A Sad Day in Cincy

Hal McCoy, the Dayton Daily News's Cincinnati Reds beat for 37 years (longest active tenure) has been let go, and will retire at the end of the season. McCoy, known by everyone simply as "Hal" is somebody I have had the privilege of getting to know both in and out of the press box. Simply put, baseball reporting and the DDN are about to lose a huge asset.

Sure, he's a hall-of-famer. Sure, he's got a pair of World Series rings to put up on the mantle (though he likes to wear the ring from '75). Sure, he can rest on his laurels of a wonderful career, successful kids, and a wife and dog at home. But what can never be seen or written about is Hal's true character. He's the kind of reporter who believes press boxes should be filled with cigar smoke and chili dogs. He's the kind of guy who doesn't let blindness slow him down. He's the kind of guy who knows everybody's name who works at Great American Ballpark, from the valet to the cook to Dusty Baker and the basement bunch. He's one of those guys you always wish the best for, and just hate to see things like this happen to.

Hal is respected. Everyone loves him; the fans, the readers, the players, the reporters, everybody. When players won't talk to anybody, they'll talk to Hal. I was able to get more personal interviews with players if I tacked "I'm with Hal" onto the end of my own introduction. Heck even then-Reds General Manager Wayne Krivsky chased Hal down in the parking lot the night Jerry Narron was fired. And you know you've made it when Dr. Tim Kremchek - the Reds' surgeon - performs your knee surgery AND the surgery makes the cover of the sports section, as it did when Hal had his meniscus operated on a few years ago.

On a personal note, Hal, it was a pleasure to work with you. I learned how to conduct myself professionally in a clubhouse and a press box from watching you. I learned how to crank humorous and informative stories out in minutes, just from watching you do it. I learned that work is best when it isn't. But honestly, my favorite memories from working with you were the trips to and from the ballpark. You love baseball, and this isn't going to change that. I hope you can enjoy some games from the seats in retirement.

Read Hal's blog here