IF YOU WANT TO MAKE SOMETHING MANDATORY, TRY THIS

It's something you've probably seen and yes, heard.  Most likely, the first time you experienced it, you were a little surprised....both by the fact that it took place and even more so, that it's not done more often.  It's even neater to think that it props up something very important to the patriotic part of us...the National Anthem.

And if you're a Chicago Blackhawk fan I need not say more because not only is it something you've gotten used to, it's now part of each and every pre-game ceremony.  The "what" is a rousing rendition of the National Anthem complete with 22,000 yelling and screaming, applauding and waving fans.  All in support of their country. 

The origin of Chicago fans cheering wildly during the anthem dates back to the 1980s, according to the New York Times.  Some say it started in 1982, while everyone agrees it took off in 1985 when the Blackhawks hosted the heavily favored Edmonton Oilers in Game 3 of the conference finals.  Whenever it happened, it happened big time. 

A fan base energized and wild

And now it's taken to the road as this October, 2014 newspaper article depicts...."It’s no secret that the Nashville Predators don’t appreciate Chicago Blackhawks fans coming to Bridgestone Arena and taking over.  So once again last night in their 3-2 home win against the Blackhawks, the Predators utilized passive-aggressive tactics to try to silence the visitors.

The Predators chose to play “God Bless America” instead of the national anthem before the start of Thursday’s game, a move the organization had employed before as a way to quiet Blackhawks fans, who are famous for cheering loudly throughout the Star-Spangled Banner at the United Center as the talented Jim Cornelison belts out the anthem".

In this case of Predator sneakery, Nashville came out on top.  But that's not often the case. 

Last week my son, Jordan, and I traveled to Phoenix for some sun, baseball and a surprise hockey game.  At the last minute I sprang some Hawk tickets on him so he could see his favorite team play the Phoenix Coyotes.  Remember, it was in Phoenix. 

We arrived in our seats around 6:45 p.m wearing our Blackhawk garb.  And we weren't alone.  There must have been 10,000 Chicago fans in attendance shouting "Let's Go Hawks, Let's Go Hawks".  Then the anthem came.  Right on cue, the stadium erupted in applause and screaming.  It was if we were in Chicago Stadium, not Gila River Arena.  It was to say the least eventful.  Wow!!

Smiles are prevalent home and away for Blackhawk fans and their Anthem

 

As we enter the final weeks of the National Hockey League season there will be many times to catch this act.  Chicago has been on a run lately and despite losing star forward, Patrick Kane for another 6-8 weeks they look primed to make a run at yet another Stanely Cup.  If you don't have an opportunity to hear this rousing rendition on the tube.....here is a sample in all it's Blackhawk glory.  And like my headline mentioned, if anything needs to be mandatory, it's this!!

Kind of puts a shiver up your spine, doesn't it?

Thanks for reading,

John

 

A DOSE OF REALITY FOR SYRACUSE...AND MORE

News came fast and furious today when our friends at ESPN released the following story concerning the Syracuse athletic program.

"The NCAA suspended  Syracuse  basketball coach Jim Boeheim for nine ACC games, took away 12 scholarships, and ordered that 108 wins be vacated as a result of a multiyear investigation into the university's athletic programs.

Over the course of a decade, Syracuse University did not control and monitor its athletics programs," the NCAA said in a statement, "and its head men's basketball coach failed to monitor his program."
Syracuse's penalties also include a five-year probation and the vacating of all wins in which ineligible men's basketball student-athletes played during the 2004-07 and 2010-12 seasons, and in which ineligible football student-athletes played in 2004, 2005 and 2006.

In addition, the NCAA agreed to accept the university's decision for the men's basketball team to not participate in any postseason games this season, including the ACC tournament.  The NCAA said that the violations, which were self-reported by Syracuse and dated back to 2001, included academic misconduct, extra benefits, failure to follow the drug-testing policy, and impermissible booster activity.

Other violations included impermissible academic assistance and services, Boeheim's failure to promote an atmosphere of compliance and monitor his staff, and the school's lack of control over its athletics program."

