The Reader Speaks…October 22, 2026

A good day to share some of the most recent opinions from our Press Pros readers…on assessing the 2026 high school football…Ohio State women’s volleyball…why is there no paywall for Press Pros…and Craig Stammen’s rookie season as a major league manager.

As always, we appreciate hearing from readership about the daily posts on Press Pros, and welcome those who are reading and responding for the first time…or just out of habit.

“Have you ever done a click-bait piece to motivate readership like the liars on YouTube do? And what would you write if you did?” … Scott from Groveport

(Ed. Note: Actually, we do pretty well with what we’re doing. But if she was still living, the psychic that we wrote about in 2018 (Roz) would be perfect to write something like that. She once told me what the serial numbers were on the bills in my wallet…and nailed them! I’ve never figured that out, but it was impressive. I asked her one time if she knew the winners of political races and major sporting events before they happen, and she said yes, and just left it at that.)

“What has stood out most about the current high school football season? And what do you expect from the upcoming playoffs?” … Doug Blankenship

(Ed. Note: The inconsistency with teams that we see play well for three weeks in a row, and then how they go off the rails, or vice-versa. Anna has been a good example, although we really believed they would be good in seven division football to win the Division VI title at the beginning of the season. It’s taken a while for them to finally play that way, but give them credit for figuring it out. You don’t always find that out until after the fact.)

“How would you characterize OHSAA football for the regular season in terms of good players and good teams? First-timer from Madison County interested to read your response.” … Tommy Touchdown

(Ed. Note: Tommy Touchdown, are you related to Freddy Fumble? We haven’t heard from him in a long time. Pure and simple, there’s more good players who stand out than there are legitimately good teams. And the reason is depth. There aren’t many teams that can match up man-on-man for as many positions – not enough athletes available to maintain the kind of competitive standard that there was with fewer divisions. When you see teams now with 7-1 records the first thing you question is…against who? Football, you see, is hard work. You can deduce the rest.)

On Ohio State volleyball and Ohio high school talent….

“Sirs, it would seem to me with comparing their record to the rest of the Big Ten that Ohio State might recruit more of the outstanding high school talent here in Ohio. Or, maybe that’s a reason why they can’t.” … Linda Schoening

“You identified an issue in your recent story about a lack of height and Ohio State volleyball. Same as other sports, good big players beat good small players every time.” … Tony Grano

(Ed. Note: Perhaps, Tony, but good smaller players often beat bigger bad players, same as in other sports.)

“I’m enjoying the coverage of Ohio State’s volleyball, but wonder why there are so many top Ohio players who choose to play somewhere besides with the Buckeyes? Your opinion?” … Kevin Cooney

(Ed. Note: I suspect limited financial resources, just like with other sports. If a school commits a sizeable amount of money for a setter or outside hitter they’re not going to keep recruiting that position just to keep other good players who play the same position in-state. I have asked Jen Flynn Oldenburg your question and her answer was: “You can’t stockpile quarterbacks, like you do with football.” There’s only so many positions and so much money for each.)

“Compared to every other news website, I’m surprised that there is no paywall for Press Pros. How do you do it?” … Duane Davis

(Ed. Note: It’s never been necessary is the simple answer. And, it’s simplified the online process for both reader and site. Some readers are also suspicious of having their subscription information shared (or sold) to other marketers. But one of the original sponsors (McKinley Funeral Home) shared that they felt their ads would have more impact if the site was a free service to readers – more appreciated. We’ve never changed it.)

On Craig Stammen’s first-year success as a major league manager….

“Read the site often and I enjoyed your recent story about visiting with Padres manager Craig Stammen in (San Francisco). That was a great story. How do you think he did as a rookie manager in the big leagues.” … Jason Marker

(Ed. Note: Obviously it’s easier to find success if you have players that produce like Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis. But the obvious deficiency, proven by the playoffs, is offense. I disagree with those who blame pitching. Here’s the thing with managing or coaching. You’re dependent on the production of those who you trust to play. And baseball is a simple game. Get men on base, get them in scoring position, and get a timely hit to score them. Casey Stengel once said that he was a lot better manager when the Yankees were hitting. And my impression was that he (Stammen) had a good relationship with his players. So yes, I think Stammen did fine.)

On why is there no subscription fee to read Press Pros…?

“Compared to every other news website, I’m surprised that there is no paywall for Press Pros. How do you do it?” … Duane Davis

(Ed. Note: It’s never been necessary is the simple answer. And, it’s simplified the online process for both reader and site. Some readers are also suspicious of having their subscription information shared (or sold) to other marketers. But one of the original sponsors (McKinley Funeral Home) shared that they felt their ads would have more impact if the site was a free service to readers – more appreciated. We’ve never changed it.)

Finally, a note on Tim Turpin’s Ohio Sports Hall of Fame, held last weekend in Dayton….

“Thank You Tim Turpin for organizing such a great event. It was also an honor to meet many inductees I’ve always looked up to.”  … Greg Heitkamp (via Facebook)

“It was great to meet you, Mr. Sonny.  And thank for the great article.”  … Tim Turpin