I loved reading the sports section. Box scores and as I got older, the articles. We subscribed to the Oregon Journal. When I got home from school the newspaper was usually there. I know this sounds bad but I would toss my homework on the couch and spend a couple of hours reading the sports section. Pasero Says column required me to have a dictionary close by but I loved everything he wrote and my vocabulary improved thanks to his column and the dictionary. Despite my poor school work I passed the military entrance exam at age 17. When I got to AIT they had us take a reading comprehension test. Just like we did in school. I wasn't a good student and was nervous taking the test. When I finished I hurried to turn it in because I was slow when taking similar tests. As I got up and started walking i noticed something I never experienced. I was the first one done. Spooked be this I sat down and reviewed my answers and waited for someone else to finish. As they graded I scored the highest in the group. My reading of Pasero Says prepared me for the Army reading level and continues through my life. I am a year younger than Jim Pasero and I respect everyone from George Pasero's family. Thanks George Pasero 🙏
Same for me, only in L.A. The Times had better sportswriters than the Examiner, and I got hooked on Jim Murray in the late 50s. Met him in the early 60s as a "sportswriter" for the Los Angeles High School Blue & White. It was a conference where he was on a panel, and kindly hung around afterwards to give the eager kids some of his infinite wisdom, and humor. I've been fortunate to have very solid sportswriters later, in Eugene and Portland, and now online--back to the Times online for Plaschke, and a few others, including several in USAToday. Lots to dislike and mistrust about the Internet, but for devotees of great sports writing it's a halcyon time indeed.
As kids, us now oldsters, the Sports page was a top priority to read daily. Fully concur Michael, Jim Murray, Journalist Bill, Mudd were LA staples, just as the Oregonian/Journal had complete coverage and wonderful writers. George P, Leo D.......
My Dad was a friend of Tommy Prothro and an avid reader of journal sports reporting. This is a great story that represents the rich history of Oregon State football. I pray the decision-makers take up your suggestion from your past column about marketing. The OSU football story must broaden its reach to stay relevant today! From days gone by to today’s coaches and players — there are many stories to encourage support and keep OSU interesting to potential players and donors. Thanks for reporting this one. Go Beavs!!!
George was a great columnist! Was lucky enough to have him write a few paragraphs about me back in the day. On our family trips through Oregon every summer, we would stop in Portland and my dad would visit with George. My brother & I were too young to attend that Rose Bowl, so we stayed with our grandparents for the game. Haven't seen Jim for a few years, hope to run into him soon.
Among your many talents, John, you have an ability to personalize sports beyond the statistics and the coaches and players. You elucidate the humanity in sports that connects us all, regardless of politics or penchant. Here you demonstrate the lasting memories that emanate from parents and grandparents taking us to sporting events. One of my fondest memories is of my grandfather taking me each weekend to the women's softball games (Irv Lind Florists and Raybestos Brakettes) at Normandale Park in Portland. I always thought the women were better players than the men. Even now, some 70 years later, I can still hear the crack of the bats and see the dust fly as the women slide into base. And the image of my short, but towering, grandfather.
Thank you. John. for reminding us of the values of the games beyond the sport itself.
I was the Sports Editor for the OSU Daily Barometer back in 1965. I had the opportunity to sit in the press box and spend a few minutes with George. He was very gracious and patient and answered all of my questions allowing me to write several columns with great insights.
Loved Reading Pasero. I wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl until my Ducks made it, so went in 95. Stayed at a hotel with a balcony overlooking the parade route, and remember almost every detail to this day. Been all over the world, and in all 50 states, and to the Rose Bowl 5 times now, but that first trip is still at the top of my list.
Should be an EPIC Day - Go Ducks! I said last year they were close - hoping it comes to fruition this year. Championship teams are fast starting teams that play great defense. Oregon is the only playoff participant that has beaten more than one other playoff participant (Boise, TOSU and Penn State). It's go time boys!
Great column! I am both a Coug and a Duck. I was lucky enough to be able to take my daughter her senior year of high school in 1998 to the Rose Bowl as I thought that would be only time the Cougs would ever play there, and Ryan Leaf still has two seconds left in that game. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. Skoo Ducks!
"Pasero Sez" was a staple in my house when I was a kid. (My Dad, a union man to his bones, would not have The Oregonian cross the threshold.) I was fortunate to meet George years later at my first law firm as he was good friends with one of the senior partners. Great that you're giving him a shout out today!
I was a ‘64 grad of the U of O, and previous to that, grew up in Grants Pass. My family subscribed to the Journal and I always read the sports section first. I recall reading many George Pasero columns. That Rose Bowl in 1965 was the week of the very devastating flood in Oregon, Washington and the northwest California coast. I was a brand new teacher in Crescent City and I spent that New Year’s Day driving a very circuitous route to return home from Grants Pass. Thanks John for that wonderful article and for igniting great memories about my early life after graduating from Oregon. Now, let’s whip those Buckeyes tomorrow. GO DUCKS! Bill Maffett
"But it’s his work as a father I want to tell you about today. Part of that business is making memories."