If you can't thumb your nose....try something else

One would have to ask.....why has it taken so long to come to this decision.  And this was by the university self-reporting itself.  Wow!!  Chalk one up for the NCAA and their rapid work.  For years there have been questions involving the integrity of the Orangemen program.  Add this to the sexual allegations made of assistant Bernie Fine in 2011 and you have the makings of some great marketing copy.  How about "What difference does it make....let's play ball!"

If....the higher ups at Syracuse want to show some wisdom, they'll use this recent news to distance themselves from Coach Boeheim.  Despite racking up a whole lot of wins, now's the time for him to go. 

MORE REALM THOUGHTS....

Will Kentucky be the first NCAA team since 1976 to go through an entire season undefeated?  Indiana was the last squad to run the table enroute to a 32-0 mark.  For some reason, I'm not convinced the Wildcats will.  Perhaps its Coach John Calipari's record in big games.  I just think someone's going to stop the run.  The probables???  someone in the SEC tourney?  Virginia?  Maybe a shocker like Wichita State.  Or Villanova?  A good three point shooting team that plays tough defense would be the perfect combination. 

The Big 12 tourney is beginning to look like it could be any one of 5-6 teams cutting down the net.  No one particular team has been head and shoulders above the rest .  Up and down.  It's been a season of inconsistency.  Next week, whoever gets the hot-hand wins it.  I'm liking Baylor.  They appear to be trending at the right time.

In the Big 10, it looks like Wisconsin's to lose.  They're just too good.  I'm amazed at their play each and every year.  They simply have a system and it works.  No one else in the league looks like they could challenge the Badgers.  Wisconsin. 

In the Pac 10, Arizona looks like the dominant team.  Typical that you don't see a whole lot of their games from the west coast area compared to the East and Midwest teams.  But they're solid.  

Up next.....NCAA time when the real hysteria begins!!!  GET READY

Thanks for reading,

John     

 

THE DAYS OF WHINE AND ROSE ......

***UPDATE:  This post was published at 5 p.m. CST on Tuesday.  Less than five hours later the Chicago Tribune reported Derek Rose had suffered his third knee injury tearing the meniscus in his right knee.  He is likely out for the rest of the season.  The following is a dialogue in could of, should of and would of's.....

He's been pampered for virtually his entire life.  He's been called the "franchise".  But something is amiss.  And now as people are stopping and smelling the rose....they don't much like the fragrance any more.  

Yes, that rose, is none other than Derek. The starting point guard for your Chicago Bulls.  The one who played one year of college basketball for the University of Memphis before being drafted first overall by Chicago in the 2008 NBA draft.  Rose became the first guard to be drafted first overall in the NBA draft since Allen Iverson in 1996 and would subsequently win NBA Rookie of the Year.  In 2011, Rose was named the NBA Most Valuable Player, becoming the youngest player to win the award at 22 years and 6 months old.

Once a high flying act.....now becoming just an "act"
 

But that was then and this is now.  A whole lot has transpired since that 2011 season.  During the 2012 NBA playoffs, Rose tore his ACL.  That led to a long and tenuous rehab, both from his perspective and the fans. They wanted him on the court....he had other things in mind.  Which meant he sat out for the entire 2013 season.  When he did return the following year, his time was short-lived.  He tore a menicsus in November and was lost for the remainder of the season.

What fans saw...what stuck in their craws was the selfish attitude he exhibited.  Many of his teammates played with a variety of injuries. Yet he sat on the bench and worse yet, participated in practice, but not game action.  He and his entourage....led by brother Reggie, became a issue for team management.  Time and again there were mixed messages as to who was "spinning" and who was offering the truth when it came to Derek's rehab.  Over the course of these two years, three almost, damage was done. The love affair, the franchise was not the Jordan replica. 

- "Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose."

The 2015 season has been yet another point of struggle.  Interviews with Rose are often mixed with rambling nonsense.  He continues to be off to side when it comes to his teammates.  He appears, at times confused, yet confident, a strange mix indeed.  Many of his messages are aimed at team issues and not his own.  And it's an act that is growing worse by the day. 

- "A rose, is a rose, is a rose".

In Monday's 87-71 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Rose was 1-13 from the field, 1-7 from 3-point range and totaled 8 points.  Hardly what you'd expect from someone who is the supposed team leader. 

