Friend Encounters: Dawn Wells and Tony

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Once again, I feature my good pal Tony. Today he is with one of the seven stranded castaways from tv's Gilligan's Island.

Dawn Wells played Mary Ann, too often underrated in the shadow of Tina Louise's Ginger. Both were beautiful, but Mary Ann proved she is a much better cook. That alone should give the edge to Mary Ann.

I don't think Wells took it too seriously, nor should she have. She seemed to embrace her place in television history. She made many appearances and was always hugely popular at comic cons.

I had the pleasure of meeting Wells a few times. She was always extremely sweet and engaging with all fans.

Tony met Wells a few years ago. Looking at them, I somehow think Tony could have made a good Skipper and he would probably say I would make a good Gilligan. Maybe I don't want to give him that idea.

Tony and Dawn Wells in Rosemont, IL-March 2019.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #791 Marlen Esparza & J.J. Watt

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Born in Pasadena, Texas, Marlen Esparza was the first American female boxer to qualify for the Olympics. She won a bronze medal in the women's flyweight division in the 2012 Olympics. She has gone on to win titles in the WBC, WBO, WBA and Ring. Esparza won her Celebrity Jersey Card when she tossed a ceremonial pitch for her home state Houston Astros. 

Wisconsin native J.J. Watt was selected by the Houston Texans in the first round of the 2011 draft. He went on to play 10 stellar seasons with the Texans and two more with the Arizona Cardinals before retiring. His two brothers also have played in the NFL. Since retiring, Watt has become an outstanding broadcaster. He appeared on field for the Astros to earn his Celebrity Jerey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Larry Biittner Topps 1971 & '74

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create digital trading cards for players missed in various sets. I borrowed this concept from far too many to thank, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Larry Biittner was selected by the Washington Senators in the 10th round of the 1968 MLB June Amateur Draft and made his MLB debut with two games in 1970. He was traded to the Montreal Expos after the 1973 season, then to the Chicago Cubs midway through the 1976 season. After the '81 season, he signed as a free agent with the Cincinnati Reds. He played two seasons with the Reds, before signing back with the Texas Rangers for his final season. For his career, he played in 1,217 games, compiling a .273 batting average with 29 HRs, 354 RBIs and 310 runs scored.

For his efforts, Topps gave Biittner cards in its sets from 1972-73 and 1975-1984. That left 1971 and '74 cards to be created. Once again, I was beaten to the punch by Gio of When Topps Had (Base)balls, an excellent site with hundreds of beautiful cards he created. I know I can't improve on these beauties. At least I can feature them and give a bit extra exposure to the master Gio!

Haley Reinhart at Arcada Speakeasy

If ever there was a performer perfectly suited for the Arcada Speakeasy, it is Haley Reinhart. A self-admitted old soul of music, Haley just fits the mood and vibe of the place.

Arcada Speakeasy is a throwback to those places of yesteryear. Complete with a password (Zoot Suit Riot) and secret doorway, everything about this place is a throwback.

I am not a concert guy, but I will always go to see Haley when she is around the Chicago area. This was my tenth time seeing her, trailing only 12 for Billy Joel. I have turned on several friends to Haley, including Tony, then his wife JoAnne, who I joined at the latest show.

One constant about Haley is her family. Their bond is evident on and off stage. On stage, father Harry often joins Haley for a few songs, while mom Patti sometimes will also sing a number or two.

Go to HaleyReinhart.com for more info on Haley. Also, check ClubArcada.com for info on this great venue.

Haley Reinhart and me in St. Charles, IL-September 2025.

On the Beat with Scott Romer

At the Squared Circle Expo VI, I had the opportunity to interview ace photographer Scott Romer about his book, When It Was: My Life on Both Sides of the Camera. That interview is at On the Beat with Scott Romer.

Scott Romer has photographed thousands of wrestlers and wrestling moments. In his book, he shares many of these pictures, along with stories from his incredible and lengthy career. There are also stories from friends and colleagues. If you're a wrestling fan or just want to read about an interesting life, this is a book for you. It's on my book shelf and it should be on yours.

