Hot-Rodisms

Posted by Annie Whittaker on February 01, 2009

The last televised Jazz game was on KJAZZ. Yes! I thought to myself as I read the little pocket schedule.  This was at the beginning of the work day.  Finally, I could go directly home to watch a Jazz game.  I’m one of those rare few who don’t have cable or satellite.  And, the digital switch hasn’t happened yet, which is a good thing because even though all those .2,.3,.15 channels are really cool–they still don’t come in if the breeze blows the wrong way around my place.  (The things you sacrifice for a life in a bucolic paradise).  Finally, I thought; no mooching for Jazz.

Ah zute alors, I later thought to myself (not really-not even Tony Parker would actually think this to himself) at about 3 pm; I have French class tonight! So, then I realized that I would experience the next best thing to watching a game at my own house, and that was listening to the Jazz radiocast on my own radio in my own car.

Since I was returning from a language class, I started to think about the difficulties of learning a language, especially when you’re living in a foreign country, barraged constantly with so many new things to learn.  I employ someone who is not a native English speaker.  She teaches me her language, and I teach her mine.  I’ve suggested that she read the newspaper, and watch certain programs on TV to learn common phrases and figures of speech.  As I listened to Hot Rod on the radio as I drove, I thought about the poor, confused person who might think they were learning English while they listened to “Hots.”

Now, this is not a jab at Hot Rod by any means.  On the contrary, it’s a form of adoration.  He’s been called a one-of-a-kind, and many other names I’m sure.  Hot Rod’s language is a hybrid, a language much like that of the Jodi Foster “Nell” character who grew up all alone in a shack in the forest.  I wouldn’t suggest that anyone trying to learn conversational English pay any attention to what he’s saying, let alone try to use any of his phrases.  But I would say to anyone who likes to be entertained that they should listen to “Hots” as much as they possibly can.

Some of my favorite Hot-Rodisms:

“hippity hop”-oldie but goodie borrowed from Chick Hearn

“With a gentle push and a mild arc the cowhide globe hits home”-my favorite

“we are level”-meaning the teams are tied

“Ronnie Price out of West Valley City College”-This college doesn’t exist, it never has.  He continues to use it to this day.  Price played for Salt Lake Community College at the campus located in Taylorsville, which is near West Valley–but the point is, this is all Hot Rod.  (Isn’t this your favorite Jonathan Kendrick)?

“The Minnesota Pesky Timberwolves”-he used it throughout the game, as if he practiced it that way.

“Kal Korver or Cal Cover”-That’s just how he says it-again, all Hot Rod

“I don’t believe it”-this is an expression of true disgust, his accent makes it memorable

“Andrei Kidilinko or Andrei Kerlinko”-don’t tell him how to pronounce it

“Leapin’ Leaner”-classic

“Sweet sassy-molassey”- Just kidding

Anything about the officiating-Hot Rod can get away with a lot more than any broadcaster I’ve heard in recent years.  He can actually be honest.  I hope he doesn’t ever get in trouble for it.  The honesty is refreshing and rare.  You gotta love that baby.

I know there are hundreds more. Instead of me listing them, how about you all share them with the rest of us in the comments.  (I’d love to hear some from the olden days J.R.)

Earlier this season Hot Rod was awarded with a lifetime achievement award.  We are so privileged as Jazz fans to have such a unique talent and form of entertainment to call our own.  Sometimes even when I have the opportunity to watch the Jazz play on TV, I opt to listen on the radio.  There’s a comfort in listening to Hot Rod call for the Jazz.  I hope that I’ll be able to do so for many years to come.

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10 Comments

Brian McCann on February 02, 2009 said:

The best is the occasional slip when he will say something like “Stockton rebounds and pushes the ball up court…”. I guess all those years of doing it one way make it hard to switch to another, even if Stock has been retired for 5 1/2 years:) You gotta love Hot Rod.

James Seaman on February 02, 2009 said:

When I was younger, I remember Hot Rod saying, “In your face, mama!” a lot, like when the Mailman would throw down a hammer dunk. I wish he’d bring that one back. I also always loved “The refrigerator door is wide open!” as that meant the Jazz were putting the game away.

Annie Whittaker on February 02, 2009 said:

James, I forgot “in your face Mama.” I don’t know if he even uses it much with Boozer. None of our team seem to slam it down with the same emphasis as Karl did.

justonechampionship on February 02, 2009 said:

Here in alaska we only get the national televised games, (which are really rare)so when I listen to Hot Rod on the ole’ XM radio, I am glued until the game is over. But you got to listen closely because up here there is 1/2 second delay between what’s going on in utah and what I’m hearing here so sometimes everything gets a little bit jumbled, but that is a small price to pay.

David on February 02, 2009 said:

Didn’t Ronnie Price play at UVSC?

Annie Whittaker on February 03, 2009 said:

Hah! Someone did read the whole blog! Thanks David. I realized my mistake about 2 seconds after it was published, but I thought I’d wait to see if anyone even noticed.

Yes-RP played at Utah Valley State College in Orem which is still nowhere near West Valley–still funny that Hot Rod keeps saying it. But, we can all see why it might be confusing.

How often does someone’s pointing out a mistake make your day?

Lynn Corbin on February 10, 2009 said:

I for one, was so happy to see something on Hot Rod…… My Mother and Father used to live to watch the jazz, and listen to Hot Rod on the radio… My Father would many a time, turn off the sound on t. v. and the sound of Hot Rod over the radio, would boom out, because it was much better, and informative, compared to the television announcers. I only wish Hot Rod could go on forever………. But I do want to complain, and I don’t know who to, about the fact that we can only get two games a month on our t.v. How come, and I know I’m not alone, we can be cast off like we don’t matter any more? Some of the jazz’s most avid fans, are in my boat, ( not much money ) but a love for our team that is undying. Are the Jazz owners short on finances, so they have to take our games away, for more revenue? They should really consider the fact that we do matter, and time will tell if they stay on the path they’re on. Let me know how you feel about being shut off from something they used to let us have.

Derrick Daye on February 10, 2009 said:

Lynn,

Thanks for your thoughts. Regarding the current situation with Direct TV, you’re far from being alone. There’s more on this topic here:

http://www.jazzbots.com/web/2008/12/31/directv-dumps-kjzz-14-at-midnight-tonight/

Hoping for a speedy resolution.

Derrick

Adam on July 21, 2009 said:

Ronnie P never played at SLCC. He played at UVSC. I love when guys think they know what they’re talking about but don’t. He played at Nicholls State University in Louisana prior to playing at UVSC.

Dustin on August 27, 2009 said:

“Stockton at the top of the key…right to left….Stockton to Malone and HAMMER DUNK!!! You gotta love it baby!” My other favorite that I quoted while playing my last second hero shots in my front driveway. “Hornacek gets the ball and with a gentle push and a mild ark the cowhide globe hits home.”

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