He's down in virtually every category this year from his career averages:

                                 GP   FG%     3P%      FT%    RPG    APG     PTS.
    This Season          46    .407      .287      .816       3.1      5.0       18.4
    Career                 335    .453      .306      .815       3.7      6.5       20.5


These are the numbers that are making Bulls fans and media shake their heads.  It's becoming a matter of one game good, and one game bad....up and down. And with the season dwindling down to a mere 20 something game run to the playoffs, that's not a good sign. 

There appears to be some school of thought that the Bulls will be fine come playoff time.  I don't subscribe to that thought.  While Chicago could make a seven-game series interesting, it won't spell NBA Finals....or even Conference Finals.

- "Just remember, during the winter, far beneath the bitter snow, that there's a seed that with the sun's love in the spring becomes a rose". 


Then what?  Well...it's time to look elsewhere, I believe.  Sadly, I have a feeling Rose is just another play away from injuring a knee for a third time.  While there would be a good market for the 6-3 guard, the time is now to make a deal.  As I look at the remainder of the Bulls roster, I see a formidable group.  However, they play best when they play together.  Is it Rose.....is it the constant pressure head coach Tom Thibodeau places on his players?   Frankly, I'm not sure.  But one thing I do is........

-Men are like roses, watch out for the thorns".   And that's putting it nicely.

Thanks for reading,

John

CHARGES OF RACISM IN LITTLE LEAGUE DECISION

You've got to be kidding, right?  Racism.  And guess who's right at the head of the line, leading the charge?  The Reverend Jesse Jackson.

The one word I'm talking about concerns the shed-to-light story this past week involving the Chicago-based Little League team, Jackie Robinson West and the Little League International decision to strip them from their U.S. title from the 2014 Little League World Series. 



Racism....a word Robinson knew far better than anyone today

Here is what tipped the iceberg.  "According to a Chicago Tribune story, at an afternoon press conference Thursday, the Rev. Jesse Jackson questioned the motives behind the decision.

"This decision's untimely and inappropriate at this time. It should not take six months after a team has played a championship game to determine eligibility to play the game in the first place," Jackson said.

Jackie Robinson West had its title taken away when it was discovered that players in its lineup lived outside the team's geographic boundaries. The decision came after teams the Chicago squad defeated in the Little League World Series complained.

"When you're going over to voter registration and going to birth certificates and doing all this time of hunting and a witch hunt that's been going on for the last number of months," The Rev. Michael Pfleger, a Chicago pastor, said.

"I can't help but wonder the question if the same thing would have been done with another team from another place, another race," Pfleger told CBS News.

The Chicago-based rapper Twista also raised claims of racism, telling TMZ.  "I'm outraged. You don't see this extensive of an investigation happen unless it happens to black people."

Really?  Alright, let me ask a question then.  The managers, League President and most of the players from Jackie Robinson West knew what they were doing was illegal.  How could you not?.  And even more so, how could you have played the entire league year with players who were ineligible and not had an ounce of conscience.  Your decisions are your consequences.  Most players know the boundaries.....all managers most certainly do and there is no excuse for a League President not verifying eligibility.  The state, regional and national committee's also did a poor job of checking eligibility requirements  

I've been a part of Little Leagues before as a coach and board member, both in around the Des Moines, Iowa suburbs.  I know what's done to assure each all-star meets the requirements that Little League International sets. If we had a player that lived outside the boundaries, they could participate in league play, but were ineligible for all-star competition.  There should be no argument from Jackie Robinson West.  Sadly, they got caught.  And because of the actions of some adults (and I use that word loosely) the Jackie Robinson West players will be associated with tarnished images for the rest of their lives.  All for what?  All for what........Let's see what words fly when the league is asked to return the nearly $200,000 in contributions.
        
"When you make a donation to a charity, that's a completed gift. You don't have any rights to manage the charity or do anything else," said Jack Siegel, a Chicago lawyer who monitors charities and sits on the BBB Wise Giving Alliance board. "You're probably not going to get your money back, but never say 'never.'"

Another Chicago source felt the League might receive additional financial support because of the media attention.  Perhaps those dollars can help rid the league of the unsavory people being replaced (managers and directors).

Through this past week, there have been several times I've thought...."what about Jackie Robinson, the name they're associated with".  What about him? 

Jackie Robinson made so many things possible for athletes – and  - especially the dreams of African American athletes – but he also was a giant figure for those of us who wanted to research, teach and frame the steps to equality in America. 

