The Pomp And Joe Show

Ron did it his way. The greatest Steeler of all time, Joe Greene, joined the show to congratulate Ron. One of Ron's favorites of all time, Joe Namath, is the final caller of Ron's career. Ron's goodbye. 

Local Geico rep. Tim Hester joined the show to thank Ron. Former Pirates pitcher and broadcaster Steve Blass joined the show. Ron made Steve believe that they have the same birthday. 

Former 93.7 The Fan host Vinnie Richichi joined the show. Ron worked with Vinny when the station first began. Vinnie is now in Seattle. He has taken a break from sports the last year and a half since the pandemic. 

Ron lists the Hall of Famers that have called this week: Doc Emerick, Jim Leyland, Jack Ham, Jerome Bettis, Ben Roethlisberger, Billy Knight, and John Calipari. Terry Francona, Rick Tocchet, and Bruce Arians have called and should be Hall of Famers. Rebecca Hester called Ron, who was Taylor Cook's 3rd grade teacher. Bob Beall of Mr. Rooter Plumbing joined the show to say thanks. Super Bowl trivia between Ron and Austin. 

A recap of the star-studded lineup that joined us during the 11 a.m. hour. 

All the stars. Former Cook and Joe Show producer Matt Koll joined the show. The final Wheel of Ball with Joe, Ron, and Foalsie. Joe's favorite memory of Ron. They connected over their childhoods playing sports. The winnest coach in Western PA history Jim Render joined the show. Jim's teams dominated for a long time. He called to congratulate Ron and wish him well.  Kentucky basketball and local legend John Calipari joined the show. Ron was so happy for what John did for Robert Morris and the NIT game for his hometown team in Moon Township. John commended Ron for how he did his job and the level of respect. World Series Champion manager Terry Francona joined the show to thank Ron. 

Former Penguins VP of Communications Tom McMillan joined the show. Tom and Ron remember when they looked at each other in 1991 and said "wow, the Penguins are going to win the Stanley Cup." Ron recounts a great story with Badger Bob Johnson about how winning the Stanley Cup doesn't happen often. Starkey Six Pack - Brewers sign Gary Sanchez, Alexander said if the Steelers and Seahawks played Super Bowl XL 100 times, the time the Steelers won is the only one the Steelers would win. James Harrison blasts Steelers current expectations. Pitt basketball beat N.C. State 67-64 last night.

Ron looks back on his career in Pittsburgh. He's going out on top.  Pitt basketball legend Billy Knight surprised us all and called in to congratulate Ron. 

(Cook and Joe Whole show from Monday 2-5)

A huge announcement kicks off the show today for the Cook and Joe Show with Bob Pompeani. Ron Cook announces he is retiring from the FAN and moving to Florida. The surprises start rolling in. Doc Emerick joins the show to talk to Ron and congratulate him on his retirement. Doc asks Ron some names and what stories come with those names. 

Alejandro Villenueva and David Decastro call in to wish Ron a happy retirement. Laura West who works in the Media Room at PPG thanks Ron for being kind in the room. Rick Tocchet calls in as well to continue the day of surprises for Ron Cook. 

More surprises for Ron Cook. Former Pirates Manager Jim Leyland calls in as well as current Pirates Manager Derek Shelton calls in. Both wish Ron well in his retirement. Ron wants to talk about sports but he does not know there are more surprises in store for him. 

Ron Cook's number one player to cover, Jerome Bettis calls in. Jerome thanks Ron for treating him as a person and not a story. Jack Hamm also calls to wish Ron a very happy retirement. 

Pitt basketball head coach Jamie Dixon. Steelers QB Legend Ben Roethlisberger calls in to add to the surprises for Ron. But the person who means the most to Ron, his daughter Taylor Cook calls in. She says she has been begging Ron for some FAN merch and Ron has yet to deliver. Cherry on top is Bruce Arians calls in to tell Ron he was the best person he ever worked with in the media. 

Joe Kopp aka Horse and Matt Koll aka Foalsie, former producers of the Cook and Joe show, call in to wish Ron a happy retirement. Even though Ron did not recognize Horse at the top of the hour. 

Ed Bouchette joins the show to add to the ever growing list of people to wish Ron a happy farewell. Ron and Ed exchange stories about the Pittsburgh Maulers and Ron says it may have been the most fun he had while covering a team. Joe asks what is the biggest change Ron has seen in the business over the years. Ron tells the story about the time Dave Parker threatened to kill him. He then talks about his most memorable game he ever covered. 

The last caller of the day, Lanny Frattare calls to offer Ron a teaching position at Waynesburg's journalism program. Ron reminisces about the time Bob called in while he was in a hot tub. Ron thanks the guys for all the surprises they put together today.

The Cook and Joe show from Wednesday, February 7, 2024.