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Hall of Fame baseball writer Hal McCoy has retired from the Dayton Daily News after covering the Cincinnati Reds for 37 years. Hal's blog, though, will continue to be a must-read for Reds fans. He'll share his thoughts on the team this season and will file updates from Great American Ball Park. You also can catch Hal in print every Sunday in his popular Ask Hal columnHome > Blogs > The Real McCoy | Cincinnati Reds baseball news > Archives > 2009 > October > 04 > Entry
A happy/sad kind of day
Some great things happened before the reality hit - my last game as the Cincinnati Reds beat writer for the Dayton Daily News.
Brandon Phillips walked up to me in the pre-game clubhouse Sunday and handed me one of his bats on which was inscribed: “To Hal ‘HofF’ McCoy. Thank you for all the support! Sorry that you have to go, but I know it’s not the last!’ Brandon Phillips, #4, Your boy, 30/30.”
That was special enough, but I was later told by Reds assistant PR director Jamie Ramsey that Phillips will not sign 30/30 at the end of his signature for anybody but his mother and father. People sometimes ask, but he doesn’t do it (30 homers, 30 stolen bases). The bat was enough - without being asked - and the 30/30 gives me the shudders.
WHEN IT was time for breakfast in the media dining room, Denise, the very lovely woman who runs the room as if it is her own dining room/kitchen, refused to take my $7 for my meal, then handed me a box with a small chocolate cake in it.
DURING THE GAME, Reds media relations director Rob Butcher announced, “There is pizza in the back room, compliments of LaRosa’s in honor of Hal McCoy.” Butcher said the delivery guy showed up at the gate and said he had a pizza delivery for Hal McCoy. Said Butcher, “Hal McCoy ordered pizza?” Said the delivery guy, “No, this is from LaRosa’s.”
Then I discovered it was my lovely, beautiful, thoughtful wife, Nadine, who ordered it and had it delivered to the pressbox. Thank you, honey. You’re the best.
BEFORE THE GAME, I was summoned to the back of the press room to meet a father and his son.
Remember on Hal McCoy Night at the ballpark when Jonny Gomes hit a home run and then signed the bat he used and gave it to me?
I neglected to get the son’s age because I was so flabbergasted, but he looks about 14 and his name is Kevin O’Neill of Erlanger, Ky. On the night Gomes hit his home run, O’Neill was in the upper deck in left field and got the ball.
On Sunday, he came to the game carrying the ball in a plastic cover and gave it to me - this treasure of a ball that he could have kept, a ball used in a major-league game that was hit for a home run.
But he gave it up for me. All he asked for was that I autograph my last game story and send it to him. I agreed. I also plan to get a new ball and have Gomes sign it and I’ll send it to Kevin. What an unselfish, caring teenager. Awesome, just awesome.
IN THE SIXTH inning they invited me to the TV booth so George Grande and I and could chit-chat on the air. Grande announced Sunday that he was stepping down and it’s a great loss for me. George and I have been together with the Reds for 17 years, sharing a lot of time together, sharing some meals together at Charley Gitto’s in St. Louis. He’s a pro’s pro and I’m going to miss him - one of the nicest men who ever walked the face of this ol’ earth.
AND I FINALLY lost it. They had a nice tribute on the scoreboard, showing George and I together in the booth. The crowd gave us a standing ovation and I saw the Cincinnati Reds in the dugout, standing and applauding, and that was it. The tears flowed and they’re still flowing as I write these words.
Homer Bailey is mowing down the Pirates, a fitting conclusion to the season. Just when he is finally saying hello, I’m saying good-bye. The kid has a great future, he finally gets it.
AND NOW the stadium is empty and I see the Ohio River flowing behind the right field stands. Ol’ Man River keeps rolling along, and hopefully, so will this ol’ man.
My time as a traveling baseball beat writer is over. But I’m not done. I promise you that. I have some options and I’m going to take one or two of them. Which ones is to be determined … soon.
My OFFICIAL retirement date from the Dayton Daily News isn’t until Oct. 31 and I’ll be writing some blogs and a few pieces for the paper, including ASK HAL for the next three weeks. Send me some questions. Don’t let me get lonely.
