Smith: Chick and ‘Teddy Ballgame’

There was a teenage rookie outfielder for the San Diego Padres in the summer of 1936 who was fidgety, restless, and blatantly anxious to experience more playing time in the outfield. He was “champing at the bit” to play every day.

Smith: Charlie Condon

A few weeks ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers in Phoenix. This allowed me to see Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani play at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks chose to pitch to him.The Diamondbacks chose to pitch to him.

Smith: Archie Manning at 75 years old

Last week, I called Archie Manning with a routine request that led to an informal conversation that typically occurs a few times each year. There is a lot of humor when we talk.There is a lot of humor when we talk. There is no profanity, no mean-spirited gossip.

Smith: 'His teams sure beat the spread a lot.' The time I talked Vince Dooley with Pete Rose

There is a new biography out on Pete Rose, with the title and subtitle telling it all: Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Days of Baseball.Like Pete, author Keith O’Brien grew up in Cincinnati, and he, too, was a passionate Reds fan.

Smith: Bulldogs earn awards

The University of Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation recently hosted its 38th annual awards banquet before a packed house at the Athens Country Club.UGA's chapter has enjoyed No.

Smith: Don Leebern

All of us bring about multiple images as we travel life’s journey, and we will be remembered differently by those with whom we cross paths. For the Payne Hall fraternity of the late ’50s, there were some interesting characters with divergent and varying ways.

Smith: The Kentucky Derby

The running of the Kentucky Derby has always gotten my attention – long before I even had the opportunity to experience the “Run for the Roses” live and in living color.I will watch the 149th running of the Derby this Saturday via NBC with mixed emotions. I won’t have to fight the crowds.

Smith: Masters wrap-up

AUGUSTA – Scottie Scheffler represents a lot of what most of us like. He is a champion who has manners, taste, and fire in the belly. He likes to win because he is a competitor, but one who underscores class and goodwill. He is a good neighbor type, who would lend a helping hand.

Smitjh: Reminiscing and dreaming

One of my pastimes is reminiscing, which seems to be gathering steam as I count my birthdays.The time for reflection most often comes about at the start of baseball season. It causes me to flashback to my days on the farm when there was no television, only scratchy static on an old Philco radio.

Smith: Nat Dye

BLYTHE - Dating back to colonial times, this rural community of 744 hardworking folks has been anchored amid farming and agribusiness interests along with hunting and fishing pursuits.It is 10 miles southwest of Ft.