Spokane Indians Community Update • Version 4 • September 23Rd 2020 Home Base in This Edition

SPOKANE INDIANS COMMUNITY UPDATE • VERSION 4 • SEPTEMBER 23RD 2020 HOME BASE IN THIS EDITION

Team Trivia...... 4

Player Catch-Up: Scott Kapers...... 5

Spot the Difference...... 8

Community Corner...... 9

Q&A w/ Ed Yong...... 13

Remembering Bob Robertson...... 18

Hometown Hero - Kim Elkins...... 27

Photos courtesy of Janna Juday and James Snook

justaddmonsters.com

Over $6000 in cash and prizes TEAMTEAM TRIVIATRIVIA This Indians alum won the How many former Spokane 1 ﬁrst ever Cy Young Award: 6 Indians players opened this a) Don Sutton year on MLB rosters? b) Don Newcombe a) 17 c) Hoyt Wilhelm b) 24 d) Doyle Alexander c) 27 d) 19 Which member of the 1970 2 Spokane Indians helped Before this summer, the last lead the USC football team 7 year without Indians to a national championship baseball in Spokane was: in 1967? a) 1967 a) Steve Sogge b) 1951 b) Tom Hutton c) 1978 c) Steve Garvey d) 1957 d) Sandy Vance Which former Spokane Before becoming Avista 8 Indians player was drafted 3 Stadium, the Spokane by the Houston Texans in Indians played their home 2018? games at: a) Jake Skole a) Key Bank Park b) Jamie Jarmon b) Sterling Saving c) Braxton Lane Stadium d) Jordan Akins c) Seaﬁrst Stadium Which Indians alum has the d) Wells Fargo Field 9 most career MLB home Which son of a former MLB runs? 4 player did NOT play for a) Carlos Beltran the Indians? b) Duke Snider a) Gary Matthews Jr. c) Frank Howard b) John Mayberry Jr. d) Steve Garvey c) Ruben Sierra Jr. MLB HOFer Ryne Sandberg d) Jerry Hairston Jr. 10 attended which high school The last Indians alum to in Spokane? 5 win Rookie of the Year: a) Lewis & Clark a) Neftali Feliz b) Shadle Park b) Derek Holland c) North Central c) Chris Davis d) Ferris

d) Jurickson Profar Answer Key: 1) b 2) a 3) c 4) d 5) a 6) b 7) d 8) d 9) a 10) c 10) a 9) d 8) d 7) b 6) a 5) d 4) c 3) a 2) b 1) Key: 3 Answer PLAYER CATCH-UP: SCOTT KAPERS

TEXAS RANGERS FARMHAND SCOTT KAPERS STAYS SHARP IN USPBL Courtesy of Brandon Vickrey/ “I arrived in Arizona on Feb. 7, Valparaiso Athletics and was there until March 16,” Kapers said. “After COVID shut spring training down, I went ike everything else for L straight home and spent several everyone in the country and months doing my best to stay across the world, baseball looks active. It was challenging to a little different this year for stay on a diet and find fields former Valparaiso University to practice. I was fortunate to standout Scott Kapers. have my brother (current Valpo The Texas Rangers minor junior) Jake to throw to and league catcher was unable work out with throughout the to compete in a third season whole process.” of affiliated professional Kapers eventually latched on baseball in 2020 since the with the semipro Mishawaka minor league campaign was Brewers to stay sharp before cancelled due to the COVID-19 recently making his way pandemic. However, Kapers to Utica, Mich. to play in has found ways to continue his the USPBL. All four teams development and is currently competing in the league this competing for the Westside season play their games at one Woolly Mammoths of the site, Jimmy John’s Field. Kapers United Shore Professional is living with fellow Rangers Baseball League. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 4 and Mount Carmel High School product had the opportunity to play one game with the Nashville Sounds of the Triple-A Pacific Coast League last season. “I woke up one day and they said, ‘You’re going to Triple-A,’” Kapers said. “We had a Triple-A catcher get injured and I was available at extended spring training. I was catching bullpens and minor leaguer Jake Hoover, doing my job while getting who is also playing in the work in. The night before my USPBL. last day with Nashville, they let me know I was playing the “The Rangers organization next day. I actually slept pretty has been unbelievable, paying well and got to the field and us through all this and doing played; I treated it just like any everything they can to help other baseball game.” their minor league players,” TEXAS RANGERS FARMHAND SCOTT KAPERS STAYS SHARP IN USPBL Kapers said. “It’s been great to Numerous coaches have be here in Michigan and have influenced Kapers in the the opportunity to log some professional ranks, including innings behind the plate while his first manager Kenny facing quality pitching. This Holmberg, former big-league league does a great job with catcher Carlos Maldonado and data collection, so I’ve been most recently Kenny Hook. learning more of the statistic In his final season at Valpo side and educating myself on in the spring of 2018, Kapers what each pitcher throws for strikes and other information.” The stop in Michigan is the latest chapter in a professional career that began when Kapers was selected in the 17th round of the 2018 draft by the Rangers following his junior year at Valpo. He played in 54 games over the last two seasons, with the majority of those coming for the Spokane Indians of the Class-A Northwest League. The Schererville, Ind. native CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 5 Proud Sponsor of the SPOKANE INDIANS FIND YOUR NEAREST LOCATION!

