Johngy Meets The Swirsk (Chuck Swirsky)

Chuck Swirsky was doing sports talk radio before there was sports talk radio. Swirsky hosted a late night sports talk show on WLUP in 1980 and '81. My friend Tom Skalski and I would stay up listening on our old clock radios and then discuss and debate things we heard the next day.
In 1990, while I was at Lerner Newspapers, we had a promotional booth at Schaumburg Fest. As I wrote in a previous post, we had a silly cardboard replica of a front page of our Schaumburg Voice. People could come to our booth and get a picture while holding it, thus looking like they were on the front page. It was very cheesy, but it wasn't my idea.
My odd brain kicked in when I saw Swirsky at WGN's stage. I approached him during a commercial break and asked him to pose with the sign. He quickly agreed, I flipped him the sign and took the picture.
Of course, the Powers That Be at Lerner at the time didn't think enough of it to run it in our paper in the fest recap. While I realize Swirsky wasn't a major celeb, he was big enough to grab a little attention if we had run the photo.
Lerner's loss is a Johngy's Beat gain. Hey, I knew a star when I saw one! For the first time ever, I now present The Swirsk on the front page of the Schaumburg Voice!

Chuck Swirsky in Schaumburg, IL-Summer 1990.

Oz? Vinnie Vegas? Diesel? Kevin Nash!

It seems that every time I meet Kevin Nash, he looks different. It also seems that each time I meet him, he is in a new phase of his wrestling career.
I first met Nash at the Brian Pillman Memorial Show in 2000. Nash was in his second stint in WCW and was perhaps at his popularity peak. His hair was long and he also appeared to have been recovering from a rough night.
I met him again at the first Wrestler Reunion in 2005. Nash was now in TNA wrestling and sporting a new short hair cut. I got my first glimpse of a funny, relaxed Nash.
Thanks to Klinger Promotions, I met Nash again a couple years ago. Nash had regrown his hair, which was gray-white by now. He was pretty quite, but the room was not conducive to a whole lot of intimate talk. I have since met Nash a few more times and he seems to be ever-changing. It's kind of funny.
I have to admit, Nash has grown on me. He has his detractors, but he has accomplished a lot in wrestling and nobody can deny that. Last time I met Nash, he gladly put me in a headlock for a photo (hmm, maybe he just doesn't like me).

Kevin Nash and me in Elgin, IL-early 2008.

Old Times at Wrigley Field

On September 22, 1983, I sat through an hour and a half of Micro Econ followed by an hour and a half of World History at DePaul University. At noon, I raced out to the #22 Clark bus and made my way to Wrigley Field. I was going to see the Chicago Cubs host the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The Cubs were 68-85, mired in 5th place and managed by Charlie Fox. The Pirates were 80-73, still alive in 2nd place and managed by Chuck Tanner. The Pirates started Lee Tunnell, while the Cubs started Rick Reuschel.
The Pirates got rbi's from 7 of their players in beating the Cubs 8-3. Ron Cey hit the only homerun of the day, a meaningless solo shot in the 9th inning.
You can tell from the picture that the crowd was sparse. The actual total was 3,426. I think I took the picture in the bottom of the 7th inning, because I always moved closer as the game went on.
Tony Pena is the catcher for the Pirates. Jody Davis is just about to head to the plate. I am not sure where Marla Collins was heading. I thought she usually sat down the line, but here it looks like she is heading for the vicinity of the Pirates dugout.
Things turned around quickly for the Cubs however. In 1984, they won the National League East. Fans started to flock to Wrigley Field. Harry Caray became an icon. Unfortunately, 25+ years later, the Cubs still had not made it to the World Series.

Jody Davis (far left with bat), Marla Collins and Tony Pena (catching) in Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL-Sept. 22, 1983.

Literati Glitterati

This is a new series on celebrity authors.

