August 14, 2015 The Weekly View Page A9

Words from Sports Voice Woods opinions, observations and sports history... C.J. Woods, III

By Steve Nicewanger Weekly View Columnist The Passing of Some Memorable Athletes rank Gifford quarterback 1962 as a flanker back (wide- Buck Baker was Winston 500 at Tal- and Buddy to halfback out). In 1963, as a part of the one of the original ladega as the last race F Baker passed and ran for NFL Eastern Division Champi- moonshine runners of his career. In 1998 Clap Out this last week. 841 yards on ons he was named to his eighth who helped form he was named one of My son-in-love came bound- Both made their mark in 195 caries as a flanker back, NASCAR in 1949. NASCAR’s 50 great- ing up the steps of the apartment: professional sports. Gifford for 7 touch- making him one of the very few Buddy was born est drivers. “You ready” We gotta go clap was known to just about downs and players to be named to three dif- Elzie Wylie Baker, Buddy became a rac- ‘em out.” every American as the play- was named a ferent positions in the Pro Bowl. Jr. on January 25, ing analyst and com- I hadn’t expected to see him at by-play man on Monday first team All- He retired from active play after 1941 in Florence, mentator in 1991 with that time because his children Night Football with How- American. the 1964 season. He was voted South Carolina. Buddy was a the Nashville Network’s racing – my grandchildren – were in ard Cosell, and “Dandy” In 1952 to the NFL Hall of Fame at Can- genial, calm, and even-tem- division — he was with them school. That Monday in June in . Frank Gifford the New York Football Giants ton, Ohio in 1977 and is a mem- pered fellow as opposed to his until 2000. He worked with Cedar Knolls, New Jersey was was born on August 16, 1930 made Gifford their first round ber of the College Football Hall hot-tempered and feisty father. CBS Racing and TNN, calling the last day of school for 6-year- in Santa Monica. Calif. His dad draft pick. Gifford played in the of Fame. At 6’ 6” Buddy earned the name the American Speed Association old Imani and 11-year-old was an oil driller and he had defensive backfield his first two His Hollywood good looks got the “Gentle Giant.” Young Bud- races. He worked at his father’s Xavion. The day was scheduled an older sister, Frances Gifford seasons and in his second sea- him a lot of work as a clothes dy played high school football, race driving school as a man- to be a short one, but I thought who was a Hollywood actress son, 1953, he was named to the model and commercial spokes- worked as a garage mechanic, ager and instructor. He joined that they would be dropped off in the 1940s. He went to Ba- Pro-Bowl as a safety. In 1954 person during his football ca- drove a school bus, and drag Sirius Satellite Radio NASCAR by bus, and then explode up the kersfield High School and- Ba the Giants’ offensive backfield reer. Being a famous athlete in raced in the Carolina Coast Hot channel as a commentator and steps, just as they had for the kersfield Junior College before Coach , re- New York City didn’t hurt ei- Rod Association before moving color analyst in 2007 and 2011. previous week I had spent with entering USC. Gifford started membering Gifford’s versatil- ther. He was New York City’s to NASCAR in 1959. He drove He was hosting the Late Shift them. But dad showed up to take his gig with MNF at the start of ity, moved Gifford to the half- favorite pro football player until his first NASCAR Sprint Cup and Tradin’ Paint on the Sirius me to the school to participate in the program’s second season in back spot on the offensive team. came along. After race at Columbia South Caro- EX Channel up until recently. a tradition. 1971. Gifford won an Emmy as Frank Gifford became a sensa- his football career was over he lina that year. In the Sprint Cup On July 7 of this year Buddy an- In an email to the parents and Outstanding Sports Personality tion as a triple threat back who continued as a model and com- series, Buddy collected 19 wins, nounced that he had inoperable guardians of fifth-graders gradu- in 1977, much to the irritation of could run, catch, and throw the mercial actor. He appeared as a including a win at the 1980 lung cancer and that he would ating from Mountview Road el- Cossell. They feuded and after halfback option pass. He was guest star in some TV shows and Daytona 500. Buddy raced two be resigning from the show. His ementary school, Principal Car- 1982 they never spoke to each named to six Pro Bowls as a movies. He also did some radio years in the Grand National last words to his radio audience men Bellino wrote, “It seems, other off camera. In 1984 Al and was a member sports broadcasts and did the Series in 1972 and 1973 and were “Don’t shed a tear for me. traditionally, parents have al- Michael took over as the play- of the Giants’ 1956 NFL Cham- color for the local CBS Radios won four races before return- Smile when you say my name. I ways lined up outside the fifth by-play announcer and Gifford pionship Team. He was named broadcasts of Giants and Yankee ing to the Sprint Cup series. In won’t say goodbye but just that grade doorway on the last day moved over to the color man’s the NFL’s Most Valuable Player games. In 1968 he signed a deal 1970, he became the first race I’ll talk to you soon.” of school to ‘clap out’ the fifth spot. Gifford was with MNF in 1956 and went on to appear in with a ABC Sports to be a color car driver to exceed 200 MPH Buddy Baker died August 10 grade students as they exit the until 1998 He covered a variety six NFL title games, including commentator on Wide World on a closed course test run. He at his home in Catawba County, building for the last, final time as of sporting events and was a fre- the 1958 game against the Balti- of Sports and College Football raced until 