A Dirty Job, But Someone Had to Do It

Excerpts from MORNING BRIEFING are Courtesy of L.A. Times

By Larry Stewart
Times Staff Writer
February 7, 2006

Steve Garvey, Bill Russell and Ron Cey attended Monday's Southern California Sports Broadcasters awards luncheon at Lakeside Golf Course in Toluca Lake.

They were there to accept a special award that went to the Dodger infield that also included second baseman Davey Lopes.

Garvey, the first baseman, said of that infield's shortstop: "I want to thank Bill Russell for helping me win four Gold Gloves with all those throws into the dirt that I had to dig out."

Claim to fame: Longtime San Diego Padre announcer Jerry Coleman was at Monday's sportscasters luncheon to accept the President's Award.

"I've broadcast more losing games than any other broadcaster," Coleman proudly proclaimed.

Just a few problems: The Padres, you might say, lowered their voice to the playing field in 1980 and had Coleman manage the team. They finished 73-89.

"We had three Hall of Famers that year — Dave Winfield, Rollie Fingers and Ozzie Smith," Coleman said. "They weren't the problem, though. It was the 22 other guys."

All in the family: Radio personality Jorge Jarrin was at the luncheon to announce the winner in the foreign-language broadcasting category. The winner — no surprise — was Jarrin's father, Jaime, who has been the Dodgers' lead Spanish-language announcer since 1973.

"May you have a long and prosperous career," Jorge told him.

Said Jaime: "I want to thank my older brother for presenting me with this award."

Improving with age: Sparky Anderson, who turns 72 on Feb. 22, was given a lifetime achievement award at the luncheon."I've been getting a lot of honors lately," he said. "I guess that means I'm getting old."

It's now on the map: Speaking of his birthplace, Anderson said, "Before I came along, nobody had ever heard of Bridgewater — or even South Dakota, for that matter."

A good lesson: Jim Tracy, given the group's High Five Award, said he got an important tip from Anderson: "Manage with your eyes, not your heart."

Larry Stewart can be reached at larry.stewart@latimes.com

Excerpts from MORNING BRIEFING are Courtesy of L.A. Times