The state of Louisiana lost another icon.
Although he was definately anchored to the Saints and the New Orleans area, Buddy D, was the squirrel of squirrels and really fun to listen to on 870 WWL.
The following was written by Jeff Crouere of the BayouBuzz.com :
There is no other city in the world like New Orleans. Our architecture, history, culture, food and all special, but what is most special of all are the people of New Orleans. No city anywhere has as many unique individuals and interesting characters as New Orleans. There is something about our city that lends itself to true characters, whether it is the water, the political corruption, our cultural melting pot, the steamy weather or the constant threat of hurricane annihilation. Whatever the reason is, New Orleans personalities are legendary and plentiful.
Where else in the world would there be a character like Buddy Diliberto? By covering sports for over 50 years in print, television and radio, Buddy Diliberto became a sports legend in New Orleans. On Friday, the city lost this sports legend at the too young age of 73. While Buddy D. died of a massive heart attack, New Orleanians everywhere were heartbroken.
Diliberto was a proud Jesuit High School and Loyola Graduate, who served in the Korean War and earned a Purple Heart. He was also an excellent sportscaster and respected by his peers. During his incredible career he was named Louisiana Sportscaster of the Year 13 times. However, what endeared him to locals was his colorful personality, his charm and his ability to make fun of his linguistic foibles.
No one could mispronounce a word like Buddy Diliberto. Even the simplest names and phrases were challenges for Buddy D. However, the more problems he had, the more locals loved him. His overflowing personality connected with New Orleanians and he succeeded for 50 years because he had a passion for his work and a desire to deliver the story to his readers, viewers and listeners. What he lacked in language skills, he made up for with hard work and determination. As his WWL 870 AM colleague Mark Chifici told me recently, “People don’t realize how hard Buddy works. He is always calling me to discuss the show or a guest he wants to bring on.”
Buddy had a genius for tapping into the frustrations of Saints fans everywhere. He created a phenomenon when he suggested fans wear a bag on their head to protest the 1980 Saints, who finished with a 1-15 record. In his career, Buddy succeeded in every media format, as a sports writer and as a sports anchor, but he really found his niche in talk radio. In that arena, Buddy could truly interact with fans and give them a slice of his sizeable personality. As a talk show host, Buddy coined the unforgettable phrase “squirrels” to label those callers who were hopelessly optimistic or out of touch with reality.
At our Politics with a Punch event last November, Buddy participated on our panel. To be in the presence of such a true legend was a highpoint of our almost 3 year old event. At Punch, Buddy received a standing ovation and the crowd showed their love, awe and appreciation for his tremendous work and spirit. It was a fitting sign of respect for someone who had given New Orleans sports fans 50 years of passionate and colorful coverage.
All of us in New Orleans are richer because of Buddy D. He is one of many New Orleans originals who left an indelible mark on the city. It is always sad when one of these true New Orleans legends passes away because not only are they gone, but also a part of New Orleans that will never be replaced is now gone as well. There will never ever be another Buddy D.
At Politics with a Punch this Wednesday night, we will be honoring Buddy Diliberto. Join us as we give a fond farewell to a New Orleans original.