And I’ll let you know what’s ahead for me. A blog of some kind is a “for sure.”
It was Elvis who sang about the final curtain. For me, the big show is over. But I’m ready for a few curtain calls.
Cheers.
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By AuthodaArrott
June 5, 2011 12:06 AM | Link to this
You certainly deserve a round of applause for your post and more specifically, your blog in general. Very high quality material
By Ben from N.C.
October 8, 2009 12:44 AM | Link to this
No more interns? That’ll be too bad. You are the best. Hey, why don’t you move up in the world and cover the Yankees? They could use your touch. I’ve learned from you over the years. Thank you for that.
By Mr. Redlegs (Original)
October 7, 2009 9:53 PM | Link to this
Wha, you thought this retirement thing was permanent? Okay, enough sitting around and getting patted on the back. Time to get back to work.
By Alaska Hal McCoy/Reds Fan
October 6, 2009 5:39 PM | Link to this
Hal, As a die hard Reds fan from way up north, I want to Thank You for keeping me in touch with the Reds through all of these years. The most noteworthy feeling when I read your articles, is that I feel like you are listening to a long lost friend. Your ability to talk plainly, honestly and with great humor,has me a forever fan. Thanks and Good Luck!! Rick K.
By Steve
October 6, 2009 4:27 PM | Link to this
Hal, It’s your old Quail Run Racquet Club buddy from long ago. We had breakfast in Phx a couple of years ago and I’ve followed the Reds from afar via your writings for many years. The pride I feel in having known an individual of your caliber as a writer and a person is overwhelming. Accept my congratulations on your retirement and chose your next gig carefully you don’t want it to carry on for 37 years. All the best Steve
By Tom
October 6, 2009 1:47 PM | Link to this
Well done, Hal. I and others look forward to your new blog.
By An always Red fan
October 6, 2009 10:28 AM | Link to this
Hal .. you mentioned Elvis’ song, but I have another for you. Some Memories Just Won’t Die … by Marty Robbins. You have provided much enjoyment over your years covering the Reds, and you will be sorely missed. But we’ll watch for you on the highways & cyberways.
By Neal
October 6, 2009 12:13 AM | Link to this
Hal, you are truly one of a kind and it has been an absolute treat and honor to have your insight shared with us for so long. Thanks so much and we will miss you. I’m smoking a cigar for you tonight.
By Sully
October 5, 2009 11:58 PM | Link to this
Tears in my eyes. Hal, thanks for all the years of humor, brutal honesty, and great baseball coverage. You’re a Dayton and Cincinnati Reds legend. Hope to see you around town and at the park.
By No one Compared to Hal
October 5, 2009 11:23 PM | Link to this
hal i just want to thank you for all your years of service, you were the best of the best no one can replace you i have always enjoyed your ask hal column and your blog….this is another sad day because the Reds keep losing the hall of famers that made this organization for the last 30 years, first The old left hander god rest his soul, now you, i dont know if i can take it when marty hangs it up there will be a huge whole in this organizations history where you guys used to be. They bring in people to fill the void but you will never be replaced. Thanks Again and God bless
By Jack
October 5, 2009 10:35 PM | Link to this
Hal, just promise us you will be writing, somewhere. You are truly the best.
By Chad
October 5, 2009 9:36 PM | Link to this
Hal, You’re still the best, and thanks for bringing a great game to life for all of us readers.
By Mike DiGiovanna
October 5, 2009 7:55 PM | Link to this
Hal … congrats on a stellar career and best of luck in your future endeavors. I’ve really enjoyed your blogs over the past few weeks. Very touching. They made me realize that as difficult and demanding as this job is almost all of the time, we are lucky to have it. Mike DiGiovanna L.A. Times
By Staci McCoy
October 5, 2009 6:52 PM | Link to this
I love you, Papaw. Your tribute night at the Reds game was such a night to remember, an excellent cap to an excellent career. I couldn’t be any prouder of you and your accomplishments!
