Longtime Delaware sports editor dies at age 97

AL CARTWRIGHT, 97, longtime sports editor and columnist for the News Journal in Wilmington, Del., died Sunday in Fredericksburg, Va.

Cartwright was one of the most influential people ever in Delaware sports. He helped found the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, the Delaware Sports Writers and Broadcasters Association, and high school conferences and all-state teams. He retired from the News Journal in 1983. The field at Baynard Stadium in Wilmington is named after him.

Mary Jane Branscome, one of Cartwright's daughters, said a celebration of Cartwright's life will be held in Wilmington soon. In lieu of flowers, Cartwright asked that donations be made in his name to the Delaware Sports Museum and Hall of Fame, 801 Shipyard Drive, Wilmington, DE 19801.

Other survivors include Laurie Cartwright, of Los Angeles; Debbie Cartwright, of Encinitas, Calif.; Al Cartwright Jr., of Glendale, Calif.; and five grandchildren.

- Bill Fleischman