Relentless Optimism and the Creation of a Winning Culture
by Class of 66 on Sep 28, 2008 9:13 AM PDT
50 comments
Bumped. GO BRUINS. -N
Expanding On A Couple of My Game Day Thread Comments.
Some are questioning a couple of CRN's game decisions -- going for the 4th and 1, and accepting the penalty rather than forcing the field goal.
I do not question those decisions: In the context of the big picture mission -- the creation of a positive attitude and winning culture, CRN made the right call each time.
We must remember that CRN took over a team that played not to lose rather than one that played to win. For the last several years our players were told to take knees, punt on short yardage situations, always go for field goals in the red zone, and even to punt deep in sc territory.
The message this team received during those years was "we don't think you can do it" or "we don't trust you to make the plays".
Both of CRN's decisions that are being questioned conveyed the exact opposite message -- a message that must be sent and internalized if we are to develop winning ways.
On 4th and 1, CRN said to the O, you've been racking up yards, I trust you to get this one. I have confidence in you. Go do it.
And, on taking the penalty, knowing that FSU's field goal kicker was weak, CRN was saying to the D, "Stuff them and they won't make the FG". Again, the message was one of trust in the players -- a message that must be sent and internalized if we are to develop a winning culture.
To succeed and grow, our players must believe that "relentless optimism" is more than a catch phrase, it is a way of life. CRN had to make these calls to prove his point: we are always going to try to win.
Actually, the way we were playing and running the ball, the 4th and 1 call seemed a "no brainer". FSU just stepped up and stopped us.
And, shouldn't a head coach believe that his DC would not let a team score on a 3rd and 22? In making that call he was telling DW, "I trust you, get this done".
(I'm biting my tongue. I don't think that trust is well placed. That's all I'll say, now.)
A few more thoughts: Most of our coaches are doing incredible jobs.
Norm Chow is a genius. He is doing more with less than any coach around. What a brilliant game he called. He got as much out of our O players as one could. And, they played a truly inspired game. They played with passion and heart.
Coleman played extremely well. No one who watched the play or the replay can get down on him for the fumble. It was a great defensive play on the ball. Coleman had it secured but it's not always possible to protect it from a direct hit. He was the right player in the right place. Sometimes things happen. This one play cannot overshadow his entire game.
The O line is pulling together. Palcic is doing a great job. And so are the players.
And a special shout out to Kevin Craft. He has heart and skill. He played within himself and Chow's plan. Both coach and player should be proud.
We are still having special teams problems, but there was clear improvement this week. We are now getting run backs. The holding call was a killer -- but it was real and obvious. Kids make mistakes. Terrence Austin was huge.
Our receivers were running good routes and catching the ball. Embree? Terrific.
There was a lot improvement in all of these divisions of the team. This was not where the game was lost.
One last comment to some of my BN brothers and sisters: I am so tired of hearing that the O is somehow responsible for the D's poor play -- that the D is on the field too long and that it is the O's fault. This mantra started last year and was spread by Walkeristas as a way of defending him against many of us who questioned his coaching ability.
I have reviewed both last year's drive charts and statistics and this year's. The argument that the O is responsible for the D's poor performance is a complete fallacy. This game really proves the point. During the first half, we had a time of possession lead of about 2:1. Our O had long drives through out the game.
The D was on the field because it could not stop anyone. It's that simple. The D always controls its own destiny. All it has to do is hold for a 3 and out. This D allowed FSU first downs on more than 50% of their 3rd downs. That explains why they were on the field so long.
Our D players played their hearts out. Harwell and Price were stalwarts. I don't think the problem is with the players.
The ref's? The SPTR's were themselves, all game. Two or three very bad calls against us, the pass interference call and the roughing the passer -- neither of which were supported by the replays. They also made a bad call against FSU -- the interception that wasn't. I coined the phrase SPTR's years ago. I cannot understand why the Pac 10 doesn't deal with the issue; a major conference cannot continue to have such inept officials. I am not claiming that they were the reason we lost. But, I am saying that so long as we demand excellence from our coaches and players it seems odd that we accept mediocrity from our officials.
