Hi

When asked for a "code question" that I will always remember, I choose "Who is your childhood hero?" and my answer is "Sam." I woke up to his daily news on my clock radio. Throughout my childhood, I was totally awed by this flambouyant celebrity and when I got to actually SEE him in person broadcasting sports events, I felt like I was in the presence of a Rock Star!

Through the years, I came to know Sam as a friend as well. The passage of time has only elevated my adoration of my idol. I am carrying in my car the program from the Columbus Philharmonic tribute to sports and Sam's fifty years of reporting. I hope to get it autographed by my hero, Sam Simmermaker.

In my first year officiating basketball a veteran official told me Sam was the referee's friend. I found out what that meant. Sam would ask where your next game was and always knew someone there. Fellow officials, coaches, AD's, and old guys in the stands that hadn't missed a game, called Sam their friend. As PA guy for CNHS Baseball, I have shared the booth with Sam/WCSI a few games each season, and also hosted Sam/WCSI in the cramped press box at Max Andress field. What an honor to watch a Hall-of-Famer. The greatest times I have seen Sam at work are the Saturday morning freshman/JV football games when Sam is there getting the score, and when Sam shows up at Northside or Central gym for the cross-town clash. Sam's dedication to our student-athletes is unmatched by anyone in his profession. To call Sam my friend is a treasure I cherish. Sam's nickname for me, Dew One. For my son, Dew Two. Thanks for being my friend. (7 days 'til pitchers and catchers report)
Go Yanks 'n Cards!

HOLY COW- Sam Simmermaker You are the man. I worked with you in 1970 through 1973 as the morning guy. I always loved to hear Sam do Bulldogs football and basketball games. I am glad to hear that you are still an integral part of a great community. May God continue to bless your career.

Dan Schaffer
Operations Manager
KAXL Radio
Bakersfield, CA
www.kaxl.com

Samuel,
The Sunshine Kid of 'CSI wishes you congratulations on the 50 years! I remember when I drove around town with our Highlights newsletter calling in info. Wish I could have been there to shake your hand like the good old days. Remember when you and Terry Geese talked me into learning how to run the printing press. I still have the tape of the song we made for Marilyn for her anniversary. To all the old gang, hello. C

As a lifetime Columbus resident and a 1957 Graduate of Columbus High School, I have been listening to sam from day one of his career at WCSI.I also have had the pleasure of knowing him through playing softball with him in the oldtimers league.I still listen to his sports broadcast every morning to keep up with the local sports. He is a true gentleman and friend and deserves all of the honors that he has received the last few years.

Congratulations Sam! I vividly remember Sam's first years, and watching him announce each game from my vantage point as a trumpet player in the Columbus High School Band. I was always facscinated by just "watching" him, as I could not hear him on the radio during the games.
Gary Davis, Jr.

Holy Cow! Sam is our hero. Sam and Fran have been good friends for 36 years through football, gymnastics, baseball and forever the Cardinals. My best memory of Sam is when his son, Jeff, was playing baseball for CNHS and East came back to win the game. Sam sounded so excited on the broadcast for East when I know his heart must have been breaking for Jeff. Sports in Columbus would never be the same without our friend, Sam.
Karen and Louie Russell

Congratulations on reaching the 50 year mark. Carly Simon sang it best - "Nobody does it better". In my mind, that sums it up for you Old Pal! Sam, you covered my sports career and many others as well, but my fondest memory of you came when I was a Freshman at CNHS and you, me and Mike King traveled to Cincinnati for a baseball card show. I never knew until then that you were such a Cardinals fan. As I was passing through Columbus just the other day on business, I heard you on the radio and it brought back that fond memory and many others. God Bless You and again, Congrats!

HOLY COW, it's been 50 years? ...and not one second of dead air. Well done Sam.

My friend from the north--What a super person,
in heart, talent, worker, & person who shares of himself!

To me the tenor of Sam's radio broadcasts magnify the fun and joy of youth and playing- competing, but Playing youth sports here in Columbus. Win or loose, a blow-out, or a tight rivalry game, they are presented with kind, positive words about the local athletes. He reminds me by his entertaining style that we are there to be fans of our teams; the games being broadcast are Only games and they are for the kids. His work is a part of what makes raising a family in Columbus unique and great.

When I was 11, Dad announced we were moving...again. This would be my 4th elementary school. Dad's sales pith to a reluctant kid:
1. Sap's Donuts - you could smell them cooking and get ANY flavor in the world! and
2. a cool guy on the radio who would get really excited and yell HOLY COW!

