Avery Brooks at the 2008 Motor City Comic Con

Yesterday, I wrote about meeting Alan Ruck at the 2008 Motor City Comic Con. I am not a sci-fi guy, but I knew that Ruck had appeared on some version of tv's Star Trek. Much like in Ruck's case, I knew Avery Brooks appeared on Star Trek, but I knew him more from a different, earlier role.
I knew Brooks from his portrayal of Hawk on tv's Spencer:For Hire, also starring Robert Urich. Once again, I was the lone wolf among a crowd of Trekkies who didn't know or care much for the Hawk role. They loved Brooks for his Star Trek role of Benjamin Sisko.
I met Brooks early in the day and we had a little extra time to talk. He asked me where I was from. I told him how I was born and raised on the far south side of Chicago, very close to Indiana. He started talking about his childhood in Gary (IN). Brooks was actually born in Evansville (IN), but moved to Gary when he was 8.
We talked a bit about the area and familiar things. As I was leaving, he thanked me for bringing up good memories. I thanked him as well, because not that many people are familiar with that area.
This is just another example of the celebrities and the conditions at the Motor City Comic Con being so different than a lot of celebrities at conventions. The folks at MCCC are doing something right, because I have never had or heard of any bad experience with any celeb there. Plus, you usually have that little extra bit of time with the star which makes it a special experience as opposed to simply an autograph opportunity.

Avery Brooks and me at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Alan Ruck at the 2008 Motor City Comic Con

When I met Alan Ruck at the Motor City Comic Con in 2007, once again I mentioned my favorite role to him and once again I was one of a very few who mentioned that specific role. I stand by my choice of his portrayal of Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller's Day Off.
Ruck has gone on to many other great roles. I really liked him in tv's Spin City. He also carved a niche in the Star Trek franchise. Another solid, although underrated performance was in The Happening. Still, for me, his defining role was as Frye in FBDO.
As I wrote in the earlier piece on Ruck, he was so nice. In 2008, he was called away from his booth for an interview session. When he returned about 15 minutes later, he was so apologetic. Ruck is definitely a fan favorite and it is all genuine.

Alan Ruck and me at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI-May 2008.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 6

In a previous post, I talked about Rick Stelmaszek not being one of the 7 different catchers to catch a Nolan Ryan no-hitter. Stelmaszek and Ryan share another connection.
After going 0-9 for the Washington Senators in 1971, Stelmaszek did not appear in the majors in 1972. By 1973, the Senators had become the Texas Rangers and Stelmaszek was back in the majors with them.
Stelmaszek started the season going 0-8 in his first six games of action. In the 7th game, on May 19, 1973, Stelmaszek replaced Ken Suarez behind the plate in the bottom of the 7th inning.
In the top of the 9th, with the Rangers trailing 9-1 to the Angels, Nolan Ryan was going for a complete game, having surrendered just 3 hits. Vic Harris lead off with a groundout. Stelmaszek stepped to the plate with 1 out. He laced a line drive to short right-centerfield for his first major league hit. Jim Mason batted next, hitting into a double play and ending the game.
In his 18th at bat, in his 13th major league game, Stelmaszek had gotten his first hit and it was off of a future Hall of Fame pitcher, Nolan Ryan. It would be Stelmaszek's only hit and his last game with the Rangers. The next day, Stelmaszek was traded to the California Angels, where he would become teammates with Ryan. I wonder if Stelmaszek's hit off of Ryan had anything to do with the Angels dealing for him.

1974 Topps Rick Stelmaszek and Nolan Ryan.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I discovered Sue and her husband Scott while doing some research for my weekly online piece for Global Traveler magazine. Sue has 2 great websites.
One is Dahoov's Autograph Collecting. In their own words:
We have designed the site to be a comprehensive "how to" site for the beginner to the advanced autograph collector. We cover everything from dealers to forgeries and everything in between.
Their other site is Dahoov's Place. This site is a look at their family scrapbook as they travel and collect autographs. From the U.S. to England to Qatar, their travels really are fitting for Global Traveler magazine.
In 2005 they met Chicago Cubs legend Bill Buckner at Tidewater Sports. Buckner and former Red Sox pitcher Bob Stanley were doing a signing.
Again, in their own words:
We did NOT get Bob Stanley's autograph. When paying high prices (though he was actually reasonable), we had to pick and choose. I don't like the fact that they get paid to sign autographs...so this was an exception. I kind of felt sad for Bob when we did not get a sig; it was slightly embarrassing. But since Bill was both on the Cubs (Scott's team) and the Red Sox (my team), it was one we just had to get (minus that World Series ball between the legs thing). I'd have almost forgiven him, but on this day he was not very happy to be there.

