For Greg and Tom.

This day might very well go down as Leukemia Awareness Day as two lives were snuffed from the dreaded disease. One was an innovator of sport. The other was a late night icon of journalism and interviewing.

I remember when Bill Walsh took over the 49er program. One that was inherited by Fred O'Connor in 1978. A 2-14 campaign in 1979 gave way to a 6-10 mark in 1980. 1981 Coach Walsh would win the first of three Super Bowls in in the 80s. When you think 1981 you think of Ronnie Lott, Joe Montana, Ray Wersching, Randy Cross, Dwight Clark, a 13-3 season and a stunning Super Bowl win over the Bengals 1/24/82 26-21.

The best team Walsh fielded was in 1984. Save for an overtime loss to the Steelers in Week five 20-17, The Niners were perfect all the way to Palo Alto 1/20/85. A 38-16 thrashing of the Miami Dolphins. That was the year Dan Marino threw for 48 TD's and 5,000 yards. 1988 was a subpar year for the team by the bay yet they were able to win a road game in frigid Chicago and then defeat Cincy again in the last 34 seconds 20-16 courtesy of a 92 yard drive by Joe Montana 1/22/89.

Bill Walsh devised an offensive system known today as the 'West Coast' offense. Many current coaches who worked under him. Men like Mike Holmgren, Dennis Green, Jon Gruden, Sam Wyche, Dick Vermeil, Mike Shanahan, to name a few. A perfectionist who was more about finesse, Walsh was 75 when he perished. A great stint on the pro level. More of the same at Stanford. This student will be missed. I saw Steve Young and Joe Montana give great eulogies on ESPN this day. RIP Bill Walsh. You were fun to watch...

Long before Dave Letterman, Conan O'Brien, Craig Ferguson, or even Craig Kilborn, there was an interesting cat who was big on journalism and entertainment. Tom Snyder used to follow the then 90-minute format of the Johnny Carson-led 'Tonight Show'. I remember in 1980-1981 he had Rona Barrett guest host for Hollywood fluff. I also recall he had some pretty cool musical guests. From Ted Nugent to Marshall Tucker Band to Santana to Meat Loaf to The Plasmatics to Iggy Pop to Journey to the debut of Adam Ant, I watched and I learned.

Tom was also big on the political side. One interview he conducted with Phyllis Schlafly got quite spirited. The same for Johnny Rotten of the Sex Pistols pre P.I.L. days.

Leukemia took away two good men this day. Tom Snyder was 71, having just had a birthday on May 12th. I was happy when David Letterman gave him a late night slot at CBS back in 1994 when Dave switched networks. Tom was truly an original. I'll miss you buddy. Say hi to Wendy O Williams for me :)

Anyone remember where they were this day in 1975? This was the last day, the last time anyone saw Jimmy Hoffa alive. Lots of speculation and jokes that he's buried beneath the end zone at Giants Stadium. This was the news story for a solid week on the East Coast.

I also remember it was this day in 1977 that 'Son Of Sam' committed his last murderous act. The names of Stacy Moskowitz and Robert Violante still stay within my head. Note to you folks who like to commit crime and murder: Pay your parking tickets! That was David Berkowitz' downfall when arrested one week later. Something about hearing voices when a dog barked.

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Lisa Kudrow both celebrate a birthday today. Enjoy!

It was bound to happen and apparently to no ones surprise. Mark Teixeira's Texas tenure now over alongside Ron Mahay to Hotlanta for the Salty Dog and three future prospects. I'll reserve comment on this trade until the season ends. Oh wait, I think it already has! Curious as to what Michael Young will make of all this. We await the verdict on Eric Gagne and Sammy Sosa. I thought the Angels were going to nab Tex. I was off. Win some, lose some. Jon Daniels, if this is your swan song at least you went down swinging. That would be a Rudy Jaramillo approved thing to do.

Trying to picture Kevin Garnett in the Celtic Green colors after 12 years in Minnesota. This looks like a good trade for both sides...Good luck KG. You'll need it!

A good day for me personally. All set for another full season of Dallas Stars hockey. I also made my annual trek to Texas Stadium to purchase single tickets for my Vikings 10/21st and the Eagles 12/16th. Hooked up and ready to go! Now to inquire about a ten game Maverick package. With Adrian Peterson all signed up, it's also time to invest in a purple jersey!

I am constantly asked, "Will, you're a New Jersey cat. Why the Vikings?' Simple. Back in 1973-1974 when the Giants were stuck playing games in New Haven Ct. and enduring 4-10 and 2-12 records, they NEVER sold a home game out! The Jets also had their issues with 4-10 and 7-7 seasons. This meant I was always watching the Cowboys or a team in Purple that had cool looking uni's with some dude who wore 44 and dashed across the field when given the football.

I was also transfixed watching a scrambling fool who wore 10 who was fun to watch. 1973 by the way was the year the NFL created the blackout rule in that a team had to sell out a game 72 hours before kickoff.

Of course I speak of Chuck Foreman and Fran Tarkenton. First game I ever remember watching was the 27-10 championship game in Dallas 12/30/73 won by the Vikes. After 43 years I will FINALLY get to watch my team play in person. Yes! Hope that answers all inquiries. To include the exhibition games I will be getting to watch the two teams Dallas played in Super Bowl V and XII, Indy(then Baltimore) and Denver in August. I am there!

Tomorrow is another famous birthday. Mark Cuban turns 48 and my boy Vinnie Cenzo is the big 35. Be safe out there boys!

Over and out in Big D

Mr Will