Last week in a column on the Cubs’ final days on WGN Radio, I mentioned that long-time play-by-play man Vince Lloyd always was “underrated.”

Unfortunately, I was limited by space, because Lloyd, who teamed with Lou Boudreau for two decades on Cubs radio, merited more than just a mention. I wanted to share this note I received from a reader, Patrick Allen, who recalled a slice of Chicago broadcast history.

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I really enjoyed your article in Friday’s Tribune about WGN radio and the Cubs – mainly because I appreciated your comments about Vince Lloyd.  I am not sure it is fair to say I grew up listening to Vince and Lou.  I heard a report about Jack Quinlan’s death while in a driver’s education car.  In fact, I told the driver’s ed teacher to “shut up” so I could listen to the report on the radio.  (That is not something you should say to your driver’s ed teacher.)

For the next 22 years, I listened to Vince and Lou whenever I could.  My three years in law school in Connecticut were a son of a gun because of that, but I recorded some games on cassette tapes before I left, so I would have something to listen to.

While you did not mention it, a lot of us in the ‘60s and ‘70s were fans of the “Boudreau shift.”  Not the one Lou did against Ted Williams.  Rather it was the one where you turned down the TV and listened to Vince and Lou while watching Channel 9.

I liked Vince and Lou so much that, during the ‘70s, I would listen to the Big Ten Game of the Week on WGN radio, not because I liked football, but because Vince and Lou were doing it.  In fact, I used to look forward to rain delays during Cubs games because, at least in the ‘60s and ‘70s, they would not send you back to the studio during the rain delay.  Rather, Vince and Lou would just talk.  It was great.

And then there were the games in 1995 (I think) when Thom Brennaman went off on Sundays to do something else, and they brought Vince back to do the play-by-play.  That was great.

Two of my all-time favorite souvenirs, because of the memories they bring back, are baseballs I got signed by Vince (at a Cubs convention) and Lou (at a card show).

Thanks again for the comments about Vince Lloyd and “Vince and Lou”.  I really enjoyed them – and they deserve the compliments you gave them.

The Derek Jeter farewell tour has been extended to Monday.

From Fox Sports 1:

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For those lucky enough to attend Yankees Captain Derek Jeter’s final home game, the farewell scene was indescribable. Tens of thousands gathered in a 21st century sports cathedral to witness the final pinstriped chapter of a 20-year career no doubt guided by the baseball gods.  How else can one explain how New York’s rain-soaked skies miraculously gave way to a game-time rainbow and the storybook drama that unfolded in the ninth?

Fortunately, for those who wish to re-live the evening, FOX Sports 1 presents, DEREK JETER: A NIGHT 2 REMEMBER, a cinematic journey through his final home game as a New York Yankee.  Produced by Major League Baseball Productions and FOX Sports Originals, the special 30-minute program premieres Monday, Sept. 29 (7:30 PM ET).

Throughout the day and evening of Sept. 25, Major League Baseball Productions had an exclusive look at Jeter at Yankee Stadium, and along with elements from YES Network’s extensive coverage and that of MLB Network, a gripping mini-documentary that chronicles Jeter’s final home game, and its Hollywood script ending, has emerged.  DEREK JETER: A NIGHT 2 REMEMBER is a must-see original work featuring previously unseen images that pays tribute to a once-in-a-generation baseball hero’s final hours in his beloved home uniform.

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Meanwhile, Peter Abraham, now with the Boston Globe, recalls covering Jeter while with the Journal News of White Plains, N.Y. If only there were more like him.

Jeter’s comments were only rarely revealing and never about his private life. But he was always available and because of who he was, his words carried weight. If a rookie pitcher struggled, Jeter reminded reporters that the Yankees lost as a team. If a teammate made an error, Jeter would bring up a runner he left on base.

Conversely, if the Yankees were playing well it was often hard to find Jeter. He would let his teammates dwell in the spotlight and spend time at his locker only for brief stretches. He was adept at making sure others had their chance before he appeared.

