Well, here we are. One year is coming to an end as we look forward to ushering in a new one. Throw in the fact that the decade is about to be in the rear view mirror, and it’s time for one of those reflection columns. But I thought it would be better to look at the future and give some friendly advice.
The Cardinals. I still don’t get the La Russa thing. He has won more than any manager in the history of the franchise, and yet he is still called out. If you want to climb on his back for how he has handled the McGwire thing I get it, but when it comes to winning it is hard to argue. With that, I would like to see in 2010 a legitimate bat in the lineup that gives this team a better chance every night no matter who is on the mound.
The Rams. I would like to see Steve Spagnuolo and the front office get better advice. I think they could have been better had they paid closer attention to the real details on winning games. The Rams spent too much time on alienating people who wanted to see them do better. The media is tired of covering a bad franchise, and the new regime had a chance to fix it but they elected to re invent the wheel. It now wobbles. How about a reality check?
The Blues. Dave Checketts could also be in store for a judgment check. This is the same Dave Checketts who could not be on hand for the biggest night of the year for Blues fans in honoring Brett Hull. The same Dave Checketts who thought it was a good idea to have Sarah Palin drop a ceremonial puck in a hotly contested presidential election. He also came up with the idea to include Rush Limbaugh as an investor in purchasing the Rams. Need I give you a crash course on Mr. Limbaugh’s race relations?
Saint Louis University. SLU has everything it needs: a new facility, a high profile and well known coach, and an athletic department that works hard at reshaping their image. So why are there not more wins? While youth is a major factor, the natives want more, and soon. Hurry up!
Mizzou. I hope in 2010 I see a contract that says the Tigers and SLU will play each other on a regular basis. Both schools could gain, compared to playing another blood donor. Get it done.
Harris-Stowe State University. They have made it abundantly clear that if you are looking for the black college experience, you need not look no further than Midtown St. Louis. An athletic director will be in place soon. The soccer program is where it should start, with basketball not far behind. Stay tuned for the Hornets in 2010.
Urban sports talk radio. Richard “Onion” Horton helped pave the way for all of us who have received a pay check in the business. His voice needs to be heard. Brother Moses has the passion. Charlie “Tuna” Edwards is a survivor in a very challenging industry. Why Maurice Scott is on as late as he is remains a mystery. For those who pay to be on the air, get your money’s worth and don’t be manipulated.
Earl Austin Jr. In 2010 my man will be a best-selling author. Hopefully Earl will not be the only one in town to realize that Incarnate Word Academy has been the best girls basketball program in the area, year in year out, despite the coverage they get in West County and the whining that comes from North County. Get over it.
My colleagues. Bryan Burwell, Maurice Drummond, Renee Knot, Bob Ramsey, Bernie Miklasz, Jay Randolph Jr., Earl Austin Jr. Maurice Scott, Frank Cusumano, Demetrious Johnson (DJ, you owe me a dinner), Mike Shannon, John Rooney, Kelly Chase, Chris Kerber, Steve Savard and Art Holiday, may this be a better year than 2009. To the staff at The American, we survived and it can get only get better next year. To Donald M. Suggs. your understanding of what The American means in times that have not always been newspaper-friendly says all one needs to know about what you mean to this community.
My readers. For the loyal readers who are kind enough to agree or disagree, the fact that you think enough to say something means a lot and motivates this column more than you could ever imagine. To you, I say thank you and good luck in 2010.