That's a fine tribute and astute analysis of Weaver's qualities. I would have always thought that Weaver would have been one of those men who died in the saddle. That he could give it all, not once but twice, without much second-guessing or wanting to take it back, says something about his qualities as a manager and a man. He made his mark to the max, and that was that.

As for women reporters, who was the one he said something like this to, "I like you. You're pretty good. You're not just another pecker checker."

Agree with BourbonSamurai and Morty Causa: RTFA and be sure to click on the sidebar link at the WaPo to read some of Earl's greatest hits to the young beat-writer version of Boz.

Boswell seemed to be "mailing it in" for quite awhile, but the Nationals emergence seems to have revitalized him in recent years. He's very good when he wants to be, as this column shows.

Was Boswell talking about Jane Leavy?

Boswell seemed to be "mailing it in" for quite awhile, but the Nationals emergence seems to have revitalized him in recent years. He's very good when he wants to be, as this column shows.

Sharp observation (which, of course, is code for "thing I had also perceived myself"). The dual resurgence of the Nats and O's has made an old columnist young again, and I couldn't be happier.

Boswell may have been the best game reporter I've ever seen during the years he was the Post's beat writer for the Orioles. As soon as he got off that and began his George Will phase he's steadily gone downhill, but when Mr. Earl is the subject it's like Boz is kind of reborn.

As for women reporters, who was the one he said something like this to, "I like you. You're pretty good. You're not just another pecker checker."

Alison Gordon of the Toronto Star.