Bob Stanley, Bill Buckner and Scott in Norfolk, VA-October 2005.

Mike Squires:Blue Jay Way

My recent post on my top 5 favorite Mike Squires baseball cards included an 'Honorable Mention' for a local issue card of Squires from his time as a coach with the Toronto Blue Jays. A few people commented or emailed that they never knew those cards existed. Of course, as a big fan of Squires, I believe I have every Squires card produced.
A few seasons after Squires retired, he joined the coaching staff of the Blue Jays. As a result, he appeared on their multi-sponsored, local-issued cards for 3 years, 1989-91.

I like these cards, yet they don't have the classic baseball card look to them. They are very clean looking though. I don't particularly care for the 1990 card of Squires. It is an interesting shot, as you don't see many dugout shots, but it is a bit of a goofy shot. I like the '89 or '91 cards much better.

The Toronto Blue Jays local issue cards of White Sox legend Mike Squires.

Mick Foley at the 2008 Motor City Comic Con

The last 2 years, I have had a blast at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi (MI). This year, not only am I going to there, I am covering the convention online for Global Traveler magazine.
I have previously written about the MCCC for Global Traveler. For those who missed it, you can read it here.
On Johngy's Beat, I have already written about meeting several celebrities at the MCCC in 2007 and 2008. In earlier pieces, I wrote about graphic artist Connie Persampieri, actors Dan Haggerty, Ami Dolenz, Joe Pantoliano, Michael Gross, Lou Ferrigno, Tony Burton, Alan Ruck, Genie Francis (with Jonathan Frakes) and Tony Moran, musician Micky Dolenz and wrestlers Christy Hemme and Gail Kim. Over the next few weeks, I will be highlighting other celebrities I have met ath the MCCC.
I have met Mick Foley several times. Meeting Foley at the MCCC was a great time. There were a good amount of people waiting to meet Foley, but there was also some quieter times. Foley admitted that perhaps he (or the WWE then) should have advertised his appearance more to the wrestling community.
I took the opportunity to spend a few extra minutes with the hardcore legend. Foley was his usual fun self. He lamented that at one point he was being outdrawn by a Monkee (Micky Dolenz at the next booth). I reminded him of some stories from meeting him at a Wrestler Reunion a few years back. He remembered meeting Laurie and me.
Foley is a natural at these shows (maybe even taking too long with each person, but that is better than too short). Foley had several 8x10's from which to choose, along with his books. Additionally, on the second day, he brought along a friend. Even though I already saw him the previous day, I had to see him again to meet Mr. Socko!

Mick Foley, Mr. Socko and me at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Linda Purl and Happy Days x 2

When I met Linda Purl at a Hollywood Collectors Show, I surprised her with a little bit of trivia. Purl played 2 different steady roles on tv's Happy Days. For season 2, Purl portrayed Gloria, Richie's high school girlfriend. Eight seasons later, she portrayed Ashley Pfister, Fonzie's sophisticated girlfriend.
Obviously she knew it, but she stated that few others remember that. I did not bring out any other trivia, choosing to quit when I was ahead. I always think it is a fine line between bringing up good memories of the celeb and being just a bit too knowledgeable on any specific person.
Purl had many other roles during her long career, including a 2 year stint on tv's Matlock as Ben Matlock's younger daughter Charlene. Purl also has released several jazz music albums.