Perhaps Jackie Robinson West forgot who they were representing.  Because from where I sit.  Racism is one of the last words I reach for.  I was thinking.  Stupid.  Yeah, Stupid.  S-T-U-P-I-D.

Thanks for reading,

A SUPER BOWL FIRST.......AN EJECTION

Everybody is talking about the "call" after the stunning conclusion to the 2015 Super Bowl.  And well they should because no matter how you spin it, it was stupid, stupid, stupid.  I'm not sure how Seattle Seahawks head coach, Pete Carroll, can expect us to believe his postgame "stand-up" interview......"we had the right play called and it was my decision".  The New England Patriots will go down as the victor in the 49th Super Bowl 28-24.  And Seattle will be the loser.

One of the most embarrassing Super Bowl moments....EVER

But they could go down as the loser in another way. Not only will the Seahawks go down as having lost the game, they can claim a title that no one has worn before, the Super Bowl's first ever ejection.  With 18 seconds left to play and the Patriots running out the clock, post-play pushing and shoving boiled over into a brief fight between the two teams. Several players were involved by the time it ended, but the officials identified Seahawks linebacker  Bruce Irvin as the instigator and ejected him from the game.

"I was protecting a teammate, emotions flew," Irvin said Sunday night. "I saw somebody hit Mike Bennett, so I went and backed up my brother. I went about it wrong. Emotions were flying high, and I apologize.

"But if it happened again, I would go protect my teammate. That's just how it is."
Patriots guard Ryan Wendell and Irvin were shoving back and forth in the back of the end zone. With the officials focused on the pile of players in the middle of the field, Irvin and Patriots tight end Michael Hoomanawanui were locked up.  Irvin threw Hoomanawanui to the ground as players were separated.

Three times Irvin went to Twitter to express his feelings and offer some sort of apology.  His last remark went like this.  "Still not an excuse and I'm truly sorry to all the 12's and my Wvu family for my actions".  The Wvu stands for West Virginia University.  And they, of course, had seen Irvin in action before.  He has been less than a model citizen and now you can put less than a model professional football player in that same sentence.

Here's a look back....

May 23, 2007

The day Irvin and two others broke into a drug dealer's house in suburban Atlanta. After dropping out of high school, he fell in with people who were tumbling like himself – the kind of people his mother warned him would "laugh at you when you are down and out."

All rational thought was gone, though. He didn't much consider the consequences when he entered the home. Nothing mattered besides the money. He and two others robbed the house and escaped, not realizing that the person next door saw them and called the police.

It didn't take long for Irvin to be arrested and hauled to the police station where he was charged with burglary and carrying a concealed weapon. Then he was thrown into jail where he sat for two-plus weeks.  "I thought I was done," he says.

March 18, 2012

The day he got arrested, again. A silly thing perhaps: misdemeanor charges of destruction of property and disorderly conduct. According to the police report, Irvin knocked a magnetic Pita Pit sandwich shop sign off the top of a delivery car. He was arrested when the driver said the sign was damaged.

Irvin will not discuss the incident publicly, even to correct an erroneous report that he had shattered a sign inside a Jimmy John's shop. The most he has said came two days after his arrest when he posted on his Twitter account: "If u honestly believe I would blow my chances destroying jimmy johns after all the hard work I put in to get in my situation ur crazy!"

It would seem to me, that I'm crazy. Because he hasn't learned.  After the opportunities that Irvin has had.....he has been a continual abuser in the system.  The Seahawks took the linebacker/defensive end in the 1st round of the 2012 draft, the 15th player chosen overall.  He was, by all accounts, expected to be a fixture with the the Seahawks.  Now, I'm not so sure.  If......and that's a big "if", the National Football League wants to change its image and hold players accountable for their actions on and off the field, they need to step up and use Irvin's knucklehead actions as an example.  When you consider the number of young people watching the Super Bowl, the end of the game brawl was a black eye on the sport, to say the least. 

Yes, Bruce Irvin has a lot of growing up to do.  But so does a number of his teammates, namely Richard Sherman, Marshawn Lynch and Doug Baldwin.  Their attitude on the game leaves a lot to be desired.  But perhaps they have acceptance from someone who looks the other way.....in the name of winning.  Pete Carroll has a history of running a shadowy program.  Can you say USC?  And as Pete likes to say "any notoriety is good, I guess". 

