Tim Peterson and some freaky Dodger Fan
By Tim Peterson
You either loved him or you hated him. He was just one of the those guys. You either loved him for his honesty or hated him for his harsh criticism of players, coaches and even owners on the LA sports scene.
Oh he was definitely honest. At times brutally honest. He wasn’t afraid to call somebody a “moron” or an “idiot” if he truly deserved it. While other sports talk show hosts would try to sugar coat things Big Joe McDonnell would give it to you straight.
If a general manager made a move that turned into a bust then McDonnell would say exactly that. He at one time took to calling Laker GM Mitch Kupchak “Asleep at the switch” Mitch. He ridiculed Kobe Bryant for the incident in Colorado years ago. He ripped Dodger owner Frank McCourt up one side and down the other for his constant blunders when he was in charge.
McDonnell would say the things that everybody else on the air was afraid to. But he was also the one who usually got the scoop first. McDonnell was the most plugged in guy to the LA sports scene than any sports talk show host I’ve ever listened to.
If you listen to sports talk radio today most of the hosts will tell you they are just speculating – especially when it comes to a big story. McDonnell would actually have a source who would tell him exactly what was going on.
When word came out Friday that McDonnell, who had been battling health problems for a number of years, passed away at the age of 58, it saddened my heart. Sad, because I can never again hear him tell me about the Dodgers, Angels, Lakers and Kings and knowing it was the straight scoop. Sad, because I can never again hear him call an athlete’s action “moronic” instead of trying to gloss it over because he’s trying to make friends. And sad because I can never again hear him do what few sports talk show hosts do today- talk sports. RIP Big Joe. There will never be another one like you.
I don’t now what’s a better story right now- Azusa Pacific Basketball or Maranatha Basketball. Both are having historical seasons. Maranatha won its first ever CIF title last Friday night with a win over Campbell Hall and is now rolling through the State Tournament like its men against boys. Tyler Dorsey saved his best for the best dropping 52 on Chaminade Saturday night.
Meanwhile APU is making some loud noise of its own. The Cougars are now in the Sweet Sixteen of the NCAA Division II playoffs. They picked up their first ever NCAA playoff win by beating Western Oregon Friday night and then beat Cal Poly Pomona for the first time in the second round Saturday night. Guard Troy Leaf has scored 66 points in the two games.
The magical seasons continue for both this week. APU is home Monday night against Cal Baptist. Maranatha hosts Crespi. Get there early.
That’s my principle.
Tim can be reached at tim@midvalleysports.com or on Twitter @tspeterson40
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