Linda Purl and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Another Loser

Dave Plonczynski was one of the most spirited members of my intra-mural basketball team, the Losers. Mooner always brought a great sense of humor to the games and with a 1-6 record, we needed humor.
Plonczynski and I became friends in our Junior year at Mount Carmel. We spent many weekends at Friar Tuck's and Wright's Barnyard, two great video arcades in the Calumet City-Lansing (IL) area. Bowling was another great time-spender, although Plonczynski was a bit of a ringer, as he was on MC's bowling team.
Plonczynski was a natural choice for the Losers. He wanted to win and tried to win, but he didn't take losing too hard. That was the spirit of the Losers! Whether slotted at guard or forward, Plonczynski gave it his all. Plonczynski scored 8 points in 5 games.
I have recently reconnected with Plonczynski. He is a father of 4, doing well, living in the western suburbs and is anxious for a Losers reunion.

John Fleszewski (top left) attempts to pass to Dave Plonczynski (white stripes) in Mt. Carmel gym in Chicago, IL-Spring 1983.

Rich Nye, Animal Guy

Rich Nye was drafted by the Houston Astros in the first mlb amateur draft, but chose to remain in school at UC Berkeley, where he went on to earn a degree in Engineering. While in graduate school, he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs and he realized Engineering was not his passion.
In his first full season after signing with the Cubs, Nye went 13-10 for the '67 Cubs. Nye's future looked bright. Nye would round out the Cubs pitching rotation of Fergie Jenkins, Ken Holtzman, Bill Hands and Joe Niekro.
Unfortunately, injuries hampered Nye's progression. His career ended after the '70 season with the Montral Expos. His mlb totals are 26-31.
Fortunately, Nye decided to go back to school, only this time it was veterinary school. Since then, Nye has become one of the most successful and well-known vets in the Chicago area.

Rich Nye and me at AU Sports in Skokie, IL-late 1990's.

Mike Squires Returns to Chicago

The Cincinnati Reds are in Chicago to play the Cubs. Special Assistant to the GM for the Reds is Mike Squires, who played his entire career (10 seasons) in Chicago, although on the south side with the White Sox.
I am not even sure if Squires travels with the team, but I am taking this opportunity to present my Top 5 favorite baseball cards of Squires, my all-time favorite White Sox player (borrowing the idea from Brian at 30-year old Cardboard, who presented his Andre Dawson Fab 5).

My Top 3 are all Fleer cards, 1981, 1983 & 1984.

The '81 Fleer comes from Fleer's first set. While many cards in this set are slightly blurry, the Squires card is crisp. Squires is seen apparently in the on deck circle, studying the pitcher. It's a clean full-view shot of Squires, highlighted by a bright unfocused background.
The '83 Fleer shows Squires poised to make a throw, presumably during infield practice. I don't believe the Sox ever used that jersey in a game. It's just a nice in-action shot.

The '84 Fleer card shows Squires (again in warmups) just after releasing the ball on a throw. Squires has some facial scruff, looking the part of the grizzled veteran. The visible #25 on the pant leg is a plus.

Rounding out the Top 5 are 1984 DonRuss and 1985 Topps, with an Honorable Mention to the 1989 Toronto Blue Jays local issue.

The '84 DR is a nice closeup of Squires leaning against the batting cage. This is a very colorful card. Although the 'White Sox' and 'DR 84' are somewhat hard to read, this is a very attractive card.
The '85 Topps card is the last year of cards for Squires, as he retired at the end of the season (technically, 1984 was his last real season, as he only came back in September of '85 for a few games to reach an mlb service point). Squires is shown on defense, ready to handle anything hit his way.
The '89 Toronto issued card is an Honorable Mention because it is not a standard issue card. Still, it was good to see Spanky on a new card and in a new uniform. I like the straight-on shot of Squires batting, although it would have been more appropriate to show Squires giving fielding pointers to someone.

Happy Birthday to Jean

Recently, it was my sister Nancy's birthday. Today is my other sister Jean's birthday.
Jean and her family moved back to the Chicago area about 2 years ago, after a 5 year stay in Houston (TX). Because of my sometimes recluse-like behavior, I was probably the least likely person to head down to Houston for visits. Yet, I surprised everyone by being the first and the most frequent visitor.
We went to ballgames and museums. We went to San Antonio and the Gulf of Mexico. I worked out with Scott and Matt. I watched Cash Cab and Stump the Schwab with Matt. I went to Sam's volleyball games. We had chicken pizza, Texadelphia sandwiches and lots of Coke. Jean and I watched Who Wants to be a Millionaire? until we each fell asleep on the couches for glorious (and refreshing) midday naps.
I am very grateful for my time spent down there with Jean and her family. I grew much closer to all of them. It's great to have them back here, though.