You're so right, John. It's the best part of being a dad.
On a different note, as George Pasero proved, once sportswriting gets in your blood, it's hard to shake. I spent my 20s as a full-time sportswriter -- including at the News-Review of Douglas County down in Roseburg -- before God called me to be an attorney. I wrote for multiple newspapers while in law school, worked part-time for the Mercury News for 5 1/2 years even after I'd passed the California bar, and still cover sports for various publications to a limited degree (including one of your old haunts, the Santa Cruz Sentinel).
I don't know that I've enjoyed any of your columns more than this one, John -- and you've written some great ones.
My Rose Bowl story was at the Oregon-Penn State game last time the two teams met in the Rose Bowl several years ago. My bro-in-law and I had cheap seats, but at the hotel where we were a guy was selling 40 yd line tickets 10 rows up for $10 each as I recall, and we grabbed em and felt we had a bargain.
Turns out they were tickets right in the middle of the Penn State alum club.
Here we were dressed in all our Duck gear among a very hostile group who called for their Alum director who came and interviewed us wanting to know how the heck we got the tickets. Turns out a Doctor & his wife could not make the trip last minute and asked a friend to sell them.
The hostile group only became friendly after Penn State got way ahead in the game. Our rooting was muted that day!!🤣
What a delightful break from all the game hype! I remember reading his column and enjoying it-much like I now look forward to your column! Thanks for once again giving us the human side to this game.
When we moved out here nearly sixty years ago, it was Pasero to read, then after his retirement it was Conzano. Ken Goe and others were good and reliable, but it was you that carried us through, and still does. Thanks for sharing your memories, and particularly those reminding us of George. Thank you John, and Play On! Gratefully, Charlie
I loved reading the sports section. Box scores and as I got older, the articles. We subscribed to the Oregon Journal. When I got home from school the newspaper was usually there. I know this sounds bad but I would toss my homework on the couch and spend a couple of hours reading the sports section. Pasero Says column required me to have a dictionary close by but I loved everything he wrote and my vocabulary improved thanks to his column and the dictionary. Despite my poor school work I passed the military entrance exam at age 17. When I got to AIT they had us take a reading comprehension test. Just like we did in school. I wasn't a good student and was nervous taking the test. When I finished I hurried to turn it in because I was slow when taking similar tests. As I got up and started walking i noticed something I never experienced. I was the first one done. Spooked be this I sat down and reviewed my answers and waited for someone else to finish. As they graded I scored the highest in the group. My reading of Pasero Says prepared me for the Army reading level and continues through my life. I am a year younger than Jim Pasero and I respect everyone from George Pasero's family. Thanks George Pasero 🙏
Love this. Thanks.
Same for me, only in L.A. The Times had better sportswriters than the Examiner, and I got hooked on Jim Murray in the late 50s. Met him in the early 60s as a "sportswriter" for the Los Angeles High School Blue & White. It was a conference where he was on a panel, and kindly hung around afterwards to give the eager kids some of his infinite wisdom, and humor. I've been fortunate to have very solid sportswriters later, in Eugene and Portland, and now online--back to the Times online for Plaschke, and a few others, including several in USAToday. Lots to dislike and mistrust about the Internet, but for devotees of great sports writing it's a halcyon time indeed.
As kids, us now oldsters, the Sports page was a top priority to read daily. Fully concur Michael, Jim Murray, Journalist Bill, Mudd were LA staples, just as the Oregonian/Journal had complete coverage and wonderful writers. George P, Leo D.......
My Dad was a friend of Tommy Prothro and an avid reader of journal sports reporting. This is a great story that represents the rich history of Oregon State football. I pray the decision-makers take up your suggestion from your past column about marketing. The OSU football story must broaden its reach to stay relevant today! From days gone by to today’s coaches and players — there are many stories to encourage support and keep OSU interesting to potential players and donors. Thanks for reporting this one. Go Beavs!!!
Thanks for this.
Couldn’t agree more, and I feel the exact same way about the Cougs. Still wish we had one more play versus Michigan in 1998.
George was a great columnist! Was lucky enough to have him write a few paragraphs about me back in the day. On our family trips through Oregon every summer, we would stop in Portland and my dad would visit with George. My brother & I were too young to attend that Rose Bowl, so we stayed with our grandparents for the game. Haven't seen Jim for a few years, hope to run into him soon.
Thanks for this. Awesome.
Very cool! My mom went to high school with your dad in Baker and always spoke highly of him.