This is a game we should have won -- not on paper but on the field. I'm sick that we didn't.
But, I can't help but see the progress most of this team is making and the incredible contributions the new coaches are making to our program.
These new guys, and CRN are going to get us there.
We are not just playing games -- we are rebuilding a program and culture.
To CRN, we understand that to build that culture you have to put the game in your players' hands and let them know that you believe they can handle the situations.
When it works you will be a hero. When it doesn't people will grumble. But, go for it, we have your back.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of BruinsNation's (BN) editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of BN's editors.
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I too am glad we have a coach who plays to win
instead of playing not lose.
Studies have shown teams usually convert 4th and 1, so they should almost always go for it. And I liked the gamble with declining the penalty — I bet even our defense would stop that play most of the time, and the chance of it working is higher than the chance of it backfiring.
Good stuff 66. We have CRN’s back.
by gilbert on Sep 27, 2008 7:30 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Wow, 66.
You and I must be drinking the same Kool Aid or something—which certainly makes me feel a lot smarter. Seriously, I think I was writing my comment to Nestor’s post at about the same time you were writing this, and I clearly should have just waited, read this, and added, “What he said.”
Of course, you’ve set this out so clearly and thoroughly…thank you for writing this.
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Sep 27, 2008 8:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
CRN--on the road to success
Thank you 66 for highlighting what I missed while watching the game. I questioned both plays especially accepting the flag instead of forcing the FG (only because he declined the flag on the previous play), but now, with your insightful wisdom, I see why CRN made the decisions he made.
WRT CRN"s positive attitude, after the game, CRN got up on the mic and thanked the fans; the tone of his voice was not only positive, but if I didn’t know better, I would say they won the game. He assured us, the fans, that the program is going in the right direction, to stick with the team and we will reap the benefits. I’m sticking with this team, bruingirl, 66 pass me some of that kool aid. GOO BRUINS!!!!
by BruinsRUs on Sep 27, 2008 8:47 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Then vs Now
Think back to some of the tough losses we’ve had the last few years – games in which we took a knee before halftime, games when we wasted all our timeouts early and couldn’t stop the clock late in the 4th, games when we settled for field goals in the red zone on 4th and short…
Yes, we lost another close game today, but the good news is that the culture and attitude of the team is changing. As 66 said, we are no longer playing not to lose. We are playing to win. And while losing today still sucks, I have more hope for the future of this program than I have had in years.
Our coaches will bring in better talent, develop that talent, (see the OL) and be aggressive with it (see the 4th and 1). We are no longer content to run out the clock before half (see today’s FG). We are coaching smarter, and giving the players a chance to make plays (though both the O and D let us down at times today, they were at least given the chance).
Right now, we will lose some games, but we will do it while running full speed, rather than tiptoeing around and never giving ourselves a chance. The Bruins are playing and coaching with heart. And before too much longer, we’ll have the talent that will consistently make those plays (a stop on 3rd and 22, converting the 4th and 1, getting points before halftime), and these close losses we’ve seen will be statement wins.
(p.s. – sjh, welcome home. glad you and yours are safe and sound and wired. we all hope SE Texas is getting back toward normal).
greg in denver
by gbruin on Sep 27, 2008 11:11 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agreed with both calls by CRN
As much as we dislike him, think about how cheatie coaches. He makes his opponent stop them four times. He will always back you up ten yards because he has confidence in his D. Aggressive play calling and playing to win. I just thought on fourth and inches you do a quarterback sneak.
by Give me a B... on Sep 28, 2008 1:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My thoughts
I have no problem with going for it on 4th and 1, but I disagree with taking the penalty. I understand CRN trying to instill confidence in our D, but I don’t think that was the smartest move at the time. No doubt, this will not be the last time I disagree with CRN, but in no way does it change my mind that he is the right person for this job or that I don’t have his back.
As for the D, my jury is still out on DW. Nestor and others have pointed out that he has very young talent coming up, and I am willing to give him a chance to develop those players.
I was glad to see the running game back. As sick as I am this morning, I know Coleman is sicker. However, I’m not mad at him. Even the best players make mistakes sometimes. I heard that when he came over to the sidelines, CRN didn’t berate him, which was the right thing to do.