Happy birthday, Jean. I love you.

Jean Parker and me in the Woodlands, TX-summer 2005.

Friendly Encounters-Greek Easter Edition

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

However, this is a special edition, celebrating Greek Easter. Who better to honor on Greek Easter than my friend Chuck T. Gekas (aka Chachi)?
Chuck and I have been friends for about 15 years. Previous to that, Chuck actually worked with my sister Jean at the Sun-Times when I was at DePaul. I saw him then, but I didn't know him.
Fast forward 10 years and Chuck joined Lerner Newspapers as the VP of Advertising. We quickly became friends, bonding over our love of sports, sports pools, garbage ball and pettiness. I don't think there was a thing we didn't try to bet on (all big bets, too...usually $1 per).
Last year, Chuck and Chief Pellum (his granddog) enjoyed an afternoon at Horner Park in Chicago (IL) for their annual Easter egg hunt for dogs. No word on how Chief Pellum did. Had I been there, there would have been bets aplenty, though.

Chuck T. Gekas and his Granddog Chief Pellum and the Easter Bunny in Chicago, IL-Easter 2008.

Would Pineapple Gatorade Be So Wrong?

For those who never saw the ads, Gatorade was invented in 1965. The rest of the history is unimportant to this post.
The original flavor was lemon-lime, followed by orange in 1973 and then fruit punch in 1983. For the next 14 years, no new Gatorade flavors were added, with the exception of the quickly discontinued Gatorade Tea.
Starting in 1997, Gatorade got gimmicky. Gatorade Frost, Fierce, Extremo and X-Factor hit the shelves. New flavors included Mango, Passion fruit and watermelon. Some of these newer attempts have been discontinued.
I have been bugged by the lack of one particular flavor. Pineapple! Why has there never been a Gatorade Pineapple?
They have added strawberry-kiwi and have even added some odd mixes like lemon-lime + strawberry and orange + tropical fruit. Yet still no pineapple.
Would pineapple be too sweet? Maybe they should mix it with orange, like a lot of real juice companies do. Just don't dismiss it without a second thought.
It just boggles my mind that with all of the gimmicky flavors Gatorade has attempted, pineapple has never been tried. What is with the pineapple snub?

The many flavors of Gatorade with the obvious Pineapple flavor omission.

A (Erin) Gray Day in Lincolnwood

Erin Gray co-starred on Silver Spoons and Buck Rogers in the 25th Century. Her role on Rogers as Col. Wilma Deering is seen as one of the first strong female characters in the science fiction genre.
Prior to Rogers, Gray made an appearance on Magnum P.I. as Joy 'Digger' Doyle. This role was intended to become a recurring character and possibly even a spin-off. For whatever reason, that did not happen.
I met Gray several years ago at a Hollywood Collectors Show. This particular show was rather small and I don't remember much about meeting Gray. Perhaps it was because of the Buddy Hackett purple gloves (see earlier post). I do know there wasn't much of a line for any of the celebs at this show.
I think Gray would do better at a show like the Motor City Comic Con, where should would be surrounded by other celebs in the science fiction realm. When you get those sci-fi fans together, the money starts flying.

Erin Gray and me in Lincolnwood, IL-mid 1990's.

Paul Konerko was a Basher

Actually, this post's title should be 'Paul Konerko was a Basher and then he became a basher!'. Allow me to explain.
I have been in a fantasy baseball league since 1996. Except for 1 year, I have always been in the lower half of the standings, often in last place. My team, the Bashers, has failed to live up to its' given name.
In 1997, I added Paul Konerko to my roster. Konerko was a hot prospect for the Los Angeles Dodgers. I have often fallen for hot prospects who turned into cold potatoes. Players like Billy Ashley, Rick Ankiel (as a pitcher) and Ryan McGuire fooled me (and a few scouts).
Konerko was different though. He was a 'can't miss', coming up with a team that had produced 5 straight Rookie of the Year award winners. Konerko would surely be the 6th straight, while leading my Bashers into the promised land (or at least the upper half of the standings).
I was sort of right about Konerko. He did become a baseball star, but only after 2 bad seasons with the Dodgers and Cincinnati Reds. He was traded to the Chicago White Sox and immediately started to put up excellent numbers. Unfortunately, my fantasy league is NL only, so I no longer had Konerko (naturally).
Konerko is now in his 11th year with the Sox and just bashed his 300th HR. The Bashers have not been so fortunate.
I met Konerko at Sox fest. I told him this story and said he owed me one. He laughed, but did not give me a Babe Ruth promise of a called HR for me. I still think he owes me one!