By CHRIS
October 5, 2009 6:39 PM | Link to this
You have been my first source for Reds news since the moment I read your first article, sad to say that it was only this past season that I found you. You are the best beat writer I have ever read. I look forward to whatever you do!
By William
October 5, 2009 5:57 PM | Link to this
Good luck Hal. Thanks!
By Dusty Baker
October 5, 2009 5:52 PM | Link to this
Hal: You are BIG TIME !! The Dayton Daily News will never be the same without you.. Good Luck. God Bless. And may all your quinellas and ATB bets be winners…
By StuttgartTim
October 5, 2009 5:10 PM | Link to this
Hal, As you’ve said, you have a great wife, good health and you were able to do what you enjoy for 37 years. You are admired by your peers and you readers. I’m sure that not every player has loved you, but most did, and those who didn’t only prove that you were honest even when it wasn’t easy, especially I know, with Pete. So as you’ve said, you were lucky. We were all lucky and enriched to benefit from your craft. A former Daytonian in Germany.
By Shane
October 5, 2009 4:29 PM | Link to this
I’m 31 years old and have never known another Reds Beat writer. Thank you Mr. McCoy! Good Luck.
By sun deck lover
October 5, 2009 4:23 PM | Link to this
To one hell of a writer!
By joe
October 5, 2009 3:37 PM | Link to this
Hal, congrats on making the whole 9 innings. No closer needed for you, you pitched the whole game! You’ve been my favorite DDN writer for years….I hope Mr. Burick doesn’t mind being in second place now.
By Randy
October 5, 2009 3:26 PM | Link to this
You’re on my big three list along with Waite Hoyt and Joe Knuxall. Thanks for making the distance between Ohio and Germany so much shorter. God bless you and your family.
By Carl Steward
October 5, 2009 2:06 PM | Link to this
Thanks, Hal … missed you on the Reds recent trip to SF. You’ve always been one of my all-time faves.
By Eastside Cincy
October 5, 2009 1:34 PM | Link to this
Thanks for everything, Hal. It feels like the end of one era and the beginning of another. I can’t wait to be the first in line to buy your book. Happy trails.
By Rick
October 5, 2009 1:32 PM | Link to this
Hal, just thanks
By EastSide Cincy
October 5, 2009 1:29 PM | Link to this
Thanks for everything, Hal. It feels like the end of one era and the beginning of another. I can’t wait to be the first in line to buy your book. Happy trails.
By RC
October 5, 2009 1:28 PM | Link to this
God bless ya, Hal!
By Len
October 5, 2009 1:22 PM | Link to this
Tears in my eyes ; I’ll miss you.Thank you . Len
By Zack
October 5, 2009 1:12 PM | Link to this
Reading your column every day has been one of the bigger pleasures of my life. Seriously! Thanks Mr. McCoy.
By Dan
October 5, 2009 12:51 PM | Link to this
Wayte Hoyt,Jack Moran,Joe Nuxhall,Hal McCoy,WOW,Thank You.
By PAT COX
October 5, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
Hal, Best of luck in whatever your future holds for you.. You are a class act,super person, and a great writer, who I feel priviledged to have known (your wedding, the Reds cruise, your HAF induction in Cooperstown). Stay healthy and enjoy retirement.
By null PAT COX
October 5, 2009 12:16 PM | Link to this
Hal, Best of luck in whatever your future holds for you.. You are a class act,super person, and a great writer, who I feel priviledged to have known (your wedding, the Reds cruise, your HAF induction in Cooperstown). Stay healthy and enjoy retirement.
By old dude
October 5, 2009 11:15 AM | Link to this
I once got to meet Johnny Bench and Joe Morgan. Bench was just full of himself and Morgan is not one you would want to run your Human Resources Dept. But it was a sad day when they left the reds. Your leaving the DDN is by far the saddest for me. You are by far a bigger person that the two ego’s I met. Hurry with the curtain call’s.
By Randy
October 5, 2009 10:55 AM | Link to this
Thanx for all of your columns/blogs & covering the Reds w/ realism & sanity.