If that's the way you want to be remembered Pete, so be it.  Hopefully, the NFL has other thoughts and the dark side of the game becomes a thing of the the past.  The Super Bowl had so many good things to offer.....the brawl did not.    

Thanks for reading,

John       

THE BATTLE IN CHICAGO.....FOR FANS THAT IS

It;s a battle that's been raging for years.   Northside vs Southside.  National League against the American League.  Cubs versus Sox.  Need I say more.

 "The rivalry between the two teams and their fans dates back to the founding of the American League. In 1900, Charles Comiskey moved his Saint Paul Saints minor league franchise to Chicago. It is believed that the Cubs owner at the time was not happy, and filed a suit against Comiskey. After talks, it was decided that Comiskey could move his team to Chicago, pending that Chicago was not used in the title of the team name, and that the team play south of 35th Street.  In response, the team was renamed the "White Stockings," which had been the original name of the Cubs from 1876 to 1889. The establishment of a new team in the city was a direct challenge to the National League franchise, which had been the idea behind the formation of the American League. 

In recent months the bar has been raised....first by the Sox (signing relief pitcher Zach Duke and first baseman/DH Adam LaRoche),,,,.then the Cubs grabbing former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon......then back to the Sox in trading for righthanded starter Jeff Samardzija,,,,and then the Cubs by inking lefty pitcher Jon Lester.  Back and forth....back and forth.  Cubs adding catchers Miguel Montero and David Ross and then centerfielder Dexter Fowler.  And the White Sox firing back with closer David Robertson and left fielder Melky Cabrera.  Bragging rights became an every day dilemma.  Who made a move today and how'd that change things?    It's been an off-season of flury.  Deals, deals and more deals.  And then this......  

 "Chicago Cubs owner Tom Ricketts fired off a hefty volley -- and got the biggest laugh -- in what should be renewed intensity to the Cubs/White Sox rivalry.

During Saturday morning's Ricketts Family Forum at his team's annual fan convention, he was told by a fan that people say that kids “have more fun at U.S. Cellular Field” than at Wrigley Field. After a pause, Ricketts responded:

“Can’t be that many kids having fun at U.S. Cellular,” he said with a smile.

Well...those could be intrepreted as some big fighting words for the Sox.  It's not like they don't know some things need to change attendance-wise.

Brooks Boyer, Sox Senior VP of Sales and Marketing said they have a new motto in the White Sox ticket department.  "Strategically, the big thing we're saying internally is, 'One more game,' " said Boyer. at SoxFest over the weekend. "How do we get people to attend one more game?"

A HOUSE DIVIDED????? Maybe Much More Than That......

Yesterday, I fired off an email to Mr. Boyer thinking I'd throw out a couple ideas and see if he'd respond.  Mainly I touched on Little Leagues and how they could play a big factor in increasing the fan base. Within three hours he replied.

"A few years ago we started "sponsoring" Little Leagues in the Chicagoland area. We went in and made EVERY team, from t-ball to their oldest divisions, White Sox teams. They were differentiated by colors for the younger guys and historical White Sox jerseys for the older guys. We also bought all of their caps. This way, the leagues can spend the money saved to buy field equipment or playing equipment to create a better experience for the kids. One league put lights on their main complex. We send out training tip videos from our coaching staff and players. Most importantly, we make special offers to the leagues to come to games. 

I whole heartedly agree with your philosophy as I think you always root for the team you wore when you played Little League. Heck, I still like the Montreal Expos! We may have lost some generations of fans because of TV or generational fandom, but we are NOT going to lose the next generation of baseball fans in the Chicago area.

Thanks for the email,
Brooks

I must say, I was very impressed by Brooks quick reply.  There is a plan in place for the Sox.  The product will be much improved.  Now, the hard work begins.  Getting people there for a first time and then for "one more game".

The Cubs have a mind of their own with putting fannies back in the stands.  Remodel, Rebuild and let Sports Illustrated do your marketing for you and THEY WILL COME.   On January 9th, Sports Illustrated picked the Cubbies to win the 2015 World Series.  Now, I'm not sure where they came up with the factors to reach that decision.....but they did.  Call it a jinx or a help....2015 could be special.  Could Be.

