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PSWA Dinner — Jan. 27, 2014 features ’74 Stanley Cup Champs

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

For Additional Information, contact:

John Weber (267) 408-7500 ( JWeber@premiereradio.com )

 The 1973-74 Philadelphia Flyers, the first-ever NHL expansion team to win the Stanley Cup, will be honored by the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association on the 40th anniversary of their first championship, it was announced by Philadelphia Sports Writers Association President Ron Corbin.  The team will be celebrated at the PSWA’s 110th annual dinner, Monday January 27th, 2014, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Cherry Hill, NJ.

The hard-fighting “Broad Street Bullies,” the ’73-74 Flyers could do more than drop the gloves.  The team finished atop the West Division, winning 50 games and led by team captain Bobby Clarke, goalie Bernie Parent, Rick MacLeish, Bill Barber and Dave “The Hammer” Schultz.  Clarke led the team in scoring with 35 goals and 52 assists for 87 points while Parent set a record for goaltenders with 47 wins, a record that stood for 33 years, sharing the Vezina Trophy with Chicago’s Tony Esposito.  MacLeish and Barber put together stellar seasons, with MacLeish compiling 32 goals and 77 points, while Barber added another 34 goals and 69 points.  Schultz was on his way to becoming one of hockey’s greatest enforcers with 348 penalty minutes that season, but he contributed with the stick, too, netting 20 goals.

The Flyers swept the Atlanta Flames in the opening round of the playoffs and then defeated the New York Rangers in a hard-fought series that went the full seven games.   Next were the finals where Bobby Orr and the Boston Bruins awaited.  A memorable series followed where the Flyers bested Boston in six games. Game six was one of the greatest games in Flyers history, a white-knuckle 1-0 triumph at the Spectrum that brought the Stanley Cup to Philadelphia, a feat the team would repeat the following season.  Parent claimed the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, and coach Fred Shero was voted the inaugural Jack Adams Award as coach of the year.

The 1973-74 Flyers will join a distinguished list of honorees to be revealed in the coming weeks, including the Outstanding Pro Athlete of the Year, Team of the Year, the Living Legend award, the Good Guy Award and the Most Courageous award.  Tickets are available now at $95 by visiting www.pswa.org.

The PSWA has partnered with the Philadelphia branch of Coaches vs. Cancer, who will have a presence at this year’s dinner.  Other ventures between the two organizations will be announced over the next few months.  Coaches vs. Cancer of Philadelphia is part of the national Coaches vs. Cancer program that was created in 1993 by the American Cancer Society and the National Association of Basketball Coaches (NABC). The program exists to leverage the strength, community leadership, and popularity of our country’s college basketball coaches to fight cancer. Since its inception, the Coaches vs. Cancer program has raised more than $87 million nationwide to support the Society’s lifesaving cancer research, education, advocacy, and community service efforts.

 To learn more about Coaches vs. Cancer, visit http://www.cancer.org/involved/participate/coachesvscancer