By James J
October 5, 2009 10:53 AM | Link to this
You are a class act that I’ll surely miss especially every morning when I open up the sports section. I am so tired of the pomp and circumstance that today’s sport’s writers/newscasters display. Have a great retirement Hal.
By flipper
October 5, 2009 10:33 AM | Link to this
Now the task of writing about the run down Reds falls to someone else. Poor Guy.
By larry
October 5, 2009 10:31 AM | Link to this
joe,hal,george the true people of reds baseball told it as is was if they would of just listen to you guys with all your wisdom maybe the reds would be better. life time fan will miss you all
By Gary J. Leppla
October 5, 2009 10:22 AM | Link to this
A man who once said, “I have the best job on Earth”, gave DDN readers the best sports writing on Earth. We were not all Red fans but we were all Hal McCoy fans. Thanks for your wonderful work, and thanks for your presence in our community.
By Steven Ross
October 5, 2009 10:20 AM | Link to this
Speaking of a Pro’s-Pro, that’s you Hal! All the best.
By Boyce Lancaster, Jr.
October 5, 2009 9:44 AM | Link to this
Ritter Collett, Si Burick, Hal McCoy…what an incredible run Dayton has had. I discovered the Reds when I moved to Dayton as a teenager in 1969. I had stacks of newspapers in my living room in 1975 and ‘76, clipping stories and making a scrapbook. It drove my family nuts but I can relive those memorable Big Red Machine days over and over again with you. Thanks for making great seasons memorable and lousy seasons entertaining!
By jim
October 5, 2009 8:52 AM | Link to this
It must have been a tough assignment as well as love of the game. Your articles were even better when the Reds were down.
By hij
October 5, 2009 8:45 AM | Link to this
Hal, your stories made us feel like we were there with the feel of the game around us & the smells surrounding us. You reminded us of the best of “baseball”. thanks for everything
By Dick Gose
October 5, 2009 8:37 AM | Link to this
Oh how I will miss reading “The Real McCoy”, on a regular game basis. It is so refreshing to read someone who tells it like it is,while being so informed. I had the pleasure of meeting Hal in the Dayton airport a few months ago & had a great chat.Best of Luck & may God bless you & your family. “Lance’s Father.
By Dee
October 5, 2009 8:33 AM | Link to this
Thanks for many years of reading pleasure. I’ve counted on you for the facts and the personalities and the stories. The Reds world will be a little colder, a little grayer, a little duller now. Can’t wait to read the book.
By Dan
October 5, 2009 8:32 AM | Link to this
Hal, thank you so much for being a picture of excellence in a world of journalism that these days is severely lacking in it. I have been a Reds fan since I was in elementary school, and it was a joy every day to pick up the sports section every day during baseball season and read your wonderful insights on the Reds. Without them, when I go home to visit now the sports section just won’t be worth picking up and reading anymore. Best of luck in whatever you decide to enter into moving forward.
By FanfromFindlay
October 5, 2009 8:00 AM | Link to this
Hal, You have kept the Reds alive for me. Following what you see has been more important than the games at times. Good work my friend, you have been great over the years. Thank you and good luck
By Bruce
October 5, 2009 7:49 AM | Link to this
I will be glad to know you are leaving! Anyone who calls Pete Rose a scum bag is not very classy! Good riddance!!!
By ironmyke
October 5, 2009 7:46 AM | Link to this
I’ve been dreading this day since you let us know you were departing at the end of the season. It’s a relief to hear that you plan to continue writing. I’m looking forward to the good reading!
By Bob
October 5, 2009 7:44 AM | Link to this
Thanks for all the years and stories, Hal. You’ve been an inspiration. You’ll be missed. DDN doesn’t know how much they’ve shot themselves in the foot.
By Big Mo
October 5, 2009 7:34 AM | Link to this
I will follow Hal. With apologies to Little Peggy March, wherever you wind up as a writer, Hal, you can be sure that I’ll be reading. Maury in Centerville.
By Scott
October 5, 2009 7:34 AM | Link to this
Simply the best! Thank you for the numerous years of coverage, stories, blogs, responses to e-mails, …everything. I look forward to the next chapter you share with us fans.
