MP News: Time to say “goodbye”

[MP News Bot]

Tiger Don is moving on

Read the story HERE... (http://www.massillonproud.com/cgi-bin/viewnews.cgi?id=1193706185)

Comments Welcome!

[TigerVic]

Wow- I'm shocked at this news. Tiger Don, you will be missed by me and all Tiger fans who have enjoyed your dedication, hard work, and fine journalism you've exhibited on this site. Your shoes will be VERY hard to fill.

Please consider doing a guest column here or there. You have a sense of the history of the program and, although you won't be at the current Tiger games (You must be aching inside at that thought), you certainly can provide some insights and memories for our younger generation.

THANK YOU TIGER DON!!!!

[Kenny M.]

We'll miss you, Tiger Don! Thanks for your fine articles -- you gave us out-of-towners some insight into the games we missed (unfortunately). Best of luck in Massachussetts. Please remember Tigertown is always home no matter what your address.

[c1john]

NO- you can't- this makes me so sad- I don't even know you, but I always read everything you write- did you apply at the newspaper? You won't like MA- they are mean there and everything is so expensive- you'll be back-I also hate to lose a supporter like you- good luck- please come back to Massillon

[boosterette]

Tiger Don: Everyone at MassillonProud will miss you. Who will provide me with correct statistics for my newsletter? Thank you for being so dedicated to the Massillon Tigers. I am sure it is difficult for you to leave this fine town, but know that you will always be welcome back.

I wish you and your family the best of luck and hope that this will be a short stint until you are relocated back to the best town in the country.:thumbsup:

[longtimefirsttime]

Thanks for your efforts. Good luck in the future.

[obie7661]

I wish you and your family the absolute best.

[CarlE]

Congrats on the job and a personal thank you for all your years of service to us here. You were (are) the consummate professional and I too enjoyed all your writings. From afar you made me feel like I was right there at home. You will be sorely missed and a BIG void will be felt here at MP. PLEASE don't be a stranger and get ready for the wicked NE winters. They will not be kind to you!!! Worcester is a great place and you will enjoy living there.

Good luck again, my friend and thanks for all you have done.

[PainlessPaulus]

Don,

I am very very sad to see you move on.... Hopefully we can stay in contact thru Massillonproud.....


doug

[obiefan]

Don,

Thanks for the kind words in your goodbye story. You thought you were trying to become a writer at Massillon Proud and inquired with us, but contrary, we were seeking you out. We saw your skill at writing about the Tigers while you were with rivals.com. You have been an incredible friend over the past 6 years. Your knowledge of the Tigers is nothing less than incredible. Your un-biased approach to sports writing is something to be emulated.

I will miss you and your evening calls to let me know your latest thoughts on Massillon and it's opponents. I know Massillon has lost another great, due to industry closing up shop. Please keep in touch with us. You WILL be missed by many!

I can only hope that we can fill the void.

Good Luck in your future and thanks for making MP what it is!

Jim

PS: I encourage anyone who has read Don's stories to chime in with your well-wishes!

[PDC]

Don,

Good luck to you. I always enjoyed reading your articles.

[ChronicTiger]

There has never been a greater buzzkill than this.

[DAWGH8R]

WOW !! I'm in shock, but truly understand your position. Best of luck & maybe we'll hear of your "NEW" local HS team !!

[The Voice]

SAY IT AIN'T SO ! Thanks for making Massillon proud a viable Journalistic outlet. Best of luck Don.

TV

[MSlater]

When I started massillonball.com I tried to have the details about the game that you put into your writing. May your writing enthuse other fine journalists to step forward and carry the torch for our Massillon Tigers. May God Bless You and your family on your journey...

Massillon Always :TIG2:

[xtiger]

Don, you're the best! I will miss reading your articles. I definately think you've missed your calling!

Good luck!

[Marie]

Tiger Don
I will miss reading your articles. I appreciate all your work at massillonproud.
Good Luck in your new job. May God Bless you and your family.

[The Butler]

Don, I've always enjoyed reading your work. You wrote from the perspective of being a fan, without being a homer.