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Major that Pay You Back

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com
* Data represents those in the civilian labor force, not active service members.
** Results based on 2012 data due to insufficient data in 2013.
Majors by Salary Potential – Full List
1
Petroleum Engineering
$103,000
$160,000
2
Actuarial Mathematics
$58,700
$120,000
3
Nuclear Engineering
$67,600
$117,000
4
Chemical Engineering
$68,200
$115,000
5
Aerospace Engineering
$62,800
$109,000
6 – tie
Electrical Engineering (EE)
$64,300
$106,000
6 – tie
Computer Engineering (CE)
$65,300
$106,000
8
Computer Science (CS)
$59,800
$102,000
9
Physics
$53,100
$101,000
10
Mechanical Engineering (ME)
$60,900
$99,700
11
Materials Science & Engineering
$62,700
$99,500
12
Software Engineering
$60,500
$99,300
13
Statistics
$52,500
$98,900
14
Government
$43,200
$97,100
15
Economics
$50,100
$96,700
16
Applied Mathematics
$52,800
$96,200
17
Industrial Engineering (IE)
$61,100
$94,400
18
Management Information Systems (MIS)
$53,800
$92,200
19
Biomedical Engineering (BME)
$59,000
$91,700
20
Civil Engineering (CE)
$54,300
$91,100
21
Environmental Engineering
$49,400
$89,800
22 – tie
Construction Management
$51,500
$88,800
22 – tie
Mathematics
$49,400
$88,800
24
Electrical Engineering Technology (EET)
$57,900
$87,600
25
Computer Information Systems (CIS)
$50,800
$87,400
26
Information Systems (IS)
$51,900
$87,200
27
Finance
$49,200
$87,100
28
International Relations
$41,700
$85,700
29
Geology
$46,100
$85,300
30 – tie
Chemistry
$44,100
$84,100
30 – tie
Information Technology (IT)
$49,900
$84,100
32 – tie
Biotechnology
$48,700
$84,000
32 – tie
Mechanical Engineering Technology (MET)
$54,100
$84,000
34 – tie
Supply Chain Management
$52,800
$83,700
34 – tie
International Business
$43,800
$83,700
36
Industrial Design (ID)
$44,800
$82,200
37
Industrial Technology (IT)
$50,800
$81,500
38
Telecommunications
$43,100
$81,200
39
Food Science
$45,200
$80,500
40
Occupational Health and Safety
$50,500
$80,300
41 – tie
Biochemistry (BCH)
$42,900
$80,200
41 – tie
Marketing Management
$42,100
$80,200
43
Civil Engineering Technology (CET)
$49,200
$79,700
44
Advertising
$40,000
$79,400
45
Philosophy
$39,700
$78,300
46
Marketing & Communications
$40,200
$77,600
47
Fashion Design
$39,400
$77,100
48
Political Science (PolySci)
$41,700
$77,000
49
Linguistics
$39,700
$76,800
50
Molecular Biology
$40,400
$76,400
51
Architecture
$41,900
$75,800
52
Accounting
$45,300
$74,900
53
Agriculture
$38,500
$73,600
54
Microbiology
$40,800
$73,400
55
Global & International Studies
$39,600
$73,200
56
Urban Planning
$41,100
$72,200
57
Nursing
$55,400
$71,700
58
Environmental Science
$41,300
$71,500
59
English Literature
$40,800
$71,400
60 – tie
Business Administration
$43,500
$71,000
60 – tie
History
$39,700
$71,000
62
Film Production
$38,200
$70,900
63
Biology
$40,200
$70,800
64
Health Sciences
$38,400
$70,500
65
Hotel Management
$40,600
$69,800
66
Communication
$40,000
$69,600
67
Forestry
$40,000
$69,400
68
American Studies
$41,400
$69,000
69
Broadcast Journalism
$32,700
$68,800
70
Landscape Architecture
$41,200
$68,700
71
Speech Communication
$39,400
$68,100
72
Journalism
$38,100
$67,700
73
Zoology
$37,400
$67,600
74
Geography
$40,800
$67,200
75
Public Administration
$40,600
$66,900
76
French Language
$40,900
$66,700
77
English Language
$38,700
$65,200
78
German Language
$41,400
$65,000
79
Human Resources (HR)
$38,800
$63,900
80
Public Relations (PR)
$37,400
$63,300
81
Hospitality & Tourism
$35,700
$62,600
82
Humanities
$37,900
$61,800
83
Anthropology
$36,200
$61,400
84
Multimedia & Web Design
$41,600
$61,300
85
Psychology
$36,300
$60,700
86 – tie
Medical Technology
$48,900
$60,500
86 – tie
Liberal Arts
$36,600
$60,500
88 – tie
Kinesiology
$35,600
$60,400
88 – tie
Visual Communications
$37,300
$60,400
90
Organizational Management
$41,900
$60,300
91
Interior Design
$36,000
$59,300
92 – tie
Nutrition
$41,300
$59,100
92 – tie
Fashion Merchandising
$39,100
$59,100
94
Art History
$36,900
$59,000
95
Sociology
$37,400
$58,800
96 – tie
Health Care Administration
$39,300
$58,600
96 – tie
Theater
$36,200
$58,600
98
Criminal Justice
$35,300
$58,400
99
Radio & Television
$37,900
$58,300
100
Fine Arts
$37,400
$58,200
101
Religious Studies
$34,900
$57,900
102
Sports Medicine
$39,300
$57,400
103
Art
$36,100
$57,100
104
Classics
$38,700
$57,000
105
Dietetics
$44,200
$56,600
106
Public Health (PH)
$35,900
$56,500
107 – tie
Physical Education Teaching
$34,900
$56,300
107 – tie
Drama
$35,600
$56,300
109
Graphic Design
$37,000
$56,000
110
Photography
$36,200
$55,500
111
Sports Management
$37,000
$55,400
112 – tie
Education
$37,400
$55,200
112 – tie
Animal Science
$33,600
$55,200
114
Social Science
$37,300
$54,800
115
Interdisciplinary Studies (IS)
$37,600
$53,400
116
Paralegal Studies
$35,000
$53,000
117
Theology
$34,000
$52,200
118
Recreation & Leisure Studies
$35,000
$51,900
119
Music
$35,700
$51,400
120
Culinary Arts
$34,800
$51,100
121
Exercise Science
$32,600
$51,000
122
Horticulture
$35,200
$50,900
123
Biblical Studies
$35,400
$50,800
124
Special Education
$33,800
$49,600
125
Human Development
$35,900
$48,000
126
Athletic Training
$34,800
$46,900
127
Social Work (SW)
$33,000
$46,600
128
Elementary Education
$32,200
$45,300
129
Child & Family Studies
$30,300
$37,200
Methodology

This chart is based upon PayScale Salary Survey data for full-time employees in the United States who possess a bachelor’s degree and no higher degrees and have majored in the subjects listed above. These results may not represent all graduates with these degrees. More than 1,000 colleges and universities across the U.S. were included. As a result, median salary figures may be skewed toward large state universities, since these schools have the largest attendance. Salary is the sum of compensation from base salary, bonuses, profit sharing, commissions, and overtime, if applicable. Salary does not include equity (stock) compensation.

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Can Smartphones be bad for your joints?

