The only conversation I ever had with Pete Rose was in the early 1980s when he was with the Phillies. And he started it.
It was a Friday night in early April, and the Phils were scheduled to appear on NBC's “Game of the Week” the next day. Some of the NBC publicists were driving up to Philadelphia for the game and asked me if I'd like to join them.
With our red media field access credentials dangling from our belts, we observed batting practice from behind the cage. When Rose finished his swing, he walked over and looked at the pass for reporters before speaking. I agree.
He asked if I had seen the NCAA basketball tournament that had just concluded. I said I have. And he left.
He said he was especially hurt by “missing free throws” late in the game. Hi Pete, hi. Could you be so cautious about strangers, especially newspaper reporters?
But he left. he wanted to talk. he needed to talk. He was clearly agitated, probably due to the amphetamines he took to continue growing into his 40s.
His wide-eyed inability to stop talking was something many of us recognized from our college days, when we used to pop “Black Beauty” to study during finals. They didn't help us much with our studies and kept us talking to each other until well after dawn.
Anyway, it looks like Pete lost a bundle he bet on the NCAA Tournament and felt the urge to share it with someone. Anyone. In this case, it's me. Also, sports gamblers become delusional, thinking that everyone within their range is placing bets.
I walked away stunned, in disbelief, and upset.
Former card show promoter and author Tom Vunevich, in his books “Sign This” and “Sign This #2” about the shady sports autograph business, calls Rose one of his former favorite players and one of the best players to endure. He is said to be one of the most difficult superstars. .
“He's always been the center of attention on the show. His looks are all business. …He's got his head down, do the next thing and keep moving. …For some reason he always has his eyes on the good-looking women. Have a conversation. He may make a serious comment and then follow it up with an off-topic, off-the-cuff remark. It's easy for him to use abusive language.
“We like our heroes to be a little humble. Pete Rose is far from that.”
Vunevich also details what has gotten significantly uglier for card show customers. Rose requested that a television be nearby so he could track the sports betting activity during the signing.
The last time I saw Rose in person, he was sitting at a table for two at Bern's Steak House in Tampa. I was there with my wife and kids.
Mr. Rose, by then well in his 60s, was with a young woman who did not look 18 years old. I thought she was his granddaughter–until we started holding hands and frolicking under the table.
By 2017, Rose had denied public accusations of statutory rape of a girl in her mid-teens. Those with rose-colored glasses needed to be fought or ignored.
Since Rose passed away this week at age 83, there have been renewed calls for him to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. What is being cited as a legitimate rationalization is that MLB currently relies on business partnerships and gambling that guarantees scandal. I understand that, but I don't completely agree.
But aside from gambling, girls, and drugs, I wouldn't vote for Rose because of her personality. he had nothing.
Fires an F-bomb comparable to a curse.
On Sunday, Yankees player Clark Schmidt could be heard yelling the F-word after giving a walk to a batter. YES played back the obscene acts, including the audio. Michael Kay: “I apologize for using such language here on Sunday.”
But then why did YES play it with audio and then again without audio in case someone missed it the first two times?
NBC's Presidents Cup coverage included a promo for “The Voice” starring Snoop Dogg.
While it's highly doubtful there are many Snoop Dogg fans in the golf audience, especially considering his sensational (unintelligible) co-host's performance at NBC's Paris Olympics, the televised announcers He expressed his joy at seeing more of Dog on NBC.
Few viewers believed that this scam would not interfere with another one on NBC.
There are no duplications, no repetitions, no stupid expressions without persistence. With 22 players using their legs on every play, CBS' Ian Eagle noted Sunday that one QB “used his legs” to get a first down. The QB no longer runs (one syllable) or scrambles (two syllables), but instead “uses his feet” for long form.
Fumble vs. “Putting the Ball on the Ground.” First Down vs. “Moving the Chains.” Cutting vs. “sticking your foot in the ground.” Silence vs. “Play on dial-up”
After Indiana completed a first-down pass to Maryland's 1-yard line on Saturday, BTN play-by-play man Jeff Levering was quick to point out that IU “reached the red zone.” nurse!
Player of the Week: IU DL James Carpenter After the solo sack, he stood up, didn't say anything about me, and asked for a team huddle. Of course, his team-first humility removed him from every in-game, post-game and network highlight reel.
Mets' clincher is memorable, but not a “classic”
The Mets' Game 1 win in the Wild Card Game on Monday in Atlanta was instantly heralded and heralded as a “classic.” Crazy game? Is it an exciting game? yes. Classic? Not likely.
Monday's game was another example of a game being decided by bad baseball and bad desire-based coaching.
That Edwin Diaz The Braves took a four-run lead in the eighth inning, but it was the result of Diaz failing to cover first on a line drive skimmer. Pete Alonso. That Diaz was recognized for both the missed save and the win was proof of something far from a “classic.”
On SNY, Ron Darling scolded Diaz while fighting nausea. “I forget that I have to play the game too.” [as just pitch]”
Braves manager Brian Snitker After seven shutout innings, he made the typical new-age sudden decision to pull starter Spencer Schwellenbach, and the Mets were overjoyed because they barely touched him. And what! — 94 pitches. Did Snicker save him for the spring training Red and White game?
Yes, another classic where both sides tried their best to lose.
By design, ESPN continues to obliterate all sports television broadcasts in which it engages. Those who tuned into the show Wednesday night to see 200 shots of Padres fans waving yellow towels were treated much better than those who wanted to watch a Braves-Padres playoff game.
And, potentially ruining the catch, ESPN removed line scores (runs, hits, errors) from half-inning end-of-inning graphics throughout the MLB playoffs. heresy!
A massive penalty call for unsportsmanlike post play changed the entire ending late in the Kentucky Transfers vs. Ole Miss Transfers game Saturday on ABC/ESPN. ABC/ESPN did not reveal what happened, as it immediately cut to an unhelpful shot of the crowd after the tackle.