619 S Fir Ave, Deer Park, WA 99006 814 US-12, Kamiah, ID 83536 (509) 276-3000 (208) 935-2134 123 S Broad St, Medical Lake, WA 99022 307 Michigan Ave, Oroﬁ no, ID 83544 (509) 299-9100 (208) 476-5519 5978 WA-291, Suite 10 Nine Mile Falls, WA 99026 6637 Fry St, Bonners Ferry, ID 83805 (509) 464-3994 (208) 267-7771 503 W Appleway Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83814 910 Main St, St Maries, ID 83861 (208) 765-3434 (208) 245-5515 126 W Main St, Grangeville, ID 83530 612 Bank St, Wallace, ID 83873 (208) 983-5555 (208) 753-9003 threw out 37.5 percent of “Everyone at Valpo has treated would-be base stealers (21 our family extremely well,” caught stealing) and picked Kapers said. “The community is CURBSIDE PICK-UP & CONTACT-FREE off six runners. He garnered enjoyable and it’s a nice town. DELIVERY AVAILABLE Missouri Valley Conference The academics are elite and All-Defensive Team and All- walking away with a Valparaiso Tournament Team accolades education is very beneficial. My while learning from head coach parents recognized that value Brian Schmack and his staff. and were supportive of us in our decisions to attend the “Coach Schmack knew what University.” it took since he played in the big leagues,” Kapers said. “He helped me straighten out my mindset and focus on what I wanted to be as a player. The team camaraderie at Valpo stands out. Learning how to be a good teammate in college has helped me in my professional career.” Valpo is a family affair for Kapers, as his sister Madison recently graduated from the University and is now in dental school in Arizona, while his aforementioned brother Jake is entering his third season as a catcher for the Valpo baseball team. 6 Proud Sponsor of the SPOKANE INDIANS FIND YOUR NEAREST LOCATION!

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7 SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

Can you spot the 10 differences between these two photos?

8 Deck Ribby’s on Ribby 10. color, wristband of Change 9. shirt, Buckeyes on logo Ohio Missing 8. baseballs, replacing logos Doris 7. sign, circular Caboose Light Coors 1. Color on scoreboard clock, 2. Lights on scoreboard 3. OTTO towards the back of caboose, 4. Missing star on Capitan America shirt, 5. Missing peace sign, 6. Change of color on on color of Change 6. sign, peace Missing 5. shirt, America Capitan on star Missing 4. caboose, of back the towards OTTO 3. scoreboard on Lights 2. clock, scoreboard on Color 1. COMMUNITY CORNER