Jeter was extraordinarily patient, too, making sure nobody walked away feeling they were belittled. Even silly questions got some kind of answer. He had a good sense of humor when the cameras were off, but never was it mean-spirited.

Every clubhouse has players who are comfortable with the media, some who tolerate it and others who dislike the process. Accountability is important regardless. When the same players are constantly left to explain losses or answer for the mistakes made by others, resentment can quickly fester.

Jeter never let that happen. If the Yankees lost, he was there to take the heat. And not once did he slip up by criticizing a teammate or jabbing the opposition. In a city full of writers waiting to pounce, he never uttered something he regretted. That’s a streak better than Joe DiMaggio’s.

I was out yesterday observing Rosh Hashanah. Naturally, when I’m gone, all the big news occurs.

Predictably, a lot of people are coming down on ESPN for suspending Bill Simmons. But really the network had no choice.

Simmons’ rant about NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell was off base on many levels. ESPN ombudsman Robert Lipsyte, who has taken the network to task several times in his role, summed it up nicely.

Simmons is, in my opinion, ESPN’s franchise player, but by no stretch a leading journalist. On his 45th birthday today, my gift to him was recounting my favorite quote from the late basketball coach Butch van Breda Kolff: “Everyone’s strength is their weakness.” He said he liked it. 

In Simmons’ case it has to do with his driving energy and creativity, which can also morph into tunnel vision and self-absorption. What makes him always think something’s right just because he thinks it is? Or that his sometimes loopy declarations are easy to interpret? Another provocative transcription from that podcast (since pulled by ESPN): 

“I really hope somebody calls me or emails me and says I’m in trouble for anything I say about Roger Goodell,” Simmons said. “Because if one person says that to me, I’m going public. You leave me alone. The commissioner’s a liar and I get to talk about that on my podcast. Thank you. … Please, call me and say I’m in trouble. I dare you.” 

It sounded a little like Gary Hart’s nutty 1987 dare to the media to catch him in the act of adultery. That challenge eventually denied Hart a presidential bid. In Simmons’ case, the “dare” was widely interpreted as a challenge to ESPN President John Skipper, who just happens to be Simmons’ most important booster at the company. When asked, Simmons refused to comment on whether it was directed at Skipper. 

But Skipper certainly thought it was, and that insubordination was one of the main two reasons for the severity of the suspension. Particularly on podcasts, said Skipper, Simmons has a tendency to slip back into his “bad boy, let’s-go-to-Vegas” persona. Simmons, Skipper believes, is transitioning into an important influence and mentor at Grantland, and needs to leave his well-worn punkishness behind. 

Indeed, this isn’t a case of ESPN placing a muzzle on Simmons because of its relationship with the NFL. Keith Olbermann has been calling for Goodell’s ouster since August.

Rather, this was about Simmons challenging ESPN. If he hadn’t dared his bosses to discipline him, he might be working today. It was a stupid thing to say.

Even though Simmons has immense power at ESPN, he’s still isn’t running the show. The brass wanted to send a firm message that nobody is bigger than the network.

Chad Finn in the Boston Globe:

Ignoring the absurd fact that Simmons’s suspension is longer than the two-week ban Goodell originally gave Rice, it’s an opportunity to prove no one is above the rules, not even someone with the multi-platform profile of the former Boston Sports Guy, who has ascended to staggering prominence as the impresario behind the superb Grantland website and “30 for 30” film series, among many other successes.

And perhaps it is an attempt to humble Simmons, who has run afoul of his bosses before and been punished with two social-media bans in the past five years.

I suspect this suspension is somewhat of a lifetime achievement award when it comes to Simmons running afoul of ESPN’s policies. He has been suspended before, and I would bet he has been warned on multiple occasions to clean up his act.

