Who should be added to the All-Time Argonauts banners in the future?

[paulwoods13]

As I noted in another thread, there are many great players not currently on the All-Time Argonauts banners in the stadium. The team has been adding names fairly sporadically over the past decade -- hopefully if/when we get onto BMO, this will become an annual event.

I thought it would be worth discussing who is not on the list and should be added in the future. My personal feeling is that to be inducted into this club a guy should have played a longish time for the Argos (I say, somewhat arbitrarily, five years) and/or be more closely associated with the Argos than any other franchise. Those criteria would, for instance, rule out Doug Flutie, Matt Dunigan, Damon Allen and (arguably) Don Matthews.

Here are the individuals previously inducted:

#55 Joe Krol
#22 Dick Shatto
#60 Danny Nykoluk
#33 Bill Symons
#10 Terry Greer
#77 Royal Copeland
#79 Jim Corrigall
#67 Ted Morris
#27 Marv Luster
#7 Condredge Holloway
#36 Don Moen
#66 Bill Zock
#88 Paul Masotti
#31 Michael Clemons
#52 Les Ascott
#20 Jim Rountree
#16 Dave Mann
#81 Ulysses Curtis
#69 Dan Ferrone
#68 Jim Stillwagon
#54 Ed Harrington
#77 Rodney Harding

Who would we like to see added to this list in future? My list includes, in roughly chronological order: Leo Cahill, Dick Thornton, Mel Profit, Bob O'Billovich, Carl Brazley, Paul Pearson, Darrell K. Smith, Reggie Pleasant, Kelvin Pruenster, Lance Chomyc, Derrell Mitchell, Noel Prefontaine, Byron Parker, Mike O'Shea and Kevin Eiben.

[ArgoGabe22]

Dave Raimey.

[paulwoods13]

Dave Raimey.

Good choice altho (like Thornton who I mentioned above) a case could be made that he is more associated with the Bombers than the Argos. Altho in Raimey's case he settled down in Toronto after retiring.

[Argo57]

Ian Beckstead

[Argo]

"Who would we like to see added to this list in future? My list includes, in roughly chronological order: Leo Cahill, Dick Thornton, Mel Profit, Bob O'Billovich, Carl Brazley, Paul Pearson, Darrell K. Smith, Reggie Pleasant, Kelvin Pruenster, Lance Chomyc, Derrell Mitchell, Noel Prefontaine, Byron Parker, Mike O'Shea and Kevin Eiben."

A nice list. Yes, Dave Raimey also belongs in this select company.

The five year criterion might tend to be tough on running backs (I think, without looking up the statistic). And there's always the case to be made for pure quality over just several years. Eric Harris is a perfect example of this, and I'd certainly like to see him added.

We shouldn't forget about Chris Schultz, either.

[ArgoRavi]

I notice that Hank Ilesic is being forgotten here as well. While I know that Ilesic is associated with the Esks (1977-82 and 2001), the team he played with the most is the Argos (1983-93) and he helped Toronto to three Grey Cup appearances and two victories.

[Bleeds Double Blue]

A couple of names from way back that may be just a step below banner material. Zenon Andrusyshyn and Wally Gabler. Andrusyshyn once had a punt of 108 yards against Edmonton. That has to count for something. I am nominating Gabler because he once showed up at my high school to give an inspirational talk. Apparently Bleeds Double Blue is quite old.

[Will]

Does Adrion Smith not make it on any else's list?

[paulwoods13]

I notice that Hank Ilesic is being forgotten here as well. While I know that Ilesic is associated with the Esks (1977-82 and 2001), the team he played with the most is the Argos (1983-93) and he helped Toronto to three Grey Cup appearances and two victories.

I initially left Hank off my list because of his Eskimo connection, but on reflection I think you are correct that he is more associated with the Argos. He and Lance Chomyc should be inducted together at some point.

[paulwoods13]

Does Adrion Smith not make it on any else's list?

I wouldn't put him ahead of others on my list, but I certainly would not object to him being selected at some point in the future.

[LLB997]

Cleo Lemon Obviously ,.

Anybody have an opinions on how much respct these banners would get at a revamped bmo. It cant be worse than skydome. Would we get new banners? would the GC banners be consolidated by era as they are now? would there be individual banners for retired numbers? or will this teams RICH heritage continue to be swept under rug regardless who owns them.

[Argo57]

Cleo Lemon Obviously ,.

Anybody have an opinions on how much respct these banners would get at a revamped bmo. It cant be worse than skydome. Would we get new banners? would the GC banners be consolidated by era as they are now? would there be individual banners for retired numbers? or will this teams RICH heritage continue to be swept under rug regardless who owns them.

Depends who owns the team, if MLSE owns the Argonauts their rich history will be displayed upfront, if the Argos are solely a tenant at BMO don't expect too much.

[Double Dare]

Cleo Lemon Obviously ,.

The human fence post.

[ArgoZ]

Cleo Lemon Obviously ,.

Anybody have an opinions on how much respct these banners would get at a revamped bmo. It cant be worse than skydome. Would we get new banners? would the GC banners be consolidated by era as they are now? would there be individual banners for retired numbers? or will this teams RICH heritage continue to be swept under rug regardless who owns them.

I can not think of a good place for them at BMO currently. New construction may provide a place hanging from the overhead protection. As Argo57 mentioned, it really depends on the situation. I am a little disappointed with the addition of more red seats as shown on the expansion. I really thought a more neutral colour, along with seat improvement, would look and suit any team better.

[Will]

Do the ball hawks from the early 90's secondary such as Ed Berry and Don Wilson qualify or was their tenure in Double Blue too short?

The same may be asked of Harold Hallman.

[gilthethrill]

Cleo Lemon Obviously ,.

Anybody have an opinions on how much respct these banners would get at a revamped bmo. It cant be worse than skydome. Would we get new banners? would the GC banners be consolidated by era as they are now? would there be individual banners for retired numbers? or will this teams RICH heritage continue to be swept under rug regardless who owns them.

I read an article that mentioned TFC having a "Wall of Fame" in BMO. It should not take up too much space.... since the franchise is only a few years old that is.

[ArgoRavi]

Do the ball hawks from the early 90's secondary such as Ed Berry and Don Wilson qualify or was their tenure in Double Blue too short?

The same may be asked of Harold Hallman.

Going by memory here, Hallman played five and a half seasons for the Argos while Berry was around from '88 to '92 and again in '96 so that would be six seasons. Wilson played from '90 to '92 and again from '95-'96 which would be five seasons so I would suggest that their tenures are long enough.

[Rich]

A nice list. Yes, Dave Raimey also belongs in this select company.

Interesting that so many people are nominating Dave The Knife. He really only played at RB for two years, '69 and '70, and was generally considered to be a bit of a disappointment. His best years were clearly behind him in Winnipeg, and he had trouble staying healthy. By '71 Leo had given up on him and found this phenom from Tampa to replace him, some kid named McQuaid or McKee or something, I forget...

Raimey then switched over to DB, i don't think he lasted three years there for us, though. But a truly great player in his prime and a great guy.

Zenon Andrusyshyn

The Big Zed definitely belongs on this list.

I think it should also include

Pete Martin
Mike Eben
Adrion Smith
Chad Folk
Jude St. John
Arland Bruce