Good luck with the new gig.

[Mr.Deedee]

Oh my gosh! First DAWGH8R and his missus and now you. But I look at it this way. It really isn't goodbye, it's just "Adios" for awhile. I have a feeling that you will be back home in the future. You brought so much balance to this site and could really "stick it to" those who think they know it all--but in a kind and professional way becuase you had the facts to support you. I know your dad quite well and two of your sisters and I know they will miss you too.

Best of luck to you always and "we'll be seeing you soon!" Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.

[Submariner]

Tiger Don,

I want to wish you the best that life has to offer, and thank you from an outside the Tiger Huddle perspective. This website is wonderful, and the people on it I have enjoyed their comments and perspectives on things, and thanks to you and others that created this website to make this possible. We all know nothing lasts forever, we make the best time while we are here before we move on somewhere else. Thanks again for your time and efforts, as they appreciated outside of Massillon as well.

Submariner

[chumly]

Thanks Tiger Don for bringing Massillon Football and sports to those of us in far away places through your great journalism.

I'll take our winters over yours but NE is a beautiful place.

[obiefan]

More email comments:

Thanks so much for your terrific effort over the past years. Your reporting and writing skills have made this site the very best of its genre in the Tiger tradition of excellence. Best of luck in MA
-Steve McLain
Troy, OH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thank's for the good time's. It was fun reading your post. Sure going to miss you. Wish you luck where ever you go. And thank's again.
-Npaflas

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Thanks for being there! I am 400 miles away in the Chicago area and YOU kept me in touch.
-Dave Shaffer

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Good luck tiger Don!!!!
-Tom Taylor

[football49]

WELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL

wE SURE WILL MISS YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[STING]

TigerDon,
Thank you for all the great articles you've written on massillonproud. I have many of them in Bobbys scrapbooks. Thank you for helping us save all his memories. It was nice talking to you at The Duck those few times. Good Luck.

Judy Huth

[MUCSteelers5xSuperChamp]

Tiger Don,

You were the heart and soul of Massillon journalism. It is because of you, I am where I am at today. I am going to sorely miss your presence and I wish you all the best in Massachusetts! I'll never forget the first time I met you...it set the tone for the three best years of my life!

Best wishes to you!

[TigerLily]

Tiger Don --

We are so very sorry to see you go. I have enjoyed your writing and you will definitely be missed.

You know that saying that “all good things must come to an end”…well, it sure applies here.

May God be with you and your family and remember that www.massillonproud.com is only a “click” away.

http://catholicshopper.com/products/media/PH_CA6697.jpg

[MTown]

Good luck to you, Don. I can't imagine how hard it must be for you to leave. But think of it this way...Massachusetts is all set to gain a big piece of Tiger Nation.

I will miss reading your articles and I want to thank you for all the time and dedication you put forth to make it happen.

[massillonmarine]

Good luck, TigerDon!

You're already missed!

[bar_tiger]

Thanks for all those great articles Tiger Don.

And for whomever is the last to lose their job and move out of Ohio, please remember to turn out the lights.:wall:

[jobdone]

Good luck Tiger Don. All the previous posts echo my feelings. Don't believe the quote, "you can't go home again". You can, and we all look forward to the time that you do. God bless and thank you!

[Zimm87]

Thanks, and Good Luck!

[obiefan]

More email for Don:

Tiger Don,
I'm a St Ignatius graduate (early 60's) now living on the East Coast and I'd like to wish you all the luck in the future. I've enjoyed reading your articles. They were always fair and balanced and always supportive of the Tigers. I'll miss your contributions to this excellent web site. Best of luck in your new adventures!
-Leo

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

[Tiger Head]

I have always enjoyed reading your articles, Don. They were entertaining as well as informative and very well written. I think you missed your calling :). And like Judy, I also have many of your articles in Steven's scrapbooks. Thanks for helping me keep the memories alive. Good luck to you and your family.

Linda Schott

[austinsm11]

Good luck with your move and the new job. I'll miss reading your articles.

