Hey Jim, I think KIRO Sportsline was the first sports talk show in Seattle. Wayne Cody was host for the longest period but I think Ron Barr was the original host. In 1979, KVI started Sports Page with a cast of hosts including Bob Walsh, Ed Cain, Johnny Johnson and one of the Sounders. JMK got started on this show as a frequent guest before KVI gave him the afternoon show for his "College of Knowledge" Show. Cain (who had come to town from WCCO in Minneapolis) had very short stay at KVI before ending up doing "Talking Sports with Ed Cain" on 1150 KAYO. Six hours a night! I produced that show. So in 1979, KVI, KIRO and KAYO all had daily sports shows.
Thanks for the background with that, Mike, I wasn’t sure to be honest, figured Sportsline and Kenyon were on at about the same time. Appreciate the clarification with that.
Great list! Puck and Jim became my favorite surpassing Softy for me. Love Softy’s show still but I didn’t want to miss a single minute of you and Puck. Now just get your internet fixed in your Bend shed lol.
Side note, what happened with Slick Hawk why was he canned before you showed up to KJR? Perhaps you won’t want to answer this and a listener that knows more than me can answer.
As a teenager in the 70s, I would listen to Sportsline with Wayne Cody on KIRO-AM religiously. The 70s and into the 80s were the glory years as the Seattle area entered the big time in sports. And Wayne covered it all.
Hey Jim, great topic. I remember calling in to both Kenyon’s and Cody’s show as a kid. I still even remember the opening music bed for Cody’s Sportsline show on KIRO. Was never a big fan of the Babe, but I agree G&G should be #1.
Jim never forget the sports Babe announcing Woody Woodward’s trade of Veritek/Lowe, for Heathcliff F’ing Slocum… HOW RIGHT SHE WAS! Sure hope we don’t rue the current young crop of Mariner’s if we trade em off for some over the hill star! The greatest moment on sports radio was when Pat O’Day was interviewed by Gross and Gas, hopefully that’s still available in archives somewhere! And lastly some advice Jim from “lost in space” warning warning Will Robinson! Hasn’t being married 40+ yrs taught you anything? Women and tequila… tho I support your actions as your wife truly is your only and best friend… don’t forget that! Capt Bill arghhh
Thanks for the trip down memory lane Jim. I am enjoying your writing style. You and Steve Kelly used to drive me nuts at times but sure do miss those days of being able to recycle or use you for fish wrapper - always Steve first.
I would like to vote honorable mention of Chuck and Buck, with Ashley, in the morning. Those three a worth a listen and will provide a chuckle for sure.
Hi Mitchell, thanks for your comments, I think columnists are supposed to drive readers nuts sometimes! Steve did a consistently terrific job. You mention Ashley, love her, thought she should have gotten the 10-1 show at KJR.
The best radio sports talk show in Seattle that I remember was on the air for a few years in the early 90’s when Dori Monson and Steve Kelley hosted a show every Saturday night on KING radio.
Anyone remember Wayne Cody doing illegal boxing play by play? Back then all fights were closed circuit and he would do round by round commentary on big fights.
Hey Jim, I think KIRO Sportsline was the first sports talk show in Seattle. Wayne Cody was host for the longest period but I think Ron Barr was the original host. In 1979, KVI started Sports Page with a cast of hosts including Bob Walsh, Ed Cain, Johnny Johnson and one of the Sounders. JMK got started on this show as a frequent guest before KVI gave him the afternoon show for his "College of Knowledge" Show. Cain (who had come to town from WCCO in Minneapolis) had very short stay at KVI before ending up doing "Talking Sports with Ed Cain" on 1150 KAYO. Six hours a night! I produced that show. So in 1979, KVI, KIRO and KAYO all had daily sports shows.
Thanks for the background with that, Mike, I wasn’t sure to be honest, figured Sportsline and Kenyon were on at about the same time. Appreciate the clarification with that.
Radio was king before 24/7 sports on ESPN caused a switch to TV.
Great list! Puck and Jim became my favorite surpassing Softy for me. Love Softy’s show still but I didn’t want to miss a single minute of you and Puck. Now just get your internet fixed in your Bend shed lol.
