2009 }} During his executive career, the Blue Bombers played in the Grey Cup four times (1992, 1993, 2001, and 2007).
In January 2010, the Calgary Stampeders announced that Bauer would be their new chief operating officer and president.{{cite news|title=Stamps name Bauer to top job|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/243942282|page=F1|first=Allen|last=Cameron|date=January 19, 2010|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Calgary Herald|id={{ProQuest|243942282}}}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stampeders.com/2010/01/18/stamps-name-lyle-bauer-president-coo/|title=Stamps name Lyle Bauer President/COO|publisher=Calgary Stampeders|date=January 18, 2010|access-date=January 25, 2010}} He held these positions for three years before resigning in January 2013. He cited the change in team ownership as the reason for his departure,{{cite news|title=Lyle Bauer resigns from Calgary Stampeders|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2384137977|first=Allan|last=Maki|date=January 23, 2013|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=The Globe and Mail|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|2384137977}}}}{{Cite web |url=http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/01/23/bauer-re-signs-from-stampeders |title=Stampeders president and COO Lyle Bauer resigns | Stampeders | Sports | Calgary Sun |access-date=November 27, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131202235250/http://www.calgarysun.com/2013/01/23/bauer-re-signs-from-stampeders |archive-date=December 2, 2013 |url-status=dead }} underscoring that it was not related to his health.{{cite news|title=Bauer says time to leave – Outgoing Stamps' president adamant health not a reason|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1280984643|page=F1|first=Vicki|last=Hall|date=January 24, 2013|access-date=May 3, 2024|newspaper=Calgary Herald|id={{ProQuest|1280984643}}}}
Personal life
Bauer was married to Heidi for over four decades until his death.{{cite news|title=Raising his voice – Oral cancer blindsided former Bomber Lyle Bauer; now he's playing defence to help others|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1781954599|page=3|first=Shamona|last=Harnett|date=April 18, 2016|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Free Press|id={{ProQuest|1781954599}}}} They met while studying at Weber State. Together, they had three children: Danni, Brodie, and Wesley. He resided close to Slocan Lake, British Columbia, during his later years, and maintained a winter home in St. George, Utah.{{cite news|title=20 Questions with Lyle Bauer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2126915348|date=October 13, 2018|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Sun|id={{ProQuest|2126915348}}}}
In December 2004, Bauer was diagnosed with stage four throat cancer, even though he never smoked or chewed tobacco.{{cite news|title=Bombers' Bauer has throat cancer|url=https://www.cbc.ca/sports/football/bombers-bauer-has-throat-cancer-1.489856|date=December 13, 2004|publisher=CBC News|accessdate=May 2, 2024}} He underwent 28 sessions radiation treatments and chemotherapy until February of the following year,{{cite news|title=CFL lawsuit bites Lysko back twice – Former league boss ordered to pay for dismissed case|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/330332301|first=Scott|last=Taylor|date=February 28, 2005|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=National Post|location=Toronto|id={{ProQuest|330332301}}}} and continued to be present at CFL meetings despite being unable to speak. Although doctors had given Bauer only months to live,{{cite news|title=Bauer never one to back down – Stamps' president doing well after fight with cancer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/1030172555|page=HP2|first=Kristen|last=Odland|date=July 28, 2012|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Calgary Herald|id={{ProQuest|1030172555}}}} he eventually went into complete remission. He consequently established the Never Alone Foundation in 2006, in order to provide support to those affected by cancer as well as their families.{{cite news|title=Offering a lifeline – Lyle Bauer's Never Alone foundation is making a difference for those with cancer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/2229976146|page=A6|first=Doug|last=Lunney|date=February 29, 2016|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Winnipeg Sun|id={{ProQuest|2229976146}}}} By 2016, the charitable organization had raised over C$1 million towards numerous cancer programs. Bauer's battle with cancer also inspired his son Wesley to cycle across the country from Victoria, British Columbia, to Saint John, New Brunswick, over three months to raise awareness of cancer and money for the foundation.{{cite news|title=CFLer's battle inspires cross-Canada ride – Wes Bauer, son of Blue Bombers CEO Lyle Bauer, cycles across Canada to raise funds to fight cancer|url=https://www.proquest.com/docview/423022292|page=A1|first=Craig|last=Babstock|date=July 29, 2009|access-date=May 2, 2024|newspaper=Times & Transcript|location=Moncton|id={{ProQuest|423022292}}}}
Bauer died on April 27, 2024, in Kelowna. He was 65, and was hospitalized with an infection in the weeks prior to his death.{{Cite news |last=Friesen |first=Paul |date=May 1, 2024 |title=Leaving a legacy: cancer battle epitomized Bombers' Bauer |url=https://winnipegsun.com/sports/leaving-a-legacy-cancer-battle-epitomized-bombers-bauer |access-date=June 12, 2024 |work=Winnipeg Sun}}
References
{{Reflist}}
{{72nd Grey Cup}}
{{76th Grey Cup}}
{{78th Grey Cup}}
{{WinnipegBlueBombersGM}}
{{Winnipeg Blue Bombers team president navbox}}
{{Calgary Stampeders team president navbox}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Bauer, Lyle}}
Category:Canadian football offensive linemen
Category:Canadian football people from Saskatoon
Category:Players of Canadian football from Saskatchewan
Category:Saskatchewan Huskies football players
Category:Weber State Wildcats football players
Category:Winnipeg Blue Bombers general managers
Category:Winnipeg Blue Bombers players
Category:Canadian chief operating officers