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Award-winning columnist Tom Archdeacon — an old-school storyteller in a brand-new venue — writes about sports, the city, southwest Ohio and anything else that catches his fancy… or yours.Home > Blogs > Through the Arch > Archives > 2008 > June > 03 > Entry
BLOG: Reds’ Griffey & Wright State’s New AD
Here are some thoughts on Ken Griffey Jr. and Wright State’s Bob Grant — a guy who hits home runs and a guy who might enjoy some home-field advantage:
— on GRANT: — Although the decision on who will be the school’s next athletics director remains a much-debated mystery around Wright State, my guess is that Bob Grant gets picked over George Mason’s Kevin McNamee.
The decision likely will be made Wednesday by WSU president David Hopkins and be announced Thursday.
Two of the key factors are supposed to be a better handling of fund raising and budget, both areas Grant — WSU’s associate AD — already is involved in.
But while Grant has some detractors, he has been at the school a long time, has been loyal and has the support of some of the Raiders’ biggest donors and many of the WSU coaches who were hired while he was an administrative assistant.
While McNamme, the deputy associate AD at George Mason, is a strong candidate with an impressive bio and has the support of several WSU people, as well, home-field advantage may come into play.
The other two candidates are Brian Teter, the AD at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi and formerly the sports information director at Miami University, and Steve Downing, senior associate director of athletics at Texas Tech.
— ON GRIFFEY: If you’re a parent and like sharing baseball with your son or daughter, catch a game at Great American Ball Park this summer and — amidst all the giddy excitement about Jay Bruce, the second coming of Homer Bailey and those over-the-fence booms by Adam Dunn (which I think will be coming in bunches now) — make sure to point out Griffey and explain he’s one guy who did it the right way, the natural way, the way few of the great home run hitters of his era did do it.
Forget the steroid-clouded sluggers — guys like Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. By all accounts, Griffey has reached the cusp of 600 home runs cleanly. He’s got more in common with the greats of other eras, guys like Hank Aaron, Willie Mays and Babe Ruth. They weren’t artificially enhanced — unless you count the Babe’s hot dogs and brew.
Griffey almost certainly will be gone next year and though he isn’t always the most embraceable guy, he’s someone every baseball fan needs to see in person. If for no other reason than every home run he hits is believable and worthy of the applause.
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Comments
By Andrew Flagel
June 10, 2008 12:01 PM | Link to this
I would truly have to lose Kevin here at Mason, but if he has to go I would love to see my hometown get the benefit of his talent. He is a gifted administrator, and has created an incredble atmosphere that combines succesful athletics with the highest ethical and behavioral standards. In my 20 years in higher education I have never found such an incredible athletic culture, and I don’t doubt that a great deal of the credit rests with Kevin. I can’t speak to the other candidates, but I am confident that Kevin would be an outstanding asset to Wright State and to the community.By Andrew Flagel
June 10, 2008 12:00 PM | Link to this
I would truly have to lose Kevin here at Mason, but if he has to go I would love to see my hometown get the benefit of his talent. He is a gifted administrator, and has created an incredble atmosphere that combines succesful athletics with the highest ethical and behavioral standards. In my 20 years in higher education I have never found such an incredible athletic culture, and I don’t doubt that a great deal of the credit rests with Kevin. I can’t speak to the other candidates, but I am confident that Kevin would be an outstanding asset to Wright State and to the community.By John
June 4, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Griffey is tough to cheer for, because he does not always hustle. One article references Ryan Freel’s Pete Rose style of play. Fan’s would rather see a mediocre player who bust’s his tail than a superstar who refuses to run out a ground ball.By John
June 4, 2008 7:50 AM | Link to this
Griffey is tough to cheer for, because he does not always hustle. One article references Ryan Freel’s Pete Rose style of play. Fan’s would rather see a mediocre player who bust’s his tail than a superstar who refuses to run out a ground ball.By Mike
June 3, 2008 10:13 PM | Link to this
I do not know Steve Downing, but I am familiar with George Mason’s athletic department and have crossed paths with Kevin McNamee multiple times. I believe he is ready to take the leap into the athletic director role. He reminds me of Tim Wabler over at UD. He does not try to hide things and deals with people honestly. It sounds like there are two very capable candidates and Wright State will be in good hands.By Mike Wolinsky
June 3, 2008 9:32 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt that Steve Downing is the best candidate for this position. If you talked to anyone who has ever worked with him, you will find that he is an extraordinary leader. Whether at Indiana or Texas Tech, the programs that he led developed a winning mentality and he has the national contacts to help Wright State continue its climb among the nation’s elite. Downing knows how to put together a strong administrative team, communicate with his coaches and work with student-athletes to promote their best interests.By Mike Wolinsky
June 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt that Steve Downing is the best candidate for this position. If you talked to anyone who has ever worked with him, you will find that he is an extraordinary leader. Whether at Indiana or Texas Tech, the programs that he led developed a winning mentality and he has the national contacts to help Wright State continue its climb among the nation’s elite. Downing knows how to put together a strong administrative team, communicate with his coaches and work with student-athletes to promote their best interests.By Mike Wolinsky
June 3, 2008 9:31 PM | Link to this
There is no doubt that Steve Downing is the best candidate for this position. If you talked to anyone who has ever worked with him, you will find that he is an extraordinary leader. Whether at Indiana or Texas Tech, the programs that he led developed a winning mentality and he has the national contacts to help Wright State continue its climb among the nation’s elite. Downing knows how to put together a strong administrative team, communicate with his coaches and work with student-athletes to promote their best interests.