Side note, what happened with Slick Hawk why was he canned before you showed up to KJR? Perhaps you won’t want to answer this and a listener that knows more than me can answer.
As a teenager in the 70s, I would listen to Sportsline with Wayne Cody on KIRO-AM religiously. The 70s and into the 80s were the glory years as the Seattle area entered the big time in sports. And Wayne covered it all.
He sure did, Greg, as a sports anchor and a talk show host and a Sonics TV guy.
My list Jim
1) Softy. I am a huskies fan
2) Mitch
3) Groz with Gas
4) Jim & Puck.
5)Chuck & Buck
6) John Clayton
7) Ian, but to much hockey for me
8) Sportsbitch, she eventually grew on me.
Honorable mention
I know he is not a host, but when Hugh Millen is on he is great !
No KIRO dudes on the list
Strictly a KJR guy
Good list, Wayne, there’s no way we can all agree on a top 10 list. Thanks for reading.
Hey Jim, great topic. I remember calling in to both Kenyon’s and Cody’s show as a kid. I still even remember the opening music bed for Cody’s Sportsline show on KIRO. Was never a big fan of the Babe, but I agree G&G should be #1.
Wayne Cody was the epitome of what a local sports guy should be
I know I sound like an old guy, but it’s a shame radio isn’t what it used to be…
Jim never forget the sports Babe announcing Woody Woodward’s trade of Veritek/Lowe, for Heathcliff F’ing Slocum… HOW RIGHT SHE WAS! Sure hope we don’t rue the current young crop of Mariner’s if we trade em off for some over the hill star! The greatest moment on sports radio was when Pat O’Day was interviewed by Gross and Gas, hopefully that’s still available in archives somewhere! And lastly some advice Jim from “lost in space” warning warning Will Robinson! Hasn’t being married 40+ yrs taught you anything? Women and tequila… tho I support your actions as your wife truly is your only and best friend… don’t forget that! Capt Bill arghhh
Jim, how about local sports anchors? I miss Tony Ventrella.
Forgot about Kenyon, I won some nice rebbok hoop shoes from his show bitd
Brock and Salk are lame, and you forgot NY Vinny, jim. Get Jason to imitate him, please!
Yeah, Gary, I love Vinny, had to make some cuts I guess, but he certainly had a good run in Seattle. And love his passion for the Mariners.
I love Puck’s impersonations of him. Especially the ones where he was calling the live M’s game.
Thanks for the trip down memory lane Jim. I am enjoying your writing style. You and Steve Kelly used to drive me nuts at times but sure do miss those days of being able to recycle or use you for fish wrapper - always Steve first.
I would like to vote honorable mention of Chuck and Buck, with Ashley, in the morning. Those three a worth a listen and will provide a chuckle for sure.
Hi Mitchell, thanks for your comments, I think columnists are supposed to drive readers nuts sometimes! Steve did a consistently terrific job. You mention Ashley, love her, thought she should have gotten the 10-1 show at KJR.
Great List!!!!
Thanks Doc, appreciate that.
The best radio sports talk show in Seattle that I remember was on the air for a few years in the early 90’s when Dori Monson and Steve Kelley hosted a show every Saturday night on KING radio.
Pure gold.
Hi Joe, I vaguely remember that show. Dori, of course, was really good, and I thought Steve was especially good with Elise when they were together.
Jim, any show you were on was great, but any show with Mitch Levy is not.
Not even talking about his reason for being fired. Just ask Sue Bird…
Thanks Buggy, but I can’t hold Mitch’s jock strap…not that I’d want to!
Anyone remember Wayne Cody doing illegal boxing play by play? Back then all fights were closed circuit and he would do round by round commentary on big fights.
Yes, Tim, I do! My dad and I would sit around in the living room waiting for Wayne to tell us what happened.
Groz and Gas
Mitch in the morning (with the fish)
Puck and Jim
Wayne Cody (when I was a kid)
Ian (not Jess)
Softy (not Dick)
Now it’s PUCK SPORTS!😎🍺
Another good list, thanks Mike.