Paul Konerko at Sox Fest in Chicago, IL-Winter 2005.

I.R.S.

For most people, especially today, the I.R.S. conjures bad images. For Mike Rotunda, it equated to success. Representing Tax Day today, is former professional wrestler Rotunda, also known as I.R.S. (although it stands for Irwin R. Schyster).
Rotunda (sometimes Rotundo) graduated from Syracuse University and enjoyed a lengthy and successful wrestling career. Rotunda flip-flopped between good and evil, assuming several identities before settling into his biggest character, Irwin R. Schyster (aka I.R.S.).

It was during his second stint in the WWF (now WWE) that Rotunda adopted the I.R.S. gimmick. Teaming with the Million Dollar Man Ted DiBiase, Rotunda would win the Tag Team Championship 3 times.
Rotunda is the son-in-law of Blackjack Mulligan and the brother-in-law of Barry Windham (Mulligan's son). Currently an agent for the WWE, Rotunda has made a handful of guest appearances on WWE television shows over the last few years. It is expected that he will gain enshrinement in the WWE Hall of Fame in the future.

Mike Rotunda and me (with Ted DiBiase looking down) in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 5

Jeff Torborg, Art Kusnyer, Tom Egan, Ellie Rodriguez, Alan Ashby, John Russell and Mike Stanley are forever linked with Nolan Ryan and his 7 no-hitters. Those 7 men were the catchers for Ryan's gems. The fact that Rick Stelmaszek is not among that group of 7 annoys me to no end.
Technically, Stelmaszek and Ryan were only teammates from May 20, 1973 to July 28, 1974. Also, technically, only 1 of Ryan's no-hitters happened during that time frame (7/15/73 with Kusnyer catching). Also, all 7 of those catchers did play more than Stelmaszek.
Still, this would have been a great coup for Stelmaszek.
I have previously mentioned Stelmaszek's place in the record books for catching 4 strike outs in one inning. This forever linked him with pitcher Bill Bonham. Had Stelmaszek been one of the 7 (or had Ryan gotten another with Stelmaszek catching), he would have really had a place in baseball history.
Those 7 catchers rode Ryan's jersey tail into the record books, the Hall of Fame displays and the memorabilia circuit. A nice lithograph signed by the Special Seven brings a decent buck and would have assured Stelmaszek a place in the world of baseball memorabilia.

A lithograph celebrating Nolan Ryan's 7 no-hitters with a little Johngy revision.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I have only known Natalie Platt for a short time. Platt is one of the fascinating people I have encountered while doing research for various pieces for Global Traveler magazine's website. The piece I wrote on Platt will run on 4/15/09.
Platt is a native of Bloomington (IN) and is a student at Indiana University. Platt is also 'Head Intern' for the Fort Myers Miracle, a minor league affiliate of the Minnesota Twins.
Platt hopes for a career in sports, perhaps as Director of Media Relations for an mlb team. In the meantime, she works tirelessly and energetically at her job, which includes being in charge of all on-field promotions and writing for the Miracles in-season programs.
Platt is also writing a blog, Baseball in Stilettos, to chronicle her experience with the Miracle. Already off to a great start, she hopes to continue to get unique stuff, along with the regular baseball activities.
Platt's efforts and attitude caught the eye of legendary groundskeeper George Toma (aka the God of Sod). Toma gave Platt an autographed copy of his book, 'Nitty Gritty Dirt Man' for her 22nd birthday. Within the heartfelt inscription, Toma credits Platt with having "and then some", one of his famous lines indicating Platt goes well above and beyond the average person at everything.
Platt is having a good time and making great impressions. I think Platt will go a long way in her chosen field. Hopefully, one day when she is a big cheese for some major league club, she will remember me with a couple of tickets to a game!