PROTECTING THE HEALTH OF OUR WATERWAYS

Courtesy of Avista helps us better understand conditions important to the fish The Spokane River provides who live in the lake. us all with clean and affordable Lake Spokane is managed to electricity, and much more, promote both warm water including a home for fish, and cold-water fish, and to habitat for wildlife and support sports fishing and opportunities for recreation. native fish restoration. “Cold We are committed to helping water fish, such as trout, are protect and enhance the health looking for water with cooler of the river. One way we work temperatures and high oxygen toward that end is in our fishery levels. That’s the sweet spot,” efforts in the river and nearby said Monica Ott, environmental lakes. scientist with Avista. “To better Avista’s Long Lake Dam creates understand their preferred the reservoir known as Lake areas we are exploring Spokane, a great place to temperature and oxygen levels swim, boat, fish and live. As available in the shallower areas part of our operations on Lake of the lake.” Spokane, we monitor the water, Avista has monitored Lake particularly the fluctuation of Spokane for more than 10 oxygen and temperature. This years, in partnership with the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 9 Washington Department removal. Carp, an invasive of Ecology. This year we species, often uproot and implemented a new technique disturb vegetation, ultimately using automated recorders reducing oxygen levels in the affixed to buoys at three lake. By removing carp, there different locations on the lake. are fewer invasive species This allows us to get readings competing with native species of temperature and oxygen for the same habitat. In every 15 minutes, at varying addition, excess phosphorus is depths. removed from the watershed, Staff visit each buoy every which improve oxygen levels. other week throughout the Another mitigation effort is a summer and download the bulkhead removal program. data, which we share with Avista works with agency the Department of Ecology. stakeholders and landowners Additionally, staff visit other to restore lakefront property baseline locations on the lake, to a more natural shoreline, to from which we have recorded reduce erosion, add shoreline data for the past decade and habitat and improve water capture manual readings. At quality on the lake. those sites, Monica measures Education is also key. “We temperature, pH, conductivity want to let people know and oxygen from the bottom what water quality means, of the lake to the surface. how dissolved oxygen gets “It gives us a vertical profile of improved and what they can the water column and allows do to make a difference,” us to compare data so that its said Monica. Partnering with relevant to our past data.” state agencies and local In 2012, Avista initiated a 10- homeowners, Avista is one of year plan to improve total many stakeholders who have dissolved oxygen in Lake an impact on the lake. “We’re Spokane. The data Monica collects helps us better understand the number of factors that contribute to the lake’s health. One effort Avista has undertaken with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to improve the lakes health is carp CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 10 all in this together,” she said.

•• Explore more Avista Connections at https://www. myavista.com/connect The Spokane Indians are all about the river! To learn more about the team’s Redband Rally Campaign and involvement, visit https:// www.milb.com/spokane/ community/redbandrally

Keep staying safe at home.

Call 811 at least two business days before you dig to avoid costly and dangerous utility line damage.

