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Bisons favorite 'The Butcher' dies at age 49

Sharon Cantillon/Buffalo News

For years he was a favorite at Buffalo Bisons games, shagging foul balls on the sidelines, but always on the frontline of local baseball personalities. Donald Palmer, known as "The Butcher," has died at the age of 49 in his Riverside home.

Known also for his round figure, The Butcher joined the team as batboy in the 1980s when just a teenager. He entertained the crowd along with the Earl of Bud and Buster Bison. He also got booed - as much as any player - when he missed a ball.

Palmer retired from the Bisons in 1991 and later worked as a stick man for the Buffalo Sabres, where his father had been a trainer.

Palmer had been suffering from failing kidneys. Services will be Saturday in Assumption Catholic Church in Buffalo.