By jeff
October 5, 2009 6:11 AM | Link to this
Job well done, Hal. Thanks.
By Petey in LA
October 5, 2009 2:37 AM | Link to this
Thanks for everything, Hal. May there always be a smiling Mr. Red in your top right corner. :)
By eric bassham
October 5, 2009 2:23 AM | Link to this
Hal, Thanks for all the great stories. I’ve been reading your columns since I was eight, thirty-two years ago. Even when the Reds were out of contention, you gave me a reason to stay interested. Enjoy your retirement! You’ve more than earned it!
By VB
October 5, 2009 2:06 AM | Link to this
Enjoy your offdays Hal, you’ve earned ‘em. Truly have enjoyed your take on the redlegs, despite not agreeing w/ you on all notes, but you’ll be missed and the DDN has been diminished this day by your absence. GL to you and your family in the future, and can’t wait to read more, be it by book or crook(blog). Hurry the hell up, deadline’s a-coming’… Thanks Hal.
By Tom
October 5, 2009 1:05 AM | Link to this
Hal, You and George Grande are really a class act. You both will be missed. I am retired as well. Hope you two have many years to enjoy retirement.
By Tom M.
October 5, 2009 12:46 AM | Link to this
Hal: As a loyal Reds fan through thick and thin (mostly thin the last decade), you always made my day with your dead-on accurate coverage, funny quips and stellar writing. You were great when the Big Red Machine thrilled Reds fan and just as great when the team was just plain awful. That, my friend, is the measure of a true Hall of Fame Writer. What more can be said than “Thanks for the memories.”
By roger o.
October 5, 2009 12:17 AM | Link to this
There will be a deep, deep void in reds baseball next year for me. No Hal. As they say, all good things must come to an end. This end came far too soon. Good luck my friend. God Bless…
By John
October 5, 2009 12:05 AM | Link to this
Hal, please write many books. If you write it, they will read. Please. Thanks.
By HoosierVirg
October 4, 2009 11:38 PM | Link to this
Tears flowed as you wrote, tears flowed as I read, this 72 year old lifetime Reds fan says thank you Hal and God Bless You and Yours.
By Mike Ireland 64
October 4, 2009 11:34 PM | Link to this
Hal, you were the reason I read the DDN for all these years. Without you the Reds in the morning won’t be the same. I served in the Army 1983-1986 and followed Pete Rose returning home and the big hit while stationed in Korea through your reporting. I felt as if I was still back home. You made that possible and I am eternally grateful from a former homesick GI. Good luck in whatever you decide. Mike
By the juggler
October 4, 2009 11:14 PM | Link to this
Mr. McCoy - I read your blog faithfully but have never commented until today. I am an ex-Cincinnatian living on the left coast. Your stories have helped me follow my favorite team more closely over the years. I can’t thank you enough for your dedication and professionalism. I never felt like you were “just mailing it in” - your columns and stories were always enjoyable. I’m sure there are other displaced-midwesterners like me who live vicariously through your words. Thank you, sir, and I wish you well in your future endeavors.
By John Ockomon, Indpls
October 4, 2009 11:03 PM | Link to this
Glad to hear you will be here until Oct 31 plus i feel the future options will be good for us fans.
By Matt
October 4, 2009 10:54 PM | Link to this
Thank you Hal for all of your wonderful writing and wisdom about the Reds and baseball. May God bless you and your family and may you have a long and happy retirement
By Kyle
October 4, 2009 10:47 PM | Link to this
Wow. Just Wow. Best of luck. When can we pre-order the book?
By Decker
October 4, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
Thank you again Hal, for being everything the fans could want in a baseball writer. I look forward to reading whatever your next project may be.
By Goodbye Hal
October 4, 2009 10:42 PM | Link to this
We ran into you as you were leaving the field in Sarasota. A friend and I saw you coming and recognized you but it took a minute to realize who you were. You stopped and talked to us about the Reds. One of the highlights of our many trips to Spring Training. I will miss your columns, blogs, and times on the radio with Marty.
