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Matt McHale Obituary

Matt McHale, the popular Los Angeles sportswriter and editor best known for his coverage of the Dodgers and Kings for the Daily News, has died at age 50.

McHale, who was diabetic, had battled various illnesses since leaving the Daily News in February. He died Monday in his native Norwalk, Conn., after suffering his second heart attack in recent weeks. Click here to read the full story

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Los Angeles Daily News from Jul. 14 to Jul. 19, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Matt McHale

24 Entries

Stanka Mazich

January 5, 2011

When my children had been little they
attended WHITE POINT School for adult
education and children observation.Some-times we all played in sand at Cabrillo beach and Mr.John Olguin help them.
They liked him very much.It's a long
story to write,but to be short we know
how you all feel.We'll all remeber him
and miss him.Many,many in San Pedro will miss him,too.
Stanka Mazich and family

J Nunnally

November 15, 2010

I am sorry to learn about the death of Mat McHale. This must have been a difficult time for all. Therefore, I am forwarding scripture to bring solace. Please, read the following scriptures: John 6:35-40, 44 and John 11:25, 26.

Mike O'Malley

July 24, 2008

Apologies for the lateness of this note, but I was looking for something and finally found it. I met Matt 25 years ago in Pasadena and was blown away by how much he wanted to be part of the business. Matt had been doing jobs like moving furniture outside New York, but as he later wrote, “For someone raised on Dylan Thomas and Phil Rizzuto, life had to be more.”

He moved to Southern California, where he was eventually working the agate page in Pasadena and doing the occasional short story. He was hungry for more and always wanted candid feedback on his writing. After putting the paper to bed we’d go over his stories line by line, word by word, and he took a class at one of the local schools, always trying to get better. It’s no surprise that he became such a mentor to so many. Matt treasured people and writing.

Growing up he’d developed a huge admiration for Red Smith, and he was always telling his dad he wanted to write Red a note saying how much he enjoyed his columns. Matt recalled walking in one day, and his dad looked up and said, “You know that letter you wanted to send to Red Smith?”

“Yeah?” Matt said

“Too late,” his dad said before telling him of Red’s passing.

That might have been the prod Matt needed to get going. The Star-News also produced All Sports (nice idea, bad business plan), and when it died in 1983, Matt had a piece in the final edition. He started by quoting William Hazlitt (“To be young is to be immortal”), then added his twist: “The English essayist couldn’t go to his left, but his words left an apt description of the sporting life.” It was fun reading that piece again. “All Sports allowed you to be good and allowed you to be bad,” Matt wrote. “Most of all, it allowed you to get better.”

Not long ago, a mutual friend arranged a dinner for the next time we would all be in the area, but we never got the opportunity. Just another reminder that when it comes to people who are important to you, don’t wait.

Jon Gold

July 21, 2008

I wrote one story for The Daily News, but I will always share a fondness for Matt. The story about soccer balls in Afghanistan was probably just a blip on the DN radar, but Matt treated it like it was pure gold. When it got snatched up by the news desk, he was not bitter, but happy that the story would get more play. He truly helped with the working of the story, besides just being a good guy. I wish I could have worked more with him and shared many of the laughs that others have mentioned. Take care...

Eric Mandel

July 20, 2008

July 20, 2008,

I knew Matt when he started his career at the Pasadena Star-News in the early-mid 1980s.
I remember we had a race track clerk named Diana Marshall, who was most definitely female. Our horse race handicapper, Jack Karlik, tried to pay her compliment saying, “You’re a good man.” Matt put his arm around the older Karlik and said, “Well, Jack. I guess the eyes are the first to go.”
I think T.J. will be waiting for Matt at the Pearly Gates with replacements for his lost parking pass, entry pass and press pass. None of that will be necessary, because T.J. would have already gotten him in with a good word to Saint Peter.
R.I.P., Matt. Too young.

Danny Knobler

July 20, 2008

Matt was one of the best. Also one of the nicest.

