Posted on 10/11/2012 11:22:55 AM PDT by bjorn14
Beano Cook, a longtime staple of the Pittsburgh sports scene and an ESPN college football studio commentator since 1986, has died. He was 81.
Cook, a 1954 University of Pittsburgh grad, began his career as a sports publicist for the school from 1956-66. He later worked with a number of organizations, including the Pittsburgh Civic Arena.
Beano Cook's breadth of knowledge of the history of the college game earned him the moniker, the "Cardinal of College Football." Cook was a studio commentator for ABC from 1982-85 before joining ESPN. He also worked as ABC's press director from 1966-74, and for the St. Petersburg Times newspaper, as well as the Miami Dolphins. He also worked as a publicist for CBS Sports.
His breadth of knowledge of the history of the college game earned him the moniker, the "Cardinal of College Football." Most recently, Cook and ESPN.com senior college football writer Ivan Maisel shared the microphone on a weekly podcast. Cook also chatted regularly with ESPN.com users.
"He was one of a kind," George Bodenheimer, ESPN executive chairman, said in a statement. "There never was and never will be another Beano. His combination of humor, passion, love of college football and his engaging personality left an indelible mark on the sport and touched anyone who knew him."
Said ESPN College GameDay host Chris Fowler: "Cook was an American original. His passion, depth and breadth of knowledge, and humor were unique. He was an invaluable early mentor to me and friend. His imprint can still be seen on GameDay each week."
(Excerpt) Read more at espn.go.com ...
ALWAYS a fun guy to listen to. He’ll be missed for sure.
Sorry to hear that, but breaking news?
To bad, his team Notre Dame, does not suck this year. He was always a Notre Dame/Big-10 homer, but he was enjoyable to listen to.
The kiss of death was when Beano picked your team to win.
He was a great college football commentator, and funny as hell. He was to college football what Dick Vitale is to college basketball.
The saddest day for college football will be the day Keith Jackson passes away.
He remembered watching Johnny Unitas as a High School QB!
He remembered watching Johnny Unitas as a High School QB!
RIP Mr. Cook...you’ll be missed!!
Indeed. Keith is the best . . . ever. There truly have been some great commentators in both CFB and CBB, that have elevated them, along with technology, to the great games they are. Enberg, Musberger, Packer along with a host of others.
Musberger never impressed me. Never thought he was all that knowledgeable about any sport.
He’s called some great games
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