01.01.07 – By John Howard: “Pete Rose was such a model prisoner at Marion, Ill.,
that they’re thinking about retiring his number.” ~ Allan Mallamud
“Emotions are running so high at the [Bobby] Fischer- [Boris] Spassky chess match, beer sales will be cut off after the seventh move.” ~ Allan Mallamud..
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Allan Mallamud was a sportswriter who wrote a column for the now defunct Herald-Examiner and later the Los Angeles Times. Allan passed away 10 years ago this past September. He died at the young age of 54, two years my senior. Allan’s column consisted of little notes, snippets, and tidbits of information from baseball to horse-racing to football. His column was entitled “Notes on a Scorecard.”
I remember the first few times I read Allan’s column, I thought he was a writer out of material and was just trying to think up anything for fill. Over time, the more I read his columns the more I could appreciate the genius of Allan and his knack for insight into sports that others didn’t have.
Allan also did some acting and had cameos in “Raging Bull” (1980), “Cobb” (1994), “Tin Cup” (1996) and several other films.
In memory of Allan, for this one time only, I’ve decided to make an attempt to resurrect “Notes on a Scorecard” and gear it towards boxing. If you loved to read Allan like I did and want to remember his articles the way they were, please heed this warning… Stop Reading Now!
I hope everyone remembers that line about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery. Having said that, here goes:
… Apparently, the Mike Tyson Grill is doing well among the cannibalistic Timboko Tribe in the Congo in Africa. Tribesmen say the slow cooking process can take even the rubberyness out of ear.
… Regarding the ear abnormality of Evander Holyfield, this is one common bond that will forever link him with Vincent Van Gogh.
… The battle to get control of Iraq would be a much easier task than removing Don King and Bob Arum from professional boxing.
… Is it just me, or does Michael Buffer “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” have a resemblance to Adult Film Star Peter North?
… As a fighter, James “Lights Out” Toney is too defensive oriented. He needs to throw more punches. Back when he played high school football, I’m thinking he played defense only.
… I’d pay $49.95 to see James Toney join Jenny Craig and in a year from now appear on Oprah in a bikini.