Can Smartphones be bad for your Joints? This was sent to me by:

Specialized Physical Therapy, LLC

1919 Greentree Road, Suite B

Cherry Hill, NJ 08003

P: 856-424-0993

F: 856-424-0994

 

It is a wonderful therapy group. [To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Smartphones are an essential part of the new world that we live in. They help boost productivity and enable us to stay connected. On the flip side, excessive use of smartphones can cause a variety of problems. Neck pain, back pain, and tenderness in the joints of the hands can at times, be attributed to excessive use of smartphones. In fact, ‘text neck‘ is a phrase that’s used to describe headaches, shoulder pain and arm pain due to excessive text messaging.

Individuals who spend hours slouched on the couch using their phones for texting, emailing, or even gaming tend to experience the most discomfort. This can also lead to constant pain in the thumbs and wrists due to inflammation of the tendons. This is a condition called De Quervains disease. Physical therapy offers a number of treatment options for patients with this type of joint pain and inflammation.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Strategic Communicators can take a page from a championship coach’s book on communication and leadership

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Rick Pitino

So how does the coach of a national champion college basketball

team turned president and coach of one of the most storied pro

basketball franchises in history define a leader? In quite simple

terms, it seems.

Rick Pitino is the only coach in NCAA history to win national championships with two colleges – Louisville in 2013 and Kentucky in 1996. His Louisville title came on the same day he was elected to the Basketball Hall of Fame.

In his book, Lead to Succeed, he breaks down leadership into a

10-point game plan:

• Have a concrete vision – in other words, be clear about your

vision for the group’s future.

• Be your own messenger – direct communication is important not

just on major issues, but on the day-to-day matters, as well.

• Build a team ego – it is the difference between mediocrity and

being something special.

• Act with integrity – don’t cut corners or bend rules; it will only

undermine your effort.

• Act decisively – you won’t always be right, but you must be willing

to put your ideas and yourself on the line.

• Be adaptable – you must change, and so must those around you

or everyone gets behind.

 

• Be consistent – have a strategy for when things go wrong to get

through it quickly without panic.

• Maintain focus – this is a discipline, so you must train yourself at

it, learning from the tough times.

• Live for the future, not in the past – short-term goals to manage

the present, long-term goals for the future.

• Act selflessly – leader leaders are judged by the successes of the

people they lead.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Ready for Prime Time — Sports Writers annual Dinner

[To comment:larry@larrylitwin.com]

TICKETS STILL AVAILABLE FOR STAR-STUDDED PHILADELPHIA SPORTS WRITERS ASSOCIATION AWARDS DINNER

 Tickets are still available for the star-studded Philadelphia Sports-Writers Association’s 109th annual Sports Awards Dinner this coming Monday, January 28, 2013, at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, on Route 70 in Cherry Hill , NJ , it was announced by PSWA president Ron Corbin, of KYW NewsRadio.

 Heading the dais will be Los Angeles Angels centerfielder Mike Trout (Pro Athlete of the Year), Phillies pitching ace Cole Hamels and his wife, Heidi (Humanitarians of the Year), the 2012 U.S. Women’s Olympic Gold Medal-winning soccer team (Team of the Year to be represented by Carli Lloyd), Eagles offensive lineman Todd Herremans (Association’s Good Guy), unbeaten WBA and WBC Super lightweight boxing champion Danny Garcia (Philadelphia Pro Athlete), and University of Delaware basketball star Elena Della Donne (Outstanding Amateur Athlete.)

Phillies Manager Charlie Manual and Phils General Manager Ruben Amaro, Jr., will also be at the head table.

The most coveted award—Most Courageous—is kept secret until the night of the dinner, the oldest continuing sports awards banquet in the nation.

 [The recipient of the Most Courageous award will participate at a news conference at 4 P.M. preceding the dinner. Those members of the media interested in attending the news conference should meet Joe Juliano, of The Philadelphia Inquirer,in the hotel lobby at 3:45 P.M. Joe will escort the group to the room where the conference will be held.]

Ed Snider, chairman of the Flyers’ parent company, Comcast-Spectacor, will receive a lifetime achievement award for his humanitarian work. Retired Philadelphia 76ers forward Bobby Jones will be recognized to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the 1983 NBA champions, and former Phillies pitcher Tommy Greene will be honored as the representative of the 1993 Phillies National League champions.  

Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins, longtime La Salle University and St. Joseph’s Prep basketball coach Speedy Morris, and retired college basketball referee Hank Nichols will receive Special Achievement Awards as will former Philadelphia Daily News baseball writer Paul Hagen, currently with MLB.com,  who was elected the 2013 winner of the  J.G. Taylor Spink Award by  the Baseball Writers Association of America—to be presented during the National Baseball Hall of Fame induction weekend in July.

 Also being honored will be Navy freshman quarterback Keenan Reynolds as the Most Valuable Player of the Army-Navy game in December. He scored the winning touchdown on an eight-yard run to cap an 80-yard drive in the closing minutes of Navy’s 17-13 victory. West Chester University ’s National Championship field hockey and baseball teams will also receive Special Achievement awards.

Tickets for the dinner at $95 apiece are available at the door or online at www.PSWA.org. Fans can also friend PSWA on Facebook. Doors to the banquet open at 5 P.M. with the dinner starting promptly at 6:30 P.M.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                  #####

[To comment:larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Hello all…a reminder: Philadelphia Sports Writers Association dinner is Monday, Jan. 28 at Crowne Plaza in Cherry Hill. Line up this year is spectacular. If you’ve attended in the past, you know it is a BIG evening for the sports buff.

