Neal Russo

[1] He graduated from Farrell High School in 1938,[2] and later from the University of Pittsburgh at the top of his class.

[3] During World War II, he served in the 434th Fighter Squadron in United States Army Air Forces, primarily at RAF Wattisham.

He wrote the 479th Fighter Group's newspaper, Kontak, for which pilot Robin Olds created cartoons.

[1] He succeeded Bob Broeg and preceded Rick Hummel on the St. Louis Cardinals beat from 1959 to 1978.

[1][5] His unconventional work practices and antics around the offices of the Post-Dispatch, Busch Stadium, and beyond included weight-loss challenges and stand-up comedy routines.