Backtime catches up with Bob Carpenter

You might think witnessing and documenting Blake Griffin’s 40-point, 23-rebound performance would have been the highlight of my Hallmark Holiday away from home. Or maybe sitting a couple of tables from Jerry Springer at O’Hare.

It was actually my afternoon working with Bobby C. He’s the pro’s pro, and we go back over 15 years. Today’s rendezvous on the Big 12 Network is further proof that life is a circle.

Bob is now 55, and he'll be sure to tell you that he’s a “network has-been.” But don’t cry for the TV voice of the Washington Nationals. I asked him how many games he does in a season. He smiled “A hundred and sixty-two.” And he didn’t include spring training. Who needs a network when you’re already in the majors? Bob's partner in 2009 will be Rob Dibble.

He still calls Tulsa home in the baseball off-season, calling Oklahoma men’s and women’s games (both teams are ranked #2 nationally), and hosting Jeff Capel and Sherri Coale Coach’s shows.

Bob is the creator and distributor of “Bob Carpenter’s Scorebook,” the best baseball scorebook in the world for the serious broadcaster/TV producer/fan. He has sent out close to a thousand books, collecting some cash on the side. You can order it at http://www.bcscorebook.com/.

Well, it was nice to connect with a familiar face, and hear the familiar voice featured so many times throughout Mark McGwire’s 1998 run. We keep meaning to collaborate on the definitive baseball cliché book. Until then Bob:

See. You. Later.