Tickets ($95) are still available via larry@larrylitwin.com or pswa.org. Here is a partial list of honorees:

PSWA Head Table Guests
January 28, 2013
1. Phila Pro Athlete – Mike Trout
2. Native Son –
3. Living Legend – Larry Bowa
4. Good Guy Athlete – Todd Herremans
5. Team of the Year –
6. Amateur Athlete – Elena Delle Donne
7. Humanitarian – Cole Hamels
8. Humanitarian – Heidi Hamels
9. Penn Relays Frank Dolson Award – Donn Cabral, Princeton
10. Special Achievement – Speedy Morris
11. Special Achievement – Hank Nichols
12. Special Achievement – West Chester Baseball
13. Special Achievement – West Chester Field Hockey
14. Special Achievement () – Jimmy Rollins?
15. Ruben Amaro
16. Charlie Manuel
17. Lifetime Distinguished Humanitarian – Ed Snider
18. Sebastien LeToux – Philadelphia Union (soccer)
19. Carli Lloyd – Gold Medalist
20. Heather Mitts – Gold Medalist
21. 76ers rep – Bobby Jones
22. Matt Rhule – Temple FB Coach
23. Isaac Collins –Widener FB coach
24. Army-Navy MVP-Keenan Reynolds
25. Temple Athlete- Brandon McManus
26. Penn athlete-Brandon Copeland
27. LaSalle Athlete-Meghan McGlinchey
28. Villanova Athlete-Kyle Soroka
29. St. Joe’s Athlete-Kyle Mullen
30. Drexel Athlete-Eve Badana
31. Phila. U. Athlete-Mary Costello
32. Rowan Athlete- Taylor Purdue
33. Larry Litwin
34. Fr. Casey
35. Ron Corbin
36. Al Shrier
37. Bob Kenney
38. Tommy Greene

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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‘Voge’ always demanded your best effort –Sound advice

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Because of copyright laws, I’m probably not supposed to reprint this Courier-Post piece.  But here goes. It contains so much good advice left behind by dear friend and mentor John Vogeding. Kevin Callhan expresses it better than most. Please take heed.

 

By Kevin Callahan

Courier-Post

July 31, 2012

From the corner of the newsroom, behind a big cigar and a puff of smoke, boomed a voice as loud and as terrifying as that of a wrestling official slapping the mat in the ear of young man just pinned in his first high school match …

“CALLAHAN, HOW DO YOU SPELL PENNSAUKEN?”

The night was 29 years ago this summer. I had just started working at the Courier-Post. There were no professors in college who taught me what I learned the next 20 years working with John Vogeding, the assistant sports editor.

I responded sheepishly, as 15 of my new co-workers listened while still typing, “Mr. Vogeding, I live in Pennsauken, it is spelled P-e-n-n-s-a-u-k-e-n.”

“Well, why did you spell it wrong?” he bellowed back while editing a story I just wrote on independent men’s softball or something small. “Always, double check, twice, your spelling. Always.”

I shrunk. No one in the sports department that night dared to laugh at me. They knew they could be next.

“And, call me Voge,” he barked to me as I thought about a new career.

Voge was 71 when he passed away early Sunday morning. The lessons he taught so many of us at the Courier-Post will live every time we write. The details. Like double checking, twice, our spelling. Now, when I make a mistake spelling a name wrong in a story, it is not because I didn’t double check, twice, but because I’m just dumb.

He also taught me that night – and so many of us over two decades at the newspaper – no story was too small to make a mistake. Not even a men’s softball beer league wrap-up. He said our credibility was always on the line.

Knowing Voge outside of the newsroom as well, I don’t hesitate to say he was also this demanding as a teacher, coach, official and organizer on the South Jersey sports scene for the last five decades. Voge was so darn demanding even at his softest moments. Darn him, he always demanded you be at your best.

Really, what a concept, huh? He simply demanded your best always.

Tim Kelly, the public relations director at Richard Stockton College, used to work at the Courier-Post back in the early 1990’s. On Saturday afternoons, we would gather around the TV and watch the end of the Notre Dame football games before starting to write. As much fun as we had back then, Kelly felt the wrath of Voge, too, hearing him bark while reading his copy, although the cigar smoking was gone by then.

“I remember him not being shy about pointing out ‘little’ factual errors because ‘one error like that hurts credibility,’ ” Kelly said. “I’m still not a great person at the details, but better than I was, thanks to Voge.”

Indeed, Voge made everyone better.

He made writers better. Voge made his students at his beloved alma mater Paulsboro High School better. He made the Red Raiders’ athletes he coached in football, wrestling and track all better. He made the track officials he worked with for 45 years in South Jersey better. He made wrestling officials he assigned better. Voge made the committee members on the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame he co-founded better.

For a man who accomplished so much – he is a member of the South Jersey Wrestling Hall of Fame, the New Jersey Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame and the Camden County and Gloucester County Sports Hall of Fames – he also cared to make those around him better.