By adam
October 4, 2009 10:37 PM | Link to this
it is a beautiful thing what you have done
By Mary Jane
October 4, 2009 10:17 PM | Link to this
I remember meeting you in Sarasota at a spring training game and what a down to earth and nice person you were to talk to. I can only wish you the very best. I have cried all day watching the Reds game with you and George Grande both retiring. What a great loss for southern Ohio!
By Rob
October 4, 2009 9:48 PM | Link to this
Hal, thanks for all the great stories over the years. Both you & George are going to be missed next year. It won’t be the same without you guys.
By BrarHopper
October 4, 2009 9:30 PM | Link to this
Thanks for everything Hal. A job VERY well done, my friend. I know I speak for HuberTucky in wishing you all the best and a very happy healthy and fulfilling future. You’re a unique and singular talent… the kind that passes this way but once. Thank again, ol’ buddy.
By RTM
October 4, 2009 9:19 PM | Link to this
Well done Hal! Thank you for your excellent coverage of the Reds. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
By Peter Gorman
October 4, 2009 9:18 PM | Link to this
Hal, Congratulations on a job well done. Now you can be the like the rest of us, and walk away from Reds seasons once they are out of it. I remember Bench saying in `83 after a game the Reds blew, that it was games like this that made him look forward to retirement. So there’s that. You don’t have to follow every game now. You can just enjoy the good times.
By Charlie Adams
October 4, 2009 9:17 PM | Link to this
Love your blogs and columns and chats with the boys on radio in the 2nd inning. Any chance you can still cover home games only??? I sure hope so!!!
By Gordon Wade
October 4, 2009 8:38 PM | Link to this
71 year old life time Reds fan. Thanks for all the wonderful memories. It’s people like you that weave the mempries that bind together the generations. What a remarkably rewarding career and life you are having.Keep up the great work!!
By Monty
October 4, 2009 8:34 PM | Link to this
Hal: Just want to thank you as well for answering my personal emails and even using some of my questions a time or 2 in your Ask Hal columns! They say you cant keep a good man down, and I know you will still be around doing something soon so that we can still enjoy your work. I think maybe you should co-host the Reds Hot Stove League this winter with Marty, Thom and the Cowboy. Whatya think?? Good luck and have a nice semi-retirement(even if you werent really ready!)
By ohdave
October 4, 2009 8:25 PM | Link to this
Hal, I am happy to know that you will be writing a blog in the future. I’m glad we’ll be able to read your work. Selfishly I was hoping you’d use retirement to pen a book with Jose Rijo, who is my favorite Red of all time. I find myself feeling naively optimistic about next year. Bailey’s emergence and the addition of Rolen, Votto’s continued success, all make me think the Reds can improve. Lots of variables, but it looks like they are heading in the right direction.
By Autumn
October 4, 2009 7:52 PM | Link to this
Hal, I have been attending Reds games with my Dad for 15+ years. I accredit you and my Dad for teaching me the wonderful game of baseball. When we lived in Dayton, I read your column(s) daily and now that we have moved back to Cincy I read your blog faithfully. In ‘07 I interned with the Reds and it was a thrill to have the opportunity to see you work/write “behind the scenes”. You truly are a wonderful writer and, most importantly, a wonderful human being. Thanks and enjoy your off-season!
By Autumn
October 4, 2009 7:38 PM | Link to this
Hal, I have been attending Reds games with my Dad for 15+ years. I accredit you and my Dad with teaching me the wonderful game of baseball. When we lived in Dayton, I enjoyed reading your column in the paper. We recently moved back to Cincy and I read your blog faithfully. I interned with the Reds in ‘07 and seeing you work/write “behind the scenes” was a thrill. You truly are a wonderful writer and, most importantly, a wonderful human being. Thank you and enjoy your off-season!
By Rob
October 4, 2009 7:34 PM | Link to this
Hal, I was always impressed that you answered email from your fans. I will be following you in your next sports writing endeavor.
By Roob
October 4, 2009 7:33 PM | Link to this
Hal, I was always impressed that you answered email from your fans. I will be following you in your next sports writing endeavor.
