Inside 680News: Peter Gross
Posted September 24, 2012 10:50 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
1. What the most memorable news story you’ve covered?
I was at the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games, and the 1998 World Cup in Paris, France. The Games were exhilarating and frustrating because it was very warm in Atlanta and the media was not necessarily treated very well. After working from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. One Friday, I finally made it back to my hotel and at 1 a.m. in the morning the phone rang from Toronto — I had to go back and cover the fallout from the Centennial Park bombings. The World Cup assignment was fantastic — 10 days in July in Paris. I rollerbladed up and down the Champs Elysees.
2. What are your hobbies?
I have four cats and I like to grow tomatoes and roses in the summer. I am a chronic horseplayer and publish “Down The Stretch,” Canada’s most informative and entertaining horse racing newspaper.
3. Favourite place (country, city) visited and why?
Saratoga Racetrack. Every summer, I go with friends Jim McKenny and Clint Nickerson for a week (or more). It’s a whole town that for seven weeks of the year turns itself over to the best thoroughbred racing in North America.
4. What would your last meal on earth be?
Fried chicken.
5. Favourite book you’ve read in last 12 months?
Stephen King’s 11-22-63.
6. If you were stuck on an island, what are the three things you want with you?
My iPhone, a coke machine and a package of watermelon seeds.
7. If you’d have another career, what would it be?
Pro golfer.
8. What else do you want to accomplish at 680News?
I would like to add to my lengthy on-air career with as many compelling stories as possible. I wish to be the world’s oldest sportscaster. I probably have about 30 years to go.
9. Do you like/drink coffee or tea?
Neither. Coke.
10. What you like about 680News?
The freedom to express myself on air the way I see fit. The wonderful cross-section of creative and bright people. The hours (as if!).
11. Are you married?
Never been married. Still interested.
12. Do you have any children?
I have two — Roger is 20 and Emily is 15. Looking for a woman who wants to give me a third!
13. Do you have any pets?
I love cats. I presently have four. I have just self-published my first book, The Boy Who Turned into a Cat.
14. How long have you been with 680News/Rogers?
This is my 17th year.
15. What are your greatest accomplishments?
I was the 1967 North York 106 pound and under wrestling champion. I was on the ice when the Maple Leafs won the 1964 Stanley Cup and I was on the field when the Blue Jays won the 1993 World Series. No one else can say that!
16. What city were you born in?
Toronto, Ont.
17. Which living person do you most admire?
My greatest sports hero is Arnie Boldt, the one-legged high jumper.
18. What’s your motto?
From the last few lines of To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout says, “he was real nice…” and Atticus replies, “most people are, Scout, when you finally see them.”
- Read more about Peter on the 680News bio page.
