Source: YouTube.com: BUToday
Published: Fri, 23 Oct 2009
Description: In 1954, rejection letter in hand, Bud Collins drove more than 700 miles from his hometown of Lima, Ohio, to Boston. The mission: convince Boston University to let him study journalism. The promise: if accepted, he would be an excellent student. Collins (COM09) made good on that promise, although it took him more than 50 years to get his degree. Best known for insightful tennis commentary that changed the way the sport is understood and appreciated, Collins is an unusual journalistic pioneer. Even his clothing suggests that: colorful, custom-tailored pants that have become his trademark as he reported on a sport where wearing whites once was required. Collins, who will be honored tonight with a Distinguished Alumni Award from the College of Communication, kick-started televised tennis commentary for WGBH-TV in 1963, the same year he began writing for the Boston Globe. He became known for his sharp commentary as well as clever insights and monikers, calling Roger Federer The Swiss Who Cant Miss, for example. Collins has published numerous books, most recently The Bud Collins History of Tennis: An Authoritative Encyclopedia and Record Book, which includes year-by-year summaries of past tennis seasons, biographical sketches of important players, and stats, records, and championship rolls. Collins also has covered other topics, including the Vietnam War and interviews with Muhammad Ali, reporting on several of his most famous fights. His dispatches for the Globes travel section have been celebrated as well. In 1999, Collins won the Associated Press Sports Editors Red Smith Award, considered the highest accolade in sports reporting. His papers and memorabilia are among the holdings of the Howard Gotlieb Research Center at Boston University. Last May, Thomas Fiedler (COM71), dean of COM, presented Collins with a long-awaited official degree, a master of science in public relations. I finished all of my classes in 1955, but lacked a thesis paper, because I got caught up with my full-time job at the Boston Herald, said Collins. Fiedler accepted Collins book, The Bud Collins History of Tennis, in lieu of a thesis. Now with diploma in hand, Collins joked, I might be able to find a real job. For more Boston University news and videos, check out http://today.bu.edu
Automatically Generated Transcript (may not be 100% accurate)
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" So our friends -- and -- we don't know what's gonna happen I think of consumers trying a lot more lines against Rosie."
" Well Margaret court going for that Grand Slam we're going to show you take now going into the third set. Tit shot. On. Shannon remembers. Is 1984. The US open."
" Even -- US senate today. Lendl was they matched fluid. And it's under three and a half hours these typical one and it."
" Yeah I agree on your candidate and -- know. -- volley off to -- all right and I'm not."
" Ran ran ran lifted tops. Over chances. Yeah harvest. Its Internet -- and yes. People ask me who the most influential people wouldn't -- I don't see Billie Jean King because that's just a great influence women's tennis and tennis as a whole and order as a whole. She's pretty -- his presidency. She realize these responsibilities. She goes and it. Full force. Arthur Ashe was a great influence in many ways because he lose interest in education. As well analysts. Aren't they're trying to go to South Africa. He was outspoken on this. People who are so grateful to see I think it is you world class athlete Arthur. Greater effect. Black kids in the game and I think the Williams sisters you and on top of the game."
" We're encouraged but."
" That are out to us. Or any length of time you can see that this thing. Scoring his name is court. Is the same size but technology has taken over. There was more variety into the game when we had to leave Iraq. You want your players today wouldn't you suggest and he shows a variety that we don't get yeah well I wonder what kind of player won't really be as attractive with a high tech practice I don't know. Generally do I wanna see what comes next. This year was Kim Clijsters played seven matches before you missiles and wanted to -- Yeah baby that's -- she refused. That was. And joyful time and that's what gives you can bet the answer. Yeah."