Marathon Classic

I would think the issue is simply money. Jamie Farr was a familiar name in Toledo, and was used as a draw to sell tickets. But he is getting older (this could certainly be a factor as well) and less people are familiar with why he all-known to begin with. Compare that to the money an oil company has. Getting television coverage alone makes this a good deal.

I'm certain its money. If Marathon is financially sponsoring this event then they understandably want naming rights. That said, Jamie Farr did a lot to get this event on the map and I certinly hope he is properly acknowledged and thanked for his contribution.

Of course it's money. So, you agree, he's being dropped because of dwindling name recognition and lack of marketing appeal.......NOT because of "pending show business concerns".

I guess I just found that quote disingenuous/funny. Why not just say, "I've done this for a long time, it's been a pleasure, but I agree, it's time for a change. I'm bowing out....thank you"....and ride off into the sunset.

I tip my cap to the guy. He's done a lot for the tournament and for Toledo. I just think the Hollywood in him just wont let him admit that he's being dropped.

Jamie has been a friend of the family for many years. Neat man. One of the best things that has ever happened to Toledo. What Danny Thomas did for Memphis, Jamie Farr has done for Toledo. I had the chance to see him last summer in a quiet setting. I thought that he was starting to look tired. More Burgess Meredith and less Jamie. But he was "on."
He has enjoyed work for many years, and does not benefit from the Classic in the way that Marathon can benefit the Classic. Jamie is a wonderful man. The Classic is a wonderful event, and wonderful things will happen with a title sponsor. I do not believe that he was kicked to the curb. I see it as a natural time for him to get away from the enormous load of being "on" for that whole event. It is a pretty big event to personally host. And that's how he saw it. As a host.
Finally having a title sponsor, in addition to a presenting sponsor will benefit the tournament and the community. And in that way, Jamie's gift to the community will be stewarded far beyond his years and initial vision. It's a win win from this seat. Too bad people aren't conditioned to recognize those anymore. Everybody always need a hero and a villian.

God bless Mr. Farr, and the Marathon Classic.

good points. I guess I shoulda let this sleeping dog lie....some things are better left unsaid.

He is a good man and has been good for Toledo. I appreciate what he's done and what he's meant to Toledo.

Hmmm. Maybe in a few years it will be the Katie Holmes Classic.

I think more Toledoans recognize her than Jamie these days.

I didn't mean that at you, in particular. I think that your raising the question is valid. Sorry if I strayed too far into the whole needing a hero and a villian thing.

I agree that he is a good man. The best.

I hope my comment wasn't seen as disparaging to Mr. Farr. I agree he has done a great deal for the city (although, don't think he wasn't well compensated for a lot of it...), it was simply time to move on. I agree with Bulldog though, that press release made him sound a bit like a jilted lover.

"I am in such high demand in Hollywood that I couldn't possibly continue hosting this event."

I'd bet this was distributed by a PR agent in haste. Seriously, without googling it: when is the last time Jamie Farr appeared on any screen?

He is a Toledo treasure. He never forgot his roots. He was successful and he brought his success back to Toledo to do good things for this town. I'll agree that his departure from the Farr Classic wasn't handled artfully.

Much love for Klinger!

Jamie Farr hasn't been in any movies lately but he is still active in off Broadway plays.

I am pretty sure that he also has a daily radio show.

I'm surprised "Jamie Farr" stayed on the masthead as long as it did. Most of the "celebrity-hosted" tournaments (like the Bob Hope Classic) renamed themselves years ago with corporate sponsorship.

Thomas Pounds' opinion in this week's TFP says it all.

No one has done more to put Toledo on the map in a positive light.

Thanks Jamie.

We're eternally grateful.

http://www.toledoblade.com/business/2013/02/20/Owens-Corning-reports-4Q-loss-of-56M.html

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887324156204578273790541957834.html

I don't subscribe to either paper, so sadly I can't read the articles.

Neither do I, yet I read them both.
Huh.

Anyway... the gist of it is that the historical sponsor of the tournament had a very bad fourth quarter, while the new sponsor had a very good fourth quarter.

You could get the complete but dry data here:

• Marathon Petroleum - http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/MPC:US
  • press release - Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2012 Results

• Owens Corning - http://www.bloomberg.com/quote/OC:US
  • press release - Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2012 Results