Ultimately, there will always be differences between the two fans bases.  For example:

Bleacher etiquette of the Cubs fan:  Always boo when the opposing team hits a homerun. If you are near where the ball was hit, grab it and toss it back onto the field.

Bleacher etiquette of the Sox fan: Never throw anything on the field. This is important, and includes homerun balls hit by the opposing team. Keep the field clean, and respect it.

A City Divided?  For sure.  But that division also lives in some homes and families.  My mother is a die-hard Cubs fan.  And I, of course, am NOT.  Which leads to some pretty interesting feuds.

If you find yourself in that same situation, just remember.  The White Sox lead the series 49-44.  That should help your argument.  Booooooooo-yaaaaaaaaa.

Thanks for reading,

John

 

A JIM ZABEL YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW

I never wanted to be an obit writer.  By all accounts it simply  has to be one of the toughest jobs there is in the writing profession.  How can you put in a mere cascade of words the relevance of a person's life?  How does that do them justice......isn't there more to it than that?

In recent months, I've been put to the "test" in remembering the lives of an aunt and uncle, a college roommate, a good friend and fellow sports guy, Mike Newell and now Jim.

In life and in a caricature...Jim Zabel was special

The Jim I'm speaking of, is Jim Zabel, legendary sportscaster who called University of Iowa Hawkeye broadcasts since 1948.  Zabel passed away last week at the age of 91 in Arizona as he was preparing for his weekly radio show, "Two Guys Named Jim". That in itself is a testament.....working away at a true love right up until your last breath is taken. If only we could all be so fortunate.

I have purposefully held off writing anything about Jim's passing since it was reported on May 23rd simply because I wanted to soak in the meaning of his life....and his death.  Jim was without question....UNIQUE.  He had a style unto his own.  He thought highly of himself and his past experiences as an athlete growing up in Davenport, Iowa.  Some might have thought he was a braggart, but the longer I knew him, I became convinced it depicted his rub with the greats in their profession.  He forever spoke of his race with Olympian trackman Jesse Owens.  Not that he beat him...but that he saw Owens backside in such quick fashion.  He also took great pride in mentioning he succeeded Ronald Reagan at the famed WHO microphone in 1944.  In an interview with Reagan, ......came the line Jim would recite thousands of times, "Reagan said if I stay out of Hollywood, he'll stay out of Des Moines".  Of course those words had greater significance when the Hollywood star became the 40th President of the United States.

I've often likened Jim to Chicago White Sox broadcaster, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson.  Either you think they "talk" one of the worst games in town......or you simply love him.  There's no in between.  During one of Zabel's broadcasts some time in the  mid-1990's, came the line, "I love it, I love it, I love it" in describing a big Hawkeye victory.  It quickly became something Iowa fans seized.  Jim's line became their line.

A Hawkeye fan that shows the marriage between Jim and University of Iowa sports

I knew Jim a little differently than others.  I served as his producer for three years at WHO Radio.  Served might not actually be the right word, because it was am absolute blessing.  They were three years full of memories and travel and fun.  Right from the start I knew my job was to make Jim's job easier.  From show prep to broadcast time my role was to provide information, guests and show direction.  His job was to talk....and that he did.  And talk and talk.......

In many respects, he got what he wanted with air time and I received my rewards in other ways.  In the mid-80's, the two of us traveled to Chicago for the Big Ten Football  Meetings.  During the day we'd connect with players and coaches and then in the evening we'd head to a local studio to broadcast the "Jim Zabel Show".  But it wasn't just any old studio.  It was the work/home of Paul Harvey, famed radio man of the 20th century.  I recall being ushered into Harvey's office to meet the man who coined, "the rest of the story".  If ever I've felt command respect  for person it was then.....and so did Jim.  I don't recall any other time where he was smitten with the greatness in front of us.  At least for that time, I could say, Jim was speechless.

Not only was Jim without words, he did something unless that day he did very little of.  That's the only way I can explain what he did.  All I remember is, later that night we had a bite to eat at a Chicago eatery and he picked up the check.  Not only did he pick up the check, he paid for the meal.  And if you've ever heard anything about Jim, it was he was known for being "tight".   That evening our relationship became a little tighter, for sure.    

