BY SCOTT MORGANROTH
In my lifetime, I’ve been fortunate enough to meet many iconic performers and witnessed many others.
On last night’s edition of the Sports Exchange with Myself, JB Ellis, Pensman Sports, Candy Ebling and George Eichorn, the opportunity to do a show with a pair in the headline was too good to pass up.
I titled the Show “Paying Tribute to Gene Hackman and Al Trautwig” and I told my co-hosts this would be a loaded episode. I knew Ellis was leaving for Japan on Sunday to watch MLB in Tokyo so it was necessary to have him on this episode.
We talked about Bill Laimbeer believing LeBron James could play in the 1980’s, the most points by a Canadian player is 55 by Jamal Murray of the Denver Nuggets against the Portland Trail Blazers, Vlad Goldin of Michigan proposing to his girlfriend at Crisler Center in Ann Arbor after a loss to Michigan State, in addition to discussing Matthew Stafford staying with the LA Rams.
I also interviewed current and soon to be former Philadelphia Eagle Darius Slay Jr. about returning to the Detroit Lions. We also had our parting shots.
The chat room was active as each individual talked about the movies that Hackman participated in and many remembered Trautwig’s accomplishments. As usual, Ebling did her research about both individuals and that continued the momentum in the chatroom along with the dialogue with the crew.
This is a must watch video that we’re inserting in this story.
I’ll say this, Hackman will always be remembered in my eyes for his role in the movie “Hoosiers” because the two quotes that stand out include: “When it comes to this basketball team what I say is the law, absolutely and without discussion.” I use that line a lot in my dealings with people. Another quote, “Let’s see what hand I’ve been dealt.” How many of us can relate to that? All I know is that I’ve watched Hoosiers a lot, too many times to count and it never gets old!
If you’re a student of life, then watch the movie!
Hackman died at the age of 95 and while his passing is still under investigation in Santa Fe, NM, his memory is engrossed into my head.
Rest in peace, Gene, you’re never going to be forgotten.
As for Trautwig, he won numerous awards in New York, worked for MSG for 30 years, covered the New York Yankees, Knicks and the Rangers.
I remember him early in his career when he was working with the Dan Kelly Sr and Gary Green on the USA Network covering NHL Hockey.
He covered Tennis, the Olympics and every sport imaginable. Candy Ebling did an outstanding job going over his background.
His impact in New York Media can be spoken in the same sentence as Kenny and Marv Albert, Sam Rosen, Walt Frazier and he’s worked with the legendary Jim McKay. Trautwig also covered the Indianapolis 500. Unfortunately, he passed away at age 68 due to Cancer.
When you’re in the entertainment business, your voice and performances live on. There was way no way that I could do a show without including both of those individuals.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to do an interview with Kenny Albert.
We’ve been friends for years dating back to meeting at the NHL All-Star Game in Tampa and reconnected at the NSMA Awards Convention last summer in Greensboro, FL.
We’re both authors and when I approached him about coming on the Motor City Mad Mouth, he quickly accepted and after a couple of months texting, we got it done in January.
As I battle Alzheimer’s Disease and realize that now I’m confronted with an illness that’s fatal, I’m embracing every opportunity that comes my way and taking full of each situation to the max. My You Tube Channel is something I take full pride in so my family and friends will always appreciate my memory, especially my wife Candy.
We had an incredible run at Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans amassing over 30 videos.
To add last night’s Sports Exchange and talk about Hackman, Trautwig and even mention Kenny Albert, is another thing that I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to do.
I couldn’t have had a better crew to enjoy the 1:10:13 to acknowledge these people along with the topics that were addressed.
RIP Gene Hackman and Al Trautwig and thanks to your legacies we all had the opportunity to celebrate you on March 5, 2025 on the Sports Exchange.
Scott Morganroth can be reached at southfloridatribune@gmail.com and he can be reached on Twitter/X @TribuneSouth.
To see his broadcasts, there is no cost to subscribe to the South Florida Tribune Channel on You Tube.
Lastly, he wrote a book, “Lessons From The Microphone” Tuning into the Enduring Wisdom of Visionary Leaders and you can purchase on Amazon or Barnes in Noble. The link is also available on The South Florida Tribune Website.
No comments:
Post a Comment