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.

Smith: 'His teams sure beat the spread a lot.' The time I talked Vince Dooley with Pete Rose

There is a new biography out on Pete Rose, with the title and subtitle telling it all: Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Days of Baseball.Like Pete, author Keith O'Brien grew up in Cincinnati and was a passionate Reds fan.

Smith: Bulldogs earn awards

The University of Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation recently hosted its 38th annual awards banquet before a packed house at the Athens Country Club.UGA's chapter has enjoyed No.

Smith: Don Leebern

All of us bring about multiple images as we travel life’s journey, and we will be remembered differently by those with whom we cross paths. For the Payne Hall fraternity of the late ’50s, there were some interesting characters with divergent and varying ways.

Smith: Phoenix reunion

The winter season has passed for the Phoenix area, the 11th-ranked media market in the U. S., and the temperature is rising.