I turned on the television this morning and dropped the remote when I heard the news.
One of the greatest Boston Sports writers ever had passed away.
Will McDonough was one of the most respected sports writers in America, and as I turned the channels it actually surprised me for a brief moment that the news wasn't on every channel I clicked on.
After all, this was news that certainly appeared to me to be worthy of national exposure. McDonough spent four decades as a sports columnist for the Boston Globe, and had done something that for those of us trying to make a name for ourselves could only dream of. He had earned the reputation of being a sportswriter who so many people woke up in the morning and opened the sports section just looking for his column.
One of the first things I learned while growing up was to do my best to learn from those who did things the right way. Since I began focusing on sports journalism four years ago, there were several Boston Sports writers who I have done my best to learn as much as I can by following their examples. McDonough's ability to break stories and get inside information is something I have always admired, and has been quite a motivating factor over the years as I try to continue to grow as a writer.
One of my favorite sports columnists is Boston Globe Patriots beat writer Nick Cafardo, whom I have modeled my writing style since I began covering the Patriots at a more professional level years ago. I have never met a kinder or more helpful person, and he was very helpful early on when I was just getting started. I guess it comes as no surprise that McDonough was such an influence on him as well.
When I turn on Sports Final on Sunday night, or when I listen to 1510 the Zone and no longer hear his voice, it's going to take some time for reality to set in.
Boston fans have lost someone who gave them an inside look at their favorite teams. The Boston media lost a colleague who they all respected. His family lost something even bigger.
Mr. McDonough, thanks for being an inspiration to so many people, and giving us someone to measure ourselves against. You'll definitely be missed.
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