“Voge was a great guy and a great leader,” said former long-time Varsity editor Dave Treffinger. “He taught me how to be a better newspaperman in the 24 years we worked together.”

Perhaps this demand to be his best came from living his entire life in Paulsboro. The small river town has produced more champion high school athletes per square inch than probably any place in New Jersey. There is an innate toughness, passion and pride to Paulsboro which flowed through Voge in every job he did at every moment.

Recalling her first Woodbury Relays in the mid 1980s, former Courier-Post sports writer Barbara Baals said she saw Voge dip his cup into rain water accumulated on top of a tent in the press area. “He gulped the rain water down as I stood there, watching wide-eyed. ‘I’ve lived my whole life in Paulsboro,’ he said. ‘That’s not going to kill me.’ Then he grabbed his clipboard and stopwatch and went back to work,” said Baals, the assistant director, office of media and public relations at Rowan University.

Voge’s son, Mark, called me on Sunday to let me know his dad passed away. I was at Eagles’ camp, but I wanted to write an obituary story on Voge, too for Monday’s paper. So, I did. Driving home that night, after sending my two Eagles stories and my Voge story to the sports desk where he sat for two decades, I heard his booming voice in my head, “double check, twice.”

I thought, Voge would laugh if I misspelled his name. The irony of it would make him laugh big. Still, Voge demanded to be right in the paper rather than get a good laugh. So, I pulled over to the side of the Pennsylvania Turnpike. I checked my iPhone, calling up the story.

I just had to double-double check, twice, the spelling …

“V-o-g-e-d-i-n-g.”

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

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Advice from a legendary writer

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

Retired Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Bill Lyon wrote — in the July 29 edition — “Penn St. story a cautionary tale for us all” about his association with Penn State and Joe Patero. The entire column is worth the read http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/colleges/penn_state/20120729_Bill_Lyon__Penn_St__story_a_cautionary_tale_for_us_all.html?c=r.

However, for my Basic Public Relations writing students, here is one paragraph of SOUND advice.  It goes for every journalism major, as well:

The lesson is to be wary and judicious when erecting pedestals. Reporting 101: Gather the facts, check them, double-check them, have a checker check your checker. Logic 101: If a thing, or a person, is too good to be true, chances are it probably is.

[To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com]

 

 

 

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Phillies’ Dan Baker honored by Rowan University

This past Friday evening, Feb. 10, 2012, Dan Baker, Phillies public address announcer, was honored for his 40 years with the Philles. I had the honor of emceeing the event. My open and scripted intros follow. Hope you enjoy. To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com.

 

Baker event

[6:55 p.m. Guests are asked to please take your seats]

[7 p.m.] COLD OPEN…ball game…

That is not just any rendition of “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” That belongs to the late, great, Phillies organist Paul Richardson who visited our campus in 2002 with our dear friend Harry Kalas to help our Public Relations Student Society of America celebrate Organ Donor Awareness Day. As he did for us then, Paul opens this celebration, tonight.

Good evening everyone and…Hello Sports Fans! Welcome to

Rowan University…as we recognize “The Voice of Philadelphia

Sports…Dan Baker…Class of 1968.”

 

 

 

 

I am Larry Litwin…your M-C for this exciting evening. I am an associate professor of Public Relations and Advertising, here at Rowan. I know many of those participating in this program and other guests…from my many years at KYW Newsradio in Philadelphia and…in my other life as secretary of the Philadelphia Sports Writers Association. I am especially honored to MC tonight because…I met… our friend, Dan Baker – back in 1972, when he announced his first game at Veterans Stadium…40 years ago…as a part-timer with the Phillies…co-incidentally…the same year I taught my first class in radio-TV here at Rowan…then Glassboro State College…also…as part-timer. I’m sure Dan agrees…when you love what you do, time…does indeed…fly.

This is going to be a wonderful evening…as we pay tribute to a Rowan alumnus, educator and…the VOICE  of Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and Drexel University Basketball.
Tonight’s event has been made possible thanks to our sponsors:

[See NEXT Page]

SPONSORS…

(Ali welcome)
Tonight’s festivities celebrate the accomplishments of an alumnus…and the establishment of the Dan Baker Broadcasting scholarship. To officially welcome all of you, it is my honor to introduce your host for THIS evening…Rowan University’s interim president, Dr. Ali Houshmand.

Ali intros Lorin Arnold…

Thank you Dean Arnold…

[7:08]

And now for our invocation, another dear friend of Rowan University, Monsignor Mike Mannion…

[7:10]

Dinner is being served.

As dinner is being served, I remind you to visit the Silent Auction. [Read list]

 [As you complete dinner, we invite you to mingle and especially visit the silent auction tables.]

 

[7:30]

In addition to the “Silent Auction,” we have three live auction items. They are:

  • A one of a kind telephone greeting by our guest of honor, Dan Baker – home phone, business phone or cell phone. And maybe, for the right price, all three.
  • The Comcast Sports Net Luxury Suite at Wells Fargo center for a 76ers Game including FOUR tickets and complimentary food and beverages.
  • And, the incredible Dan Baker Experience – a unique opportunity to spend a day at the ballpark with Dan. Hang out with Dan as he makes his rounds at Citizens Bank Park, including a trip down to the playing field where Dan handles his pre-game announcements, and a pre-game meal in the Press Club. Then, once the game begins, you’ll see first-hand just how Dan does his job as you join him for an entire game in the “Scoreboard Room” at the ballpark.

