Disconnecting From The Digital™ with Sportswriter Terry Pluto

Through his decades of sports writing and authoring over 30 books, Terry has written about Cleveland sports, faith, family and relationships, to include getting off your cell phone and cherishing your loved ones, especially while they are living.

We asked Terry to weigh in on GMB’s idea of Disconnecting From The Digital™ (“DFTD”) and reconnecting with those who matter most.

Terry recently wrote an article for graduating students asking them to put down their cell phone and make their communications more meaningful. Terry says, “Sometimes, making a phone call instead of sending the text message is the better choice.  Try to be in-person when you can.  There is something lost in text messaging, which can lead to misunderstandings.”

Terry says the challenge of getting young kids off screens is that we need to put in the time and effort to show them the positive reasons to get off of screens.

Terry told GMB that we need to express our honest interest in each other. Terry says, “Tell them, ‘I want to get to know you more. I value our relationship.’”

Terry appreciates the value of the in-person experience versus sharing a screen or mainly using text messages to communicate in a relationship. To get his point across, Terry says jokingly, “Try sharing an ice cream on Zoom.  It’s just not the same thing.  How about attending a concert on Zoom? Again, not the same.”

Great Point, Terry.  GMB agrees.  There are simply too many things in this life that should be experienced in-person and with each other, if at all possible!  With that being said, we are also extremely grateful for all the various technologies that allow us to keep in touch with family and friends that we would otherwise never get to see.

At GMB, we say, Disconnect From The Digital™ and reconnect with those who matter most.

We asked Terry what his favorite ways to DFTD are. One way that Terry loves to get outside is through his love of hiking, and he and his wife go often. “We love seeing the children out on the trail with their parents and grandparents.  It is great to see families having outdoor experiences especially with the younger generation.”

When we consider ways that we can disconnect and reach out to those we care about, Terry pointed out an irony of this day and age.  Terry says, “Older generations are being encouraged to get on screens and understand cell phones and facetiming, while younger generations are being encouraged to get off screens and be more active or connect in their relationships.”

This, of course is very true, as the younger generation can do things online 10x faster than the older generations and we oftentimes have to ask them for assistance in this regard.

Naturally, the opposite is also true. The older generations understand the understated value of simple things like spending quality time in conversation, taking a walk, or being outside in nature. These are all simple pleasures that the older generation can help remind the younger generations.

One concern and common family struggle of our time is the number of hours children spend on video games and social media.

Having an understanding about a schedule for screen usage and restricting usage until after homework is completed can be very helpful.

We asked Terry, with his years of sports writing and watching sports, what he feels about the age of video gaming.

He said that kids need to be more physically active. He thinks it is important for kids to get involved in physical activity and join local sports teams, but families should be mindful of what shape this may take.  He gave caution to the era of travel teams, private coaching and winning coaches.

Terry says, “When you’re moving kids into athletics, make sure you know what you’re moving them into. Be realistic about expectations of playing for enjoyment and physical activity versus chasing an athletic scholarship, playing Division 1 or going to the pros.  Encourage kids to get off the couch without putting them into the cauldron of travel teams, private training and pressure.”

This is a great reminder to encourage children to find ways to enjoy physical activity and competition for the enjoyment of it, to spend time with teammates, and to get physically fit.

When we think about connecting with our loved ones and making memories together, we also think of those who have mentored us during our lifetime.

We asked Terry about mentors that he has had through the years.  Terry says, “I had different mentors at different times of my life, for different life chapters. As a child, my father had a big impact on me and the world of work. He didn’t use credit cards, and he didn’t drink. Those values were instilled in me. My mother was also a mentor to me, she was a cheerleader in my life. In school, my 9th grade English teacher had an impact on me, and told me that I would make a great writer.   Later, as an adult, former Cleveland Browns Defensive End Bill Glass had a big impact on me.  After his sports career he went into prison ministry.  His impact led me to prison service work I did with Summit County Jail in Akron for 22 years.”

Terry has covered decades of Cleveland baseball, highlights and stories. Our GMB Founder Dave Grunenwald is a longtime reader of Pluto. On behalf of Dave, GMB asked Terry what a favorite memory of the Cleveland Indians, now known as the Cleveland Guardians, is.  Terry said, “My favorite memories of the Cleveland Indians are of my father taking me to games in the 1960’s. This mattered to me because my dad would come home from a long day at the food warehouse and go with me to a game. He would play catch with me in the front yard. These are the best memories.”

We simply couldn’t agree with Terry more! Family memories are the best memories. We are grateful to you for sharing your perspective and some of your cherished memories with us, Terry!  We love hearing your feedback about beneficial ways to disconnect and the importance of being active and present in our relationships with family and friends.

Thank you so much for talking with GMB about wisdom in today’s age of digital, how to create more meaning in the time we are given and working on strengthening relationships!

About Terry Pluto:

Terry Pluto is a sports columnist for The Plain Dealer / Cleveland.com and author of more than 30 books. He was named Best Sports Columnist in the National Headliner Awards in 2020 and has been Ohio Sportswriter of the Year 11 times. He broadcasts weekly sports commentaries with Amanda Rabinowitz on WKSU and other Northeast Ohio NPR stations. He also is heard a few times each week on WTAM, including Browns pregame shows.

Read more about Terry, and upcoming events, podcasts and readings, at www.terrypluto.com.

For locals, check out Terry's website for Author Talks and other upcoming events!