Bob Burnes – 2006
Bob Burnes, known as “The Benchwarmer,” wrote for the St. Louis Globe-Democrat for 51 years. From his hiring in 1945 to his retirement in 1986, Burnes wrote over 15,000 articles for his sports column, eventually becoming the Globe’s sports editor. His near-photographic memory of games he had covered served him well later when he premiered on KMOX radio in 1953 and became the first host of their Sports Open Line program. Burnes’ unabashed support for St. Louis was embraced by his fans, and he was honored by the Gateway Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society with the creation of its “Bob Burnes Spirit of St. Louis Award,” given regularly to the person who has dedicated years of service toward excellence and the celebration of sports in St. Louis.