[Perry74]

Tiger Don, I had the pleasure of meeting you and had a few great converations with you about football in Stark County. You're a class act. I wish you and your family all the best in your new adventure. Good Luck & God Bless.

[Red50Go]

Great. What are we supposed to do now? Just kidding. Congrats and good luck. Dont be a stranger on this site. We'll keep YOU posted for a change.

[obiefan]

More Email:

To Tiger Don- Good luck in your venture. I have enjoyed reading your messages after every Massillon Game, and will miss you. Best of Luck in the future.
-Lani M.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Don,

Thanks for the many stories you have written. It is sometimes difficult to get information in Michigan regarding the tigers seasons. Best of luck with your new opportunity.

Tom Gruno
82-83

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tiger Don:

Enjoyed your columns over the last year or so.
Corporate America has too much change.
Good luck.
-Lynn H.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for all you have done to keep those of us who live away from Tigertown informed about the mighty TIGERS. Best of luck in all you do.

Jeff Pedro, Tiger Forever

[Masstiger]

Hey bro...all I want to know is..who's going to inherit your seats??? lol

[Tiger Don]

Thanks to everyone for your kind responses to my farewell address. I am simply overwhelmed and will be printing this thread so I can remember all the good times.

I'm sorry I won't be around to report on the Tigers going forward, but Obiefan is working on a suitable replacement so this fabulous site can continue to provide the sports news to all those misplaced Tiger fans, like me.

To Masstiger - No, you cannot have my seats. I worked long and hard to get those seats and I'm not giving them up, particularly to you. However, if you plead long enough, maybe on your knees, I may let you borrow them for a game or two each year, provided I'm not sitting in them.

Take care everyone. I'll be checking in from time to time from the tiny state of Massachusetts.

Go Tigers!

[DaveDawg]

TD,

Good luck and I will miss reading up on Massillon from your point of view.

Back in the original Kool-Aid gathering days, it was nice to meet you...I wish you and your family the best.

Dave

[obiefan]

More emails-

Tiger Don,

Thanks for all the great effort you put into MassillonProud.com. Being another Massillonian transplanted away from home-- in Dayton, OH-- I always looked forward to reading your articles. Your kids-first approach to writing kept articles on-focus and away from the typical brouhaha when things were not going as anticipated.

As the flagship writer for MassillonProud, your presence will be sorely missed. But as we all know, family comes first. Best of luck in your future endeavors as you join the other transplanted minions.

Sincerely,

Brent Bradley

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Don,

It is with some sadness that I read your "goodbye" article. We met at the Massillon-Mckinley playoff game in 2005 at the Akron Rubber Bowl. I happened to be sitting in the row in front of you with my brother, father, and uncle. It was a great bonus to the victory to meet the person behind the "Tiger Don" articles I had been reading for a little over a year and a half. My uncle (Ron Swartz) and father (Dan Swartz) both played for Massillon in the 50s and 60s. You were nice enough to give us a hello in your report of that playoff game.

I have checked for your reports on the games and booster club since around 2004. I can't tell you the number of times I have checked for the results of the game shortly after it ended and then realized that I should probably be patient and give you some time to get the writing done! Thanks very much for keeping me an informed fan of the results and goings-on surrounding Massillon football. Your efforts will very much to be missed by this Tiger fan in Boston, MA.

I hope you enjoy the Worcester area. My brother is in Boylston, MA which is nearby. It is certainly different than Massillon, doesn't have the football you are used to, but has a lot to offer. Best wishes on your move and welcome to Massachusetts (I have the feeling you may be migrating back to Massillon someday but enjoy your time here).

Best wishes and thanks,
Scott Swartz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

We will miss you. Thank you so much for all that you did.

Brad Metzger
Jackson Twp. OH

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Don,

I just finished reading your last column and I was sorry to see that you are leaving for a job in Mass. and will no longer be writing articles for Massillon Proud.
I have enjoyed, and will miss, your write-ups of the football games.
I wish you much success in your new endeavor and can understand the tough decision to leave Massillon for another job.
Respectfully,
Bob Wheeler
Chesapeake, VA

[TigerCarl]

Ouch! Don, buddy, this really hurts. The tears of Tiger Nation are flowing tonight.