RIP Matt McHale

July 19, 2008

jeff johnson

July 18, 2008

long time kings fan .loved the articales he wrote ,great man my sympathy to the whole family

Heidi McAlister

July 18, 2008

Matt's mom, brother, aunt and friends ...I am deeply saddened by the news of Matt’s passing as I write here from Ohio. I met Matt 10+ years ago at his close friend Gary’s wedding to my dear friend Lisa. I was immediately charmed by him, by his ease with himself and his authentic disposition. I thoroughly enjoyed his humor and his company (as I went to the wedding without a date and so did he!) I met with him only once after that for lunch here in Columbus for a few hours and was once again enamored by Matt. I found him chivalrous and easy to talk to. He made me feel good about myself at a time in my life when I didn’t … he did this without knowing he did so, at a time where he was going through some painful experiences as well. He seemed natural to me and comfortable in his own skin. He made a lasting impression on me. During our time together that afternoon, we spoke of the past, of the future, of writing, of family and stained glass art. It was a one-of-a-kind encounter with a one-of-a-kind person. I cherish the time and will remember it always. As I read the stories from his colleagues, I see a person who stayed true to himself, his calling in life ... a rare quality. I find myself wishing our paths had crossed at a different time and place so I could've known Matt better. I realize now from my own experience with Matt and from the writings of others, I was speaking to a person who perhaps deferred to the well-being of others before himself. We should all be so generous with our time here. My deepest sympathy to your family. Sincerely, Heidi Sommer McAlister

I understand from what I’ve read of Matt’s work as a writer, it was a passion for him, a calling? I find this inspiring. I also hear that Matt was well loved and will be missed by many. Thank you so much Gary, for including me in the group of people who knew Matt. I wish our paths would have crossed earlier in this life.

My thoughts go out to you all and to any family Matt may have. - Heidi

Carolyn (LaPierre) Kartzke

July 17, 2008

RIP, Matt. I know TJ was there waiting for you at the pearly gates, and I have no doubt you'll be watching the baseball season unfold together from the heavens - creating new nicknames and sarcastic banter galore. You leave us heavy hearted, my friend.

Lee Barnathan

July 17, 2008

Matt McHale knew how to write a lead. My favorite: One night at Dodger Stadium, when Matt was at the OC Register, Philadelphia overcame a 8- or 9-run ninth-inning deficit to beat the Dodgers. I was a youngster writing for the Newhall Signal, and my lead linking the surrealness of the comeback to the Twilight Zone failed. Matt's lead: "The Phillies had nothing to lose. So they didn't." Anyone who wants a lesson in succinct writing need only read Matt's game stories. Be at peace, Matt.

Mike Morrow

July 16, 2008

Some time, the greatest gifts are those you never expected.
Matt came into the business unannounced, up the elevator at the Star News in Pasadena, his shirt tail hanging out, his eyes like saucers.
This is it, he told himself. This is where he wanted to be. And he made himself right at home.
Neil Simon could not have created a better personality, and Matt looked the part. He played it the only way he could -- with professionalism, with passion, and with love.
The moments we shared, driving to a variety of events, cannot be recreated because they were once-in-a-lifetime moments.
We taught one another, we learned from one another, and even when we were apart, we were together, sharing the same sensitivities, the same love of writing.
I have been truly blessed by him for more than 25 years .. and those memories will continue to bless me until we meet again.
Love you, little brother.

Susie Naumann

July 16, 2008

Matt, May God Bless You and Keep you and may you be seated right next to your Dad

John Olguin

July 16, 2008

Matt was truly unique. He is one of those guys that just loved being a writer - and it didn't matter what sport he was covering. He never sweated the little things (he might hold the record for most lost credentials at ball parks and arenas accross the country)- but he was a tremendouos writer and good guy. He will be sorely missed by friends and readers thoughout Southern California

Scott French

July 15, 2008

As great a newspaper man as Matt was, he was a better person, one of the truly great guys in the business. I really enjoyed working with him at the Daily News and will miss him immensely.

Al Pascarelli

July 15, 2008

When hearing of Matt's illness and subsequent passing our family was shocked. Matt and I went to high school together and were casual friends. He was always a joy to be around and was always looking out for the other guy. After high school we went our seperate ways, he off to California me staying in Norwalk and starting a family. Well 6 or 7 years went by and I had a set of twin boys. On turning 5 we signed them up for the local Cranbury Baseball League. Who would pick them on his team was Matt's Dad Bill Mchale one of the patriarch's of Norwalk baseball. Bill was so kind and gentle to my son's and really worked hard with them to teach them the game. Bill and I would chat after the games about Matt and he was such a proud father. Meeting Bill and having him as the boys coach for 2 years made me understand why Matty was such a great human being. We attend the same church as Matt's mom each Saturday and can't help but feel so sad to see her each week knowing how sick Matt has been. We know though that Matt and Bill are up in heaven together and are happy to be home again together. Bless you Matt, your dad will take good care of you as he did my 5 year old twins all those years ago,

Janna Braun

July 15, 2008

I was fortunate enough to work with Matt in the late 1990s at the Daily News. I was very young but he treated me with the respect of a seasoned veteran, which meant a lot to me. He was a wonderful man and the journalism world has lost one of the good guys.

