In 2005, it was exciting to see Mr. Berra in the lobby again, this time greeting his former Yankees teammate Jerry Coleman, who was being honored for his broadcasting career. When I asked how Mr. Coleman was as a player, Mr. Berra said: “Fine. Saved me from a lot of errors.” No Yogi-isms. No pretense. No arrogance.  Just a nice, cordial man who respected my role and lauded his most deserving friend. Often the smallest moments can leave a big impression. And isn’t it nice when it’s a good one?

I feel privileged to have been in Cooperstown for three Induction Weekends with access both as a member of the media and a guest of the Padres. Seeing people including Yogi Berra was as if I opened a book or old film archives and took a walk through time — then to now.

RIP Mr. Berra and thank you for the remarkable mark you’ve made.

The post Yogi Berra: My few minutes with greatness appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

Randy Jones

Rollie Fingers

The post One on One Legends: Randy Jones and Rollie Fingers shows appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

I first did the One on One featuring Ozzie in 2002. We did the sit-down interview here in San Diego and then wove in the televised summer ceremony when he was inducted. For the back-story of that experience, you’d enjoy the chapter on Ozzie in my book available here on my website.

For this Legends show, we weren’t able to travel to St. Louis for an on-camera interview, so I coordinated with his assistant and within a few days Ozzie called and we talked for a good 15-20 minutes.  He updated me on the last several years, his involvement as an Education Ambassador with the Hall of Fame, heading up the St. Louis PGA chapter http://www.gatewaypga.org/pgareach and  the Big Brothers Big Sisters www.bbbsemo.org/ help inner-city kids benefit from golf among other things. Thanks to those offices for supplying photos and a PSA to help tell about his current good works.

I saw Ozzie last at the private memorial service for Tony Gwynn June 2016. My mother was with me, and just like a few other times we’ve seen him at Padres functions over the years, Ozzie greeted me and gave her  a kiss on the cheek. The first time he did that was back in 2002 at Qualcomm stadium. (You can barely see her head between our shoulders in the picture.) He is so genuine and kind to remember and show such respect, too. He was gracious when I thanked him for his kindness.

Even though most of this show is from the original edition, his story is really quite timeless. He is very humble, articulate, appreciative and creative in his presentation. Plus, all those great pictures, highlights and comments from those who knew him on his journey take us back in time and allow us to celebrate the good then and now.

The post One on One Legend: Ozzie Smith Back-Story appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

I’m very happy to report that One on One the TV show is BACK. I’ve returned to Channel 4 San Diego for a special series called One on One with Jane Mitchell featuring the Legends. Since January, I’ve been going through the life stories of 12 previously interviewed legends to add  new aspects of their journey with interviews, pictures and information. For those who have passed away recently — Jerry Coleman, Tony Gwynn and Junior Seau — editor Dan Roper and I are weaving in poignant moments from their public memorials.

It’s been a wonderful process of returning to such familiar territory and a comfort of knowing these stories are still so powerful and the people so well-loved and respected. Everyone I talked with about getting information, pictures or doing an interview said yes.  It’s nice to know the relationships and bonds built during 15 years on the air at Channel 4 are still strong.

I’m so grateful to Channel 4 San Diego (owned by Cox Communications San Diego and also aired in Orange County, Santa Barbara and San Diego’s Time-Warner system) for sharing my vision that many of the One on One editions are, if not timeless, a snapshot of time of a person’s life up to that point. For  many, other than changing teams, or perhaps retiring, the core of who they are does not change. They evolve, perhaps, but often are very much the same. That is worth sharing not only with fans who remember those interviews, but also for younger fans or those new to the show, to see and learn about these outstanding athletes —  past and present.

It’s been a lot more hours than I expected, and now with a toddler, I’ve been juggling the interviews, writing and producing the project along with spending quality time with my Lily. She turns two in May. But, all very much worth it. I feel fortunate to be able to resume my passion of story-telling while having the love of my life Lily make me smile every day.

Look for show summaries,   Back-Stories and the shows for the Legends series as separate blog entries.

Of course there’s so much more in my book which is available on this site. Please share the show, the posts and blogs with any and all baseball or sports fans.

We will be putting the show up on You Tube after a few airings, and I’ll keep you posted on that, too.

Here’s a list of the guests: Trevor Hoffman, Dick Enberg, Ozzie Smith, Randy Jones, David Wells, Rollie Fingers, Ted Williams, Dave Winfield, Jerry Coleman, Park View Little League Champions, Tony Gwynn and Junior Seau.

Special thanks to the San Diego Hall of Champions and Sports Museum for being the beautiful back-drop for the on-camera  introductions for the shows.

The post One on One Legends Series Back-Story and Promo 2015 appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

More Texas fun!

Tuesday was all about Tulsa Time! My friend and former colleague at KOTV, Terry Hood, interviewed me to get the word about my return and book signing at Steve’s Sundry that afternoon. I so enjoyed seeing several of my co-workers from my three years in Tulsa. Again, the archives tell quite the story — and certainly remind me of all the hard news stories I covered and the challenges of working in heat and cold, along with the serious nature of my beats including Education, City Hall and crime. What a contrast to my eventual world of Major League Baseball and the National Football League, but I am so grateful for those years.  Big Al Jerkens and Coach Pat Jones hosted me on The Sports Animal Tulsa talking about One on One, Ted Williams, Tony Gwynn and more. As for the TV evolution? Here is a little montage of my work in Tulsa 1988-1991.

The post Returning to My TV Journey Stops — Texas and Oklahoma 2013 appeared first on Jane Mitchell One on One.

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No matter where a player or a team ended up, what controversies might have emerged, and the various story-lines we will remember (or forget), I believe it’s important to keep in mind how influential the players are on young people; specifically young athletes. Their influence stems from their performance on and off the field.

That is why for 15 years of interviewing athletes, I have not only explored their trials and tribulations, but how they’ve overcome obstacles and used their platforms. What has continued to impress me, is how much GOOD is happening with athletes. In 2010, when I published my book, I realized that what I had been doing all those years, was telling “The Good Sports Story.” Not that we didn’t address issues or mis-steps — we are all human — but always included the good aspects of their journeys, too.

In a series of segments from Public Eye, to the Positive, to Philosophy and Giving Back… please listen to these players and let them and others know if you appreciate their words and deeds. Let me know, too!

BACK STORY:

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Listen now to several MLB players answer the question, and perhaps it will offer some insight to both how they approach life and the game, and maybe even get you thinking about your personal philosophy.

Along with my faith, two practical sayings have guided me since I was a child. My mother’s mantra: “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” And my father’s practical nature encouraged us to “Don’t wait. Anticipate.”

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Simple enough advice from the father of the great baseball player Tony Gwynn. But because Tony took that to heart, to the practice field and to every other place he could prepare and work at his craft of hitting — he not only was one of the most consistent hitters, the 15 time All Star earned 8 NL batting titles and 5 gold gloves,  among other awards, paving the road  into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown.

Whether the players interviewed here received direct advice from Tony Gwynn at some point or not, each has his own story, his own lessons, his own advice to pass along.  I believe it’s important to ask the question and give players an opportunity to share. It’s up to us — and young people, and young players especially — to listen.

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