 

[7:55 p.m.]

This is the last call for the Silent Auction…it closes in five minutes.

[8:10]

Let’s kick off the “Live auction with:

 

[Greetings from Dan Baker]

Have the voice of Citizens Bank Park, Lincoln Financial Field and Drexel Basketball leave your greeting on your answering machine or voice mail… whether it’s your home phone, your cell, or your business line, Dan Baker’s distinctive voice will greet your callers with a one-of-a-kind greeting. This unique opportunity will give your friends and associates the experience of visiting the stadium each and every time they call you. The starting bid will be…$50

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[8:15 p.m.]

Let me take this opportunity to thank President Houshmand and recognize his cabinet, the Rowan Board of Trustees, faculty and staff who are with us tonight.

And now it’s time to introduce our first guest speaker…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Milt Fredericks

Girls Cross Country Head Coach

Kingsway High School]

 

Coach Milt Fredericks recently retired as Kingsway High School teacher and head girls cross country coach, but he continues to coach as an assistant. His coaching accolades include nine Tri-County championships, eight Gloucester County titles and five South Jersey championships. He was named South Jersey Coach of the Year in 1989. With a record of 113-13, he was inducted into the Gloucester County Hall of Fame in 1996.

Coach Milt Fredericks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Keith Russell

Sports Anchor

6 ABC]

 

Keith Russell is the Action News sports anchor on weekdays at

6 and 11 p.m. Keith joined Action News in 2005 as a weekend sports anchor. He is also the host of Eagles Football Frenzy, a recap show every Sunday night during the NFL season, and “High School Huddle” on Friday nights…6abc’s first live high school football program. A Philadelphia native, Keith is very involved with community activities in the city. From Channel-6 Action News…6-ABC’s Keith Russell…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Pat Delsi

Former owner of Radio Station WCAM and long-time sportscaster:]

 

Pat Delsi was born Pasquale DelSignore in Italy, but as he grew up in South Jersey he knew he wanted to be in radio. Soon after being hired at a Vineland radio station in nearby Cumberland County, his boss said, I think you’d better change your name. It wasn’t as difficult as one would think…for Pasquale DelSignore. He looked out the station window at a street sign that said, Delsea Drive. The rest as they say is history. Pasquale became Pat Delsi and 58 years later, Pat is still practicing his craft. This year marks 54 years that he and his wife Margie have been married. Congratulations Pat. They have eight children and 19 wonderful grandchildren. Pat is past president of the Philadelphia Broadcast Pioneers and is president of the Philadelphia Press Association. Ladies and gentlemen, Dan Baker’s long-time partner on Drexel University basketball broadcasts, Pat Delsi…

 

 

 

[Bob Shryock

Columnist

Gloucester County Times]

 

Our next speaker is no stranger to anyone who has lived or worked in Gloucester County over the years. He fully defines the term “Key Communicator” and he IS one of the finest journalists I have ever known. A great sports writer, editor, columnist, TV host and an all-around GOOD person. Please welcome Bob Shryock… a columnist for the Gloucester County Times, where he covers the issues people are talking about.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Rob Brooks]

Rob Brooks is manager of Broadcasting for the Phillies. He also works with our honored guest, Dan Baker on Drexel University baseball broadcasts. He has been a reporter for CN8 and a producer at CBS radio’s WPHT, both in Philadelphia. At the Phillies he has also produced and engineered games on the Phillies Radio Network.

Please welcome, the Phillies, Rob Brooks…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Eric Zillmer

Athletics Director

Drexel University]

 

Dr. Eric Zillmer joined Drexel University’s faculty in 1988 and is now in his 11th year as director of athletics, overseeing all components of the athletics department. During his tenure as director, he assisted in the completion of the Walter Spiro Varsity Weight Room, the Drexel athletic logo, the Blue Cross Wellness Center and the new 84,000 square-foot recreational center, the department’s Sport Medicine facility and the Vidas Athletics Complex. He was also instrumental in securing the winning bid for the 2008 Olympic Trials in Table Tennis. Dr. Eric Zillmer…

 

 

 

 

 

[John Giannini

Head Basketball Coach

La Salle University]

Our next speaker is no stranger to the Rowan campus. Dr. John Giannini has been head coach at La Salle University for eight seasons, turning La Salle into a conference contender shortly after being hired. On August 23rd, 2004, he was introduced as the 18th head coach in the 79-year history of Explorer men’s basketball. John has produced the program’s only winning A-10 records since joining the league. He is also the winningest coach in Maine history, and when he left Rowan University’s basketball program, John was the winningest active NCAA Division III head coach.  Please join me in welcoming back, Dr. John Giannini…

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bruiser Flint

Head Basketball Coach

Drexel University]

 

While a student at St. Joseph’s University, James “Bruiser” Flint was a member of the University’s varsity basketball team. He was named to the All-Atlantic 10 team as a senior, and was inducted into the St. Joe’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 1988. In 1987, Bruiser became an assistant coach at Coppin State University. Two years later, he became an assistant coach at University of Massachusetts. In 1996, he became the school’s 17th head coach. In 2001, Bruiser resigned from U-Mass and the following season became head coach at Drexel University. He has been named Colonial Athletic Association Coach of the Year three times. Under his leadership, the Drexel Dragons have made four NIT appearances. Ladies and gentlemen, Coach Bruiser Flint…

 

 

[John Baum

Assistant Athletic Director for Major Gifts

Temple University]

 

John Baum, Temple University basketball’s second all-time leading rebounder and captain of the 1969 NIT Championship team, is in his eighth year as assistant athletic director for major gifts at Temple. In 2003, John raised close to $1 million for the University through endowments and scholarships. He was also instrumental in establishing the John Chaney Endowed Scholarship Fund.

