Comments on: Observations from Cooperstown: Vazquez, Left Fielders, and George Michael

By: gary from chevy chase

gary from chevy chase — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:08:27 +0000

By the way, my oprevious comment was “powered” by “When Rita Leaves” by Delbert McClinton

By: gary from chevy chase

gary from chevy chase — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:06:10 +0000

I was lucky enough to watch George Michael for most of his run in Washington DC. His local sportscasting was always outstanding; he found time to cover NASCAR before it was hot, and even did pro wrestling and rodeo, showing that those guys are athletes too. His Sports Machine was the for-runner of ESPN.

George was also affable on screen, and, apparently, a tough SOB off the screen to many of his co-workers. The day of his death, I heard lots of them on DC area sports talk praising his toughness – he seems to have been a demanding and terrific mentor.

He was a DC “homer.” Despite his popularity and offers to move on to network or bigger markets, he stayed in DC where he raised horses on his farm in the exurbs. He was a presence at virtually every legit fundraiser in town, especially for kids. He will be missed.

By: Diane Firstman

Diane Firstman — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:04:18 +0000

I saw Michael at the SABR convention in D.C. this past August. I had no idea he was ill, and he certainly didn’t “act” it. He was his usual ebullient self, thoroughly enjoying interviewing Frank Howard and Rick Dempsey.

RIP George … and thanks for all the highlights.

By: The Mick536

The Mick536 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:39:45 +0000

70 is much too young. That would men I would only have 61/2 years left. /not enough time to do what I want to do with the rest of my life. My Father died when I was sixteen. He was in his early 50′s.

He had leukemia which, because of the non-existent health care system took all our money and caused my Mother, who was a 50′s housewife to go back to school to earn a social workers degree to support me and my brother. I worked from the time I was 12, carrying golf bags, bussing. They said my father got the blood disorder from his stint in the jungles of New Guinea during the WWII. Government took no position. I dunno.

Yesterday, my wife, Sharon, who does geneology projects found a piece from the 3/26/1930 Brooklyn Eagle about him, “Leonard Duckman of Brooklyn is waging a hard battle for first call behind the bat with the University of Michigan baseball nine. Duckman has made a hit with Coach Ray Fisher, former New York Yankee pitcher and may displace Joe Truskowski, three-sport star.

Goddamn. Never knew that.

As for Mr. Michael, I went to Cincy Sabr meeting, especially to see him and watch Jr. play. I love photos and photo mysteries. Plane late. Missed photo discussion. As for Jr., he got hurt early in the season and didn’t play. Did see one of Edmonds highlight film catches.

By: williamnyy23

williamnyy23 — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 15:15:10 +0000

Before the days of cable TV, George Michael’s Sports Machine was a real treat. I can remember staying up late every weekend to watch it. It’s nice to know he was such a good guy.

Reed Johnson really makes the most sense as the Yankees need a RH bat. I wish they could add Johnson and Gomes for serious depth, but Gomes seems to have an inflated value and has complained about playing time in the past.

By: monkeypants

monkeypants — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:54:55 +0000

[1] I agree. Especially since Swisher can also “play” CF in a pinch, there is no real concern over lack of CF depth on the roster. A bat that can play the corner should be the higher priority.

By: Paul

Paul — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 14:19:16 +0000

Why is the fact that Thames or Nady can’t play CF a knock against them? All of Granderson, Gardner, and Hoffman can play there.

To my eyes, it’s looking like Johnson then Thames (with an outside shot at Nady). It’s not a fantastic OF, but it’s certainly good enough. And I can’t wait to see Granderson mash and generally watch him every day.