There is then and of course now.
In 1971 on Christmas Day, Jack Whitaker was the lead announcer and many, my father included, felt Dallas had passed its toughest test, winning a “div” playoff game at Minnesota, in a bid to finally win a Super Bowl.
They did go on to win it all, carrying stoic, football intense, but unlike such as “Willie Boy” Bill Parcells, a decent man, coach Tom Landry off the field after doing so.
I have problems with megalomaniac Cowboys’ owner Jerry Jones anyway, but especially so, when recalling his treatment of Mr. Landry, when the former took control of the team/brand.
Rather than rant further vs the NFL and add my mixed feeling regarding Dallas and the NFL (Rather as in Dan, is heard from Dallas on that fateful day in 1963, all it entails….. in the fine new film, “Jackie” starring Natalie Portman as Mrs. Kennedy, her pink outfit drained in the blood that still sadly whether right or wrong, haunts me as a symbol of this country’s and my macro failure. My micro failure can not quite be tied to that day or can it?!!), I will talk about “the more things change, they stay the same” aspect of Christmas Day second game of the day, tilts 45 years apart. (was #45, “Tank” Holmes still with the Chiefs in ’71?).
On Christmas Day 1971, with, as the great broadcaster, Curt Gowdy (now at best “we” endure Al Michaels and his stretched out, behind play by play or heaven help us Mike Tirico, an example that not the meek, but the incompetent shall inherit the earth) said, “a moon hanging down over Municipal Stadium,” the Miami Dolphins’ Garo Yepremian, another player, unjustly denied Hall of Fame status, booted a winning field goal in the 6th quarter of what is still the NFL’s longest game, lifting “Mia” over the host K.C. Chiefs, and into a home AFC title tilt.
Then as now, a favored Chiefs team hosted/will host a Christmas game.
Certainly none of the endless procession of college bowl games before and I suppose after the two bowl games that serve as semi-final tilts on New Year’s Eve interest me.
Thus my Mildred Dunnock (attention must be paid as she uttered that line/sentiment in both stage and film productions of “Salesman” (i.e. “Death of a Salesman”) admonishment will be via pro football.
The ‘big time” league will play twice on screens and devices on Christmas Day, a far cry from its vow not to do so, after two slots/division games were held on Jesus’ 1971st birthday, a Saturday.
I do not know if the cake for Jesus was inundated with candles but many lights, eyes and rear ends watched and sat for NFL Christmas day tilts then and will do so now.
In a Christmas Day divisional playoff game in 1971, though his team lost, Ed Podolak, played brilliantly.
Likely one can make a good case that I go go a bit far in my criticism, usually directed against most modern announcers, “non return” broadcasting great, Bob Costas, a notable exception.
However, there are few if any who will impart some of the information that will follow, all in and around the 1960 World Series, matching the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.
In the historic seventh game, a key play in that, one of baseball’s greatest games, I say the greatest, when one considers the importance, was a ball hit by Bill Virdon, taking a bad hop (by definition going up in the air) and hitting Yankees shortstop, Tony Kubek in the throat.
The first batting result of the classic series, won by the underdog Pirates, obviously a play infinitely less important, was however, an almost eery coincidental opposite.
Kubek was the batter and hit a ball that also went up in the air, hitting the third base bag for a single. Virdon’s ball in #7 was also a single, eventually a huge play, in denying pitcher Bob Schantz and the Yankees.
The great Roger Maris, a year before hitting 61 home runs to not only beat out his even greater teammate Mickey Mantle for the home run crown, but setting a record with 61 home runs, had much the opposite happen in 1960.
Mantle’s home runs in the Yankees final series vs the Washington Senators gave him 40 on the year, one more than Roger, giving “#7” the 1960 American League home run crown.
One more note (maybe during this holiday season this “critic,” sort of generous “Scrooge,” I believe with good reason, but alas what is the point, will provide more, follows.
Yankees pitcher Art Ditmar actually filed suit for the use of “Ditmar throws” on the series ending home run by Bill Mazeroski on a commercial some 25 or so years later. (It was Ralph Terry who surrendered Maz’ historic clout.)
