This afternoon the news broke that Philadelphia sports columnist Bill Conlin has been accused of sexually abuse of four minors who are now grown. The charges are quite damning - Philly.Com story here.
For all involved this is all awful.
I find it personally devastating because I really respected Conlin as a writer.
This is a baseball related post because Conlin was recently inducted into the writers wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame. Conlin's Baseball Hall of Fame Page.
I don't want to spend time championing Conlin, but did want to relate a few things I remember him (as a writer) for:
1) He was the man that Steve Carlton first stopped talking to - quickly Carlton would go mute on all reporters.
2) Conlin is credited as being the first media person to project the 1993 Philllies (last place in 92) as NL Pennant winners.
Worthless Stuff
The collection of Conlin's columns used to reside on a shelf of prized autographed books. Now I don't know what to do with the book. I thought at some point, it would be a fun tricky auto for Spot the Sig, but that would neither be fun nor appropriate anymore.
If I am going to take anything positive away from this it is that it is another reminder that our heroes and idols should be our family and friends that get us through our daily trials bringing light to our days while sharing our joys and triumphs.
Now I am going to go start celebrating Christmas early with my wonderful wife. No Blogging till after the Holiday.