Sam is one of the great guys in our industry. We hit it off the first time we met and we have stayed in contact, despite my moving around the country. Upon moving back "home" to Indiana. The first phone call I received was from Sam.

Sam has been a part of the Columbus radio scene for 50 years. Kudos also must go out to his wife, Fran,for sharing him with us!

It's been quite a ride for the Star City, IN native and it's not over!

I met Sam when I was a junior in high school. He was announcing a basketball game for Brown County High School in the late '60s. He was great even then. In later years my children got to know and love Sam thru sports programs at Columbus North H.S. He is also a great softball player. My husband loved playing both with and against Sam in the over 40 and over 50 softball thru Columbus Parks and Rec. over the years.

Love Ya Sam! and Fran, too!

A basketball game in the 1961 or 1962 against Madison High School. It was a real tight ballgame. They made a 45rpm record of activities that happened that year and this was included on the record. The excitment was something else. Of course, Sam made it even more exciting.

I worked with Sam for 15yrs. He covered NEWS, SPORTS MANY LIVE ON LOCATION REPORTS, always very professional. always making it exciting. SAM was every where and always complete in his reports. ONLY ONE PROBLEM HE WAS FOR THE CARDINALS INSTEAD OF THE YANKEES. Columbus is lucky to have a man of SAM'S caliber. Thanks, SAM MIKE BOVA

Sam-YOU are the reason I entered the sportscasting profession. You took me under your wing in 1975 and 1976 with internships and now I find myself doing the same for young would-be sportscasters.Yes--I have copied many of your trademarks during my broadcasts-- (Leaving "Holy Cow" alone--too sacred to copy!). This year's U of Idaho FB team has a 6-6 stringbean for a wide receiver and after a great catch for a TD I throw out "The Jolly Green Giant" it has taken hold among the fans...(Steve Welmer '68 Bulldogs) Simply a tribute to you my friend. As a 10-yr old in Columbus and listening to the '63-'64 HS games, that was the year I wanted to be "like Sam." Now after 33 years in the business I can truly say I am blessed to have had you as a mentor. As you say--"Congrats!" Tom Morris Idaho Vandals Radio Network

Sam -- You have made living in Columbus a continuing joy. As you know, I go back to the "Newse-Holly" days and those Andress-coached gridders and, what the heck, the early-morning Little League scores and stats! Of course I'll always remember your never-failing kindness to Tom. Thank you, Sam!

Sam,
You are the greatest. Not only great coverage of sports but you also did a great job of covering the school board. You always gave me a fair shake and I greatly appreciated it.
You were always blessed to have Fran right there supporting you all the way. May you have many more years to give Columbus your great talent.
Ray Zeigler

I remember my days traveling back and forth from Ft Knox where I was stationed, and listening to Sam on the radio wondering what it would be like to work with a pro like that. then later actually getting to share the "air chair" with him in the news department was the thrill of a lifetime! those that work and worked with him know of the great opportunity to actually get a nickname from him. Sam, you'll ALWAYS be the Doctor of Sports...and your prescriptions for life will always keep me going! With greatest respect, from "Vice".

It's been my pleasure to work with Sam since 1994. I remember driving to Columbus for my first interview and I heard one of Sam's sportscasts, chocked full of local names and results. I thought to myself, "That's exactly what a local radio station should sound like." br />I've enjoyed the competitive word games Sam and I occasionally joust with on-air and I've learned more about local names and history while listening to his sports than I ever thought was possible. Sam, it's truly been an enjoyable honor to share airtime with you!

Starting in 1970, I was a part-time DJ at WCSI for two years I was in high school, and my two favorite co-workers wereMarilyn SMith and Sam Simmermakeraker. During my occasional afternoon airshift, I enjoyed putting Sam on the air for his newscasts. My dad always said he delivered even the most mundane news story like it was most important news item of the day. Sam, you're the best!

Sam has had many outstanding sports broadcasts, but one is memorable for me. It was the year Bill Russell was a senior on the Columbus High School basketball team (probably around 1963-64 time frame). Bill got into a jump ball (remember those days?)on the CHS end of the floor. The ball was tossed up and Bill tipped the ball, not to a fellow player, but towards the basket and it went in for two points!! Sam went absolutely ballistic in his broadcast with all the Holy Cows one could image. A great moment in broadcasting history!! It's always an honor for Sam and Fran to come to Hope, whether it be to broadcast a game, emcee the Hope Heritage Days parade, or just to visit. Congratulations Sam on a great career!