Usually you will find an autobiography of sorts here. Today, I am shifting gears a bit and featuring a novel written by wrestler Mick Foley.
Foley has been a professional wrestler since 1986. He had two best sellers, although they were both of the autobiographical nature. Unlike a lot of autobiographies, Foley's were written entirely by him, after he dismissed his co-writer (ghost-writer), figuring he could do it better by himself. In 2003, Foley's first novel Tietam Brown was published.
Antietam "Andy" Brown V is a troubled 17 year old just out of reform school. Andy lost his mother at birth and was abused by his stepfather. He is reunited with his father, Antietam "Tietam" Brown IV, and together they attempt to start fresh.
Andy is not only emotionally damaged, but physically as well. He is missing an ear and has a damaged right hand. This causes even more problems as Andy tries to fit in at high school. It seems that everything around Andy is violent and ugly, yet he struggles to find happiness in all of the mess.
One bright spot in Andy's life is Terri Lynn Johnson, the school's homecoming queen. I won't reveal what happens with this young couple or how the book ends, but I will say it is surprising and entertaining.
Foley insists there isn't anything autobiographical about Tietam Brown. Either way, he captures the teenage angst of Andy in such a compelling way. You can't help but to be drawn to Andy. You really deeply feel his highs and his lows.
A few years ago, Laurie and I talked to Foley about Tietam Brown. According to Foley, he tried "to tell a tale of innocence in a violent world." Laurie asked him about the violence and dark images and Foley said that he understood what she was saying, but still felt it was a "positive message".
Foley said that he got a lot of the material from stories he heard and people he met in wrestling. He even credits wrestling with giving him the experience needed to create characters. Foley said, "I have been doing that for my entire wrestling career."
There has been talk of a movie version of Tietam Brown. Foley thinks wrestler-actor Terry Funk would make a good Tietam IV. This resulted in excellent banter between Laurie and Funk, who seemed surprised that Foley would connect him to the abusive father.
There are some plot holes and some contrivances, but Tietam Brown is a riveting read. I couldn't put it down. I recommended Tietam Brown to several friends (non-wrestling fans) and they all enjoyed it. While none of us would say it is going to be a classic, we all agreed it was quite an unusual book and an excellent first novel.

Mick Foley and me in Novi, MI-May 2008.

Holy Batman Again, It's Val Kilmer

Last Wednesday, I wrote about meeting Batman at a summer fest in Schaumburg (IL). Previously, I have written about meeting Batman (Adam West) and other Superheroes. Today, I am featuring one more Batman.
Val Kilmer appeared as Batman in the 1995 film version. It was only a few years later when I met Kilmer at the Hollywood Celebrities Show.
Kilmer had a huge line and was charging a pretty large amount for an autograph. I wormed my way in for a picture though. I have a special place in my heart for Kilmer from his movie Top Secret! Plus, anytime I can get a photo with a Superhero, I am in!

Val Kilmer and me in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

Johngy Was Not a Brady

A few weeks ago, I wrote about meeting Cousin Oliver (Robby Rist) who was supposed to breathe new, cute life into the Brady Bunch. New life was needed partly because the previous young cute kids, Bobby and Cindy, were starting to grow into young adults.
I talked about this with Mike Lookinland (Bobby Brady) when I met him at the Hollywood Celebrities Show. He said the writers just wanted to concentrate on the same old stories and Bobby and Cindy were starting to get too old for that. Instead, the writers should have started developing stories for the ever-aging Brady kids all along.
It's really an example of the writers not changing with the times. The Brady family could not be stuck in a time-defying universe.
Those in charge got everything they could out of the Brady concept and then just let it go without trying something new or different. I wish they were more creative and/or had a little more faith in the abilities of the young adults playing the Brady siblings.
As for Lookinland, he was fun to meet and seemed to have fun meeting everyone. He has done some acting post-Brady, including a role in The Towering Inferno. By all apearances, he seems to have avoided the common pitfalls of a child actor.

Mike Lookinland and me in Rosemont, IL-Fall 2008.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series about my friends meeting celebrities.

