Thanks to Bob Bellone, some tribunes to Tom

Posted Aug 13, 2011 by TBO.com

Updated Aug 13, 2011 at 01:28 AM

Readers, friends and countrymen offer their thoughts on Tom McEwen and his contribution over 39 years as a sports columnist at the Tampa Tribune.

His writing was always sparked with enthusiasm – a quality essential to any good work. Tom’s late brother, Red, a well-known sports and political personality in Tampa, also had it. Must have been something in the air or water in Wauchula when they were growing up. - Morison Buck, Tampa

Your singular, Hall of Fame-recognized writing style and unforgettable breakfasts were only part of your contributions to the Tampa sports scene. The professional teams in the area and USF’s increasing presence in college football and basketball, along with our sports venues, are your legacy.  All the best from a Haines City Hornet to a Wauchula Wildcat ... except when we play each other. - Robert Conrad, Anna Maria

Old sport editors never quit, leave or die, because they know how to keep score. Hey, Tom: Here’s to You. God Bless, and let’s have one of those mouth-watering breakfasts you are known to cook up some morning. - Bob Cromwell, Tampa

Tom was not only a great sportswriter, he also was one of the most humorous speakers I ever heard. - Art Ginsburg, Sarasota

You always told it like it was and never backed away from a battle. With people like me, you never will be gone because we always will have your memories. - Lanny Hollar, Tampa

Who can thank Tom enough for his untiring support of college athletics, particularly our beloved University of Florida? It is impossible for me to list the endless accomplishments of one of the greatest sportswriters ever. - Daniel Martinez, Tampa

Thank you, Tom, for educating people not only about football, but about all the wonderful sports we enjoy in the Tampa Bay area. - Capt. Scott Moore, Holmes Beach

You can’t leave – there is no one to replace you! You will be sorely missed. Enjoy your breakfasts, safaris and fishing expeditions. - Debra Nicholson, Valrico

Two or three generations grew up on Tom McEwen’s wise and witty columns on sports and life. Who got the scoops? Who is credited with successfully courting sports franchises for us? Who has been Tampa’s ambassador to the sports world? Heck, who will be our sports page’s institutional memory? - Cathy Peek McEwen, former Tampa Tribune sportswriter

It was an absolute pleasure working with you and an honor sitting next to you in press boxes from Green Bay to San Diego. Thanks so much for all your help and advice through the years. - Pat Yasinskas, former Bucs beat writer, now with ESPN

I don’t know what I’m going to do Sunday mornings without “Hey, Tom!” I guess I will have to start going to church. May the Gators bless you always. - Bob Wilson, Tampa

The list is long; these are only some of the comments Bob has compiled. Thank you Bob for your help in this. - Linda

Babaloo!