Thanks for 15 great years!

Today I close one door on my broadcasting career and walk through another.  After 15 years in the news  department at KFVS 12 I will present my final sportscast on Heartland News tonight at ten.

Beginning Monday I officially make the move into the KFVS 12 Sales / Marketing department.

It really doesn't seem possibly I have been here 15 years!  It only feels like yesterday I drove across the old Cape bridge in a lightly packed moving van anxious to dive head first into "Heartland Sports".

The opportunity I was given in early March of 1997 by former New Director Mike Beecher has surpassed anything I ever imagined.  I met my beautiful wife Christi, her totally hip parents, made a ton of new friends, worked in a never-a-dull-moment newsroom with a lively cast of characters and covered some of the more exciting events in sports:

• Cardinals winning two World Series titles
• The 1999 Rams - "The Greatest Show on Turf "
• Two SIU basketball trips to the Sweet 16
• SEMO advancing to the programs first D-1 NCAA Basketball Tournament
• The improbable 2010 Redhawk football team winning an OVC Championship 
• Countless MSHSAA State tiles for Scott County Central
• Great players like Tyler Hansbrough, Otto Porter, William Moore, Kent Williams, Ryan Willen, Blake DeWitt and Mario Whitney...The list is endless.

Live at Busch Stadium '06 World Series
with photographer Brian Heisserer

Live at Busch Stadium 2011 World Series

I accomplished a professional goal I set for myself as an undergrad at the University of Toledo...anchor sports in a top 100 market within 3 years of graduating.  Becoming Sports Director at WHIO the CBS affiliate in my hometown of Dayton, OH (my next goal) was put on hold quickly after moving to Cape Girardeau.  I fell in love with the Rive City.  I have now lived here longer than any one particular city or town.

I never came close to my ultimate goal of taking over as the voice of the Cincinnati Reds (hey...you have to dream).

One minute I'm questioning my decision to move from News to Sales and the next I'm excited and ready for the new challenge.  Ultimately I believe it was a choice I needed to make.  I get a shot at a more normal life...better hours and nights, weekends and holidays to spend with family and friends.  In nearly two decades of TV news I have never (on a regular basis) enjoyed those perks.

The last 15 years would not have been possibly without the help of dozens of co-workers (past & present...a big high-five to Sports Director Todd Richards) and you...the loyal KFVS viewer....and reader of this blog...which I will continue to update.

I can't thank you enough. I'm truly humbled.

Blake DeWitt designated for assignment

According to mutiple reports the Chicago Cubs designated Blake DeWitt for assignment in order to make room for pitcher Travis Wood.

The Sikeston, Missouri native (DeWitt)  has struggled this season hitting just .138 with 29 at bats in 18 games.

The Cubs have 10 days to trade DeWitt or grant him his outright release.

Reports suggest the Cubs organization hopes he clears waivers and takes the assignment to triple-a Iowa. They believe he needs regular playing time.

DeWitt avoided arbitration in the off-season by signing a $1.1 million contract.

Top selling MLB lids

I am a big fan of stories with lists.... Top 10 of This, Top 10 of That. Always fun to debate the results, but  there is no arguing with this list it's based totally on sales

Yahoo! Sports blogger Kevin Kaduk writes about the top selling MLB ballcaps.