Motto: “Don’t give up….. Don’t ever give up!”

Jim Valvano

Vital, valiant, valuable, victorious……. Continue Reading

Todd McShay of Scouts Inc. put it in proper perspective over the weekend when he wrote, “They say it takes three years to truly evaluate an NFL draft class, but that doesn’t mean you can’t get a first impression.”

Here are some of those impressions………….. Continue Reading

One of the finest American amateur wrestlers in history has a new job. Continue Reading

By JIMMIE TRAMEL World Sports Writer
Published: 4/22/2009

Ross Porter is a Shawnee native who jumped into radio at 14, and eventually called two World Series.

The Rotary Club of Tulsa will announce Wednesday that sportscaster Ross Porter is returning to his home state to be master of ceremonies at the 16th annual Henry P. Iba Citizen Athlete Awards, scheduled June 15 at the Renaissance Hotel.

Read the entire story

During the late 1970′s and the early 1980′s, Ron Cey was instrumental in helping the Los Angeles Dodgers win four National League championships (1974, 1977, 1978, 1981) and one World Series in 1981 when he was the tri-MVP. Continue Reading

Ross:

Doesn’t Kobe Bryant’s contract with the Lakers run through 2010?

Phil Carpenter
Sunset Beach, Ca.

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Ross:

No, Phil.  Bryant can get out of his contract in July and become a free agent. Kobe can re-sign with the Lakers for five years and close to 135 million dollars. He can’t get that deal with any
other team in the NBA.

Dear Ross,

Just read the column. Thanks, Ross !!  I did not know the back story on Angel Cabrera. I caddied all through highschool and junior college, and I’ve always said that was the best education I ever got. I really wish the county of Los Angeles could work a deal with some private clubs and municipal courses to have a youth caddy program year ’round. There would have to be some compensation to the pro and/or club to offset lost revenue from carts, but I would think this would be doable. Oh well, when I get elected to something, I’ll put this high on the list.

Best,

Mike Willman
Arcadia, Ca.

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Ross:

That’s a good idea, Mike.  Maybe some politician looking for a good public relations boost will advance your proposal, let you save campaign expenses and continue as director of publicity at Santa Anita.

In 2003, the NBA changed from a best of five to a best of seven series in the first round of its playoffs.

There are four teams very grateful for that decision this week. Boston, Orlando, San Antonio and Portland all lost at home to underdogs in post-season openers over the weekend. Continue Reading

Harry Kalas broadcast the games of the Philadelphia Phillies from 1971 until his death on April 13, 2009 in the broadcasting booth in Washington. He was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2002.

Harry and I shared the microphone during the 1984 National League Championship Series between the Padres and Cubs for the CBS Radio Network.  He was a likeable man who also narrated for  NFL Films and did the voice overs for Chunky Soups. Harry was 73.

RP

Bobby Hull is considered one of the greatest hockey players ever and arguably the best left winger of all time. Continue Reading

I’ll admit it. I am nationalistic almost all  the time in a sporting event. I want the American to beat the foreigner.

That’s why I was pulling for Kenny Perry against Angel Cabrera in the Masters playoff. Continue Reading

Hey, Mr. Porter:

Who do you think will win the MVP award in the NBA?

Donald Burns
St. Joseph, Missouri

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Ross:

LeBron James.  Cleveland will have the best record in the league, Donald, and LeBron is mostly responsible. He’s deserving and due for the honor.

Ross,

I know you are proud of your fellow Sooner, Blake Griffin, for being named college basketball’s Player of the Year.  What NBA team do you think will draft him?

Clark Harris
San Bernardino, Ca.

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Ross:

Yes, Clark, I am not only pleased Blake won so many honors, but also favorably impressed with the way he has conducted himself. He has shown great humility and done a wonderful job giving credit to his teammates, coaches and parents.  Blake will be the first player selected in the draft by the team whose ping pong ball pops out of the machine when it’s time for that decision. Oklahoma City will likely come up with an offer to that franchise if it doesn’t get the top pick. The Thunder want him to stay home and boost their season ticket sales.

Dear Ross,

Do you think Barry Bonds will play in the major leagues this season?

Burt Jacobs
Des Moines, Iowa

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Ross:

It would surprise me, Burt, if  Bonds ever wore a major league uniform again. What club would want to take a chance on him, especially if he goes to jail?