As a player, in 1969…John Baum was drafted in the second round by the Chicago Bulls in the NBA and the first round by the Los Angeles Stars of the ABA. He played in the NBA for three seasons with the Bulls (1969-72) before competing in the ABA for three years with New Jersey (1972-74) and Indiana (1974-75). A three-time all-city selection, he was enshrined in the Temple Hall of Fame in 1979.   John has been doing the color on Temple basketball for a dozen years. Ladies and gentlemen, Temple University basketball and Big-5 great, John Baum…

 

[Robert Alberino

VP Media and Marketing

Kansas City Chiefs]

 

Robert Alberino is vice president of media and marketing for the Kansas City Chiefs, overseeing all the club’s media partnerships and its in-house production team. He maintains K-C-Chiefs.com and plays a role in the club’s marketing initiatives. Robert Alberino spent 13 seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, during which time he was nominated for 140 Regional Emmys and was honored as the winner of 38 Emmys. The Connecticut native also received more than 100 national Telly Awards and many regional accolades for his work with the Eagles Television Network, which he pioneered in his first year with the team. He was also a filmmaker for NFL Films, where he served as a writer/director for HBO’s Emmy Award-winning program, “Inside the NFL.” Ladies and gentlemen, Robert Alberino…

 

[John Clark

Sports Anchor

NBC 10]

 

John Clark joined NBC10 in 2001 as a weekend sports anchor. John has earned several Mid-Atlantic Emmy nominations for his reports, and in 2004 he won an Emmy for “Outstanding Individual Achievement for Sports Reporting.” John has covered some of the biggest stories in Philadelphia sports history, including the Eagles appearance in Super Bowl 39 and the 2006 NFL Hall of Fame Game. From WCAU-TV, NBC 10, John Clark…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[William “Speedy” Morris

Retired Head Basketball Coach

La Salle University]

 

William “Speedy” Morris was head coach at La Salle University from 1986 to 2001. He led the Explorers to four NCAA tournament appearances. His 238 wins are the most in school history. He is best known for his 1989-1990 team—led by Lionel Simmons and Doug Overton—which posted a 30-2 record and finished 12th in both major polls. After eight straight losing seasons, Speedy left LaSalle. But, as they say, a door closes and a window opens. Speedy was hired at Saint Joseph’s Prep in Philadelphia. He is still there, and on February 7th, 2011 he earned his 561st win in the Philadelphia Catholic League, the most of any coach in league history. Please welcome, Coach Speedy Morris…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s time for our SECOND LIVE AUCTION item…

 

Comcast SportsNet Luxury Suite
     One lucky bidder will win 4 luxury suite tickets to a 76ers game courtesy of Comcast SportsNet. You and your guests will be invited to a Sixers home game during their impressive 2011-12 season. Complimentary food and beverages are also provided. The date of the game must be mutually agreed upon between the bidder and Comcast SportsNet.

Who would like to open the bidding at $250…a real “steal.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[Merrill Reese

Philadelphia Eagles Announcer

VP & Gen. Manager WBCB Radio]

 

Merrill Reese is the radio voice of the Philadelphia Eagles on 94WIP. He has been our eyes and ears for Eagles’ games since 1977. After graduating from Temple University, Merrill began his career as a newscaster and sportscaster at WHAT and its FM companion, WWDB. In addition to his play-by-play radio coverage of the Eagles, Merrill hosts an interview show on WIP the day following Eagles’ games with Coach Andy Reid, Eagles players and other guests. Merrill is co-owner of 1490 WBCB (AM) in Levittown, Bucks County. Merrill’s autobiography, It’s Gooooood!, was published in 1998. Please welcome long-time Philadelphia sports broadcaster, Merrill Reese…

 

 

 

[Gregory Luzinski

Former Philadelphia Phillies Left Fielder]

Greg “The Bull” Luzinski is a former left fielder who spent most of his career with the Phillies, but retired with the Chicago White Sox. While not known for his speed…or…defense, Greg was considered a homerun slugger, hitting .300 or better for three consecutive seasons… during what was considered the prime of his career. After spending 10 years with the Phillies, Greg was traded to the White Sox, where he would finish his major league career playing in Chicago from 1980 and 1984. While playing for the Sox, he was chosen Designated Hitter of the Year in 1981 and 1983. In 1983, he set a record for most homeruns in a season by a designated hitter. Fortunately for Greg, by the time he got to the White Sox, they were no longer wearing shorts with very high stockings to play their games. That would have been a sight to behold, seeing Greg in that uniform on a Topp’s baseball card?