Mr. BB said that there were a lot of postive points to this game, but right now I’m too sick to think about it. No matter how much I prepared myself for this season, it doesn’t take away from the fact that losing sucks big time.
Bottom line, I’m sick over this game, but it doesn’t change my support for CRN or this team. As sure as the sun rises, I’ll be here Saturday night cheering them on because I am a Bruin and that’s what Bruins support their own.
by bruinbabe2000 on Sep 28, 2008 5:28 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
agree with the defense of CRN
and his aggressiveness and trust. That is exactly what we need.
Would agree the defense needs to improve, but would argue it is an extremely young defense that has the same problem the offense has: talent in the last two years class, and not much from the older guys. I will withhold judgement on DW until I see if the defense improves with experience.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Sep 28, 2008 9:48 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Young Defense Fallacy
In College football, where graduation and injuries are a facts of life, the defense can always be called “young”. Under DW, his “young” defense has always surrendered the big plays. His defense has always been horrendous in the red zone. His defense has always been outcoached. Except for the once in a lifetime miracle against SC, his defense has been routinely schooled by WSU, U of O, Utah, BYU, etc. So I beg to differ with Nestor, I don’t think the jury is out nor do you need to hesitate to comment…
by Gary72 on Sep 28, 2008 10:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
routinely schooled by whom?
Of the four teams you listed, in 2006 and 2007, we held them to 17 points or less in 4 of the 8 games we played against them. The average we gave up is 22.75 points to the 4 teams you mentioned.
The defense is struggling this year, but the revisionist history that DWalker had a poor defense in 2006 and 2007 is just not borne out by the facts.
Points allowed
WSU 2006 37 2007 27
Utah 2006 10 2007 44
UO 2006 30 2007 0
BYU 2006 DNP 2007(a) 17 2007 (b) 17
Average: 22.75 points per game.
"when you've seen how big the world is, how can you make due with this?"
by silverlakebruin on Sep 28, 2008 11:04 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Let the players make plays
That’s the winning attitude. While we may believe that the player we have may not be as capable of making those plays that we are used to, they have to believe that they can make those plays. This is a belief reinforced by CRN’s playcalling. The bottom line is that when CRN makes a decision that backfires, at least I can clearly see the rationale behind it, which has generally not been the case in previous years.
by Tydides on Sep 28, 2008 10:19 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The Fumble
I don’t disagree with any decisions that CRN made. He was aggressive and playing to win. The only problem I had was the fumble by Coleman. Why give the ball to a freshman with limited carries in the Red Zone! OMG we had KB and Chane the Freight Train Moline—2 experienced Seniors to carry the load! This is gonna haunt me forever like the decision Bob Toledo made against Wash. State in the opening game years ago to hand off to a seldom used scatback on the 1 yard line which failed when I think we had Skip Hicks. That was the critical choice that got a Ryan Leaf led Cougar team into the Rose Bowl instead of the Bruins led by Cade McNown.
by bruin75 on Sep 28, 2008 10:37 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Its funny you mentioned that WSU game
I still have nightmares about that game and the one after against Tennessee.
You could see and sense how those Bruins had “it.” But they were just coming up short with little mistakes. And then they refocused … and rest is history in terms of what took place after that heartbreaking loss to Payton Manning.
by Nestor on Sep 28, 2008 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Playing devils' advocate
I think Hicks was running behind Ogden on that play. Who would’ve thought that would happen?
And as for the UT game, the refs played a big role in that one early one when they negated a return for a touchdown on some bogus penalty.
by UCLA4Life on Sep 28, 2008 8:17 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Fresno Red Zone
Daaaang! I was overcome by too much red in the Rose Bowl. They were everywhere, including the press boxes. How does that happen? Yeah, I know our marketing dept. invited the entire San Joaquin Valley down to party in our house, but that ain’t right. Too many Bruins stayed at home and watched on TV while the Fresno fans ended up with their seats. Aside from the end zones, there was way too much red in sections 19 and 20 on the press box side. To their credit though, the FSU fans were respectful the entire game.
by bruin75 on Sep 28, 2008 10:49 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Respectful Fans
I agree – I had a few behind me and they were very respectful and nice fans. Their perception was that UCLA wasn’t gonna have many fans there at all and that they would basically own the Rose Bowl. That was the word going around. I could hear many of them talking behind me and they were shocked at how many fans we did have there. I know there was a lot of red there and that is understandable, but for a 1-2 team at the time to have about 50,000 show up in that heat and cheer their hearts out isn’t too bad in my opinion. Of course we want more fans there and when we start winning, it will change.