Natalie Platt and George Toma in Fort Myers, FL-Summer 2008.

Cards That Never Were

When I discuss Cards That Never Were, I usually am talking about Steve over at White Sox Cards. Today, I am highlighting Paul over at Wrigley Wax, a great blog mostly about Cubs card collecting.
On Saturday, Paul posted a piece entitled 'Topps 1969 Update Set, Cubs', in which he produced updated (better) versions of the 1969 Topps Cubs cards. His set featured all of the positional starters and a few pitchers. He even added Paul Popovich, the super sub. Ordinarily the Popovich card would be the one to really catch me...and it did. However, when I left a comment, I couldn't help but mention a couple others I would have liked to see. Who would have thought he would jump into action and produce my requests?
I mentioned Ken Rudolph, the backup cather. Coincidentally, I had a post set to run today about meeting Ken Rudolph. As everyone knows, I have a special place in my heart for backup catchers and Rudolph was a pretty good backup.
I also asked for Oscar Gamble, just because I always wanted to see a good card of Gamble with the Cubs. This would really have been Gamble's rookie card, as '69 was his first season.
Late last night, while checking my blog, I saw Wrigley Wax had a new post entitled 'As Requested' and there was a small picture of a Ken Rudolph 1969 card. I eagerly clicked on the link and was greeted by the cards shown below. Paul had granted my request by producing 2 fantastic looking additional cards to his set.
Thanks Paul and really great work!

1969 Topps cards of Ken Rudolph & Oscar Gamble as reproduced by Paul of Wrigley Wax.

Catching Up With Ken Rudolph

For whatever reason, I always have had a soft spot for backup catchers. This is the reason I (and my friend Chuck E. Gekas) have been working on the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame (BCHOF).
Ken Rudolph was one of my first favorite backup catchers. In 1972 and 1973, Rudolph was the epitome of a solid backup catcher, serving yeoman-like behind Randy Hundley. Unfortunately, Rudolph's career lacked the longevity necessary for the BCHOF, but he still remains one of my all-time favorites.
When I met Rudolph recently, he looked great and was happy to meet his fans. I asked him how it felt to talk to fans even though his playing time here lasted only 5 years and ended 35 years ago. He replied that it felt great. He only wished the Cubs had more success, especially in 1969 (his rookie season).

Ken Rudolph and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Global Traveler, Fran Gallagher and 5 Years

In February, Global Traveler (the monthly magazine for the business traveler) turned 5 years old. However, before there was a Global Traveler magazine, there was Fran Gallagher.
Several years back, when Fran made the decision to launch his own magazine, he would call me and pick my brain about circulation ideas and questions. Eventually he asked if I wanted to handle the national distribution.
I had years of experience in distribution, but this was a much larger project than I had ever handled. I knew I would need help and who better than my coworker and longtime friend Louie Atsaves?!
The next time Fran came to Chicago, we set up a dinner meeting to finalize things and for Fran and Louie to officially meet. Over a long and fun-filled dinner and a few drinks, we outlined everything and hoped for success.

Fast forward 5 years and GT has succeeded and grown beyond our expectations. The once skeleton staff has doubled in size. The multi-coast 5 year anniversary parties speak of GT's success. It's been a great 5 years.

The GT family in Times Square in NY, NY-March 2009.

Waiting for Kim Page

Kim Page is a former wrestling personality, appearing in WCW with ex-husband Diamond Dallas Page and on her own. Page has done singing, acting (40 Year Old Virgin), fitness modeling and other ventures.
I ran into Page in the hallway at the Wrestle Reunion in 2005. Just as I asked for a picture, her cell phone rang and she held up a finger for me to wait a minute. The call went several minutes, leaving me in the uncomfortable spot of hanging there waiting, but not sticking too close to intrude on her privacy.
When the call ended, the elevator arrived before I could get my picture. At this point, obviously there was no chance for me to ask someone to take a picture of us, so I quickly snapped the picture of Page. She wasn't thrilled that she had to hold the door for the 5 seconds it took to take the picture, but she did smile for the shot.

