Do you remember Joe Fowler?

He was a sportscaster with a flamboyant personality for WCAU-Channel 10 in the late 1980s and early 90s. Fowler left the station and embarked on a career change to acting.

In this week’s version of my Yesterday column - reminiscing about sports and pop culture in the 1960s, 70s, 80s and sometimes beyond - I will look back at some of the sportscasters and newscasters that crossed our paths growing up. Today, Fowler is doing infomercials, and I recognized him on a recent one that I watched

Also, I’ll take a look at some newscasters and some pop culture waybacks.

Do you remember Commander McBragg? Former Eagle Ron Solt? And how about the Mexican Hat Dance?

Turning the Channels ... Fowler came on board to Channel 10, which already had the likes of “Big Al” Meltzer and Howard Eskin. He often appeared on weekends, and also anchored “Sports Final ” on a Sunday night, which used to be one of the primary outlets for football highlights and other weekend games. Steve Levy made stops at Channels 10 and 6, before he switched to the news side. Former Eagle Via Sikahema was also in the mix.

Meltzer also was a staple on KYW-Channel 3 for a long time, and his delivery and candor also placed him near the top of my list.

Back in the day, though, we all couldn’t wait to see the sports on either the 6 or 11 o’clock news. It was only when we were older that the 11 o’clock option was in play. For me, it was either Channel 6 or 10, and Channel 3 was the final option.

Don Tollefson emerged as the area’s top sportscasting star, and Scott Palmer was his backup. They were an upbeat duo whose personalities captured their audience. Tollefson moved on to Channel 29, before he served 14 years in prison for a fraudulent ticketing scheme. A source told me that he is working for a grocery chain in the greater Allentown area stocking shelves. Palmer left to take a job with the Phillies.

Gary Papa also was a prominent player at Channel 6, and worked his way to sports director. Papa tragically lost his battle with cancer, but he stayed on the air as long as possible with some noticeable difference in his appearance. I remember Papa for his weekend work.

Lou Tilley became a household name on Channel 3. There also was Ukee Washington and Beasley Reece. Eskin also spent some time there. There also was Mike Forrest, who spent some time at ESPN. And do you remember Steve Bucci? If you turn the clock back even further, maybe Jim Leaming will ring a bell to (FOR) some of you.

Getting back to Channel 29, Eskin, Carl Cherkin, along Bill Vargas were the regular anchors for the nightly broadcasts. Eskin had a good run with his weekend night “Sports Sunday” show that always was a must-watch.

Do you remember George Michael’s “Sports Machine?” It was one of the original Sunday sports highlight shows.

If I am forgetting anyone, please let me know.

News Names ... Aside from the sportscasters, Channel 6 weatherman Jim O’Brien was among the most recognizable news personalities. O’Brien possessed quick wit, and great chemistry with colleagues Tollefson and Larry Kane. He genuinely made you laugh. Dave Roberts was his backup. O’Brien left us way too early when he died in a parachuting accident.

Some of the other newsmakers and weatherman that touched our lives were Larry Kane, Vince Leonard, Herb Clarke - early Sunday morning - Tom Lamaine, Lisa Thomas-Laury, and Marc Howard.

Channel 6 seemed to dominate the news personalities. Again, if I forgot someone, please let me know.

Cartoon Corner ... Do you recall Commander McBragg? He was a part of “The Underdog Show.”

“The World of Commander McBragg” was a 90-second to two-minute segment involving him as a retired British commander who would embellish being at different historical events.

It did provide a brief historical lesson, and he always ended the segment with the word, “quite.”

Another Classic Game ... During the early 1970s, there was a cavalcade of football games that hit the market, and primarily they were billed as “electronic” or “electric games.”

Galoob introduce its “MVP Football” game with a variety of versions beginning in 1970. It played off the Steelers’ success and had two players in Steeler-like uniforms in their 1978 version. Like their counterparts - Mattel in particular - the game featured push-button directions below a field and scoreboard.

Who knew it would be a precursor to the screens on our phones today?

Solt, Not Salt ... During this week in 1988, the Eagles sent a first-round 1989 pick and a fourth-round 1990 pick to the Colts to acquire guard Ron Solt, who was one of the biggest busts.

Solt was an AFC Pro Bowl selection in 1987, and the Eagles believed they had a high-caliber guard on their line. They raised his contract from a five-year deal to six years worth $3.4 million from $2.5. But Solt’s anticipated presence never materialized. In fact, he was suspended for four games during the 1990 season for steroid use.

Solt was traded back to the Colts prior to the 1992 season, and that was his last NFL season.

A Chair, a Hat, and a Beanbag ... Recently, I saw a version of a game we played as kids, and also thought of a song and another backyard game that was associated with our youth.

Do you recall playing musical chairs? it’s referred to by various other names today, and is still utilized in youth meetings and outings. it’s a simple game that can still generate plenty of chatter and excitement.

How about the Mexican hat dance? When you think about it, can you still hear the theme in your head? It was a big hit at any function for us as kids, and we all tried it more than a few times. After all these years, it still resonates.

And what about Cornhole? I remember it being called “bean bags.” It was a big picnic or family function game. This is still yet another activity that has stood the test of time and simply changed its name.

For me, bean bags was my favorite.

And how many of you remember playing quoits? Back as far as I can remember, quoits was a big game and there were even leagues. I remember my uncle having the quoit boards in his garage, and they were a summer staple. Can you hear the sound of the rubber quoits hitting the asphalt board?

A Steeler and the Truth ... One of my favorite game shows to watch during my youth - and still is due to the Buzzr (yes, it is spelled this way) network is “To Tell the Truth.” Legendary game show host Gary Moore was in the spotlight during the show’s height in the 1970s, and featured regulars Bill Cullen, Peggie Cass, and Kitty Carlisle.

In 1990-91, former Steeler Lynn Swann hosted a primetime version on ABC, but the show proved to be a flop. Swann did make his mark on the network’s football broadcasts.

In 2006, Swann decided to delve into politics, and took a stab at the PA governor’s race - but he was unsuccessful.

Knuckle Under ... Growing up, Phil and Joe Niekro were knuckleball pitchers we recognized. There also was Hoyt Wilhelm, Wilbur Wood, Charlie Hough, Tom Candiotti and the recently-passed Tim Wakefield.

A great trivia question is with what team did Phil Niekro win his 300th-career game on this date in 1985? It was the Yankees, and the 46-year-old Niekro threw a four-hit, 8-0 shutout with five strikeouts. He pitched two more seasons before he ended his 24-year career.

Memory Lane ... Do you remember Phillies catcher Erik Kratz? The Telford native spent four seasons with the Phillies through parts of the 2011-13, and 2015 seasons. Overall, he hit .230 in Phillies pinstripes. However, Kratz also had stops at Milwaukee, Toronto, Houston, San Francisco, New York (Yankees), Pittsburgh, and Kansas City. Overall, he hit .209 with 31 homers and 105 RBIs in 11 seasons. In 2022, Kratz joined the Phillies’ broadcast team as part of a revolving color commentator team.

Feedback ... Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcomed at tnsports@tnonline.com