I don't know how many of you folks out there are old enough to remember ABC's "Superstars", but the network is planning on dusting off the old "Wide World of Sports" program for a six-episode run in 2009. Via Variety....

ABC has given a six-episode order to a new celeb take on the sports-themed franchise "Superstars."

"ABC was the most aggressive, and they were big on getting the authenticity of the original 'Superstars' format," said Juma prexy Bob Horowitz. "And the fact that they have the NBA Finals in June makes it a phenomenal springboard for promoting the series."

In bringing out the franchise last summer, Horowitz had cited the success of ABC's "Wipeout," as well as the popularity of celebrity reality competitions like the Alphabet's "Dancing With the Stars."

In "Superstars," eight celebs will be paired with eight male and female pro athletes to compete in various events, including swimming, biking, running and kayaking. Teams will be eliminated each week, until one athlete/celebrity pair is crowned the champs.

I was looking for clips from this special that aired in 2003 over the weekend but couldn't find any on the tubes. Lucky for you and I, HBO is going to re-air the Emmy award winning special "Jim McKay: My World In My Words" this Thursday, June 12th at 7pm.

As I remember it was just McKay talking about his personal life and his experiences in and around Sports. The one thing that stuck out to me was his bout with anxiety and his recovery from it in the early 70s. It also highlights his name change (once Jim McManus), his wife's negotiations of his contracts and dealing with his son as his boss.

It's a great look into a great man written and directed by himself. Be sure to check it out if you've got an hour. It's also airing Sunday, June 15 at 11:30 a.m. (Father’s Day) on HBO; and Monday, June 16 at 11:55 p.m. on HBO2.

Longtime broadcaster Jim McKay passed away today at the old age of 86, and while you never want to have to write posts like this the Broadcasting Hall of Famer did live a long and productive life. McKay spent most of his years as host of ABC's Wide World of Sports, but is mainly remembered for his gripping coverage of the kidnapping and deaths of 11 Israeli athletes during the 1972 Munich Games. The coverage of that event was exhaustive and if you've ever seen any of the documentaries his quote of, "They're all gone" probably still rings in your ears.

Not only did McKay do a lot of great things around the World covering the Olympics and various Sports for ABC, he also was a huge help to the State of Maryland. He helped the Horse Racing community of the State and because my dad worked at many of the courses I had the chance to meet Jim on a couple of different occasions. He was always pleasant and even though it's a sad day for everyone in Sports his quiet death at least came from natural causes and took place at his home in Monkton, MD.

Here are some quotes from people in the industry about the man and his life....

"He had a remarkable career and a remarkable life, hardly a day goes by when someone doesn't come up to me and say how much they admired my father."- Sean McManus, McKay's son and the president of CBS News and Sports.

"There are no superlatives that can adequately honor Jim McKay. He meant so much to so many people. He was a founding father of sports television, one of the most respected commentators in the history of broadcasting and journalism."- George Bodenheimer, president of ESPN and ABC Sports.

"He was truly the most respected and admired sportscaster of his generation and defined how the stories of sports can and should be covered. While we all know what an absolute titan he was in his chosen field, I will always remember him as an extraordinary human being guided by a strong moral compass."- Dick Ebersol

"He brought a reporter's eye, a literate touch, and above all a personal humanity to every assignment. He had a combination of qualities seldom seen in the history of the medium, not just sports."- Bob Costas

"His enthusiasm permeated every event he covered and thus always made it far more interesting. I always thought of him as a favorite teacher."- Al Michaels

Here are a couple other well stated pieces....

Sports Broadcast Titan Jim McKay Passes (Sox and Dawgs)
Legendary Sportscaster Jim McKay Dies at 86 (Fanhouse)