Simmons’ latest outburst was a final straw, earning him a three-week vacation. Let’s see if he learns his lesson this time.

Hoping for a sweet year to all, including Sarah Palin. This makes me laugh every time.

Phil Simms said he won’t use Washington’s nickname during CBS’ telecast of their game against the New York Giants Thursday night.

The CBS analyst said prior to the season that he would refrain from using Washington’s nickname in light of the growing spotlight on the controversy. In an interview with Richard Deitsch at MMQB, Simms hopes to follow through in calling his first Washington game this season.

“That’s still my thought process,” Simms said. “I made that decision and I’m not going into what really drove me to it, but it offends a certain group of people and I have sympathy for them. So I can have sympathy for them and I am not denigrating the other side.”

Simms, though, knows he might use the nickname. In fact, he already has.

“Will I refer to their nickname?” Simms said. “Look, I have already done it (Simms used the word “Redskins” a number of times during the Falcons-Bucs game, though said he did not realize it until someone informed him after the game). It is a habit. I played for 15 years [for the Giants] and they were a bitter rival. There is a chance I could slip.”

Derek Jeter’s farewell is a national story, but in Chicago, we’re also saying good-bye to a special player.

Paul Konerko is hanging them up after 16 years with the White Sox. While he never received the fanfare of a Jeter, he quietly put together an awesome career: 439 homers and six trips to the All-Star game.

Paulie has been all class, the kind of player you’d want to represent your franchise.

I have been watching the White Sox faithfully for nearly 50 years. Unfortunately, I have endured more bad than good.

However, I always will be grateful to Konerko for giving me my most memorable moment as a sports fan.

In Game 2 of the 2005 World Series, the Sox trailed 4-2 to Houston in the seventh. Konerko came up to face reliever Chad Qualls with the bases loaded.

Sitting next to me was father, Jerry, in what would be the last game he ever would see in person as a long-time Sox fan. At his side was my brother, Steve, who flew in from California so he could actually see the Sox in the World Series.

On my lap was my 8-year old son, Sam, who was starting his love affair with my team. Three generations of White Sox fans at one of their biggest moments in history.

As Konerko came to the plate, we all were hoping, make that, praying. “One time, Paulie. One time.”

Sure enough, Konerko creamed Qualls’ first pitch. You knew it was gone the moment he made contact. Grand slam, Sox lead!

The ballpark exploded. We jumped up and down, hugging each other.

In all my years of following sports, I never can recall that sense of exhilaration running through me. Pure joy. It was as if I finally was being rewarded for all those years of frustration.

It’s the one sports moment that will stay with me forever. Thanks, Paulie.

It’s Ryder Cup week, and inevitably the 1969 matches will be recalled in all their glory.

It all came down to the last hole with Tony Jacklin facing a three-foot putt to halve his match with Jack Nicklaus. If Jacklin misses, the U.S. has an outright victory. If he makes the putt, it ends in a tie with the U.S. retaining the Ryder Cup by virtue of winning in 1967.

Jacklin never to attempt the putt. Nicklaus shocked everyone, from fellow players to U.S. captain Sam Snead, by picking up Jacklin’s coin and conceding the putt.

Now 45 years later, Neil Sagebiel examines Nicklaus’ great act of sportsmanship and perhaps the best-ever Ryder Cup in a lively new book, Draw in the Dunes.

Sagebiel’s book reveals that the ’69 Cup was more than just about Nicklaus’ gesture. Here is my Q/A.

How did you come up with the idea for this book?

I saw a TV clip of the conclusion of the 1969 Ryder Cup, during which Jack Nicklaus conceded a two-foot putt to Tony Jacklin which meant they halved their match and the Ryder Cup ended in a draw, the first tie in Ryder Cup history. It’s a famous moment in golf and sports and got me thinking about how a short conceded putt could matter so much.

Who were you able to interview for the book and what were the highlights? And who didn’t you get that you really wanted to interview?