myavista.com/safety

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12 Q&A WITH ED YONG

SPOKANE INDIANS STRENGTH AND CONDITIONING COACH

Ed Yong has completed 11 seasons as the Spokane Indians Strength and Conditioning Coach. During his time with the Indians, Yong has been named Northwest League Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year six times by the Professional Baseball Strength know what to expect, so I just and Conditioning Coaches patiently waited with my family Society (2010, 2011, 2012, to see when we would start 2013, 2015, and 2019). Prior to baseball again. Days turned into working with the Texas Rangers weeks and we were told it was organization, Yong worked going to be much longer than for the Arizona Diamondbacks expected. I did some small day from 2004 to 2007. He served trips with the family, but when as a minor league strength and we got word of the season conditioning coach, serving in being canceled, we were able the A, AA, and AAA levels. to take longer road trips (spent time in Yosemite and Lake The Spokane Indians caught Tahoe back in late-May and up with Yong to talk about his Newport Beach in July). I also time in Spokane, career, and spent a lot of time each week what he’s been up to during his on Zoom meetings with players summer off. and staff to make sure everyone was still staying productive. We’ve missed seeing you I felt some disconnect with around the ballpark this human interaction, so I started summer. What have you been recording some short yoga up to during this time? and meditation videos to help Where do I start? Well, we others cope with quarantine. were all sent home from spring When a lot of things were shut training on March 13th. When down and everyday seemed this happened, we didn’t like Groundhog Day, it was very CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 13 important to keep my mind and body moving. You’ve spent 11 seasons as the strength and conditioning coach for the Indians. What are some your favorite things about summers in Spokane? Everything! Very hard to narrow it down, but I will! Weather, baseball, to return a couple years later people. Amazing mornings, when he was drafted by the mostly mild afternoons Cubs), Roger Clemens, Steve and comfortable evenings Garvey, George Brett and made summers in Spokane Tyler Johnson. Watching enjoyable. There were Ruben Sierra, Jr. hit a walk- moments I would go for runs at off grand slam to win a night after the games and the deserving school teacher and weather was always perfect her husband a Ford vehicle for that. Another thing I would from Gus Johnson Ford in do is go on hikes when we 2011 was exciting. Being a part arrived back home in the early of a combined 11-inning no- mornings from an overnight hitter in Everett with current bus ride. The summertime Texas Rangers’ catcher Jose weather in Spokane was Trevino behind the plate amazing! When you ask was unbelievable. Leading a players in our organization couple of yoga sessions to the where their favorite place hardest working front office to play was, many will say and game day staff of the Spokane because of the fans Spokane Indians was incredibly and the climate. fun. If you really want me to Do you have a favorite get teary-eyed, it would have Spokane Indians memory from to be the between-innings your time with the team? promotion when they invited a mother and her two kids Wow! Tough to narrow it down to the field to play the down to just one. Post- Spokesman-Review newspaper season/playoff clinching toss, then having her husband clubhouse celebrations were walk out of our dugout and always fun. We made it to surprise the family with his the NWL Championship in return home from a military 2010 and 2018 and those deployment! That moment were memorable teams and right there reached far beyond moments. We had a number the game and touched of superstar visits from Wayne everyone’s heart that night. Gretzky bringing his son to take BP with us in 2010 (only 14 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE few hours until I told him the truth. Those were definitely highlights of my later-years there and having Matt Melka carry on the tradition in 2019 by doing similar intros on the scoreboard was just as entertaining. For those who aren’t as familiar with everything that goes on behind the scenes, can you tell us a bit about your routine with players before games? Being a strength and conditioning coach, we usually have the most exposure to the players when compared Longtime PA announcer to other staff members or Scott Lewis was famous for coaches. I typically meet either introducing you in a unique the entire team (if it’s a team way each game. Do you have a workout day) or just a couple favorite? of pitchers at the gym. At home, we used U-District PT Way too many to remember! as our training facility, but on There were a couple from the the road, we would take the Disney promotion nights that team bus to local gyms that I rank up there- “Inspiration would call and set-up days in for the character of Olaf from advance. After the morning Frozen” and “Once played workouts that were usually Garcon in an off-Broadway around 10-11 AM, we would production of Beauty and have lunch at the ballpark in the Beast” were memorable, Spokane or I would have food as was “So cool he drove to delivered to the team hotel tonight’s game with the heater on the road. When it came on” and “Trains Labradoodles time for actual work on the to sniff out pulled muscles” field, I have two stretches- one were great as well, but for pitchers, who would then the one that really got the get their conditioning and attention of one of our newly throwing done afterwards, and drafted players who was another stretch for position an avid outdoors-man was players before they went into “2014 Bass Pro Anlger of the their fielding practice and Year”! I quickly became that batting practice. At home, we player’s favorite strength and have access to the field first, conditioning coach for those CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 15 so we get about 2 hours to we can to get him to the big recover from practice and grab leagues. some food, play cards, watch baseball or college football Where should people go to on TV, get a stretch or other follow along with you during treatments such as soft-tissue this time? work, but on the road, we I am not a big social media would usually get an hour or so person, but with this being before the game for this. said, I have been spending How do you see strength more time on Instagram and conditioning in baseball these past few months! You changing in the future? can follow me there at: edyong_strengthandyoga. This field is ever-changing. I also have a public Vimeo “Bigger, faster, stronger” has website with some of my always been a catch-phrase yoga and mediation sessions when it comes to developing (https://vimeo.com/ athletes in this day and showcase/6555526). age. We utilize many different tools to achieve this. We have If you weren’t a strength and platforms they can stand on conditioning coach, what to do certain movements profession could you see and measure their power yourself doing? output or imbalances in their After spending over a decade body. We have devices we in the Lilac City, I was ready can attach to a barbell to see to give Andy Billig a run for how fast and explosive an his money! I have been in the athlete can move the weight fitness industry for 20 years and activity trackers that and have been a strength help monitor their heart rate and conditioning coach in and workload in a given time pro baseball for 17 seasons. frame. We do assessments I have always had a passion to measure active range of motion within all of the joints of the body. All of the data collected from these methods help guide us in developing a holistic program that combines strength, mobility and speed/conditioning for that individual athlete. We have a truly dynamic strength and conditioning department with the Texas Rangers Organization and we always do what we feel is in the player’s best interest and will do what CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 16 NW! I would still find time to share my yoga practice and Thai Massage bodywork on the side, of course! What is your favorite quote: I have two. One of them from a professional standpoint and one from a personal/spiritual for helping others. If I wasn’t standpoint. The first is from in the profession I am in now, Aristotle- “We are what we I would still love work for a repeatedly do. Excellence, professional sports team, but therefore, is not an act, but on the side of marketing and a habit.” The other is from building relationships within author Bill Keane- “Yesterday the community of that team is history, tomorrow is a and city. I feel the success mystery, today is a gift of God, of a sports team is strongly which is why we call it the based on their ties with the present.” community it serves, which is why the Spokane Indians have such2293_SpokaneIndian2020Ad_FINAL.pdf great fans in the Inland1 6/29/2020 8:01:34 AM

