MEDIA BLITZ
By John Molori
Pondering a few Thanksgiving sports media leftovers
Former AM 1510 The Zone host Sean McDonough’s recent appearance on WEEI’s “Dennis and Callahan Morning Show” proves that there is no such thing as a burned bridge in local media.
WEEI brutalized McDonough’s AM 1510 program and mocked him when he was involved in a car accident. Conversely, McDonough regularly tossed pointed jabs in WEEI’s direction.
Frankly, however, McDonough is a welcome voice on WEEI. His AM 1510 show was, for the most part, worthwhile listening. With his renewed WEEI partnership, perhaps we haven’t heard the last of McDonough as a sports talk gabber.
Speaking of AM 1510, in a recent Media Blitz, I wrote that ex-Zone morning man Mike Adams has been “fired more than Barney Fife’s pistol.”
Adams called to say that he has been fired only once in his career (from AM 1510). Adams, a regular on WEEI, is one of Boston’s true sports media originals and a good guy. He deserves this correction.
Real silly
I am an unabashed fan of Pete Sheppard and Fred Smerlas on WEEI’s “Real Postgame Show,” but the pair has to stop their weekly rant at NFL officials. The whole “The refs are against the Patriots.” thing is becoming stale.
This past week, Glenn Ordway called Smerlas on the fact that he made little fuss over the phantom holding call against Houston at the end of the Pats-Texans game. Hey guys, cool the conspiracy stuff. There is no man in a striped shirt standing on a grassy knoll tossing flags against the Patriots.
Nick’s niche
The funniest segment currently on sports television is Nick Bakay’s weekly football betting shtick.
The addition of Bakay’s real-life wife Robin has spiced up the segment and made it a must-see on “ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown.” I especially liked the recent feature when Robin was forced to go to work at a fast food joint in a scantily clad uniform.
Bakay plays the tortured gambler perfectly. His segment is good for at least 3 or 4 laughs-out-loud.
Roster spots
I have nothing against NESN hiring former NHL referee Paul Stewart as a commentator. Stewart has a strong background in hockey and is an engaging personality.
However, it would be nice to see more regional hockey writers giving their views on the NESN airwaves. One suggestion: The Nashua Telegraph’s Tom King.
King is an astute sports scribe and has a television background from his days as a cohost on WNDS-TV 50.
NESN does deserve credit for adding some solid meat and potatoes sportscasters to their lineup. Eric Frede, Mike Perlow, and Corey Masse are smart, experienced and efficient.
They have paid their dues in broadcasting and they do their jobs without crazy catch phrases or unnecessary self-promotion.
This business is filled with ex-jocks making a buck on name only and would-be comedians disguised as sportscasters. Here’s to some trained professionals getting some much-deserved airtime.
Bob’s best
Bob Ryan’s recent feature on the 40th birthday of 1986 Celtics top draft pick Len Bias was the best piece of journalism that these eyes have scanned in a long time. Bias died of a cocaine overdose mere hours after being selected by the Celtics.
Ryan’s interview subjects included Celtics chief Danny Ainge, Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski, Pacers czar Donnie Walsh, longtime NBA executive Pat Williams, ESPN’s Michael Wilbon, UConn coach Jim Calhoun and ex-Celtics’ GM Chris Wallace who called Ryan from Croatia.
According to Ryan, the only person who could not participate was Larry Bird, who was scouting in Europe. The piece had an ideal balance of information and subtle sadness.
The Bias story remains one of eternal melancholy in Boston. Ryan captured the aftermath of the tragedy with wistful perfection.
Kids’ stuff
Fox Sports Net is looking for some young talent. The network’s latest FanCaster program will select students to participate in Boston Celtics telecasts.
Beginning January 2, at every Celtics home game, FSNE will select one student to tape an on-camera introduction to that night’s FleetCenter “Heroes Among Us” feature. The tape will be aired on FSNE’s “New England Sports Tonight.”
Says FSNE senior VP and GM Dave Woodman, “TV sports reporting is a popular career choice for students who are passionate about sports. The Celtics FanCaster program will provide a true hands-on look at sports reporting.”
The contest is open to students age 13-18. To enter, students must submit a tape of themselves reading an audition script. The entry form, script and rules are available at FSNNewengland.com.
Sports Radio 850 WEEI is also reaching out to area youth. The “WEEI Junior Jocks” program will bring attention to the needs and highlight some of the great work done by local Boys and Girls Clubs.
“We’ve found some really cool kids who have everything it takes to be successful in sports: drive, determination and passion,” says WEEI program director Jason Wolfe.
“We just need to help them get the equipment, uniforms and other items needed to complete their athletic goals.” More plans are in the works for “Junior Jocks” that will bring the kids together with their pro sports heroes.
Listeners will be asked to adopt a particular team or individual by calling WEEI when they hear about a specific need. Listeners can immediately help by donating any amount to: Junior Jocks, WEEI, 20 Guest Street, Boston 02135.
These funds will be used for general equipment purchases such as bats, baseballs, basketballs, soccer and street hockey equipment and much more.
Spinners soiree
The second annual Lowell Spinners Alumni Dinner is slated for this Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. Tickets must be purchased in advance, no later than Tuesday, by calling 978-459-1702 or logging onto Lowellspinners.com.
Red Sox broadcasters Jerry Remy and Don Orsillo highlight the list of guests that includes ex-Sox hurlers John Tudor and Bob Stanley, and Spinners alums Mike Maroth and Adam Everett.
There will also be a silent auction including a chance to be an extra on the CBS show “Yes, Dear.” The $55.00 ticket includes an autograph session from 5:30 p.m.- 6:15 p.m. and dinner.
Say what?
CBS Sports’ and former Patriots preseason analyst Jerry Glanville on calling the Week 14 game between the lowly Chargers and Lions:
“I’ve got the Skim Milk game. 2% of the country.”
John Molori’s Media Blitz column is published in The Boston Metro, The Providence Journal, The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune, The Lowell Sun, Patriots Football Weekly, BostonSportsMedia.com and MethuenOnline.com. John can be reached via E-mail at JOMOL3@aol.com.
