~~ June 2005 ~~

Paul Spadafora
A Fighting Chance: Jim Frazier examines the rise and fall of Pittsburgh native and former lightweight champion Paul Spadafora. PSR looks at what “Spaddy” needs to do if he is going to get his life and boxing career back on track after he is released from prison.

The ring was a release for Spadafora, a place to be free from the dreadful reality of the streets. And so he stayed in the ring for hours, days, weeks and years until he became a champion. Whenever he stepped off the canvas, his demons were there waiting for him. Over time, the demons caught Paul Spadafora.

Up Close with Zach Duke– PSR’s John Sacco chats with Pirates left-handed pitching prospect Zach Duke about pressure, Triple-A success, and the possibility of a promotion to the big leagues.

Cannon Firing Line: Miserable– Why do those miserable, overzealous sports fans even go to the games?

Junker: Cashing In On Sports – Guy examines the financial fallout of the new relationship between the BCS and Notre Dame.

Sports Marketing

  • College Goes Corporate… Chris Peak looks at the way marketing efforts have changed at the university level and highlights the growing trend of athletic departments partnering with corporations.

  • REPORT: The Business Of Sports: Steve Greenberg reports on revenue sharing and the stability of major league sports.

    • PSR Showdown:

    • Pitt sports information director E.J. Borghetti and the Trib’s Joe Bendel discus the relationship between beat writers and media relations personnel.

Sports History: Anne Madarasz, director of the Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum, recalls several local multi-sport athletes.

Alby Oxenreiter: Media Savvy: Alby Oxenreiter tells the story of a Honus Wagner bat and the former Pirates’ bat boy who found it.

At that moment, he could feel Bartirome’s excitement. He could hear it in his voice. Bartirome knew what the teenage batboy didn’t, and he understood what a 15-year-old couldn’t. Bartirome told Briercheck he was about to become a rich man.


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