GOBEARCATSDOTCOM
Dan Hoard: Column 3

Column Archives:
 Column 1
Column 2

158 days ago, I climbed into my jam-packed Subaru Outback and began driving east for Boston where 5 days later I began a new job as the radio voice of the Pawtucket Red Sox.

It was a great summer, highlighted by the birth of our son Sam in May. I've attached another photo of the handsome devil.

But after living in Cincinnati for 10 years, I've missed it and can't wait to return this week to broadcast the BIG EAST opener against Pitt.

Wanna know what I missed most? Here's a off-the-top-of-my head list (with a Steve Logan-esque assist from my wife Peg):

  • The look on Chuck's face after a bad call against UC.
  • Jim Kelly's ability to explain the difference between a bubble screen and a jailbreak screen.
  • My friend Darren at Cilantro restaurant near campus (beg him to make you the shrimp cakes).
  • Going for a run that starts at Sawyer Point, crosses the central bridge into Kentucky, returns to Ohio on the suspension bridge and finishes past PBS and GABP.
  • Montgomery Inn ribs.
  • Bob the bartender at Mr. Pitiful's. The best bartender in the world.
  • The Vineyard, Sharon Woods, Elks Run, The Golf Center at King's Island, Lassing Pointe, and all of the other great public golf courses in the Cincinnati area.
  • Trust me, you are blessed by the golf gods.
  • A burger at Zip's.
  • Lance in the afternoon and the Furball at night.
  • Griffey's swing.
  • Sneaking out of the press box to watch a few innings from the right field seats at Great American Ball Park.
  • Saturday morning at Finley Market.
  • The Struggle for the Steak.
  • The Williams YMCA.
  • My friends at Bearcatinsider.com and bearcatnews.com who are keeping me informed long-distance.
  • Listening to Marty, Joe, Steve, George and Chris.
  • Especially Marty.
  • Buying running shoes at Roncker's Running Spot in O'Bryonville.
  • Chad Johnson's genius.
  • Cumin restaurant in Hyde Park. There's no lunch better than the Naanwich.
  • Graeter's peach ice cream for dessert. Since I've already missed fresh peach month, I'll happily settle for the banana chip at Aglamesis Brother's in Oakley.
  • Tricia, Jack, Rich, Brian, Rufus, Joe, Steve Ackermann, David Ashbrock and all of the talented folks at Fox 19.
  • The view of the Cincinnati skyline from the cut in the hill.
  • The Mad Max burrito at Habanero Cafe.
  • Hawaiian delicacies with Reed, Laura, Meagan and Jimmy.
  • Nippert Stadium under the lights.

    See you there on Friday night.