Also, Rick came over and took the mic after the game and thanked the fans for sitting in the heat and how much they appreciate it. With regards to our loss, he said “This will change” and I believe him!
GO BRUINS!!!
by uclafan11 on Sep 28, 2008 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Neu on the mic after the game
that was pretty awesome and immediately made me feel better after such a tough loss.
by bruin8uclap on Sep 28, 2008 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I on;y disagreed
With the call were we were at the 37 of Fresno, 4th and 1, and we punted and it ended up in the endzone, making it like a 15 yard punt (numbers may be a bit mixed up)
FSU fans really were everywhere…I remember in the USC game in 2005 (just shown again on FSN something) when they nearly knocked of the trOJies that they swarmed the Mausoleum as well.
Here’s to WSU!
by PopnFried on Sep 28, 2008 10:57 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Remembering Paul Newman
Forgive me Nestor and ‘66 for posting about Paul Newman here. I’m still stinging from the FSU loss yesterday but I am saddened by the passing of a great actor. I am a Bruin Barrister as are many in the BN. Paul Newman’s character in The Verdict has inspired me in many of my jury trials, especially when I was the underdog and felt quite vulnerable. His closing argument with so few words was priceless. He sought dignity and justice where seemingly none could be found. Few of us have the courage to bare our soul in closing argument. Paul showed us how. Not something they teach in law school. Paul, you made a difference in so many ways.
by bruin75 on Sep 28, 2008 11:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
why so harsh
on the D. and being relentlessly optimistic about only the O.
youre talking about being optimistic, but you throw the D (specifically dwayne walker) under the bus in order to make defend the offense.
my personal opinion is both sides of the ball have little experience to work with. i think both coaches are doing the best they can.
by brewin05 on Sep 28, 2008 11:24 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
See my comment under Nestor's thread
I am not throwing the players under the bus, I am calling on Walker to do with his troops what Chow and Palcic are doing with theirs — I’m asking that he show us improvement and growth each week.
And, I’m not using the D to defend the O — I’m simply calling bullshit on those who over the past years have blamed the O for the D’s failures. Some started to do it in the game day thread, yesterday. The facts do not support the finger pointing.
In Nestor’s thread, I point out that defensive melt downs in games we could or should have won are characteristic of DW’s tenure here.
After previous losses, people called on Ganz to step up and for Palcic to do the same. They did. Why is it wrong to do the same with DW?
sjh
by Class of 66 on Sep 28, 2008 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Hear, Hear
DW, follow their example—have more than one plan, have something else to try. Show the same faith is these guys that Coaches Neu, Chow & Palcic are heaping upon K Craft and our so-called “no-talent,” underage OL.
My gut feeling is that these guys will reward that faith and trust by playing well over expectations.
Love My Bruins
by Bruingirl83 on Sep 29, 2008 7:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Defense and DW
The offense stepped up Saturday. I am so impressed with Palcic and what he has managed to do. I believe we should call out the defensive coaching staff. Our defensive starters included 5 Seniors and 3 Juniors. We talk about this being a rebuilding year but what about the defense. DW has had these players from the beginning. The only underclassman starting saturday were Sloan, Price and Moore(Price and Moore are playing great). I do think we have to improve in the middle linebacking position (Freshmans Westgate, Sloan and Ayers will all get better with more experience) . At times it looked like they were taking bad angles to the ball carriers. Still, I just don’t see how we could give up so many points to Fresno State.
by bruin1998 on Sep 28, 2008 1:12 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The play call i didnt like hasnt been mentioned....
First, great post by 66, and i agree with him (for the same reasons) on those two plays.
