January 9, 2009
A look back, and ahead, in sports media
New York sports media Person of the Year
Hank Steinbrenner
No-brainer.
Consider this: Less than three months ago, a story by Ian O'Connor of the Bergen Record re-ignited the debate about George Steinbrenner's competence and relevance as a spokesman for the Yankees.
At that stage, his eldest son was an enigmatic figure known mostly for enjoying the horse business and taking cigarette breaks during organizational meetings.
Since then, Hank has emerged with stunning swiftness as the chatty front man for the Yankees, taking the heat off his father while channeling some of the original Boss' blustery heyday.
So what if his words do not always match his actions?
"If they opt out, goodbye!" he said of A-Rod and Scott Boras, among many other things on many other topics.
Here's hoping the novelty of schmoozing with reporters does not wear off anytime soon and that Hank continues to be a window into what had become a darkly mysterious organization.
Best's TV Bets for 2007
Play-by-play man . . . Verne Lundquist. His primary job is SEC football, not customarily a priority for New York media critics. But good is good, and he is, especially in concert with partner Gary Danielson.
Game analyst . . . Ron Darling. Sure, this guy's skyrocketing reputation is old news already, but he took a big step in '07 when TBS plucked him for the Cubs-Diamondbacks series, giving him national exposure.
Sideline reporter . . . Pam Oliver. Fox's feisty veteran makes a thankless job interesting; she angered both the Giants' defense and Donovan McNabb in separate incidents and, as usual, never backed down.
Most improved . . . Jerome Bettis. The Bus never got out of neutral as an NBC novice last year; in '07 he was given a more natural role in a more focused studio show and his personality at last emerged.
Rookie of the Year . . . Keyshawn Johnson. Tiki Barber was good on NBC but Key stood out on ESPN, helping Bill Parcells to relax and viewers to forget the mercurial, often incoherent Michael Irvin.
Best's non-TV Bets for 2007
Sports book: "Pistol," in which Mark Kriegel brings the basketball original (and just as important, his father, Press) to vivid life. Kriegel writes the way he talks -- entertainingly.
Sports movie: Most are played for broad comedy or gooey treacle. Thank goodness for documentaries. My favorite: "Doubletime," about jumping rope ... really, really well.
Sports radio show: WFAN's 20th anniversary reunion marathon was a chaotic, uneven, nostalgic treat, and a reminder of the station's groundbreaking place in sports media history.
Gone but not forgotten
Mixx it!
Copyright © 2009, Newsday Inc.
