Gary's Book Club
My uncle recently published a book about my grandfather. It was not so much of a biography as it was a recreation of a lifetime of notes kept by my grandfather (so it reads like an autobiography).
My grandfather was the first radio voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, he was the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers when they were the Pittsburgh (football) Pirates. Back then, Art Rooney, owner of the Steelers, asked him to call the games for free until they could find a sponsor for the broadcasts since they were a new and unproven franchise. He had a fascinating life and career in radio announcing several Pittsburgh area teams. He was also worked the first ever pro football game televised to people in Pittsburgh in 1951.
I never really knew 'Papa Joe' or his booming voice. He passed away when I was five years old and I probably only saw him a few times during my life since he was not in very good health during the early 1980s. This book was a great window into the life of my grandfather. In fact, I think I finally discovered a family member that I share a lot in common with! He had a photographic memory when it came to sports and sports statistics, and Pittsburgh sports was his passion in life. It's nice to know that I am not the only fanatic in the family.
There are several sections of the book that I found fascinating, but here's one passage that I think some of you will find interesting. This section deals with my grandfather's relationship with Bert Bell, who used to be part owner of the Steelers, but had since taken over the role of NFL Commissioner:
"Bell had been the prime mover of the NFL Player Draft that was initiated in 1936 to equalize player talent. The media had been denied access to these meetings. In 1953 I arrived in Philadelphia with my recorder to tape interviews with players selected by the Steelers. Bell had no objections, but George Preston Marshall, President of the Redskins, who Art liked to dig because of his haughty position against gambling, objected strenuously. To make things legal, Art "appointed" me as Steelers Vice President and consultant on player personnel. I "resigned" as VP after I taped two interviews. My six hours as an officer will probably remain forever a Steelers' record. My attendance opened the floodgates. Soon the draft became a media circus.
At one of these sessions, I had discussions with Bert concerning elements of the game that I considered in need of change. Punters in the NFL had become adept in kicking the ball high, allowing tacklers to get to the punt receiver at the time the ball was caught. The receivers often had no chance, but were hit hard, often knocking them senseless. Many were hurt. I lobbied for a fair catch rule allowing the receiver to catch the ball and not be hit. The ball could not be advanced. The rule was instituted in 1956."
Wow!
I didn't realize that my grandfather had such an impact on the game of football as we know it today.
My grandfather was the first radio voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, he was the voice of the Pittsburgh Steelers when they were the Pittsburgh (football) Pirates. Back then, Art Rooney, owner of the Steelers, asked him to call the games for free until they could find a sponsor for the broadcasts since they were a new and unproven franchise. He had a fascinating life and career in radio announcing several Pittsburgh area teams. He was also worked the first ever pro football game televised to people in Pittsburgh in 1951.
I never really knew 'Papa Joe' or his booming voice. He passed away when I was five years old and I probably only saw him a few times during my life since he was not in very good health during the early 1980s. This book was a great window into the life of my grandfather. In fact, I think I finally discovered a family member that I share a lot in common with! He had a photographic memory when it came to sports and sports statistics, and Pittsburgh sports was his passion in life. It's nice to know that I am not the only fanatic in the family.
There are several sections of the book that I found fascinating, but here's one passage that I think some of you will find interesting. This section deals with my grandfather's relationship with Bert Bell, who used to be part owner of the Steelers, but had since taken over the role of NFL Commissioner:
"Bell had been the prime mover of the NFL Player Draft that was initiated in 1936 to equalize player talent. The media had been denied access to these meetings. In 1953 I arrived in Philadelphia with my recorder to tape interviews with players selected by the Steelers. Bell had no objections, but George Preston Marshall, President of the Redskins, who Art liked to dig because of his haughty position against gambling, objected strenuously. To make things legal, Art "appointed" me as Steelers Vice President and consultant on player personnel. I "resigned" as VP after I taped two interviews. My six hours as an officer will probably remain forever a Steelers' record. My attendance opened the floodgates. Soon the draft became a media circus.
At one of these sessions, I had discussions with Bert concerning elements of the game that I considered in need of change. Punters in the NFL had become adept in kicking the ball high, allowing tacklers to get to the punt receiver at the time the ball was caught. The receivers often had no chance, but were hit hard, often knocking them senseless. Many were hurt. I lobbied for a fair catch rule allowing the receiver to catch the ball and not be hit. The ball could not be advanced. The rule was instituted in 1956."
Wow!
I didn't realize that my grandfather had such an impact on the game of football as we know it today.
posted by GaryGinew at 4:10 PM
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