Favorite childhood memory: Going to my first major-league baseball game with my father when I was ten-years-old. Saw the Dodgers play the Braves in Atlanta on July 16, 1971 (obviously it was important to me since I remember the day). Dodgers lost, 10-0 but I didn't care. I had a blast. I had other great memories of going to ball games with my Dad (saw Willie Mays play just before he retired), but as my father's son, my favorite memory of going to a ball game came after I was grown. In the summer of 1991, my father was fighting a losing battle with cancer. Knowing we didn't have a lot of time left together, we drove from Texas back to North Carolina, then up to Philadelphia and caught the Astros and Phillies. It turned out to be our last father-son outing, and we had a great time; something I'll never forget.
Jump on your soapbox and explain one thing you think needs to be changed in sports: Attitude of players, coaches, media, and, perhaps most of all, fans... In a society of instant gratification, sports have become more (in the pros), and in-your-face insults (from fans). It seems to be more important to people that their favorite teams "stick it" to the opponents, and to their fans. What has become wearisome is a group of one team's fans saying they hate another team or university because that team has "the worst fans anywhere", when in fact many of their own fans are just as poorly behaved. Professional athletes and coaches who blame the media for their own poor performances is old, as is reading and listening to other media who have their own agendas for disliking a certain team or coach. Sports would be a lot more fun if people would remember the game more than the attitude.
Most embarrassing moment: Anytime I get something wrong on the air. And that happens often enough to make me want to get better at what I do.
Pet peeves: Red tape really irritates me. Going through unnecessary procedures to do my job, or just enjoying life is a real pain when you're trying to get from Point A to Point B.
What you like to do in your free time: What free time? Just kidding. I enjoy hanging out with my family, which isn't often enough. Attending my kids' athletic and extracurricular activities is a big thrill. I also like reading or watching historical accounts (I'm a big History Channel, History Channel International and Biography Channel fan). I would tell you that I enjoy playing golf, but I only get to play a few rounds a year due to my schedule, so those are few and far between.
Anything else you'd like to add?: I love being on the air, and talking with people about sports. I appreciate their interest and passion for their favorite teams, players, and events. Without the sports fan, there wouldn't be a reason for us in the broadcasting business to do what we do.