However, i didnt like the punt call on 4th and 1 the FIRST time we had 4th and 1 in their territory. It was at the FSU 38. We were moving the ball well on them, and our defense was stopping them. It seemed like an obvious time to have gone for it, and didnt send the “i trust our team” message. Just sayin’.
by bornagainbruin on Sep 28, 2008 4:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Huh
Forgot about that. You have a point here. What was the score at that time …do you remember?
by Nestor on Sep 28, 2008 4:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
8 minutes left in the second quarter
we had scored on our previous two drives, and were leading 16-13.
Seemed odd (to put it nicely) that we wouldnt go for it just out of field goal range, but then would go for it later on 4th and 1 when we were in field goal range….and both times our offense had been clicking up to that point, so situationally, they were similar.
by bornagainbruin on Sep 28, 2008 10:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I remember now
Good call on your part.
by Nestor on Sep 29, 2008 4:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I wonder if CRN was thinking Perez would pin FSU deep in their own territory
Perez has been pretty good at doing that. Then if FSU went three and out, there would be another Austin punt return and we could end up with better field position. A lotta if’s, but CRN does focus on field position.
by Telemachus on Sep 29, 2008 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I totally agree
I was very confused about the call especially because the run game was solid, the pace of the game was in our favor, and the FSU defense was confused.
I’m not sure at what point of the game it was though.
by BruinsRUs on Sep 28, 2008 9:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup 66
I am completely pleased with the progress most of our team has shown. We point out our running game is back, I’d rather say our OLine has come. But there is a glaring difference in our team, as 66 points out. While our offense has shown remarkable improvement, our defense has not. I attribute this simply to coaching. Each coach has taken their part of the team to the next step, even our special teams, receiving is still questionable, I still see too many routes run under the the chains on 3rd down. DW, on the other hand, has not shown team improvement, and displays his trademark, defensive team collapses. He is the weakest link on CRN staff, and I think it will become more apparent as the season wears on.
by brewinz on Sep 28, 2008 4:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Just wanted to add
my concurrence on your main point about playing to win, 66.
I was fortunate enough to attend the game. As Barnes2JJ says, we played our guts out. We weren’t timid. We may have been imprudently incautious at times, but, by golly, we were playing to win.
As a fan, I can tell you what a pleasure it was to be in full-throated support of a team that made no bones about their aim. Direct snaps to Coleman. B. Price lined up at fullback and blocking for a Bell (I think) TD. Craft, again, leading a fourth quarter drive with fire and poise.
Great, great stuff. I’ll take unabashed determination to win and the mistakes that come with it any day, because I know the mistakes will become fewer with time.
In contrast, playing timidly and making avoidance of mistakes the primary objective is nearly unbearable to watch. If this kind of football were played by a baseball team, the cautious team would concede their at-bats every inning so that they could return to defense and try to hold the other team scoreless. Fans watching have nothing positive to root for. At best, nothing bad can happen. Eventually, though, it does. In the meantime, the cautious team will have squandered their chances for offense.
Nicely reasoned and well articulated post, 66. Thanks.
by Bruinut on Sep 29, 2008 9:42 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
B. Price In the Backfield?
Wow. I watched the game on TV and missed that. I think the announcers were also fooled by some of the direct snaps to Coleman. They figured it out later in the game.
I love this team and what CRN and NC are doing with it.
sjh
by Class of 66 on Sep 30, 2008 6:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Honestly,
I didn’t catch B. Price being Bronco Price at the time, either. I excuse my inattention with the fact that the action was at eye level diagonally opposite my seat 100 yards away. Chris Foster mentions it briefly (sorry, Fox): link. I did notice that on at least one of the direct snaps to Coleman, DC was actually lined up in shotgun formation and calling the snap. I’m not sure where Craft was, or whether he was in the game then.
Twice Price
UCLA defensive tackle Brian Price had an interception, on a pass that was tipped at the line of scrimmage by defensive end Tom Blake.
That was after he was sent in at fullback and threw the lead block on a one-yard touchdown run by Bell.
by Bruinut on Sep 30, 2008 8:50 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
(completing the excerpt)
“I was ready to knock some heads,” Price said. “I can’t wait until they call me in again.”
by Bruinut on Sep 30, 2008 9:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Give Him The Ball!