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WALOTTERY.COM/WHOBENEFITS Statistics and gures are from the 2019 Washington's Lottery Comprehensive Annual Financial Report. $ Results may not equal 100% due to rounding.CONTINUEDRETAILERS ON NEXT 40.2M PAGE 17 REMEMBERING BOB ROBERTSON

‘THE MOST POPULAR COUGAR.’ BOB ROBERTSON, WHO PRESIDED OVER WASHINGTON STATE BROADCASTS FOR 52 YEARS, HAS DIED AT 91

Courtesy of Theo Lawson/ Tacoma Rainiers, Jeffries had it The Spokesman-Review on the tip of his tongue. Brian Jeffries estimates he “I told my friend, ‘Gosh I’d love was 13 years old, maybe 14, to be a sports announcer like when he and a childhood Bob Robertson,’ ” he recalled. friend from Tacoma began gazing into the future, The friend responded, “Well, mapping out what they wanted he’s my next-door neighbor.” to do and who they wanted to “You’re kidding me,” Jeffries be when they grew up. answered. Dreaming, fantasizing, So, for weeks, Jeffries pedaled imagining, as young kids do. a bicycle to his friend’s house, A sports fanatic and radio nut always crossing his fingers who’d grown to idolize the Robertson would return home man – and voice – behind the at the same time he arrived. broadcasts of the local minor Of course, knocking on the league baseball team, the front door was too daunting CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 18 of a proposition for the young boy, given his admiration. But one day, Robertson’s car and Jeffries’ bike pulled in at the same time, and the opportunity finally lined up. “From there on, I was just infatuated and he kind of mentored me at that point, encouraged me,” said Jeffries, who enters year No. 34 as the radio voice of University intends to wait until the of Arizona football, baseball ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and basketball. “He used to ends. recreate baseball games, the For legions of WSU fans, Triple-A team there in Tacoma Robertson’s name, perhaps and he invited me down to the more than that of any coach, studio one time to watch how player, broadcaster or writer, he did it. I was a young kid, I is the one that comes to mind was just amazed watching it when considering the last half- and he was kind of my young century of Cougar football. His idol and I made up my mind notorious tagline, “Always be a that’s exactly what I wanted to good sport, be a good sport all do. ways,” may be as synonymous “He just always encouraged with WSU football as the “Go me.” Cougs” slogan itself. Robertson, who spent more Robertson’s association with than half of his life presiding the school began in 1964 and over Washington State football culminated 52 years later, broadcasts, died Sunday at in October 2018, when he his home in University Place. announced his immediate He was 91 and surrounded by retirement prior to No. 25 family at the time of his death, WSU’s upset of No. 12 Oregon according to a school press in a showdown that was release. featured on ESPN College GameDay. A specific cause of death is unknown and date hasn’t been “He’s the most popular Cougar set for Robertson’s memorial in the state of Washington,” service, but The Spokesman- former WSU coach Mike Price Review learned his family said Monday over the phone. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 19 to him by a former coach, Wyoming’s Bob Devaney. “(Devaney) told me, in uncertain terms, ‘One of the most important people you’ll ever have on your side is your radio play-by-play person,’ ” Walden said. “He said, ‘Because, it doesn’t matter “… I just loved him to death how many people come to and he was just as great off the the games. You may get field as he was on the air. … He 50,000 people in the stands, was the most popular person, and they’re not listening to the most popular Cougar, that the radio, but you can have a I’ve ever known.” million people over a three- Over the years, one of Price’s hour broadcast that he can favorite hobbies has been have some influence over the rummaging through boxes job you’re doing.’ that contain cassette tapes of historic WSU football games, “So, when I got my first job and memorable Robertson here at Washington State,” calls. It’s a way for Price to Walden said, “I made sure Jim relive the most successful Walden and Bob Robertson stint of his career and replay were always going to be good broadcasts he was never able friends.” to hear as a coach. Mississippi State’s Mike Leach, “I do a lot of fishing up here in at the helm of the WSU Coeur d’Alene on my boat and football program for the last I’ve got my stereo and I’ve got seven years of Robertson’s a bunch of old cassette tapes famed career, said Monday that I listen to some of the in a text message, “Bob Rob old games he did,” Price said. was maybe the most prolific “Just for the voice and the broadcaster for any school, expressions and everything.” the most respected, and the most loved. He has had a huge From his own home in Coeur impact on WSU. I cherish the d’Alene, another ex-WSU fact that I had the honor to coach, Jim Walden, spent know him.” time Monday reflecting on his relationship with Robertson For more than five decades, – something that manifested Robertson’s voice and WSU from a piece of advice given football games were one in the CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 20 same. For the vast majority of The broadcast booth, Kyllo those years, he was in a play- describes, “was basically a 4x8 by-play role – Robertson only sheet of plywood hung from moving to the analyst seat the roof of old Soldier Field.” for the final eight years of his career. From 1964-2016, he Not much space to broadcast called 589 consecutive games. a college football game, let There was one absence, alone stand. however, at the 1981 Holiday Robertson was mid-broadcast Bowl, but only because local when a member of the radio was not permitted to station’s sales team walked broadcast. Robertson also into the booth, unaware of the called Cougar basketball beam hanging from the roof, games for two decades. and met a cruel reality. In the mid-1990s, Jerry Kyllo “Walked into that thing and began working on WSU’s laid him out flat,” Kyllo said. football broadcasts as an “Bob looked down and just engineer/producer. In some kept on announcing. We’re all ways, you can think of him trying to revive him and he’s as Robertson’s offensive got a big old knot on his head.” coordinator – “basically you’re running the show,” Robertson’s life took a tragic Kyllo explained. Among other turn when Joanne, his wife things, Kyllo set up the clunky of 59 years, died in 2011 – the equipment, communicated same year Robertson traded commercial breaks and his play-by-role to become an timeouts to his play-by- analyst. play announcer and flipped “She was a really kind lady,” through a book of verbal cues, Kyllo said, “and our daughter shoving different reads into just fell in love with Joanne.” Robertson’s face at various stages of the game. Up until Robertson gave up his headset for good, he was The first time Kyllo shared the booth with Robertson came in the 1994 season opener against Illinois at Chicago’s Soldier Field – a narrow 10-9 WSU win. His favorite Robertson tale, though, came two years later, when the Cougars traveled to Philadelphia to play Temple.

CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 21 a pseudo celebrity in the press box, drawing visits from opposing announcers, team officials and writers who all made it a priority to pop in and greet the broadcasting giant before kickoff. “He was one of these guys you’d probably put up on a pedestal,” Kyllo said, “but once I got to know him, he was just what the hell is going on? another friendly person. … He Because you can’t see it. loved the Cougs, he loved being with people, he loved “So, one of the things Bob did talking to them and greeting that’s so hard, that’s so elite, is people. He would’ve been the he did something called being best greeter of Walmart of on the play. And that is to say, anybody.” his timing was just amazing. He was always on the play. He It was the familiarity of told me, we would talk about Robertson’s voice on a WSU how he did it and he attacked football broadcast that made it. What that means is, when him such a revered figure you do that appropriately, among Cougars fans, but those when you do that right, the who shared his line of work crowd rises underneath you could also identify the subtle at a point in time that makes a traits that made him a unique listener – whether they realize talent. it or not, it brings them into it.”