Jeremy Littau

July 15, 2008

Matt always made a tough job like journalism interesting. On particularly stressful days, a call from Matty would always lighten my mood. We would often just stop the work talk and chat about baseball for a while, and it always made my day better. The only thing Matt liked better than writing about baseball was the game itself, and I hope young reporters follow that example.

Matty was one of the most decent and honorable people I ever knew in the business of journalism. The city of Los Angeles and the Daily News family are poorer today.

Michael Altieri

July 15, 2008

Matt Mchale, to me, brings to mind one word - genuine. Any time spent with Matt was going to be truthful, authentic and pure. I never felt as though I had to read between the lines with Matt. If that was necessary he clearly let you know. Matt will truly be missed by all of those he touched with his kindness, gentle nature and sense of humor.

Ryan Blystone

July 15, 2008

Matt McHale's passing on Monday saddens me immensely. He was a truly kind and wonderful person and I was fortunate to know him as a colleague in the 18 months I worked at the L.A. Daily News.

My fondest memory of Matt was having him expertly edit a story I wrote about the NHL lockout decision. In the article, I talked about how this decision would affect my "relationship" with the sport. In the story I mentioned several old-school names and when Matt was reading over my story, it gave him a chuckle.

I remember another time when I called Matt at the Daily News, after I'd left the paper, and was looking for some information. When I spoke to him he asked why I hadn't been back to the office to visit. I told him I'd been busy since moving to San Diego. I remember he ended the call saying that I should stop by and "don't be a stranger."

That should tell you all you need to know about Matt. Everyone was a friend and he wanted you to know it.

Upon learning the news on Monday, I know we've all lost a great friend.

I extend my prayers and thoughts to Matt's family. He will be sorely missed.

Ken Daley

July 15, 2008

I replaced Matt as the Daily News' Dodgers beat writer in 1990 when he moved to the OC Register, only to learn later there is no replacing Matty. The depth of my sadness today is outweighed only by the joyful memories I have of him during our six years together on the Dodgers' beat. We lived, worked, traveled and competed for stories from Vero Beach to Los Angeles, and I'll forever be grateful for his friendship, generosity, encouragement and support, which were invaluable to a young reporter getting his first shot on a major beat. We had the best traveling crew in the business, and after already losing Terry Johnson we suffer another irreplaceable loss. But Matty, no need to fumble through your pockets looking for another misplaced boarding pass today. If your smile and heart don't get you through the gates, I'm sure TJ will. It was a privilege to be your friend, and you are terribly missed already.

Doug Jacobs

July 15, 2008

Matt was truly one of those rare individuals that cared for you and other people much more than he cared for himself.
As his boss at the Daily News for eight years, it was and honor and a privilege to call him my colleague and my friend. He was willing to do whatever you asked of him, and was able to find a silver lining in everything.
I'll miss you, Matty!

Jerry Bonkowski

July 15, 2008

Unbelievable. I can't get over the fact Matt is gone. While it's been several years since he and I last spoke (basically, our career paths went in different directions in the early-to-mid 90s), I still considered him a friend. I remember first meeting Matt at Wrigley Field sometime in the mid-to-late 80s. Our paths would cross several times over the years and he'd always make a beeline to say hello to me. In a business where there is so little of it, Matt embodied the perfect word for himself and his profession: CLASS. Not only was he a great writer and editor, he was an even better human being. I had been keeping up with the progress of his recovery from his illness on SportsJournalists.com and planned to reconnect with him once he got better. Now, unfortunately, we'll never get the chance to do so. His death is especially poignant in the fact we are both the same age: 50. He was too good of a man to go so young. But if there's any consolation, he's in a much better place where he won't have to worry about illness any longer. God bless and God speed, Matt. You will never be forgotten. RIP.

Jill Painter

July 14, 2008

Matt was an amazing newspaper man but an even better person. He cared so much about everyone else and always put others before himself. He left us way too early, but we'll never forget him.

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