Our own version of the Frig Perry?
sjh
by Class of 66 on Sep 30, 2008 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Gotta editorialize here
I think you have to spell it “Fridge” Perry. “Frig” Perry sounds, well, you know.
by Fox 71 on Sep 30, 2008 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So many questions
If BP took the snap directly, would you call that a “price hike”?
If he didn’t line up on the left side, would you say “the price is right”?
If he flattened an opponent with a block, would you say that there was “a price on one’s head”?
Just wondering.
by Bruinut on Sep 30, 2008 9:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and if he sacked a QB
you would say that dropping back has its price
by tasser10 on Oct 1, 2008 8:18 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Wow
Those were really bad. Those weren’t just sort of bad, they were really awfully stinkularly bad. Which, of course, is the PRICE you have to pay for a good pun.
by Fox 71 on Oct 1, 2008 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
But a REALLY good pun would actually be...
PRICEless…
by tasser10 on Oct 1, 2008 3:13 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Although Fox
adds to his growing legacy of terms coinage (stinkularly), and although gbruin has the perfect capper (unsubscribe!!), I’m still left wondering whether treatment for injury that BP receives would be called “price fixing.”
Now, please, no more Savage attacks. I don’t take those Harwell.
by Bruinut on Oct 1, 2008 5:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How did my original post morph into this?
sjh
by Class of 66 on Oct 1, 2008 5:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well
That’s the Price we pay when trying to Craft a reply to show our Love, especially if someone Knox our Bruins. That does Chase away any inhibitions, because we’re Keane on our team and I’m not A. Ware that we should hold back any Moore, ‘cause our team is to Dye for. So, we’ll continue to ring the Bell for UCLA and Pat each other on the back as we Hale the Deans of our athletic excellence, and the pride we have, we Lockett in our hearts ’til we go to our Graves.
by Telemachus on Oct 1, 2008 7:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Uncle!
I count at least 12 groans in one post. Well done.
by Bruinut on Oct 1, 2008 8:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This should be enough.
We should follow the example of the greatest coach ever. He certainly Wooden be making this many puns.
Thank you. I’ll be here all week. Make sure to try the veal, and tip your waitress.
by Fox 71 on Oct 1, 2008 9:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Bada bing!
While you’re promo’ing yourself, a couple of times, you’ve mentioned that you have been engaged by Fox, the TV network, to work some Rays’ playoff game(s).
Tell us about it. What do you do? Are your contributions on air? Are they viewable outside Tampa? How did this happen?
I imagine that, with the start of your NCAA pit-bull role, you’ll have less time to mix it up with show-biz celebrities, huh? What is Jessica Alba really like?
by Bruinut on Oct 2, 2008 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, it all started at a little radio station in Fresno
Actually, my little boy used to work for Fox Sports and he knew a guy, etc. I got hired to be the runner, which is the guy who goes between the booth and the truck taking things, getting coffee, stuff like that. Sort of like a junior associate. But the incredible part is that I got paid. It ends up being something on the order of $100, I get to watch the game (at least for baseball – football I’m stuck in the truck), and when I’m in the press box I get to avail myself of the feeding trough which is pretty nice.
I did get my name in the credits the year the Angels won the Series, as did everyone who worked any part of any game for Fox. That year, living in LA, I scored games at the studio and so my participation was giving a little piece of paper with info which made its way into the crawl across the bottom of the screen. I worked very closely with Jeannie Zelasko (well, she was about 30 feet away.) She is very nice, by the way, as is Kevin Kennedy.
Being in the truck is fascinating. The next time you watch a game pay attention to everything you see on the screen. Every change of camera, every graphic, every sound effect, every replay has to be called by the director, and he’s just like an orchestra conductor. In football, every camera has a responsibility, and it might not be following the ball, which is why there are replays showing the coach’s reaction, or showing a the hold away from the play, etc. It’s all very interesting. And I get paid.
I would tell more, but Jessica is picking me up in a few minutes.
by Fox 71 on Oct 2, 2008 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
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