Something is still wrong with ABC 7 sports - but someone has stepped forward to fill the void
Writing a LinkedIn article today on a business topic, it listed several articles I penned below decrying the "passing" of Mark Giangreco, my favorite local sports anchor. Since I am a Jeopardy watcher and forget to change the channel being busy in front of the computer, I still stumble into some " Remarkable Rose-isms."
I found it amusing the other day hear Jim Rose absolutely butcher the pronunciation of Angels All Star pitcher Shohei Ohtani. "Sho - Hay? C'mon, really? That he is too lazy to do his homework on the most thrilling player in baseball is no longer glaring. Just sadly all too familiar. Pedestrian at best.
Back in 1986, the Wabash Avenue bridge adjacent to the Chicago Sun Times building was renamed in honor of Irv "Kup" Kupcinet. An anchor on the weekend channel 2 evening broadcast mispronounced Kupcinet. She was never seen on the air again. Perhaps only Robert Feder remembers this.
The good news is that Mr. Mike Toomey has filled the void left by Mr. Giangreco by virtue of his morning sports broadcasts. Clad in his circa '70's garish blazer as his spot on persona of Skip Parker, Mike is laugh out loud funny. Very well cultivated to this local native.
Skip brings a controlled yet droll sense of humor with a wry, spry wink that recalls the Giangreco puns and the eye roll groans of a reaction. Even better, he has taken up the mantel of scouring the globe for some neat video that punctuates the end of his sportscast. More than a playful nod to Mr. Giangreco, Skip Parker is filling a void and provoking smiles at the same time. And like Mark, Skip reminds me of a guy from my high school gym class.
Mark has been largely absent of late on social media and who can blame him? Life goes on for all of us. I invite you to tune into Mike Toomey who also wears the hat of standup comedian in addition to morning co-host of the "Nine at Nine show," on WGN. A witty and playful look at the lighter side of news and human interest stories. Great television.
I do enjoy Dionne Miller and the energy she brings to her broadcast. Congratulations on her recent addition to the Sunday Bears coverage.
Meanwhile somewhere else, Jim Rose powders his nose. Homework? What, me worry?