Time Out, episode 147

This tape features a half hour episode of "Time Out," a weekly sports program that was hosted by a number of Chicago area journalists and sportscasters. This week's commentators are Chicago Tribune Columnist Linda Kay, WBMX Sportscaster and Assistant Coach for DePaul University's Men's Basketball team Kenny McReynolds, WIND reporter Fran Spielman, and former NBA star John Mengelt.

00:00Copy video clip URL Station IDs and promos.

01:02Copy video clip URL Opening sequence for the program.

01:25Copy video clip URL Dissolve into a shot of the four commentators in the back room on the “Time Out” TV set. The narrator gives a brief overview of the show which includes: a commentary from Bill Veeck, a visit with Chicago Bears fans who are hoping for a win over the San Fransisco 49ers, and an interview with Simeon High School Basketball Coach Bob Hambric.

02:01Copy video clip URL The four commentators begin to talk about the Chicago Bears and their last game against the Washington Redskins. They talk about the Bears’ monstrous defense and Mike Ditka’s resignation as Head Coach.

04:36Copy video clip URL Cut to a slow motion look at the Bears defense hard at work against L.A. Raiders earlier in the season. This lasts for about a minute before cutting back to the four commentators. They continue to talk about the Bears defense before quickly cutting in to some footage of Bears fans and players making predictions for the season back in August. This is followed by a new collection of interviews from Bears fans at this point in the season.

09:47Copy video clip URL Cut to a shot of Mengelt and Veeck at the back bar. Veeck gives a commentary on the lack of enthusiasm among Chicago Bears fans in the wake of a winning season. The two also debate whether football is Chicago’s premier sport. Veeck strongly disagrees with the statement that football is Chicago’s game and combats it by comparing baseball and football ticket sales. “I’m going to tell you something really. A good semi-pro team in baseball would draw more people, more enthusiasm making the trip than the Bears have gone on. … I’m embarrassed by the lack of enthusiasm. ” Mengelt argues that football is also America’s game. Veeck quickly responds to this statement by saying, “What you’re saying John, is that in your mind, which is working in strange convolutions when you say that, that football for a period of ninety days is of passing interest, but baseball is year round. You know something? If we didn’t have spring training, if we didn’t have that to look forward to we wouldn’t be able to get through January and February and the first of March. That’s the Garden of Eden. That’s when life begins: spring training.” This eventually cuts into the “Time Out Sports Almanac” segment before returning to the back room with the four commentators.

14:03Copy video clip URL The four commentators speak with Gary Fencik via telephone. The Bears are going up against the San Fransisco 49ers this weekend. The five talk about the Bears’ defense, the San Fransisco 49ers’ playing style, the amount of media exposure the team is receiving, and the pressures that come along with the playoffs. This eventually cuts into a segment on the Simeon High School Men’s Basketball team.

17:24Copy video clip URL Coach Bob Hambric talks about the effect of player Ben Wilson’s death on the team and the current struggles the players have been facing on the court. Jerry Shnay of the Chicago Tribune also talk about the prospect of adding a new player to the Simeon team. This lasts for several minutes.

18:56Copy video clip URL Cut back to the four commentators who go on to talk about DePaul’s recent loss to Western Michigan. They also talk about the recent college basketball happenings and the development of the Chicago Bulls team. This cuts into a interview with Supervisor of NBA Officials Darrel Garretson.

21:36Copy video clip URL Garretson speaks with a “Time Out” correspondent about qualities needed to be a referee in the NBA and the mechanics behind officiating. This lasts for several minutes.

22:56Copy video clip URL The four commentators discuss the rules of officiating in the NBA before cutting into a commentary from Bill Veeck.

24:13Copy video clip URL Roger Wallenstein sits down with Bill Veeck to talk about the politics behind the college football bowl games. He focuses on the skewed ranking of teams and the television networks’ influence over those rankings. The two also debate over the notion of paying college players for their participation in the bowl games.

27:26Copy video clip URL The four commentators go on to make their sports predictions for the week. The credits roll shortly afterward and are followed by a promo.

29:51Copy video clip URL Tape ends.