After retiring, he served as head football and baseball coach at Holy Cross High School in Delran, Burlington County, and now spends his time as a Phillies ambassador at “Bull’s Barbecue” in Citizens Bank Park.

Ladies and gentlemen, an all-time Phillies favorite, Number 19, Greg “The Bull” Luzinski…

 

[Dave Montgomery

President

Philadelphia Phillies]

David Montgomery is part-owner, general partner, president and chief executive officer of the Phillies. Dave began his tenure with the Phillies in 1971 as a member of the team’s sales department. He worked his way up to director of sales and marketing by the mid-1970s…and as head of the business department by the early 1980s. He also spent a short time as the team’s scoreboard operator. When Bill Giles formed a group to purchase the Phillies from the Carpenter family in the spring of 1981, Dave was named the team’s executive vice president. When Mr. Giles stepped away from the team presidency to become the chairman, he recommended David to take the position president of the Philadelphia Phillies. Dave grew up in the Roxborough section of Philadelphia, graduated from Penn Charter and…I am proud to say…you and my son have something in common…because both are graduates of the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business. Dave has his Bachelor’s in history and an MBA. I stress Dave being born and raised in Philadelphia because he is the first native Philadelphian to run the ball club in more than six decades. Ladies and gentlemen, one Dan Baker’s bosses, the Phillies, David Montgomery…

David intros Dan

 

After Dan…

THIRD LIVE AUCTION ITEM…

The Dan Baker Experience

 

Tonight’s highest bidder will get the unique opportunity to spend a day at the ballpark with Dan Baker. Hang out with Dan as he makes his rounds at Citizens Bank Park, including a trip down to the playing field where Dan handles his pre-game announcements, and a pre-game meal in the Press Club. Then, once the game begins, you’ll see first-hand just how Dan does his job as you join him for an entire game in the “Scoreboard Room” at the ballpark. You’ll get a true behind-the-scenes feel for what it takes to put on the entire presentation of a Phillies game. And after the game, you’ll get the VIP tour, visiting several key places throughout the ballpark. In addition, Dan will also provide you with 4 tickets to the game for you to give to family/friends. The value of this opportunity is priceless. The starting bid will be…$250

 

Read winners of Silent Auction…

 

Thank you all for joining us for this wonderful evening that establishes the Dan Baker Broadcasting Scholarship at Rowan University. Drive home safely.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Posted on

Philly Sports Dinner – 108th – on January 30

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com

In early November, when the sports world turned an eye toward Philadelphia to say goodbye to iconic heavyweight champion Joe Frazier, it seemed a fitting tribute to the man who defeated Muhammad Ali in the most publicized boxing match of all time. But, true to their passion for their sports heroes, Philadelphians have demanded more in the way of a salute to the man they called Smokin’ Joe.

On Monday, Jan. 30, a special tribute to Frazier will be the centerpiece of the 108th Philadelphia Sports Writers Association banquet at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on Route 70 in Cherry Hill, New Jersey. A collage of famous Frazier photos will grace the cover of the special commemorative program book. A large feature story recounts his career, focusing on his life in Montgomery County and son Marvis and daughter Jackie — both graduates of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School — will be on hand to accept the tribute.

In addition to the tribute to Frazier, there will be a special remembrance of the 50th anniversary of the night that Wilt Chamberlain scored 100 points against the New York Knicks in a game in Hershey. Legendary announcer Bill Campbell will recount details of that night, and Campbell’s original radio call of the 100th point will be played.

In addition to the two special tributes, the traditional awards will be presented and the recipients will be on hand to accept: Philadelphia Pro Athlete, Flyers’ Claude Giroux; Amateur Athlete of the Year, two-time Villanova NCAA women’s cross country champion Sheila Reid; Good Guy, Phillies’ Hunter Pence; Team of the Year, Phillies, accepted by GM Ruben Amaro; Humanitarian, Villanova football coach Andy Talley and Living Legend, Philadelphia University basketball coach Herb Magee.

Special Achievement awards will be given to Phillies manager Charlie Manuel (career Phillies managerial wins record), college football coaching legend Bill Manlove and Villanova women’s basketball coach Harry Perretta.

A Special Achievement award also will be given to all involved in the creation of the movie “Mighty Macs”, about the storied women’s national basketball championships won by tiny Immaculata University in the 1970s. The movie, written by Cardinal O’Hara and University of Pennsylvania grad Tim Chambers, chronicled the uphill struggle of young coach Cathy Rush and her unheralded team. Both Chambers and Rush will be in attendance. The wholesome, family movie inspired the country upon its release last year. Flyers’ ambassador and Hall of Fame goalie Bernie Parent, Winter Classic Alumni Game Most valuable Player will receive his award at the dinner.

Another Montgomery County (pa.) product, Steve Javie, will be honored for his years of excellence as an NBA official. The recently retired Javie was a graduate of LaSalle High and Temple University, where he played baseball.

Tickets for the event, priced at $95 are available online at www.pswa.org or by sending a check payable to PSWA to Robbie Kenney, Ticket Chairman, 110 Harrogate Dr., Lumberton, NJ 08048. For more info, visit PSWA.org.

To comment: larry@larrylitwin.com