“There are objective Robertson was deep into the fundamentals to doing this. home stretch of his career, There are things that are a WSU and College Football required,” said Matt Chazanow, Hall of Famer, a 12-time the Voice of the Cougars since Washington Broadcaster of the 2015. “There are pieces of data Year and in just about every that are nonnegotiable, and respect, a living legend, when then there are ways to present Chazanow arrived in Pullman those things. So for instance, five years ago. So, the 30-year- there’s down and distance, old play-by-play announcer time and score. If you’re doing was admittedly thrown for a 70 on the highway, the simple loop when Robertson arrived fact that, can you understand in the booth and asked Chazanow where he preferred 22 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE to sit. This, mind you, in a in minor league baseball, he booth that’s held Robertson’s dialed up the Spokane Indians namesake since 2009. and managing partner Bobby Brett. Robertson wasn’t pushy, “I was like, ‘Bob, it’s literally but if they had an opening, your booth. I’ll sit on the roof if he’d certainly be grateful. The you want me to ,’ ” Chazanow broadcaster had hardly spoken said. “I’m forever calling games a word when Brett and Pier in the Bob Robertson Suite. assured they’d make room in Like, ‘You tell me where you their booth. want to sit. How about that?’ But he loved it. He always “(Robertson) says, ‘Well, how talked about his wife, too. I long should this be?,” recalled always knew I was living in Dave Pier, the chief marketing special moments when I was officer for Brett Sports, the starting this off, by doing it organization that runs both alongside him and in some of Spokane’s minor league ways with his legacy in mind.” franchises. “We said, ‘Well, it’s a lifetime contract, Bob. You In 1999, the Tacoma Rainiers tell us when you don’t want to chose to separate with do it anymore.’” Robertson after 14 years. Seeking another opportunity Robertson spent 12 years

23 with the Indians, calling four background he did before he Pacific Northwest League even showed up in Spokane championships before on those players. So, we’d stepping away from the club in get our roster and Bob would 2010. Those in the organization come into town a few days still speak to his diligence and before the season started work ethic and assure few and he had notes after notes in his position take the steps after notes on these guys. to prepare for a game as Then he was looking forward Robertson did. to meeting these players, but he already knew 80% of their But, for all the prep work backgrounds. Who they dated he did, Robertson wasn’t in high school. It was amazing email savvy, so members of how much homework he did Spokane’s public relations staff on a day-to-day basis.” would send information guides and stats via fax to his local Another unknown gem from FedEx shop in the Tacoma Robertson’s tenure with the area. Spokane ball club? “He’d always call in February “One of the funny things, when or March starting to look for Bob came into the league background on who might one of the things he wanted be in the Rangers farm is, not every press box had system because he did such a bathroom,” Pier said. “So, tremendous research,” Pier we had to tell him one of said. the teams that didn’t have a bathroom was moved out On that same front, Brett, the of the league. He said, ‘Well, club’s managing partner for there’s good news and bad more than 20 years, added news: they’re not in the league “when Bob first showed up, anymore, but on the other I was absolutely amazed hand, the team that took their how much homework and place has a bathroom in the press box.’ So, he was pretty excited.” Fifty-two years of tales similar to that one came flooding back when news of Robertson’s death spread Monday morning. When Price finished post game interviews with Robertson, the play-by-play announcer usually CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 24 invited another assistant coach for two years in the 1950s, to the press box for a short dabbled in boxing, hockey, conversation on the record. hydroplanes and Major League Soccer. Because the assistants often tried to skirt the interview, He was also the longtime voice Robertson sweetened the pot, of Division III Pacific Lutheran offering $5, $10 or even $20 to basketball. anyone who’d talk. Robertson is survived by his “I talked after the Apple Cup four children, Hugh, Janna, when we were ahead and John and Rebecca, along with lost in the last seconds of the his seven grandchildren. game with (Jim) Sweeney,” To the day to he died, said Price, recalling a game Robertson spoke with in the 1970s when he was an unequivocal adoration for his assistant. “I’d have paid twice late wife, Joanne. that much not to have to go up there and talk to him.” “I know Bob really missed her,” Pier said. “I’d think we’d all like Robertson, who served as the to think they’re back together.” voice of Notre Dame football

25 MISSING BASEBALL THIS SUMMER? Get your Spokane Indians merchandise at the ofﬁcial online team store www.spokaneindians.com Curbside Pickup Available Monday - Thursday AM - 3PM

