Clubhouse Chatter: Who was your sports idol as a kid?
What our Sports staff has to say while waiting for the games to resume.
There were so many great pro athletes who played in Pittsburgh during my childhood, and Jack Lambert was always No. 1 on the list. He was a tall and skinny-looking linebacker, but Lambert was probably the toughest player I've ever seen.
- Scot Gregor
Walter Payton. His name needs no explanation. Just ... Walter Payton.
- Barry Rozner
Michael Jordan. Because he is the GOAT.
- Patricia Babcock McGraw
Walter Payton wasn't just the best the NFL ever produced - he could run, he could block, he could catch, he could throw, he could even kick if he had to - he also was reported to be a good, decent man. The league's Man of the Year Award is named for him because of the effect he had on this community.
- Orrin Schwarz
Kenny Battle. I knew him from watching him play for the University of Illinois but wish I could have seen his games at West Aurora High School and NIU. I've never seen anyone play with so much energy, enthusiasm and nonstop effort. Younger readers should type in "Kenny Battle dunks" on YouTube.
- John Lemon
Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley was my idol. In a chance meeting when I was just starting in Little League, he graciously took the time to talk to me about playing his position, which I did through high school. The main tip was to protect the throwing hand either behind the mitt or, "like Johnny Bench," behind the back.
- Dave Oberhelman