Among your many talents, John, you have an ability to personalize sports beyond the statistics and the coaches and players. You elucidate the humanity in sports that connects us all, regardless of politics or penchant. Here you demonstrate the lasting memories that emanate from parents and grandparents taking us to sporting events. One of my fondest memories is of my grandfather taking me each weekend to the women's softball games (Irv Lind Florists and Raybestos Brakettes) at Normandale Park in Portland. I always thought the women were better players than the men. Even now, some 70 years later, I can still hear the crack of the bats and see the dust fly as the women slide into base. And the image of my short, but towering, grandfather.
Thank you. John. for reminding us of the values of the games beyond the sport itself.
Thanks Larry. Appreciate that you are here.
I was the Sports Editor for the OSU Daily Barometer back in 1965. I had the opportunity to sit in the press box and spend a few minutes with George. He was very gracious and patient and answered all of my questions allowing me to write several columns with great insights.
That is wonderful.
Loved Reading Pasero. I wouldn't go to the Rose Bowl until my Ducks made it, so went in 95. Stayed at a hotel with a balcony overlooking the parade route, and remember almost every detail to this day. Been all over the world, and in all 50 states, and to the Rose Bowl 5 times now, but that first trip is still at the top of my list.
Thank you Mark. Happy New Year.
Happy New Year to you John, and GO DUCKS!!
Great comments Mark!
Should be an EPIC Day - Go Ducks! I said last year they were close - hoping it comes to fruition this year. Championship teams are fast starting teams that play great defense. Oregon is the only playoff participant that has beaten more than one other playoff participant (Boise, TOSU and Penn State). It's go time boys!
Great column! I am both a Coug and a Duck. I was lucky enough to be able to take my daughter her senior year of high school in 1998 to the Rose Bowl as I thought that would be only time the Cougs would ever play there, and Ryan Leaf still has two seconds left in that game. It was a wonderful experience for both of us. Skoo Ducks!
Thanks for this.
"Pasero Sez" was a staple in my house when I was a kid. (My Dad, a union man to his bones, would not have The Oregonian cross the threshold.) I was fortunate to meet George years later at my first law firm as he was good friends with one of the senior partners. Great that you're giving him a shout out today!
He deserved it.
GREAT column…I loved reading Pasero, and I miss Ken Goe, too…glad you’re carrying the torch…Feliz Año Nuevo, from Panajachel, Guatemala…GO DUCKS
Thank you David.
I was a ‘64 grad of the U of O, and previous to that, grew up in Grants Pass. My family subscribed to the Journal and I always read the sports section first. I recall reading many George Pasero columns. That Rose Bowl in 1965 was the week of the very devastating flood in Oregon, Washington and the northwest California coast. I was a brand new teacher in Crescent City and I spent that New Year’s Day driving a very circuitous route to return home from Grants Pass. Thanks John for that wonderful article and for igniting great memories about my early life after graduating from Oregon. Now, let’s whip those Buckeyes tomorrow. GO DUCKS! Bill Maffett
Thanks Bill Good stuff.
"But it’s his work as a father I want to tell you about today. Part of that business is making memories."
You're so right, John. It's the best part of being a dad.
On a different note, as George Pasero proved, once sportswriting gets in your blood, it's hard to shake. I spent my 20s as a full-time sportswriter -- including at the News-Review of Douglas County down in Roseburg -- before God called me to be an attorney. I wrote for multiple newspapers while in law school, worked part-time for the Mercury News for 5 1/2 years even after I'd passed the California bar, and still cover sports for various publications to a limited degree (including one of your old haunts, the Santa Cruz Sentinel).
I don't know that I've enjoyed any of your columns more than this one, John -- and you've written some great ones.
Thanks so much for sharing this Ray.
Great comments Ray!!!
My Rose Bowl story was at the Oregon-Penn State game last time the two teams met in the Rose Bowl several years ago. My bro-in-law and I had cheap seats, but at the hotel where we were a guy was selling 40 yd line tickets 10 rows up for $10 each as I recall, and we grabbed em and felt we had a bargain.
Turns out they were tickets right in the middle of the Penn State alum club.
Here we were dressed in all our Duck gear among a very hostile group who called for their Alum director who came and interviewed us wanting to know how the heck we got the tickets. Turns out a Doctor & his wife could not make the trip last minute and asked a friend to sell them.
The hostile group only became friendly after Penn State got way ahead in the game. Our rooting was muted that day!!🤣
This is great. Thanks for sharing it.
What a delightful break from all the game hype! I remember reading his column and enjoying it-much like I now look forward to your column! Thanks for once again giving us the human side to this game.
Thanks Emily. That means a lot to me.
When we moved out here nearly sixty years ago, it was Pasero to read, then after his retirement it was Conzano. Ken Goe and others were good and reliable, but it was you that carried us through, and still does. Thanks for sharing your memories, and particularly those reminding us of George. Thank you John, and Play On! Gratefully, Charlie
Thanks Charles. Appreciate you.
George Pasero would be proud!!!