Official West Hartlepool RFC

A great rugby player, a wonderful character and one of the most naturally funny people I've ever known. Sympathy to all his family.

RIP Keith

He was Stags manager, alongside John O’DOnnell, in the late 70’s early 80’s, when I first played for West senior teams. He was a great help at that time, and always gave a friendly ‘hello’ every time I have seen him since. He will be sadly missed

Very sad news to start the New Year. I had the pleasure of playing with Keith from the First team to the Euthanasians, and the spirit in both changing rooms lifted when he came through the door. A genuinely funny person with legendary Saturday night parties at his home alongside Mary.
RIP my friend.
Thoughts from Linda and I to the family.

Sad news indeed - a great summary by Ron & Dave. As is often said, that word Legend is overused but in Keith's case it's not big enough.

I would like to bet that everyone can remember the first time they ever met KB. For me it was a Sunday morning at Brierton Lane in April 74. My two best mates at the time where Andy Pidd and Mark Winlow and they had encouraged me to go down for a run out with the west Fawns. I was sat on the step outside the Club having arrived way too early when a Car pulled up and Crozza's Dad got out and spoke to me - I think he thought I was a Burglar. Next thing was that the biggest Man I had ever seen sort of unfolded himself out of the car and said Hello and asked me my name and where I lived, who I knew etc...."Aha" he said "Rift House Lad eh - and you know Billy Winlow's Lad" - we will put you at Hooker in that case:-) Several years later when I made the North Squad Keith put one of those massive hands on my shoulder and said "Well done Leslie....not too bad for a Rift House Lad"

It's no exageration to say that Keith changed my life along with those many others that he looked after in those Colts and Junior Squads.He gave me confidence and belief that I didn't have before and lots of advice, initially about Rugby but then later about Careers, studying, relationships and general life issues. He also improved the lives of my Mam and Dad too, encouraging them, along with Mary, to become social members at West. They didnt really have a social life up until then.

A sad day then but full of warm memories - Funny Man, Kind Man, Clever Man, Big Man. Mam eneded ip being on Mary's Team as one of the post match Dinner Ladies. Dad, being from Glasgow, used to call KB "Big Yin" which he liked.

Sleep well Big Man - many best wishes and thoughts to all of the Clan Baggs.

KB’s Funeral details:- Funeral service will take place on Friday January 24th at 11.30am at St. Paul’s Church, prior to cremation. All are welcome. Family flowers only, donations in lieu to Alice House Hospice (to be made at the wake).

Lots of fond memories of playing in the Stags with KB after he retired from 1st XV rugby.

A lot of younger players, like myself, with first team aspirations benefited from playing in a pack that contained Keith Baggs.

A guy I always looked up to on and off the pitch. An honour and privilege to have been able to present Keith with the Hon Life President certificate last year.

A Legend on and off the pitch.

My thoughts are with all the family at this sad time.

RIP KB.