It is available on Amazon and other retail outlets. Even better, you can email Scott (he gives this info at the end of the interview) to get a signed copy.

Tony, Scott Romer and me in Indianapolis, IN-March 2026.

Meeting the Wienermobile

How have I never seen the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile prior to last month? It was created in 1936 by Oscar Mayer's nephew Carl, but somehow I have never seen it in person.

In a classic example of changing things for the sake of change, it was renamed the Frankmobile in 2023, but popular demand caused the company to revert back to calling it the Wienermobile. Why mess with something successful?

When it appeared at The Storefront in Skokie, I was first on the scene as always. I got my picture quickly, before hundreds of folks lined up for it.

The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and me in Skokie, IL-February 2026.

Johngy at The Golf Show?

I know it sounds funny. Me at a golf show? I usually display my disdain or at least ambivalence towards golf.

I am always up for a new event and it worked well for Global Traveler. I recapped the experience for GT at the creatively titled The Golf Show.

The Golf Show is a huge convention featuring lessons, putting and long-drive contests, vendors and more. ESPN Radio did a live broadcast. And there you have it.

A live broadcast? You know I would be all over that and I was. I was happy to join ESPNs Aidan O'Connor and Tyler Aki at the booth for several minutes. They were really nice folks and you know I always find the celebrities. lol

Thank you to The Golf Show and ESPN Radio for the hospitality. I am always open for an on-air shift if I am needed, even if it is for golf.

Aidan O'Connor, Tyler Aki and me in Rosemont, IL-February 2026.

Friend Encounters: B Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell and Ty

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I was just in Indianapolis at the Squared Circle Expo VI. My convention pal Ty should have been here. Sadly, Ty passed away a couple years ago, but his spirit was there.

Ty was a big wrestling fan. He traveled to the Wrestling Hall of Fame for its ceremonies. That is where he met the Killer Bees, B Brian Blair and Jim Brunzell. Those two wrestling legends were at SCX VI. I couldn't help but think of Ty and figured it was the perfect time to celebrate my deceased friend again.

The Killer Bees did not stay in the WWF for a really long period, yet they remain favorites to fans. Brunzell had a successful time in the AWA as half of the High Flyers tag team with Greg Gagne before he jumped to the WWF. In total, the Bees were active toegher for about ten years.

SCX is a huge wrestling convention. In its sixth year, it featured 85+ wrestling legends and stars and a lot of events during the two days. Ty loved it.

As convention season heats up, I think of my fallen friends like Ty and Glenn. I miss seeing them, but I always think of them at ever convention.

B Brian Blair, Jim Brunzell and Ty in Waterloo, Iowa-July 2024.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #790 Festus Ezeli & Juan Toscano

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

Nigeria native Ifeanyi Festus Ezeli-Ndulue starred at Vanderbilt before the Golden State Warriors selected him in the first round of the 2012 draft. Unfortunately, injuries derailed his career, limiting him to just 170 games over three seasons before he had to retire. He gained his American citizenship in 2019. He also gained a Celebrity Jersey Card by tossing a ceremonial pitch for the Oakland A's.

A native of Oakland, California, Juan Toscano-Anderson starred at Marquette, but went undrafted in the 2015 NBA Draft. He has carved out a long professional career, including three seasons with the Golden State Warriors among his five NBA seasons. He is still active overseas. Toscano tossed a ceremonial pitch to land on his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Dick Sharon Topps 1976

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far to many folks to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Outfielder Dick Sharon was selected by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 1st round (9th pick) of the 1968 amateur draft. After the 1972 season, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. He mad his MLB in 1973 and played one more season with the Tigers before being traded to the San Diego Padres. He played one season with the Padres, before he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals, California Angels and Boston Red Sox all within five months. One more season in the with e minors would be it for Sharon. All told, he played 242 games in parts of three seasons, hitting .218 with 13 HRs, 46 RBIs and 47 runs scored.

For his effort, Topps gave Sharon cards in their 1974 and '75 sets, leaving out his career capper in 1976. I found a picture and started to make one, when I looked and found out Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls beat me to it again. There was no point in me trying to duplicate his effort. Intead, I just highlight his great work. His site has thousands of his creations and is just incredible.