It means, of course, that whatever a man’s athletic contribution is, no matter how many homeruns he hits or points he scores, he is also a good teammate, has a sense of humor, doesn’t create trouble and backs up the people he plays with. In short, a person you like having around. From your own work experience you probably know such people are rare.

Here at WCNC we are losing “a good guy to have in the clubhouse.” John Romero, who has been a top notch reporter for us, is leaving for a job in Denver. He leaves for the reasons most do in this business: a step up in market size, more money and he’s going to a place he’s always wanted to work. All good reasons, but Denver’s gain is most assuredly our loss.

We will miss his talent and reporting ability, certainly, but we will also miss a sense of humor that ranks among the best and an intellect ranking somewhere north of “smart”.

A lot of people think broadcasting is a glamorous profession and it can be, but for a reporter at a local TV station every day is a slog through auto accidents, fires, crime and bad weather. The glamour wears off quickly without a sense of humor and perspective and John’s has stood him and us in good stead.

John is a Yale graduate and it’s something the rest of us have never let him forget, especially on those rare times when he makes a mistake. Then you will hear such things as “Can’t be that tough to get into Yale, they let you in” or “Don’t tell anybody you’re a Yale graduate, it will bring down the reputation of the Ivy League.”

I remember a Terri Bennett line after John did a live report early last spring. It was very cold, John was wearing no coat and he shivered visibly throughout his report. When he threw it back to the studio Terri said something like “The smart Yale grad forgot to bring his coat”. He accepts it all with a smile and goes on to do the outstanding job he has always done.

You may hear his name again. He was once a production assistant/researcher on “Dateline” for NBC News and none of us who work with him would be surprised to see him back on the network level as a reporter.

I know this: the “clubhouse” at one TV station in Denver is about to get a whole lot better. John, I speak for my colleagues: we will miss you and wish you all the best.

MOVIE OF THE WEEK

“Mister Roberts” 1955

This movie stars some of the biggest names in Hollywood history: Henry Fonda, James Cagney, William Powell (his last movie) and Jack Lemmon, who won the Oscar for best supporting actor.

It’s about an officer, Mr. Roberts (Fonda), on a cargo ship during the Second World War. The ship is nowhere near seeing any action and he wants a transfer to “get into the war.” Cagney, his tyrannical Captain, won’t let him go because he knows Fonda actually runs the ship and has the unqualified respect of the men on board. Eventually, with the help of the men, Fonda gets his transfer. I won’t give away the ending, but will say only that the movie matches the very best of the “M.A.S.H.” TV series for humor and poignancy. It is well worth your time.