Cope was responsible for giving the Steelers long time running back Jerome Bettis the nickname "The Bus", former QB/WR Kordell Stewart the moniker "Slash", and for coming up with the idea of the "Terrible Towel", which is still being used to this day.

Cope always let it be known that if he ever sounded as if he was "slipping" in his job performance, to let him know.  Due to his age (mid-70's) and health, and a close associate commenting on his less-than-stellar broadcasts, Cope retired this summer.

As humans we sometimes get so used to things and identify so deeply, that even if it would be conceived that change is better, we still adamantly wish to hang on to the past.  Maybe we are "Maslow'd in and not aware of it.  I am guilty of that myself.  In my eyes a 75% Cope is better than 100% anyone else.

I still listen to "Stillers" games on the radio, sometimes even if they are on T.V., I will turn the volume down on it and just catch the

visual and listen to the radio broadcast.  No one replaces Cope in his position for the 2005 season.  I am sure someone will for next year.  I am remaining optimistic the Steeler brass (Rooney family) will appoint someone they feel capable of sticking around for maybe another 35 years.

Throughout my childhood in the 1970's, T.V. was redefining the landscape of America and radios were being used less and less.  I was lucky to grow up listening to some of the best ever.  Who could ever forget Mel Allen (This Week in Baseball, coined "TWIB" notes), Harry Caray (Chicago Cubs, coined "Take me out to the Ballgame"), Curt Gowdy (Olympics, NCAA and NFL games), Jack Buck (St. Louis Cardinals, World Series broadcasts), Ernie Harwell (voice of Detroit Tigers), Howard Cosell (Monday Night Football), Vin Scully (NBC's Baseball Game of the Week on Saturday, never will forget how he said "Pee-te Rowse"), Pat Summerall (NFL). 

The list goes on.

It is so easy to recall memorable moments from yesterday, try remembering them without the announcer making you feel like you were there, on the front row.  Year after year, I never knew what lie before me in life.  But one thing was for sure, Carey would call day games at Wrigley, Scully would be on every Saturday, and Cope would be ranting about a possible Super Bowl trip

come winter.

Older people always tell me to be sure to "stop and smell the roses" and to "relish the day for there will never be another today like today".  As a writer, I often find myself reflecting on things from years ago but with scrutiny of year's experience.  I catch myself feeling like the voice of Kevin Arnold in "The Wonder Years".  Which is good, isn't it?     
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