By Nate in Miami
October 4, 2009 7:22 PM | Link to this
Three blogs in my lifetime have brought tears to my eyes. All three by Hal McCoy in the last few months. Add that to the sendoff given by Marty to the Old Lefthander when he was asked to step down and I guess it hits home that part of your childhood as passed. Its hard to accept, but I hope everybody appreciates as much as I do what Hal has brought to our households every day. Best wishes in whatever lies ahead and thank you for every journey that has brought us closer to the game that we all dreamed of and the team that we grew up.
By irabird
October 4, 2009 7:08 PM | Link to this
Well done, Hal! Thanks for all of it and more to come!
By Kevin
October 4, 2009 7:07 PM | Link to this
You are now, and will forever be…..a Red. Thank you.
By Bill
October 4, 2009 7:00 PM | Link to this
Hal, I will follow you whereever you go. You are a class act.
By Kenny
October 4, 2009 6:36 PM | Link to this
Hal, Thank you for all of your wonderful insight to baseball and life. It really has been a joy reading your articles and blogs over the years. I moved to Columbus and go to Ohio State but I still go to Dayton Daily News to read all of my Cincinnati Reds news, and that is because of your wonderful way of covering baseball. My Aunt recently gave me a Dayton Daily Newspaper from the day that I was born. (October 21st, 1986) The first thing I did was open it to the sports section and there was your byline. It was very cool to see see that. Congratulations on a great career at DDN. I can’t wait to hear where you go next so I can continue to read and laugh.
By Dan H in Buff
October 4, 2009 6:31 PM | Link to this
Thanks Hal! Best wishes and good health in “retirement”!
By Cal Rules
October 4, 2009 6:24 PM | Link to this
Hal, thank you for the the writing! I can’t wait for the next chapter in your life. Good luck and enjoy your cigar tonight.
By Cal Rules
October 4, 2009 6:21 PM | Link to this
Hal, thank you for the the writing! I can’t wait for the next chapter in your life. Good luck and enjoy your cigar tonight.
By Mark from C-bus
October 4, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
Hal, you’ve been a class act from day one, which is more than I can say for some of the guys you covered…best of luck in all future endeavors! Cheers!
By chicagoredsrooter
October 4, 2009 6:15 PM | Link to this
It has been a privilege to read your always lively, incisive, insightful, and percolating prose. This is a loss for all lovers of the Reds, of ink-stained newspapers, of journalism done the right way. Thank you, first, for getting the story first, for getting it right, for writing daily, weekly, monthly—for years, nay decades—with reverence for the craft, for the words, for the stories, for the players, for the game. Most of all, thank you for keeping it interesting and meaningful and fresh long after the Reds, in most seasons, had made things meaningless and stale. Thank you, Hal! Long may you write!
By Won't be the same
October 4, 2009 6:06 PM | Link to this
Hal, it won’t be the same without you. Good luck in your future endeavors. I look forward to reading that book you’ve been researching for 37 years.
By HoosierBoy
October 4, 2009 5:49 PM | Link to this
Thank you for 37 outstanding years. You are a class act, a role model for any aspiring reporter or writer. Heck, make that person. Good luck in whatever option you choose. Thank you again. You have made being a Reds fan that much more enjoyable.
By Brett Farve
October 4, 2009 5:47 PM | Link to this
Take it from Ol Brett, Hai. Ain’t no retirements. Just someone else writin’ the paycheck.
By ThanksHal
October 4, 2009 5:38 PM | Link to this
Thanks Hal- I have grown up reading your columns and will sincerely miss doing so every day. Thank you for all that you have done for those of us who look to your insight into everything this team does. You will be missed- enjoy your retirement.
By TheGoosefromGreenville
October 4, 2009 5:32 PM | Link to this
When you start making those curtain calls, I will be here eagerly awaiting. Thank you for the wonderful job you did.
By Columbus John
October 4, 2009 5:31 PM | Link to this
Hal, Thanks for 37 great years of Reds coverage. You are a class act and will certainly be missed. God bless you and Nadine in your retirement.