There came another time Jim was without words for a much different reason.  In 1997, the University of Iowa merged its radio broadcasts into one feed....one lead announcer.   And that man was NOT Jim Zabel.  Prior to the 1997 season, Iowa had several radio hosts feeding stations across the Midwest.  One flagship group was headed by Bob Brooks, one Ron Gonder and then Jim.  All that changed with the naming of Dubuque, Iowa native Gary Dolphin to the post.  It was a crushing decision for Z.  One I don't believe he ever fully recovered from.  He was bitter at the University and Dolphin and not exactly in that order.  If anything, it was probably hard on Jim who to blame the most.

Iowa tried to maintain relationships with all three men they bypassed for the head job.  All were offered some part of the game broadcast....but it wasn't the same.  There were some awkward moments for sure during these times.....but I will say one thing, Dolphin handled the entire affair with class.  He let Jim have his time and say and of course longer than usual microphone time.  Over the years, there came some lessening of the disappointment of the 1997 decision.  Some.

During his 48 years broadcasting Hawkeye games, Jim will forever be known for the game he called and the one that actually took place.  He had a vivid imagination.  I distinctly recall sliding into my stadium seat as a game was about to take place.  Over my headset came Jim's call about the captains meeting at midfield for the coin toss.  I looked once, then a second time.....straining to see where the heck they where.  They had of course been on the field earlier.  Several minutes earlier to be exact.  But that was Jim's way of setting the scene. And all I could do was shake my head and say to myself,  "Jim, Jim, Jim".

Zabel had an unusual way of announcing foreign players names in the sports world.  For instance, there was famed golfer, Chi Chi Rodriquez....who became Cha Cha Rod-ga-whez and Ilie Nastsse who was tagged with Il-lille Nah, tasse.  Yes...Zabel could make his sports broadcasts interesting.  In addition to his radio duties, Jim also worked for WHO-TV serving as the "sports guy" and also hosting several other shows.  Most notably were "Let's Go Bowling", which lasted for 30 years and "Beat the Bear".  Some of Jim's most fun times were the ad-libs he and numerous characters played during BTB.  Zabel often talked fondly of his special relationship with Duane Ellet, from Floppy fame in Central Iowa.  Their antics were on the edge and their ratings were off the wall.    

In a selfish manner, I will always remember Jim coming to our wedding reception.  Most of my side of the family knew I worked with Zabel.  But not my wife's relatives and friends.  People were like...."what's Jim Zabel doing here?"  Jim's presence was something to behold.  I'd like to think it wasn't because of a free drink that night.....because we only served wine at the reception!  And of course, that was not Jim's favorite beverage.

This week, I was talking to a gentleman about my previous work and background.  He asked if I knew Jim Zabel.  When I nodded the affirmative he went ahead with this story.  "Many, many years ago, my wife and I were coming out of Cristopher's in Beaverdale after a nice evening meal.  As we did, I saw some 50 feet in front of us a person who I knew was in the TV business.  I said to my wife.  Look honey, there's a guy who works for KCCI.  Jim overheard me still some thirty feet away said....no, WHO.  Then I said to my wife again just as we cross paths,  I think he's the weather guy.  And Jim says....no, sports.  As we continue walking, I say again to my wife, I think it's Ron Stoll.  To which Jim, as he's about to enter the restaurant shouts......no....JIM ZABEL.

That story alone was worth waiting the extra week for before writing some words about Jim.  Where he might not have always been known to everyone by name......people knew he was somebody by the way he carried himself.  Much like the way he wooooooed his second wife Jill.

When she first met Jim, Jill didn't much care for sports and she wasn't enamored with his past.  She simply fell in love with the guy.  Just for who he was.  Much like many of us did.

After a big Hawkeye victory, Jim would often encourage his listeners to "hug their radios" for the sure love of what they'd just witnessed.  So for this one last time, I'm going to ask you to do the same thing......"hug yours for old Z".

Thanks for many, many memories my friend.          

Thanks for reading,

John

***A Celebration of Jim's Life will take place on Friday, June 21st at the Lutheran Church of Hope in West Des Moines at 4 p.m.  A visitation will take place preceding at 2 p.m. at the same location.