Ken Chandler
Hope, IN

I was so blessed to have had the chance to work with Sam for the short time I was in Columbus. You'll never meet a more genuine person than Sam. One of my favorite memories was grabbing lunch with Sam at Lucas Brothers. It was a great meal and I got the chance to see how much the community loves this broadcasting icon. I'll also never forget Sam calling in his sports in the early morning hours...while on vacation! He obviously loves his job to take it with him on vacation. Sam, you're a great guy and I hope to hear you on the air for many more years to come.

Thanks Sam for your many contributions to our community's quality of life through your communication gifts. You have helped motivate many athletes with your encouraging comments. You have also given many people well deserved recognition through your unique style of reporting, and many have become better citizens because of your gifted skills. Thanks Sam for all that you do, and we hope that you can continue motivating others as long as possible.

Fifty years! I remember when Sam started with WCSI, covering the news among other things. During the 60's, there were several occaisions when, for various reasons (mostly politics), Sam interviewed me or otherwise reported on activities that I was familar with. In each and every case, Sam was very proper and factual in his reporting. Through the years, I have had dealings with a numnber of people in the press and I would have to rate Sam as the very best. I consider it an honor to have known Sam. He is truely a humble and honorable man.

Larry Fisher
North Fort Myers, Florida

I have told Sam he could be Mayor of Columbus anytime he chooses. There would be no need for an election! The Greatest Honor in my professional career has been the 16 years I have been able to work with Sam. He is a true professional who is still wants to know how he can do a better job. Are you kidding me? A more talented or humble man you will never meet!

My first memory's of Sam are the Cincy Little League BB Trips. Sam was gracious enough to allow me the opportunity to travel with the station group for the games and for the past 24 years I have had the pleasure to work with Sam. You Are The Best!!

Thanks Sam for always taking time to mention
our jr. high scores. I know the players enjoyed
hearing their names mentioned also.

Holy Cow! It is hard to believe that 50 years of announcing sports in Columbus is coming up. We have enjoyed your broadcasting and appreciate your ability to make every player feel special and your team support to all sports fans.

We treasure many memories of times spent with you and your wonderful family, including church activities, cook-outs, children of the same age and many more. It is nice to have a professional announcer and friend to call upon when needed.

We all wish you well and offer our congratulations for a successful career as a sports broadcaster!

I first met Sam when he moved into the Garfield school neighborhood in the late 50's. My mom was the crossing guard at the time for Central Avenue and helped Sam's kids across the street. At that time he did all sports in town including Little League Baseball at Lincoln Park (diamond 4), and he broad cast games that he played in. I was fortunate enough to play Basketball at Columbus High School in the mid-60's and got to know Sam as our broadcaster. Over the years he became good friends with my parents. I've enjoyed knowing Sam as a friend, and it is still a comfort to hear him give the sports report in the morning on the way to school (we pick him up on 104.9). Thanks, Sam, for representing Columbus on radio for so many years. You are truly Mr. Columbus.

I Love Sam Simmermaker! I first know Sam through his wife Fran! That was in 1961! 48 years ago!
I am delighted and proud to call him MY FRIEND!
I continue to listen to the local ball games. I feel I am at the event because of his coverage!
My kids grew up with Sam and now my grandkids know Sam! Thanks Sam for being such a big part of my life and always so supportive of me! I am
your friend and faithful listner!

Worked with, for, Sam about a century ago. I have aged; Sam has a good photo retoucher. On the serious side, have never since worked for such a straight-up and caring guy. Congrats, Sam!

I always remember back in the early days of the North vs East basketball games that Sam would wear one blue & white boot and one orange and brown boot to the game so as not be partial to one team.

Sam's love for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team is undoubtedly known by most folks in Columbus. Whether the team is winning or losing, Sam is there rooting for the Redbirds. And he loves to take road trips to St. Louis with friends to cheer for the Cardinals in person! Way to go, Sam!

Sam has been a friend of mine for 50 years when tinkey road [400north] would get underwater I call sam early morning and sam tinkey is underwater. Also sam and fran has been a friend when i needed a ride somewhere godjohntinkey johntinkey52@yahoo.com

Sam,

My good friend for the 30 years I've been in Seymour. There is not a finer sports broadcaster in the state of Indiana and no one that I respect any more than you. You are truely the epitome of the words dedication and integrity. I count it a blessing to know you and count you among my friends. You're the best!

Jeff Richey
Head Football Coach
Seymour High School