Frank Deford: A Career Spent Bringing 'Something New' To Sports
Frank Deford, NPR's longest-running sports commentator, announced Wednesday that he's retiring after 37 years on Morning Edition — 37 years of entertaining, educating and yes, annoying some listeners, like any good commentator should.
The warnings from Frank Deford arrived via email, days before our scheduled interview. When I get to his third floor apartment in Key West, Fla., Deford cautioned, I'll be greeted by a screeching dog.
He was right, although Miss Snickers, Deford's yorkiepoo rescue, sounded more ferocious than she actually was.
Deford also had this warning: "Unfortunately, I will be a terrible host."
He wasn't able to greet me at the door or give me a tour of the spacious apartment he shares with his wife Carol, which overlooks boats and turquoise water and palm trees. Prior to my visit, Deford had had a couple of tough days because of a lung condition. It