1992, with the 1992 North Carolina at the age of 74. MTV students.” She goes on to quent talk show guest. He met more Colts which many experts broadcast analyst. He even did point out that, although the ritual his third wife Kathy Lee Gifford claim is the greatest professional Ivy League soccer and baseball. is not a school-sanctioned event, when he appeared as a guest on football game ever played. Gif- In 1971 he replaced Keith Jack- she has no objections to the ob- . ford played until 1960 when he son on J&T Automotive Services servation of the “5th Grade Clap As a football player he played was seriously injured in a divi- and became a sports icon. He 100K PARTS & LABOR 7115 E. 46th St. • 545-1355 Out,” provided that the parents NATIONWIDE WARRANTY [email protected] college ball for USC and pro sional playoff game against the died last Sunday August 9, at respect the rules of the school ball for the . Philadelphia Eagles. He didn’t the age of 84. SHOCKS grounds. At Southern Cal in his senior play during the 1961 season Buddy Baker was the son of BRAKES Used Tires My daughter met us at the year of 1951, he moved from but came back for the Giants in NASCAR royalty. His father ENGINES $ 00 school, where a crowd of par- TRANSMISSIONS 25 ents, guardians, siblings and HEATING & AC On your car and out the door! friends lined both sides of the Colts Notes ENGINE DIAGNOSTICS path that led from a side door of Right now the Horseshoes eight year vet is looking to news for the Colts to take. the school. They were holding * strongest group seems to be the win the starting free safety job. There is a big battle for back- OIL CHANGE ribbon-wrapped bags of good- receivers. There will be a great Rookie safety Clayton Geathers up running back behind Frank ies and carrying bottles of seltzer deal of competition for the has looked good coming up in Gore. Vic Ballard has a tough * FREE $ 99 water, cans of “silly string” and starting positions. Rookie re- run support. Pro Bowler Mike job ahead of him to make the NEW SUMMER INSPECTION 17CUSTOMERS ONLY (belts, hoses, battery, wipers, waving streamers and balloons. ceiver Phillip Dorsett has raised Adams has the strong safety po- Colts roster this season. The Plus taxes and other fees. coolant & tires) The people chatted and laughed, *some restrictions apply, ask for details. Expires 9/14/15 *some restrictions apply, ask for details some eyebrows with his speed sition right now. Arthur Jones Mississippi State grad was a until they heard a bell ring in- and deep receiving ability. An- seems to be at full strength on stand-out rookie in 2012, lead- 17 Years of Service to the East Side - Since 1998 side the school. The side door dre Johnson looks to be in great the defensive line ing the team in rushing and opened and suddenly, the school shape. Donte Moncrief has im- The bad news is Robert Ma- making some game winning Advertise in the disgorged a line of 5th graders. pressed. T.Y. Hilton wants to this is still not physically ready plays. In both 2013 and ‘14 he There followed an occasion of get his contract extension done. to practice or play. His Achilles missed almost the in entire sea- Home Service Guide revelry, where the students were Tight end Dwayne all is looking tendon injury has not yet fully son with injuries suffered in the sprayed with silly string, chased sharp in what will be his contact healed and the Colts cannot first half of the first game of the If you own your own business and doused with seltzer water, year. predict when he will be ready to season. Boom Herron, Zerlon and want more business... HANDYMAN ANDYMANReliable & Reasonable gifted with flowers and covered Safety Dwight Lowery is join the defense. It may be late Tipton, and rookie Josh Rob- an Ad this size H with streamers. ReliableNo Job & too Reasonable small or too large looking good after being signed in the season or perhaps not at inson, also of Mississippi State 1 column (1.61”) by 1” HANDYMAN Some grump once noted that $ No JobLICENSED too small • BONDED or too large• INSURED away from the Falcons. The all this year. That’s really hard are in the mix. is only 17 per week HANDYMANReliable & Reasonable “kids these days” seem to be ReliableNo JobLICENSED &too Reasonable small •000-0000 BONDED or too •large INSURED LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED celebrated for what (the grump HANDYMAN No Job too small000-0000 or too large thought) are the most mundane 44th Wedding Anniversary Reliable & Reasonable LICENSED •000-0000 BONDED • INSURED achievements. “Who graduates As you read this Friday, Au- gone much more quickly then journey of joy, pride, sweetness, No Job too small or too large 000-0000 from kindergarten with a robe gust 14. The Boss and I are cel- I could may imagined, walking and love. Happy Anniversary to sample ad LICENSED • BONDED • INSURED Buy 4 weeks of ADS and diploma,” he growled. (The ebrating our 44th Wedding An- through life with that incredible you my Dear, Dear Wife! person wrote it, but in a growl- niversary. While the time has and magical lady has been a [email protected] 000-0000 and get the 5th week* Professional writer & artist ing tone.) The implication was on staff to help design your that over-celebrating children’s 3. Who holds the record for 7. Which two golfers hold the ad at no extra charge FREE! accomplishments diminished most career wins by a quar- LPGA record for most consec- special offer applies to all home service ads in all sizes -prepayment required the impact of the “real” achieve- terback at the University of utive rounds under par? ments. It is possible that the Florida? Call 356-2222 by noon Tues. for that Fri.’s issue grump never had occasion to 4. Name the last NBA player train a small one to use a recep- before Miami’s Norris Cole in ANSWERS tacle for the deposit of urine and

