Shock Jock Talk
Re: “No Romeo,” by David Bramer (Oct. 6-12)
Your column was brought to my attention by quite a few of my listeners for obvious reasons, and I just wanted to say I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Passionate fans of morning shows are probably very similar to passionate fans of columnists; they're always looking out for you. They thought I was going to be offended or upset by the "bellicose, shock jock fashion" comment. That couldn't be farther from the truth. It was bellicose by design. I purposefully said what I said that morning, in the manner that I said it, for the sole purpose of shock. However, I'm not a "shock jock." I know that, and my listeners know that. That is why, from time to time, I will strategically and methodically do or say things that are out of character. It makes listeners take notice. I wanted those who know the show and the show's characters to think, "Holy crap! Fisher must be serious. He never says stuff like that." So, actually I'm humbly flattered that someone such as yourself took notice and was inspired to use something from our show in such a great article.
Not that you really care, but I've written those who sent me the article to let them know that I wasn't in the least bit offended. As a matter of fact, after I looked up what "bellicose" meant, I smiled for two reasons: 1. Because I learned a new word, and 2. It validated my efforts of that morning. Not only that, and I know this is such a minute detail, but I was extremely impressed in that you were characterizing my comments and not labeling me as a personality. At least that's the way I read it.
Now, if you ever hear me have naked women in the studio having sex with various household items for no reason whatsoever, feel free to label me a "shock jock." Then kill me.
Fisher
Morning X Host 97X
The Old Ball Game
Re: “Naimoli Must Go,” by Eric Snider (Sept. 29-Oct. 6)
I liked the article about Vince Naimoli by Eric Snider. Too bad he didn't contact me. You see, back when Vince was barnstorming to bring the MLB to our fair burg, I and quite a few other folks had been very vocal about the other side of the fence where the grass ain't always greener. At that time I was known as the founder of a group of anti-fans known as Major League Boycotters. There were other chapters throughout the country. Our goal was simple: we didn't like what the sport had become and because there was another strike ahead we weren't gonna take it anymore.
We knew what Vince was up to (it didn't take a rocket scientist). Heck, one time I was invited to Ferg's for a debate to be broadcast on radio. I was shuffled to the farthest corner of the place and when I tried to voice my opinion was escorted out by two large fellows in black suits.
Then there was the time I was invited t o a debate on local TV and guess what? It turned out my seats were in the hinterlands. Then I was only allowed one question and that turned out to be off-camera. Well, actually I should say not broadcast.
There are other stories I could tell but I won't here. Just wanted to let you know another side of the story. Thanks again, Mr. Snider. You brought back some memories for this old ex-fan of baseball. Some of those are good, some aren't. Good: Willie Mays catching flies at Candlestick. Bad: Vince Naimoli.
K. Allen Loper
St. Petersburg
This article appears in Oct 20-26, 2004.