The first pitch by a New York Yankee in the series was called “Ditmar throws” by the same great announcer, Chuck Thompson who worked with another great, Jack Quinlan, on radio in that classic World Series.
In getting ready for (10-4) “Hack” (boy are they dangerous, already copping 2 Supe titles, with the highly criticized, but so good, not great, Eli Manning, as their quarterback) at (5-9) Philly Thursday night, consider the Giants almost certainly will be a wild card team, nothing more, but nothing less.
The Giants need 4 of 4 decisions in their games and those of Dallas to go “their way” to win the “div” title and garner the “one seed” for just the third time in the 42 (that number worked for Well Mara as at the time of Supe 42, he had that many grandchildren or was it grandchildren and great grandchildren? “Rhythm method” and “Saturday night” indeed. Also and I am in a foul mood, but is not the late Mara, one who did much good and bad in his life, perhaps hovering in Ohio?) seasons it has afforded all home advantage games possible.
However, it would take say 7 maybe 8 decisions to go against them to keep first year coach Ben McAdoo (how could Bob McAdoo not have been one of the 50 greatest NBA players?!!) and his Giants out of the playoffs.
That would require Hack losses at Philly and last night’s “lay an egg team” Wash, under Jay Grudin with Jon Grudin doing color.
Additionally Tampa Bay would have to win both its games and the Lions would have to win at Dallas and lose vs Green Bay, after the Pack beat Minne this week. Even then Atlanta would have had to win at least one game.
NFL.com is stating the Giants “hack” their way into the ‘offs with an Atlanta loss this week and they are probably right as some of the tiebreakers get beyond my calculation. (Unlike the inordinately well paid Francesa, at least I try).
However, say all the above happens with one Atlanta loss coming this week, the Pack at (10-6) would win the NFC North. TB at (10-6) would win the NFC South. Det, Atlanta and the Giants all would be (10-6) and the Giants with the worst conference record AMONG the three (another “bargain” Brad Nessler said “BETWEEN” the four teams in shamefully promoting a meaningless college basketball doubleheader last week) would be out???
Bottom line–almost certainly the Giants will be in the ‘offs, very likely as a wild card team.
Sure I gushed and am touched by Cindy Stowell and in essence her fame is being on the show “Jeopardy.”
Conversely, Craig Sager, who also recently passed away, never meant much to me. In my not so humble opinion, he was in an innocuous, yet often annoying position of interviewing coaches, asking inane, meaningless questions, no different than any sideline reporter, including the suddenly renowned Doris Burke.
Far from like him politically, I wholeheartedly agree with the late Andy Rooney, that there is no need for “sideline reporters.”
So whether partly due to my general dislike and face it, envy of broadcasters or maybe the fact I honestly do not recall his doing anything of substance in broadcasting, the load of publicity given Mr. Sager’s life and death is truly disproportionate, in my opinion, to what he achieved.
I bet he would agree. If you the public or Mr. Sager are offended, know I fervently wish Mr. Sager had lived longer and was here to tell me so.
Would not that be nice?!! However, life with its impending death and largely who, not what you know reality, is a” bi–h,” not a “Beach Boys” song.
Dr. Jonas Salk fought polio.
When vastly over rated, college football coach, Bo Schembechler died, Beano Cook told me first of all, he was not a great coach as he lost too many big games.
Next Beano “pulled no punches” in saying, “the only person who dies and gets negative publicity is Hitler.”
In my opinion, that is pretty close to true, especially in the sports world.
I always thought of and still think of sportscaster, Len Berman as a “no talent.”
However, I credit him for criticizing Schembechler’s rival but also mentor, Woody Hayes, as bad, at the time of his death.
For the record, all of the above accomplished something, I sit here and criticize. There has to be a better way to express/live.
The great Joan Rivers was gracious and entertaining in posing for a picture with me in 1988.
Some humor manifested, when the photographer was taking a long time to shoot the picture. Joan gave her some good natured ribbing. It is a truly nice memory.
Also in 1988, I met Gabe Kaplan, when I was a contestant on a show called “NFL Trivia” which aired on ESPN, before it became the grotesque monster it is today.
Not surprisingly, I was the best individual player (our team came in second, I still have the television and certainly perspective on game shows, winning/losing on them, especially in light (hopefully Cindy is in it) of the circumstances regarding “Jeopardy” contestant and champion, Cindy Stowell.
