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WSIU's Listening Project: Remembering Bob Blondi

Today we turn our attention to sports for this week's installment of  WSIU's Listening Project.  For years the name Bob Blondi has been synonymous with high school and college sports in southern Illinois and throughout the Midwest.  The Illinois Sports Hall of Fame referee presided over games for 50-years. 

Credit Pearl Franz / WSIU
Bobby Blondi (left) and his son Rob Blondi (right) share memories of Bob Blondi for WSIU's Listening Project at the Benton Library

Recently his son Bobby Blondi and grandson Rob Blondi shared some of their memories of the man who was the son of Italian immigrants and left an indelible mark on Benton High School and southern Illinois sports.

Their conversation was recorded as part of the 100th Anniversary of the Benton Public Library.

More Stories:

On playing for the Chicago Cubs...

blondi_on_cubs.mp3
Bobby Blondi recalls the short period of time his father played baseball for the Chicago Cubs system.

On how the game of basketball has changed...

blondi_on_game_web.mp3
Bobby and Rob Blondi talk about how the game of basketball has changed over the years since Bob Blondi was a referee.

WSIU's Listening Project connects people with place through their stories.  You can hear more stories from the Benton Listening Projecthere.

Jeff Williams is the Associate Director for Radio and Station Manager for WSIU Radio. Jeff is a native of southern Illinois and has been in broadcasting for 30 years. Contact WSIU Radio at 618-453-6101 or email wsiuradio@wsiu.org
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