My friend, I suspect you already know how I feel about this matter. Old TigerCarl of Jupiter, Florida will really miss the chats we had every football season. Your email was always so informative and warm.

On the web, you have become a HUGE icon of Massillon sports. As with your many other fans, I too always looked foward to reading your articles the moment they went up.

Also, I count you among a handful of outstanding friends from back home in my beloved Massillon. You always understood my situation, living so far away. Sadly, you and I, my friend, we never had the chance to meet face-to-face. How regretful.

Your writing has become such a staple of MassillonProud, I cannot imagine anyone else doing it. (Unless a certain un-named female Super Tiger who is also a gifted writer chooses to volunteer for the job. Hint-hint! She knows her way around a keyboard.)

Meanwhile, Don, I'm afraid I sort of took it for granted that you'd forever be there, clicking out your magic words until the last Tiger game was played.

The financial ruin of Massillon has led to the loss of many great Tiger fans over the years. But yours is perhaps the most heartfelt loss of all.

You provided a very special memory for me. Eleven years ago, when this old Tiger was first learning how to surf the web, I came across your original web site. Don, you the very first Massillon Tiger I ever exchanged dialog with, via email! There you were, the quintisential loyal Tiger fan, with that burnt-orange background at your old site, listing the schedule and scores of the 1996 Massillon Tiger football team, and giving stats and the rundown of each game.

Eleven years ago . . . gosh, Don, it seems so much more recent than that.

Anyhoo, congratulations on finding a suitable replacement employer. I regret that you must leave Ohio, but it's also good to get a fresh start in life. I hope it all goes better than you expect.

You hang in there, son. And don't look back. Just look ahead.

Go TigerDon! You be d' man!


Sincerely,

TigerCarl (Carl Eberly) of Jupiter, Florida.

[Tiger54]

More Email:

To Tiger Don- Good luck in your venture. I have enjoyed reading your messages after every Massillon Game, and will miss you. Best of Luck in the future.
-Lani M.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Don,

Thanks for the many stories you have written. It is sometimes difficult to get information in Michigan regarding the tigers seasons. Best of luck with your new opportunity.

Tom Gruno
82-83

~~~~~~~~~~~

Tiger Don:

Enjoyed your columns over the last year or so.
Corporate America has too much change.
Good luck.
-Lynn H.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for all you have done to keep those of us who live away from Tigertown informed about the mighty TIGERS. Best of luck in all you do.

Jeff Pedro, Tiger Forever
It's good to see that Tom Gruno is still keeping up with the Tigers from Michigan! He was one of my favorite players and hope that he is doing well.
Mary

[tig62]

I will miss interacting with you at the lower level games; you are very well informed and insightful. I told you on several occasions that your MP articles were more professionally written than those from the newspaper. When you told me in advance of your pending job change and relocation, I was stunned; but you have to do what's best for you and the family. We've had similar health problems so I know you will take care of yourself. Best of luck in your new venture. Looking forward to your future return to Tiger town.

Sincerely,
Tig62

[obiefan]

another email:

Sig and I both wish you and your family the best of luck in your new location. We will miss you.
Most sincerely,
Yvonne

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tiger Don:
I sat in front of you and your wife at a game two years ago. I played for Massillon in 1955,56 and 57, #60 in the 57 photo. I am in Boston and happy to help if needed for your relocation in Worcester, MA. Please fell free to contact me at 617 852 5544 or email. Would look forward to meeting you again. My brother Ron Swartz was quarter back in the 60's.
Dan Swartz

[Tiger Don]

Thanks again to everyone for their kind notes. I've now arrived in Worcester, Massachusetts, and getting ready for my new life. Wishing well to everyone back home.

Tiger Don

[WoodyHayes]

You did a great job. If you ever get tired of the liberals in Mass. the Great Republic of Texas is waiting on you with open arms. Good luck!