Weekly Feature: Hidden Gems

(drawing by Joe Wood)



Today's Hidden Gem: Bob Tayek



Every once in a while, I witness a fellow human being who, in my estimation, has made such an impact on this area, their craft, or is seen as quite the humanitarian, that I must choose them as my Hidden Gem.

Such is the case today.


I've known Bob Tayek as long as I've been in television, and a bit before.


He was my supervisor at my first job at WEWS. We worked together at WKYC. And, yet again, today our paths continually cross with our prospective titles of Assignment Editor + Diocese of Cleveland Media Relations Director.

I certainly could gush on and on about Bob on many fronts--our friendship, the excellent caliber of professionalism he has brought to every single job /career he's occupied, whether it be in Television, Radio, or Public Relations.


He's what I would call a 'true journalist,' a 'Renaissance man.'


He's got more contacts than there are stars in the sky.


Every person who has ever met him or had the distinct honor to collaborate with him in some way is changed forever, for the better. I can not imagine anyone on this earth having a bad thing to say about Mr. Bob Tayek.


His knowledge of Northeast Ohio, politics, news, religion, education, Cleveland history, & pretty much everything unmatched by most.


Tayek's booming voice has led him to numerous radio jobs as well.


I'd love tuning into his news reports on various local radio programs on my way to or from work. You knew you were getting the top news of the day and it was true.


Bob always has a huge smile on his face, a pen in his pocket (which much to his dismay burst open more than once), his tie loosened just a bit, his beat up briefcase, and one of the most distinguishable laughs I've ever heard.


Always the first one in the office and usually one of the last to leave.


His hard work and dedication paid off by the respect he garners, and his many accolades.


Personally, I think one of his greatest honors is his SPJ Distinguished Service and Lifetime Achievement Award which he received in 1996 along with Writer/Reporter/Author Russ Schneider.


Tayek currently works side by side with Bishop Richard Lennon, Bishop of the Diocese of Cleveland, as his director of media and public relations. Unless you've been totally out of touch, you know that Tayek has had his hands full with everything happening in the Diocese from priest allegations to Vibrant Parish Life II to the whole church closing/merging saga and now the Cleveland Catholic School mergings.


Those close to Tayek know this job is a perfect fit, in light of Tayek's strong faith and knowledge of his religion.


Through it all, those familiar with Tayek know he will always give the truth, effort a statement, and be as forthcoming and accommodating as possible.



True friends of Tayek know there is one other passion that monopolizes much of his life: his love of the game of baseball.



This devotion is one of the bonds bringing Bob and I together --our love of the game and of our Cleveland Indians, whether they win or lose. In true 'Bob Tayek fashion,' he took his enthusiasm for the sport and his great vocal craft and spun it into one of the most exciting jobs I could ever imagine having: the Public Address Announcer for the Cleveland Indians.


Yes, if you are lucky enough to have a ticket for an Indians' Game at Progressive Field, take keen notice of the public address announcer.


Most nights, it is Mr. Bob Tayek.


He's perfected this role as well, just like he masters everything he undertakes!


His knowledge of the game, impeccable. He must arrive early to meet with the umpires, go through his notes, and prepare for the next 4 or so hours following Major League Baseball and Cleveland Indians protocol.



It's a real treat listening to Tayek announce ....as each Indian comes up to bat, Tayek has perfected the way he ushers each player to home plate in his own special way, own unique vocal signature.



If that's not enough, I just found out that Mr. Bob Tayek was included in Tom Jones' Book, 'Inside WORKING at the BALLPARK.' I'm told Tayek is included in Chapter Six: Eyes and Ears. What a thrill and absolute honor!


If you have not gathered from this article how versatile and absolutely amazing Mr. Bob Tayek is and what a beacon he has been for Cleveland, Cleveland Media, and Cleveland PR, let me impart one more depiction.


When Bob left WKYC to trail blaze onto his next endeavor, Artist extraordinaire, Joe Wood, created Tayek's going away card. On the outside it read 'Mild-Mannered Bob Tayek' and had the exact likeness of Tayek inside a phone booth with his suit slightly open just enough so you could see his 'Superman' outfit underneath!


That sums up the brilliance of Mr. Bob Tayek.


If you would like to personally witness Tayek's professionalism and loquacious style, catch an Indians' game and, you too, will see why Mr. Bob Tayek is this week's Hidden Gem!