Gabe complimented me on the air saying I don’t think Andy has missed one (a question) yet (I missed, believe me, but luckily did not cost the team any games).
The highlight of the great experience was sitting next to Mr. Kaplan, as each of us was getting “made ready” for television.
I cited my great admiration for his work, recalling an episode of “Welcome Back Kotter.”
In a future post, I will talk about that conversation and my brief interaction with the other guests on an “Andy met them/ four for four,” Johnny Carson Tonight Show, that aired 3 days ago.
As cited Sunday past, the other guests on that referenced “Tonight Show,” each of whom I met briefly, were George Plimpton and Adrienne Barbeau.
The inspirational Cindy Stowell pictured above.
Cryptic yes, but (baby) here goes.
Amidst the cherries, I sense Cindy was/is “ahead of the field,” in so many ways, surely good ones and also bad (no matter how inspirational, she did leave far too soon!)
How she must have felt, hearing of eating/drinking and the great Tony Bennett, citing his “first 90 years.”
“Chosen” by God? and “Jeopardy,” Cindy breathed an audible sigh of relief getting a big “Daily Double” “put it in the form of a question” in her 5th win and benefited from the competition, battling each other, in her third such “win.”
Perhaps somewhere in time and space, Cindy is helping God/force with the answers, hopefully manifesting in better “form” on his/hers/its “questions.”
Click below for a well written update on Cindy Stowell’s Jeopardy (I corrected it, but still can not spell “Jeopardy” correctly, the first time).
This is NOT for those recording the show, that have not watched it.
‘Jeopardy!’ contestant’s inspiring run continues in fifth straight win
While as cited in the previous post, the two teams currently leading and very likely to be their conference’s top seeds won yesterday in contrast to losses on the exact date (Dallas, the almost certain NFC top seed) or in the case of very likely AFC top seed New England, one day from it, those teams lost games 28 years earlier that had no playoff implications.
Yesterday the Oakland Raiders, whose (10-3) record is pro football’s third best and the New York Giants tied with K.C., which incidentally suffered a seemingly big loss as 5 point favorites vs Tennessee (Ryan Succop’s 51 yard, last play field goal won it for the (8-6) Titans), for the fourth best mark (the Pie “took it down on Giants’ titles in ’07 and ’11) each had big wins yesterday reversing the results of games in which losses (in the Giants case, the loss and one by SF vs the L.A. Rams) ended their seasons, sans a playoffs appearance exactly 28 years earlier.
In 1988, I got one more chance, winning big, figuring the last day puzzle. soon I would “tailspin” not as one who owed but one who bet too much and all the negative energy and results inherent in such behavior.
That day, with long time New York Giants broadcaster Marty Glickman, then a Jets’ broadcaster getting a little too excited, as the Jets were spoilers and out of the ‘offs hunt, the Jets with Al Toon’s touchdown catch the key play, defeated the Giants. An upset win by the Rams at S.F. got the Rams in and put the Giants out of the ‘offs. I believe SF was playing for the one seed but fell. However they were the “2” and won it all, eventually defeating the Bengals in the Supe.
Cincy QB, Norman “Boomer” Esiason, a good one, was not, in his biggest game, failing to direct even one touchdown drive, in a (20-16) loss.
It was winner take all in the AFC West when Seattle, then in the AFC not NFC West, which they won again 3 days less than exactly 28 years later beating the L.A.Rams last Thursday, visited the Oakland Raiders in a game pumped into this/N.Y. market.
I “loved” Sea in that tilt and said so amidst my depression on the previous night cable show.
Sea won then, Oak took S.D. yesterday and clinched its first ‘offs spot since 2002, ending the second longest making the NFL ‘offs drought behind Buffalo.
This, to me is amazing at least interesting juxtaposition. I try to keep involved but it passed me, a train I never got on.
One of yesterday’s posts pointed out the juxtaposition of the NFL having its last regular season Sunday games on December 18, 1988 while yesterday’s games ( Sunday December 18th, 28 years later) were played with two weeks remaining on the same numbered 16 game NFL schedule as 1988.