Kim Page in Tampa, FL-January 2005.

Scott Sanderson Came Home...Again

It took Scott Sanderson a long time to come home, but he evntually made it back to Chicago, successfully pitching on both side of town. Although Sanderson was born in Dearborn (MI), he grew up in Chicago.
After 6 seasons with the Montreal Expos, Sanderson joined the Cubs, where he was a solid pitcher for 6 more seasons. Additionally, Sanderson was part of the rotation for the 1984 division champs.
Sanderson left the Cubs and pitched for 5 seasons with 4 different teams, before returning to Chicago with the White Sox. Sanderson had one very nice season with the Sox, helping them to their division crown in 1994.
Sanderson told a story about being forced to bunt during one stretch in the minors. For a few straight games, regardless of the situation, Sanderson was ordered to bunt, to improve his skills. Now that is old school baseball. Sanderson did learn to bunt quite well and now he laughs about the situation.

Scott Sanderson and me at AU Sports in Skokie, IL-February 2009.

Happy Birthday to Nancy

Today is a very special day. My sister Nancy is celebrating her birthday. It would be impolite for me to state her age, but I will say she has something in common with Hawaii.
I joke about Nancy a lot and she takes it well (and gives plenty back). The truth be known though, I love her dearly. I am lucky enough to have 2 great sisters.
I had a nice chance to bond with Nancy and my niece Laura last summer, when we drove Laura to Brooklyn (NY). Laura was starting a new stage in her life and I was glad to be there to help. Aside from an excruciating headache on the last day, it was a great time.
We drove in a very-overstuffed minivan. Fortunately, I had fountain Cokes and Billy Joel cd's to comfort me. After moving all of Laura's stuff into her new digs, we got to wander around a bit. We saw a lot of stuff, but the real fun was hanging around with them, even though they drove me crazy on occasion (oh I am sure I drove them loopy a few times, too).
One of our adventures was a carriage ride through Central Park. Nancy was especially fond of our horse. He was a good horse (although he was no Mr. Ed).
Anyway, I wanted to take this time and space to wish a very happy birthday to Nancy. I love you, sis!

Nancy and her carriage horse in New York, NY-August 2008.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 4

Over the last month or so, I have written posts highlighting the career of my old neighbor and current Twins' bullpen coach Rick Stelmaszek. Today, I am going to feature Rick's ability to hit the long ball.
In the major leagues, Stelmaszek had 108 plate appearances and 1 big home run. It did come off of a Hall of Famer, however (although not one of my favorite HOF'ers).
On August 20, 1974, the Chicago Cubs were hosting the Los Angeles Dodgers. Don Sutton was the starting pitcher for the Dodgers and he had an 18-2 lead going into the 6th inning.
Andre Thornton started the inning with a groundout. Jerry Morales followed that with a single. Stelmaszek came up with 1 out and 1 on base. Stelmaszek took a mighty swing and crushed Sutton's pitch onto the catwalk in Wrigley Field.
The crowd went wild, with the Cubs now within 14 of the Dodgers, but Sutton recovered and retired the next 2 batters. The Dodgers hung on for an 18-8 win.
I find it quite fitting that Sutton gave up Stelmaszek's lone HR. I have debated Sutton's Hall of Fame credentials for a long time, but at least Stelmaszek can say all of his HR's were off of Hall of Famers.
In a sign of pure support (and lunacy), when my friends Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas visited the Baseball Hall of Fame, they attempted to remove Sutton's plaque. This gesture still brings a tear to my eye.

Jim Gekas and Chuck 'Cuzz' Gekas in Cooperstown, NY-Summer 2004.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

JayHawk Evans is a fan of the Star Wars franchise, however he is always willing to expand his horizons. Such was the case when he visited Hasbro's headquarters last year.
Evans gladly took a minute to pose with the iconic Mr. Potato Head. Mr. Potato Head was 'conceived' in 1949 and was 'born' in 1952. Evans hasn't been around that long, but his impact is almost as noteworthy.
Mr. Potato Head remains an American classic, much like Evans remains an American legend.