I attempted to interview all the surviving members of the 1969 U.S. and Great Britain Ryder Cup teams and got most of them, including Jack Nicklaus, Tony Jacklin, Raymond Floyd,  Peter Alliss, Billy Casper, Bernard Gallacher, Frank Beard, Neil Coles, Tommy Aaron, Brian Huggett, Gene Littler, Brian Barnes, Ken Still and Peter Townsend. I didn’t interview Lee Trevino. Through his agent, Trevino declined my request.

The highlights were spending time with Nicklaus and Jacklin, and then having them agree to collaborate on the foreword. But I enjoyed all the players. They all were open and straightforward. It was fascinating to hear about their Ryder Cup experiences.

What did Snead think of Nicklaus’ concession? 

Captain Snead was unequivocal. He didn’t like it. It went against his philosophy.

How would Nicklaus’ gesture have been received in today’s media climate?

It would be controversial and divisive, but, from what I know about him, Jack wouldn’t waver. He said to me, “Would I do it [the concession] again? Absolutely.”

Back then, the Ryder Cup was a much simpler, low-profile event. Was it better that way compared to what it has become?

It wasn’t better, but it was purer, with little ornamentation and fanfare. In the end, what makes the Ryder Cup great, whether in 1969 or 2014, are close matches, and the tension and drama that result from them. The raucous environment adds to the effect.

Was ’69 the best Ryder Cup ever played?

I don’t know if it was the best, but I’d say it was one of the best, near the top of the list. Legendary golf writer Herbert Warren Wind wrote that it was the best up to that point, and others agreed with him.

It’s the end of September. Do you know where you will be watching the Cubs on TV next year?

My Chicago Tribune colleague, Robert Channick, has the latest on the Cubs TV situation, regarding the WGN part of their package.

It seems like everything is in play. Channick writes:

The Chicago Cubs may be headed for extra innings in their search for a new television home.

With one week left in the season, and its expiring agreement with WGN-Ch. 9, the team has yet to announce broadcast plans for 2015 and beyond. Sources say the Cubs are exploring everything from a private equity partnership to a new regional sports network, but a long-term deal may not be imminent.

I do get the sense that the Cubs are working on a long-term arrangement that will allow the team to form their own network in 2020. From the story:

Sources say the team is in negotiations with TPG Capital, a Texas-based private equity firm with deep roots in sports and entertainment, to be a partner in monetizing broadcast rights.

TPG, founded in 1992 by David Bonderman, manages $66 billion of capital, including a 35 percent stake in Creative Artists Agency, a Los Angeles-based talent agency that represents top actors, musicians and more than 650 professional athletes.

A spokeswoman for TPG declined to comment.

The closest parallel to a Cubs-TPG partnership may be the YES Network, home of the New York Yankees, which formed in 2002 with Goldman Sachs and Providence Equity Partners owning a combined 40 percent of the network. The equity firms divested their stakes this year when 21st Century Fox took majority ownership of YES, a deal that valued the network at $3.9 billion.

Then there’s this scenario:

Another potential partner is Root Sports, owned by a subsidiary of DirecTV. Root, formed in 2011, has regional sports networks in Seattle, Denver and Pittsburgh, and it’s looking to take over Comcast SportsNet Houston.

AT&T’s $48.5 billion acquisition of DirecTV, pending approval by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice, may make Root a bigger player in the regional sports network game, according to some industry experts. The merger will create a combined subscriber base of nearly 1 million households in Chicago — 590,000 for DirecTV and 391,000 for AT&T, according to SNL Kagan — guaranteeing clearance if an RSN were to be launched here.

A spokesman for DirecTV Sports Networks declined to comment.

Channick writes the Cubs also could do a deal with Comcast that goes beyond 2019, the expiration for their current pact with CSN Chicago.

Regardless of the long-term outcome, I predict the short-term component of their TV package will see the Cubs staying on WGN through 2019. We should find out soon.