26 18 HOMETOWN HERO - KIM ELKINS MISSING BASEBALL THIS SUMMER? Get your Spokane Indians merchandise at the ofﬁcial online team store www.spokaneindians.com Curbside Pickup Available Monday - Thursday AM - 3PM When school districts started With help from Assistant to close as a response to the Director of Nutrition Services, COVID-19 outbreaks in mid- Mark Oswalt and their team, March, many faced the issue Kim coordinated with the of continuing to provide meals transportation department to for students in need. With the deliver meals from the school’s help of her team, Kim Elkins, warehouses to the distribution the Nutrition Director for the sites. They’d be set up for 30 Mead School District, made it minute windows so that kids her mission to provide kids in from more rural areas would the district a dish of normalcy have access without far drives. by continuing to provide Several school bus drivers breakfast and lunch. The helped distribute the meals, district, comprised of seven some even dressing up in elementary and one middle themed outfits to bring some schools, set out to serve cold fun to the pickup. The kids meals at 16 different locations loved it and some would follow that families could take suit and dress up in themes as home to heat up for the kids. well. Between March and August, As the 2020-2021 school year a total of 238,044 breakfasts starts, the Spokane Indians and lunches were served to the community. CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE 27 are excited to feature Kim implement this program? as a Hometown Hero for the impact she has made on our Building the airplane in the community, especially over the air! Different aspects of past six months. Kim’s efforts staffing may have been one helped ensure that kids were of the biggest challenges. still being fed. The Spokane We needed to create a new Indians had the chance to chat type of work environment with Kim to find out more on that made our available staff this important project and the feel safe while producing work that went into making it meals for our community with such a success. continually evolving health and safety recommendations. How long have you served as With schools across the nation the Nutrition Director with the facing similar obstacles, it was Mead School District? What is a challenge finding food and your favorite part of the job? packaging supplies to keep our program running smoothly. Eight years, the best part is working with a great team that There was undoubtedly a lot cares immensely about making of coordination that made this sure kids are fed well-balanced successful. Who were the key meals that support learning. players along the way? What was your particular role Mark Oswalt, Assistant in implementing the meal Director of Nutrition Services; pickup program? Brian Liberg, Director of Transportation; Jolene I coordinated the change Andres, Executive Assistant Healthcare to meet from the normal serving for the Superintendent model to one we had never Communication Expert; your family’s needs. implemented before. This and our nutrition and included an overhaul of staff transportation team members. We’re here for you. responsibilities, procurement It was inspiring to see people of available supplies and food, from other school departments communication with district pitch in to feed kids. From essential care to and community members, transportation of meals, and 238,044 meals served for immunizations and routine implementing staff safety breakfast and lunch is an follow-ups, our primary care protocols. COVID-19 changed incredible amount, how providers offer virtual visits and functions of every nutrition does that compare to typical in-clinic care focused on your program. All school nutrition numbers for the school professionals in the area were district? health and safety. happy to accept the challenge to ensure kids were fed during Typically, we serve 6,000 To schedule: 509-233-5102 closures. meals per day that is spread across 13 buildings with 45 What were some of the staff. With the meal pickup biggest challenges that program, we were producing you faced to successfully meals out of 2 kitchens with 16

28 CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE staff who assembled and then schools in addition to a “to helped hand out meals with go” meal program. But again, our bus drivers. our team has stepped up and are working to make Now that the 2020-2021 sure it happens knowing how school year has begun, what important food is for student plans does your team have in learning. place moving forward? Outside of your work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture school district, what hobbies (USDA) announced the do you have? extension of free summer meals through December 31st. I ride my three horses in We are excited to offer free endurance races and on local breakfast and lunch to our trails, garden, and cook. students attending school in person starting September What is your favorite quote? th 14 . We are also offering “Look at a day when you are free weekly meal kits for supremely satisfied at the end. families whose children are It’s not a day when you lounge choosing full online learning around doing nothing; it’s a and hybrid learners for non- day you’ve had everything in person school days. It is to do and you’ve done it.” – a big challenge to operate Margaret Thatcher our meal programs in the

Healthcare to meet your family’s needs. We’re here for you.

From essential care to immunizations and routine follow-ups, our primary care providers offer virtual visits and in-clinic care focused on your health and safety.

To schedule: 509-233-5102