2012-14 to appear in the NBA feces that was not strapped on

- each. rounds 29 with stam, the butt. “YAY,” we clap, then, - Finals in his first three pro sea Soren Annika and Ko Lydia 7.

unceremoniously dump the pre- sons. Japan. in Olympics Winter 1972

5. When was the last time be- the at medal silver a was It 6. cious contents down the flusher.

1. Who was the last New York fore 2014-15 that the Phila- season. 1983-84 the was It 5. Conflicting message, much?

Yankee before Jose Pirela in delphia Flyers swept the Pitts- 1991-93. Bulls, Few people would argue against

4. Scott Williams of the Chicago Chicago the of Williams Scott 4. - 2014 to triple in his first major- burgh Penguins in the season each. wins 35 with the benefits of positive reinforce

league at-bat? series? Leak, Chris and Tebow Tim 3. Advertise your ment of behaviors we want our 2. During the 1970s, three play- 6. Name the last Olympics in (1979). children to internalize. Unlike

ers hit a home run in their first which the U.S. men’s hockey DeCinces Doug and (1976) son the aforementioned grump, I do - 2. Gene Tenace (1972), Jim Ma Jim (1972), Tenace Gene 2. GARAGE SALE

World Series at-bat. Name two not resent the efforts a group of team won a medal outside of 1981. in Balboni, Steve 1. starting of them. North America. $ parents have made to celebrate at only 10 a particular ripple in the stream but at the age of 19 he came to out for “casu marzu,” a cheese for first 2 lines (approx. 32 characters) of a child’s life. If there was a the United States as a performer that’s produced locally. Wheth- $1 for each add. line, box $1 similar ceremony for me and my with the prestigious Fred Karno er you’re keeping an eye out Plus generation, I do not remember it, company. Interestingly, Stan in order to sample it or avoid * but that does not invalidate the Laurel, of Laurel and Hardy it depends on whether or not FREE efforts of the parents I saw this • It was noted 18th-century fame, emigrated to the U.S. at you have an appetite for adven- GARAGE SALE German scientist, philosopher June. We may have had to walk the same time, turous eating. The to school barefoot in the snow, and satirist Georg Christoph SIGN as part of the makers of “casu uphill both ways, but new days Lichtenberg who made the fol- call by Noon Tues. for that Friday’s issue same company marzu” deliberately bring new standards, and stick- lowing sage observation: “It is — as Chaplin’s introduce into the ers on our papers and smiley almost impossible to carry the understudy. process the lar- 356-2222 faces on the teachers’ note home torch of truth through a crowd vae of a particular to the parents. without singeing somebody’s • In a recent survey of pet In Paul Cebar’s song, “Clap for beard.” cheese fly. Though PAWS & CLAWS owners, nearly the cheese is some- the Couple,” an aimless man • Sometimes looking at local half of all respondents said that times cleaned out before it’s who can accomplish nothing ordinances can make you won- Photo Contest! the best description of their re- served, it’s often presented in well, decides that he will “clap der what inspired lawmakers to lationship with their pet would its original state, wriggling for the couple down the hall.” pass such laws. For instance, in be “soul mate.” maggots and all. Ballot — Vote for Your Favorite! On the path leading from the Florida it’s illegal to wear noth- Thought for the Day: “There Your Name:______5th grade exit door at Mountain ing but liquid latex while in a • Sardinia, the second-largest island in the Mediterranean is nothing more dangerous than View Road School, a spontane- public place. Pet’s Name & Number You Like______Sea, also is an autonomous re- a government of the many con- ous gesture has grown into a • The lyrics to that favorite gion of Italy. If you ever decide trolled by the few.” — Law- Phone/Cell______tradition, the annual observation Irish ballad “O Danny Boy” to vacation there, keep an eye rence Lessig of which harms no one, and de- were actually written by an E-mail:______lights many. Englishman. Must be 18 years of age to vote. On entry per person please. (Deadline Like us on Facebook to vote is August 18th) Winner will be announced in the August 21st is- I’m delighted to have clapped • Famed comedic actor Charlie sue and prizes awarded. Mail or drop off (mail slot) Voting Ballot to The for my grandson on the path. Chaplin was born in England, Weekly View, 195 N. Shortridge Rd. Suite D, Indpls. IN 46219. Eastside Voice Community News Media [email protected]