Ron Drogo, (spnited), RIP

Definitely down with the idea of making this year an outing at Shea, even if it violates the conventions of past outings (east to west). Great idea, MM.

And Xan/BYH, thanks for repping all of us who could not get there. I love your story (as always) and your pics, Xan.

 

IJAG: Your sidesaddle is hilarious, and a great reminder of the older Mauer battles between Ron and Zeke. Thanks for the chuckle.

 

Actually, in a weird way it would follow it. NYC 07 was an 11th hour substitution when Dallas fell through. I think spnited would have wanted it this way. Not so much doing the outing in honor of him, but taking it away from flyover country.

 

Sure it's been said, but as much as Ron epitomized SportsJournalists.com, this thread sums up the place pretty well, too: Heartfelt sincerity, some good laughs and if you stick around long enough, maybe a friend or two (or 20) for life.

 

I didn't comment until now, but this is some terrible, terrible news.

I did have the pleasure of meeting him one time at a small impromptu SJ outing in NYC. It was such a great time. He will be missed.

 

Great, great guy. I'll miss him here. RIP

 

I rarely conversed with him here, but I always read his comments and respected his views as a longtime professional in the business. Sad news and may his family find comfort and peace during this trying time.

RIP, spnited.

 

I'll just add my thanks to those who went and who represented SportsJournalists.com there.

 

RIP to a guy I never met, but would have enjoyed meeting. This is a wonderful thread. Thanks to BYH & Songbird, and as one of the many who misread his name for a long time, I love this line:


"Every conversation with him was spirited."

 

Wow. Been away a few days and missed this incredibly sad news until I saw the header on the home page. Never met him in person, but I feel like I have a hole in my gut right now. Or maybe it's in my heart.

Loved the passion he brought to any topic he was discussing. And he pulled off the lovable curmudgeon persona like very few others ever could. It always brought a smile when a newbie would call him spirited.

I know he was a board original here, and it seems to me he goes back to the sportspages.com board days if I recall correctly. Clearly we have lost a board icon---one of the first handles you'd think of when you thought of SportsJournalists.com.

RIP, spnited. You will be so greatly missed around here.

 

I've read every word on this thread and am left with my own memories of people I know or knew that sounded a lot like Ron would have been to work for. One of my first experiences with a night editor was him barking out to newbies, "Past Tense, Goddammit, Past Tense."

I hope to meet many more SportsJournalists.commers in the future and join the sentiments here thanking those who have shared their stories and experiences and especially BYH and Xan for representing us with his family and friends.

RIP, Ron

 

This was probably the first time SJ was quoted at a funeral. May it be the last... for a very, very long time.

Rest in peace, Ron "spnited" Drogo. Your many families miss you.