The teams with the top three records in the NFL and four of five (by the way, in trying to hear Bob Hope on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, while watching the plays in the Dallas/TB tilt, I had the sound on, forcing me to hear Cris Collinsworth’s error in saying TB was facing the team “with the BEST record in football.” At the time, that was (12-2) New England and not (11-2) Dallas. Even now after the win they are tied for that place, thus it would have been incorrect to state, what the non stop talking Collinsworth did) reversed their losses that day or weekend.
28 years and one day earlier, the same New England at Denver match up as yesterday, transpired with Denver winning a Saturday game, with no playoff implications.
Yesterday in a game chock full of such “implications,” New England won, covered and “Ko’d” Denver “teasers,” all vs me. While the result was the opposite for the two teams, it repeated a horrible loss for me that Saturday December 17th, leaving me “groggy and down,” while then “significant other” Angela’s friend, Pedro Tweed put on a great display, doing push ups on my live cable show.
On that last day of 1988, Dallas lost, ending a non playoffs season. Yesterday they won and as referenced above, are tied with New England for the best record in PRO football (Collinsworth said football, not pro or the NFL. Undefeated Alabama and some other college football teams have a better record!).
In my next post, I will cite the other teams with records in the top four or five, that reversed decisions exactly 28 years earlier, with key victories yesterday.
I am racing to just get out the four loser/loser/underdog system games for this week.
It is the same calendar as 1988, more on ’88 and the four guests cited in the last post, another time and in ’88 on this December 18th date, the regular season ended.
Now in 2016, 2 weeks remain after this.
Today, the Colts plus 5 plus at Minnesota.
The Jaguars plus 3 plus at Houston, which now after I rightfully mocked Boningo and Roberts assertion that a Houston AFC South win was certain, is a big “div” favorite, after all. Comments on this, no matter today’s results later this week.
“Another-rrr” is SF, a brutal (1-12) plus 14 plus vs Atlanta. A score there: Falcons no cover, winning (29-17).
A prediction is Denver plus three plus (it costs 7 to 5) but you will not have to pay it, N.E. 19 Denver 17.
A wonderful Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, aired last night on Antenna T.V.
Underrated, so called “second banana,” Ed McMahon and John were great working in and around the famed Carson monologue, Ed imploring, at least “strongly suggesting” John “get the golf club,” the signature Carson gesture, that ended the opening monologue, moving the classic show forward.
There were four guests and though I watched last night in dark, bitter, “never made it-time passed, screwed by so many” loneliness, I guess I am fortunate to have had some interaction with all four. Regrettably, I never met either Johnny Carson or Ed McMahon.
The guests were in order of appearance, two women and then two men. Joan Rivers was first, followed by Adrienne Barbeau, 28 years old, when the December 1973 show originally aired.
Two men followed, first comedian Gabe Kaplan, who performed, sat down with the four person panel and got up again, performing what would be considered “politically incorrect” humor today. For the record, and I am not only “LIBERALLLL”- (remember the great Cleavon Little saying the word that way, on “All in the Family”) but abhor racial or ethnic prejudice, the “bit” was/is not only really funny, but not offensive to me.
This is tricky ground and though discussed on the show 43 years ago and now without any true answer, just opinion.
A wonderful, brilliant, “live life” man, George Plimpton was the final guest.
What become ominous recollections include Carson asking “Joannie” would she ever get plastic surgery and the mention of author Philip Roth.
Roth wrote a book of fiction about a true bigot, far beyond being politically incorrect, yet an “American” (though she “dumped” me, a former girlfriend and citizen of Canada, pointed out the arrogance of the U.S. calling itself AMerica, when so many other countries inhabit the Americas) hero, Charles Lindbergh, becoming president.
Now, barring a miracle decision by electoral college voters tomorrow, it is just over a month until a man, on some level a hero, as he built skyward–(Lindbergh did accomplish the greater deed, also skyward, flying non stop from New York to Paris in 1927, a year someone I know, who has as much to give as a lizard, was born) who if not a bigot himself, (his father was a “slumlord”) certainly has been backed by so many that are, officially goes toward the sky again, ascending to the U.S. presidency.
For that sobering reality and many others, I look to the sky and ask WHY?!!
Andy B Sports 