Today marks a small note in sports history but one that bears mentioning in my own view. It was on this date back in 1970 that legendary broadcaster Curt Gowdy became the first broadcaster to receive the George Foster Peabody award for achievement in radio and television. Now why would I think this bears mentioning? Well first of all to simply acknowledge one of the true pro's in broadcasting. I had a great deal of respect for Gowdy. He was a pro's pro. There was a time when nationally televised events were a big deal. I used to live for the saturday baseball game of the week. It was usually the only time we could see some teams that were never on locally. Growing up in mid missouri we were saturated with cardinals games but very rarely saw many of the other teams. If the Oakland A's were playing the Tigers and Vida Blue or Catfish Hunter were going up against Denny McClain and the Tigers it was a big deal to see it. I'd sit there glued to the black and white set and watch every inning. Of course now we are spoiled rotten as there are games all over the channels every night. I have the MLB extra innings, NFL sunday ticket, etc. I love it. It wasn't always that way. Hell, I can remember when they showed some of the NBA playoff games on tape delay. Which brings us to broadcasters today. We all have our favorites and then there are those who get on our last nerve. I enjoy Kevin Harlan but his side kick Reggie Miller can drive me nuts. I'm sure there are those who have their favorites and otherwise as well. I'd be curious who some of your guys favorites are. I still enjoy listening to Vin Scully do Dodgers games. I miss the days when I could tune into Jack Buck doing the Cards games. I had listened to Buck call so many games through the years I could tune into a cards game in the fourth inning and within moments tell if they were winning or not by the tone of his voice. While I worshiped Jack, frankly his son Joe bores the living hell out of me. But I do respect the views of his football partner Troy Aikman. I will admit there are times I mute the volume because the announcers bug the hell out of me. I respected the hell out of Bobby Knight as a coach but to me it is painful to listen to him now as a color analyst. He often mails it in. Doesn't do his homework and actually know who the players are on the floor. I don't suspect he would tolerate shabby preparation from his players back in the day but now does the same in his broadcasting responsibilities. Once again, just my opinion.
Okay, onward. A free release. Tonight I am suggesting a small wager on the Marlins over the Phillies. I was listening to a beat writer from Philadelphia yesterday who said this was the worst roster he has seen in his 60+ years covering the club. Damn, that is a long time and big statement. Too bad, they have great fans and they deserve better. I like Haren and the Marlins tonight to win the opener in this series.
On the business side I do have a featured release in play tonight. It is a Rabid Dog release. I try and be selective with these and I think my long term clients would agree with that statement. There is one game on the board tonight that fits the bill to a T in my view and I went with it. It is now loaded and available. These selections are plus 246 units to the good all time. To be exact, the record with these selections in all sports stands at 264-144. Once again, every single one of these releases has been teams playing in the role of underdog.
Okay, that is it for now. Thanks for stopping in and best of luck tonight with your action. Enjoy the games guys.