Looking for Former Sports Phone Callers

**Thor4140** · 05-30-23, 06:02 PM

Booya used to call those numbers and talk sex. Ran up some tremendous bills. Once told me he had the perfect ten on the line. I asked him how in the world did he know. He told me she told him so.

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-30-23, 06:24 PM

Originally posted by Thor4140

Booya used to call those numbers and talk sex. Ran up some tremendous bills. Once told me he had the perfect ten on the line. I asked him how in the world did he know. He told me she told him so.

Ha-ha. Was he talking to Gayle Gardner?

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-30-23, 06:29 PM

Originally posted by scotto

Hi, all. I’m writing a book on the old Sports Phone dial-in service (976-1313), which was the main source for live scores and breaking news before 24/7 sports radio, the ESPN crawler and the internet became widely available. I’m seeking former callers who have memories of the service. Whether you were a gambler, handicapper or even a bookmaker who utilized Sports Phone in its heyday I’d love to chat with you for this project.

If you fit the bill and are interested in being included in our book, please message me here on the forum. If you’d like more information on my credentials or on the project itself before making a decision, message me as well and I’d be glad to provide those details through DM.

BTW, this appeared to be the most logical forum on SBR to post this message. If I’m in the wrong place or violating any of the rules please let me know and I’ll delete/move my post to a more suitable location.

Thanks!

Scott

This is a great request. I can't say that I ever called that particular #.

It does harken back to a different time, though. Scores just weren't readily available. You'd watch the ticker on ESPN or CNN Headline News. Occasionally, the ticker would freeze up.

The phone was the contact. You'd call to hear the Tout's free-pick on a recorded message. I think Joe Gavazzi's Pittsburgh Pipeline was the best daily free phone. He'd give the spiel on his latest promo...and tell you the comp was on the back-end. He'd give some info and even a system to back his pick.

**texhooper** · 05-30-23, 06:57 PM

I’m pretty sure Alan Boston has talked about calling into these numbers before. He actually has always been a big proponent of gameflow informing his selections, so this created an advantage for him back in the day. Supposedly. It’s hard to trust anyone but I always found that interesting. You should reach out to him on twitter

**VeggieDog** · 05-30-23, 07:00 PM

Sounds like a cool book. I'll buy one.

**gauchojake** · 05-30-23, 07:55 PM

There were two former co workers of mine who had insane gambling problems. One had a beeper that showed scores and the other was calling the 976 lines and placing bets non stop. His account was Tiger and then some numbers afterwards. One other guy who was a friend of mine never called the lines but was a complete degen, wrote a 12k check on his father in law's account. He also took the rental deposit checks from my apartment in IV and tried to sign them over to himself and deposit them to his account.

**big joe 1212** · 05-30-23, 08:00 PM

I remember calling those numbers every 20 minutes for updated scores

Had to listen to some BS advertising for about a minute before they’d actually get to the scores but it was at least entertaining

**ChuckyTheGoat** · 05-30-23, 08:51 PM

Originally posted by big joe 1212

I remember calling those numbers every 20 minutes for updated scores

Had to listen to some BS advertising for about a minute before they’d actually get to the scores but it was at least entertaining

Stu Feiner also had an 800# back then. Guy would make up fake lines to boost his record. But he was in fact very entertaining: "UCLA pi$$ed all over Florida International."

**hehfest** · 05-31-23, 02:05 AM

I can't even remember the dial-in number "name" to check the scores but I remember I would be at a wedding, any special event. I would walk right out of anything to call that number and check those scores. That goes along with the old call to the bookie and speaking in a real low voice so nobody could hear. Of course, the bookie had to constantly say speak-up and I can't hear you. I even had code words developed with him. Like give me 1W. To win 100. And R1 Risk 100, etc. LMFAO. Sd instead of san diego. Rs for red sox. LOL

**str** · 05-31-23, 07:30 AM

Called it often, especially Saturday college baskets way back in the day from a pay phone at the racetrack.

Before cell phones and even pagers.

I do remember that commercial in the beginning but only that you had to wait until it was over.

My favorite was when the young guy giving the scores got to the William And Mary game he always called them

"Bill and Mare". Not sure why but I loved that !

**mjsuax13** · 05-31-23, 07:49 AM

Never used any call in service except for the late nights ones in Las Vegas

**OldBill** · 06-01-23, 10:17 AM

yeah i remember before we had cell phones calling a number to get scores 1 night driving to AC casinos heard on radio i just won $250 on a dog

pulled over did jig yelping pumping fist

**scotto** · 06-03-23, 01:51 PM

Originally posted by texhooper

I’m pretty sure Alan Boston has talked about calling into these numbers before. He actually has always been a big proponent of gameflow informing his selections, so this created an advantage for him back in the day. Supposedly. It’s hard to trust anyone but I always found that interesting. You should reach out to him on twitter

Thanks, Tex! I'll try reaching out to him.

**scotto** · 06-03-23, 02:05 PM

There are a few folks who have responded to the thread above that I'd like to contact directly to gauge their interest in interviewing for the book. Since I'm new on the forum I can't PM them and I also can't post my email address here as it violates forum rules.

Any suggestions on how to coordinate this?

Thanks,

Scott

**scotto** · 06-03-23, 02:06 PM

Originally posted by VeggieDog

Sounds like a cool book. I'll buy one.

Thanks, VeggieDog! I'll definitely let you know once it's available!

**Optional** · 06-03-23, 02:46 PM

Originally posted by scotto

There are a few folks who have responded to the thread above that I'd like to contact directly to gauge their interest in interviewing for the book. Since I'm new on the forum I can't PM them and I also can't post my email address here as it violates forum rules.

Any suggestions on how to coordinate this?

Thanks,

Scott

Contribute enough so you gain access to PMs, and let people get to know you a bit.

**miaplus3** · 06-03-23, 03:38 PM

Yeah, I remember the touts yelling at cha for a few minutes before the reveal of the scores. Those were the days.

**str** · 06-03-23, 04:53 PM

Originally posted by miaplus3

Yeah, I remember the touts yelling at cha for a few minutes before the reveal of the scores. Those were the days.

Wow, That shank is under his jaw. No wonder he doesn't like it.

Looks like he's getting a bath but whatever it is, it's not the bath he's taken aback with.

Nice avatar.

Different, in a race horse kind of way.

**Bluehorseshoe** · 06-04-23, 06:01 PM

My friend's husband was one of the guys who gave the scores. lol