Weaver, Twain share dubious distinction
Earl Weaver is a baseball immortal to Baltimore fans but sports columnist Michael Wilbon was a little hasty in ushering the Earl out of the mortal world.
On the Wilbon-Tony Kornheiser show a few days ago, the two sports writers/TV personalities were chuckling over the Dodgers' Tommy Lasorda's brief stint as a fill-in manager during a spring training game and Wilbon was comparing Tommy to Earl and mentioned in passing that Earl would be about 88 now and something about Earl rolling over in his grave. The Earl is actually 77 and he was hanging out with the O's in spring training camp recently.
So, like Mark Twain, news of Weaver's demise was greatly exaggerated. Kornheiser made the save. We have the ESPN clip and a thanks to the AOL folks for pointing it out.
Photo credit: (Twain) Associated Press; (Weaver) Karl Merton Ferron
Comments
Not to say no one is ever allowed to make a mistake, but come on Wilbon – you’re a fulltime sports guy who has lived and worked most of the past quarter-century in the Baltimore-Washington area. This is your job!
And as much as I enjoy Tony K., I have to admit he drives me crazy with his utter lack of knowledge about so many sports. It wouldn’t kill him to learn a little about soccer, motor racing, winter sports, etc., if for no other reason than to be able to bring a little more expertise to his ramblings.
Okay, rant over. Everybody have a nice weekend!
Posted by: Joe Dalhart | March 14, 2008 12:36 PM
Pardon the Interruption isn't supposed to be the end-all be-all analysis for all sports. It's essentially a radio talk show on television, and how many sports talk hosts do you see or hear that know everything about every sport? Aside from baseball, basketball, and football, Greeny and Golic of Mike & Mike fame only have basic-to-intermediate knowledge of other sports. I highly doubt Mark Viviano knows all the ins and outs of tennis and I don't think John Riggins has any real deep interest in soccer.
Like those shows, as well as other talk shows like Around the Horn, Washington Post Live, etc. the hosts talk whatever topic THEY want to talk about, unless said story is so huge that they just have to mention it. If they do talk about a story that isn't in their field, they do what SportsCenter does: bring in somebody who does.
Posted by: Matthew | March 14, 2008 2:12 PM
Dear Mr. Wilbon,
It is true that reports of Mr. Weaver's demise are greatly exaggerated. Mr. Weaver attended the Oriole's Thursday Spring Training game in Ft. Lauderdale against the Minnesota Twins. When I thanked him for signing my baseball, his eyes displayed a certain sparkle and vitality. The former skipper sat behind Mr. Trembly. He signed tens of balls graciously for everyone around him, in between innings, per his request to the stadium usher, for respect of the game. Good luck to the O's.
Sincerely,
Richard Saunders
SPRING TRAINING
Ft. Lauderdale
-------------------------------------
Richard,
Congratulations on the autograph and thanks for joining us from sunny Florida. Poor Wilbon is getting the business over this. You know, Michael had his own close call about a month ago with that heart scare in Arizona so I guess we'll cut him a little slack after we've had our chuckles.
-- Bill O.
Posted by: Richard Saunders | March 14, 2008 10:09 PM
Dear Bill O.,
Thanks for the note. Slack is needed these days what with all the instantaneous trial by keypad.
I am lucky to see many of the O's home games in Ft. Lauderdale. The boys have been great and I like the energy from the skipper on down. They have a relaxed and driven commander in Mr. Trembley. He seems unable to ever look tired or frustrated with anything regarding the Show. I'm looking forward to getting to Camden Yards for a few or more games. Feild box seats look sweet.
-Richard
Posted by: Richard Saunders | March 17, 2008 9:14 AM
You know. People are human and do make mistakes. Remember Truman lost the election! :)
Posted by: Captain Jack | March 17, 2008 9:45 AM