Smith: Ladd McConkey

After a brief respite in the hills of Northwest Georgia, the Chatsworth Cheetah—a most appropriate byname for Ladd McConkey—has returned to Los Angeles with his sights set on continuing his football career with the Chargers.

Smith: Castronis turns 100

Orlean Castronis is a retired former journalist, the widow of one of the most popular players and coaches ever to wear the Red and Black, and likely the only living person to have seen Harry Mehre coach a game live between the hedges of Georgia’s Sanford Stadium.

Smith: Georgia T&F coach Caryl Smith Gilbert

Caryl Smith-Gilbert is the director of the men’s and women’s track teams at the University of Georgia; if you yawn and move on about your day, be aware that track in these parts is likely to be sensational on her watch ¬– just give her competitive facilities, and you’ll see.

Smith: Summer sports satisfy in Europe

The fortnight it takes to determine the various champions of Wimbledon, one of the classiest sporting events worldwide, is likely on every true sports aficionado’s bucket list. Wimbledon is the equal of the Masters golf tournament and the Kentucky Derby in class.

Smith: Willie Mays

The tributes to Willie Mays last week were bittersweet. Of course, he deserved all the lofty praise, but there was the regret of him having to endure the segregation, dissent, and humiliation of his native South, growing up in Westfield, Ala., nine miles west of Birmingham.

Smith: Chick and ‘Teddy Ballgame’

There was a teenage rookie outfielder for the San Diego Padres in the summer of 1936 who was fidgety, restless, and blatantly anxious to experience more playing time in the outfield. He was “champing at the bit” to play every day.

Smith: Dawgs’ shortfall in Supers can be an opportunity

Wes Johnson is just getting started. A painful loss hurts the coach for his players, but he enjoys an eminent reputation that brings inherent recruiting advantages. He is already at work for next season.

Smith: Charlie Condon

A few weeks ago, the Arizona Diamondbacks hosted the Los Angeles Dodgers in Phoenix. This allowed me to see Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani play at Chase Field. The Diamondbacks chose to pitch to him.The Diamondbacks chose to pitch to him.

Smith: Atlanta’s evolution

On the west side of the 22nd floor of the J.W. Marriott in the Buckhead district of Atlanta, I stand at an expansive window that frames a view of a downtown showcasing imposing skyscrapers, tall and erect, at daybreak.

Smith: All-American qualities of Alan Kinder

There are so many all-American qualities about Alan Kinder, who grew up on the opposite side of the country but says “Y’all” with the best of Georgia locals, most of whom would not know of Kinder’s patriotic past without disclosure from the media.