JayHawk Evans and Mr. Potato Head in Pawtucket, RI-August 2008.

Big Bird is a Rare Breed

Big Bird is a television icon. Caroll Spinney, the man under the feathers, is legendary in his own right. Spinney is the winner of 4 Daytime Emmy Awards and 2 Grammy Awards from related recordings. Spinney, who doubles as Oscar the Grouch, has performed as Big Bird since 1969.
Spinney talked about someone else playing Oscar when Big Bird is also in the scene. It gets frustrating on the rare occasion when the Oscar puppeteer doesn't convey the expressions as Spinney would. Mostly though, Spinney has no problems with the other puppeteers.
Spinney has also authored a book, The Wisdom of Big Bird. This book isn't merely a cute book of lessons for children. It is filled with real life lessons learned and shared by Spinney.
Meeting Spinney was a thrill. Spinney was delightful, regaling us with a few bird tales. He was friendly and talkative, offering stories which grabbed our attention. The ever classy Spinney was one of the nicest celebrities I have ever met.

Caroll Spinney and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Jim Pappin (the P in M.P.H.)

I have a special soft spot for the Blackhawks of my youth. The teams were never really great, but I recall the players fondly.
One of those Hawks was Jim Pappin. Pappin came to the Hawks before the '68-69 season in a trade for Pierre Pilote. Pilote was a Hawks legend, but nearing the end of his career. Pappin played 7 very good seasons in Chicago, averaging more than 30 goals a season.
Pappin was part of the famous M.P.H. line, along with Dennis Hull and (the late) Pit Martin. This line was exciting and productive.
As usual with older hockey players, it was a pleasure to meet Pappin. He was genuinely happy to see his fans. I surprised him by mentioning that I remembered seeing him with the old California Golden Seals and the Cleveland Barons.
I just love these old hockey memories!

Jim Pappin and me in Willowbrook, IL-March 2009.

Johngy Nabs Police Woman

Before there was Charlie's Angels, there was Police Woman. Sgt. Leann 'Pepper' Anderson was played by Angie Dickinson, an actress with a long and successful career already.
Dickinson played the role on an episode of Police Story. The episode and the concept proved so popular, NBC turned it into a separate series, which ran for 4 seasons.
Previously, Dickinson had appeared in 'The Killers', a film originally intended to be the first made-for-TV movie. Instead, the film was released to theaters, due to the violent content. In it, Dickinson gets slapped by Ronald Reagan, in his last film appearance.
Dickinson was having fun at the Hollywood Collectors Show. She was chatting across the aisle with Tony Curtis, while entertaining her fans standing in her own line.

Angie Dickinson and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Dusty Rhodes Flirts; Mick Foley Cares

As previously mentioned, I had a blast at Wrestle Reunion. I pretty much figured I would enjoy it. I also knew I would really enjoy watching Laurie at the event. However, I admit, I underestimated how much fun Laurie would have and how much interaction she would have with the wrestlers.
Two of the funniest events came from the question-answer session with 4 of the legends. Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Von Erich were on stage together, answering questions from the audience.
During the session, Laurie snapped a few pictures of the guest panel. She did nothing intrusive or distracting, but she did catch Dusty's eye. He gave her a smile and a little finger wave (which only Dusty could pull off and still look manly). I couldn't believe what I just saw. Big Dust just tried playful flirting in the middle of the session on stage.
After that session, when the wrestlers were at their signing tables, Foley waved over Laurie. He asked her if she was okay, stating he thought he saw her crying. Laurie said she was fine, but he asked again. Laurie assured him that all was right and thanked him for his concern.
Of course, my response to both of these events was laughter quickly followed by my stating that I knew she would make an impression on the wrestlers. However, I do admit that maybe I might have underestimated her involvement.
Laurie's genuine interest and thirst for knowledge coupled with her ability to really reach these wrestlers on a unique level made her stand out. Add to all of her qualities the fact that the rest of the crowd was 99% male diehard wrestling fans. Not only was Laurie a refreshing change of pace for each wrestler, she asked intelligent and different questions which usually looked into the man behind the gimmick.

Terry Funk, Mick Foley, Dusty Rhodes and Kevin Von Erich in Tampa, FL-January 2005.