Mick Illingworth

Baildon Cricket Club has been shocked and saddened to learn of the sudden death of its committee member and former player Mick Illingworth.

Mick, 58, who was the club’s representative to the JCT 600 Bradford League, has also been a member of the league Management Board for two years.

Mick who played for Baildon as a junior, played his first senior game in 1967 and went on to become a well-respected wicketkeeper in the League winning the 2nd  X1 trophy in 1977 and 1979 and will be one of the few to have taken over 500 victims.

 Although Mick played most of his career at Baildon, he also had spells at Windhill, Great Horton and Salts, where his late father Bill was the League Representative. Like Mick he also served on the League Executive.

During his time at Baildon Mick has officiated for a period as secretary and was in his second spell as League Representative.

Mick leaves four children, Richard, James, Kathryn and Charlotte. Both his sons have played for Baildon in the past and his daughters made the teas for two to three years.

Mick’s other passion as well as cricket and his family was Bradford City. A long term season ticket holder he has supported them avidly through thick and thin

In recent years Mick has often been seen walking his dog, Arran, at the ground and in Baildon and will be sadly missed by all.

JCT 600 Bradford League Chief Executive Bob Shackleton said: "I was really shaken when I heard the news of Mick's death. He was always such a cheerful and lively personality.

"Mick had a love of cricket and had a real bond with the Bradford League. Since joining the Management Board he has played a big part on the commercial and sponsorship side.

"He assisted in securing the sponsorship deal with JCT 600 in 2006 and was delighted when it was renewed for a further two years.

"Mick will be missed, not just at Baildon, but around the Bradford League. Our thoughts are with his family at this time."

Mick had a deep interest in the history of the Bradford League and shortly before his death provided some wonderful material to the league website. Some of the pictures can be viewed at http://bradfordcricketleague.org/2008_picture_gallery/history_photos/photos/index.html

His funeral at Nab Wood Crematorium on Friday, January 9 was attended by many members of the cricket community.