TORONTO (Sep. 7) — You may not realize it, but the Toronto Argonauts are in terminal condition. With an uncommunicative coach that has lost the dressing room. A quarterback who presents the characteristics of an emotional featherweight. And, worst of all, ownership that is marginally invested. This is a fatal troika for professional sport.

Today’s alleged contest in Ottawa would quickly spell the end for a coach employed by people that care. But, principal owner Larry Tanenbaum is already on record as implying that the Argos would lose fewer dollars if the club folded. So, what impetus is there to improve? Particularly given how blasé the local following has become. Head coach Ryan Dinwiddie, who fancies himself as an offensive coordinator, needs to be shuffled aside. And, there is only one person who can replace him; a man that has the proven ability to rally and motivate football players: the current general manager of the club and its most–revered modern figure, Mike (Pinball) Clemons. Pinball had to be nauseous watching his club stumble, bumble and fumble at Lansdowne Park. Falling behind, almost comically, 31–3 by halftime of a game that ended, 41–27, in favor of Ottawa (flattering for the visitors, who rang up 24 points in “garbage” time). Under Dinwiddie, the 6–and–6 Argonauts have been outscored 53–3 in the opening 20 minutes of the past three games. If a man cannot jack up his team to start with enthusiasm, why is he coaching? Couldn’t the players perform disgracefully on their own? It’s an appalling situation getting progressively worse for the Toronto team that can least afford to look foolish and incompetent: the CFL Argonauts, by many miles.

As of now, it is difficult to imagine any person buying a ticket to watch such a disaster.

THE HALFTIME SCORE IN OTTAWA SPOKE VOLUMES ABOUT RYAN DINWIDDIE AND THE 2024 ARGOS.

But, again, maybe that’s what ownership is secretly wishing for. If Dinwiddie is still calling the shots in the next couple of weeks, we’ll have our answer. If, somehow, Tanenbaum and Bell Media prefer to not be embarrassed, perhaps something will be done. But, don’t count on it. Especially if Pinball, now 59, wants no part of returning as coach (he guided the Argos to the 2004 Grey Cup title, over B.C.). This will be exacerbated, beyond measure, if Kelly’s mind — as it appears — collapsed during last November’s Eastern final at BMO Field. I’ve said it before, and I’ll repeat: It seemed as if Kelly suffered a nervous breakdown on the sideline after giving up his stunning, 102–yard interception for a touchdown in the early moments. Marc–Antoine Dequoy read Kelly perfectly and sent the Montreal Alouettes to a 37–18 trouncing of the 16–2 Argonauts. For the entire game, afterward, Kelly had a vacant look in his eyes; impervious to desperate teammates attempting to rekindle his spirit and capacity.

That performance, however, was brilliant when compared to the first half in Ottawa, when the Redblacks twice returned Kelly interceptions for touchdowns. It appeared the third–year quarterback would have difficulty hitting a stationary target, let alone teammates in motion. The 2024 Argos were exposed for all to see by the Redblacks, who crafted a 28–point halftime lead without so much as breaking a sweat. This, in the first truly important CFL engagement between Toronto and Ottawa since, perhaps, the 1982 East final at old Exhibition Stadium, when Bob O’Billovich, Condredge Holloway and the Argos drubbed the Rough Riders, 44–7. With a victory, the current Argos could have crept to within a point of the second–place Redblacks in the East. Instead, the game was over before the opening kickoff; the visiting players oblivious to any instruction from their coach. Rarely, in the past four seasons, have the Argonauts looked so–thoroughly disinterested. There seems little justification for staying with Dinwiddie, other than resting on his procurement, from last season, of the dreaded coach–of–the–year award.

Right now, ol’ Ryan couldn’t direct a starving man to a restaurant.

ARGOS LEGEND AND CURRENT GM MIKE (PINBALL) CLEMONS ARRIVES IN HAMILTON ON LABOUR DAY WITH PLAYER PERSONNEL DIRECTOR JOHN MURPHY. ONLY PINBALL CAN SAVE THE 2024 CLUB.
DOUBLE BLUE DAILY, FACEBOOK

The bigger problem is Kelly, who continues to look as if he’s never picked up a football. We all know of the quarterback’s not–so–private issues from last winter, when he ignored common sense and decorum by harassing a female strength–and–conditioning coach later dismissed by the club. The CFL justifiably suspended Kelly for the first half of this season. Whatever part of his mind and confidence existed prior to the Montreal playoff debacle hasn’t returned. Quite frankly, he looks like a fraud; a one–year wonder. And, not because of ability beneath the shoulders. It’s north of the neck where Kelly is foundering. Perhaps without remedy if he is chronically unhinged, as his off–field conduct loudly suggests. It’s the sort of emotional quagmire that only Clemons might be able to address. If Dinwiddie stays, the team will continue to tank. And, how to you sell that to an already detached public?

Pinball has rescued the Argos in the past. He has never been needed more urgently than right now.

FROM THE VAULT — AGAIN

More items from my large hockey collection:

Everyone’s favorite defunct NHL team: the California/Oakland/Bay Area/California Golden Seals. Played in the league for nine seasons (1967–68 to 1975–76) and had four different names. Above, are obviously rare game programs from the Oakland Coliseum–Arena in 1968 and 1971. Including, the opener to the club’s second season (below), a 5–1 loss to the Minnesota North Stars.

Three of the nine media guides in California Seals history. Once the club had switched to green and gold.

The World Hockey Association — a rival of the NHL for seven years (1972–79) — arrived in Toronto for the 1973–74 season, as the Ottawa Nationals became the Toronto Toros. The club played in tiny (4,116 capacity) Varsity Arena at the University of Toronto. Welcoming such stars as Gordie Howe (Houston Aeros), Bobby Hull (Winnipeg Jets) and Gerry Cheevers (Cleveland Crusaders) back to our city. These are programs from the ’73–74 Toros season. The nomadic club moved into Maple Leaf Gardens for 1974–75 and 1975–76 before relocating again, this time (with former Leafs Frank Mahovlich and Paul Henderson) to Birmingham, Alabama.

The annual preview magazine published by The Hockey News launched for the 1976–77 NHL season. Here are the first three editions.

The NHL halted publication of its annual Guide & Record Book after 2018–19, going digital. In my collection, I have every Guide dating to 1966–67, the last year of the six–team league. Above, are four–such items, including Wayne Gretzky’s first season (1979–80).

NHL programs (above) from the Montreal Forum in 1968–69, including a visit (below) by the Leafs on Boxing Day of that season.

EMAIL: HOWARDLBERGER@GMAIL.COM