My sister Nancy has had some memorable appearances in Friendly Encounters. She has been pictured with the red M&M, a Central Park horse and a Japanese rock icon. On a recent trip to Las Vegas (NV) with her friend Diane, Nancy once again scored an unusual celebrity for a picture.
The picture below highlights two of my very favorite things in life...Coke and Las Vegas. Oh I'm just kidding. Of course I meant the color green as well.
Okay, seriously, I love my sister dearly and I am happy that she is always thinking of me. Who else would pose with a Coca-Cola Bear just to make my day?
I do have two questions though. Where is Nancy's right hand and why does the bear look so happy?

The Coca-Cola Bear and Nancy Blais in Las Vegas, NV-Winter 2009.

Hit By a Chill E. Dog

Last Friday, I featured Skates, the mascot of the Chicago Wolves. Last night, the Wolves the Houston Aeros.
The Aeros joined the IHL in 1994. Their name is an homage to the old Houston Aeros of the WHA of the 70's. Their logo features a bomber plane. They joined th AHL in 1994 and are now affiliated with the Minnesota Wild of the NHL.
Chill E. Dog (aka Chilly) is the mascot of the Aeros. I am not sure how a dog fits in with a bomber. I suppose it would be hard to have an airplane as a mascot though.
When my sister moved to Houston, I told my brother-in-law Scott and nephew Matt that I would like to see every Houston team play at some point. We saw plenty of Astros games, a couple Texans games, a Rockets game and finally planned on seeing the Aeros play the Chicago Wolves in October of 2005.
The significance is that the Houston Astros ended up playing the Chicago White Sox in the World Series that day. While virtually everyone in Houston was either at the game or watching their tv, our family group was among the 1,000 or so people who attended this hockey game.
Topping it off, although I forget the circumstances of what I did, but Chilly ended up bopping me on the head with one of his paws. I think I booed a penalty against the Wolves or something.
I should have given him a forearm shiver in return. Okay, I will let it go. I just have to remember...every dog has his day.

Chill E. Dog in the Toyota Center in Houston, TX-October 2005.

Autograph Tales:Emo Philips

Emo Philips is a comedian with a style which certainly could be described as offbeat. Philips also gave me one of the funniest quotes for the literacy ad series I ran at Lerner Newspapers. Actually, Philips gave me several quotes, each individually scribbled on an index card. That was certainly original.
Years before that, I sent Philips a letter asking him for an autograph. I got a response within 10 days. That was surprising enough, but what he wrote really made me crack up.

A signed index card by Emo Philips-late 80's.

Happy Birthday Sam

Today my niece Sam Parker celebrates her 18th birthday. As the saying goes, it seems like only yesterday when she was born.
She's a senior at Lincoln-Way High School and an excellent volleyball player. I can't call her a kid anymore. Sam is a great young lady.
She puts up with me (and that's not easy) when I sleep over at my sister's house. She laughs at my jokes and joins in on them. She is the innovator of the "Park it" fist bump. She also likes Ranch dressing on her pizza.
I don't see her enough (although she might think I see her too much). I occasionally bother her with a text (well, my alter egos bother her) or a Facebook note. Her replies always make me laugh.

I am sure she will read this (because someone will let her know), so Happy Birthday, Sam...I love you!

Sam Parker (third from left, front row) in IL-Softball season 2008-09.

Literati Glitterati

This is a new series on celebrity authors.

It's every hockey fan's dream to lace up the skates and join some hockey legends on the ice. It gets even better if you could actually hang with those hockey players off the ice. Author Gary Mason accomplished this dream, detailing it in his book Oldtimers:On the Road with the Legendary Heroes of Hockey.
Mason is an award-winning sports columnist who took a tour with the NHL Oldtimers, a group of ex-NHL players who travel around playing hockey and raising money for charity. Mason takes us on the ice and in the dressing room (and also on the buses, in the bars and in the training room). It is a rare look, written with an appreciation and admiration for the subject.
That is the main reason why the players were so accepting of Mason. According to Cathy Sproule, Director of Media for the Oldtimers, "Gary Mason earned the trust of the players. They were confident he would portray the honest and real way they are and did not disappoint."
Similar to George Plimpton, Mason actually logged in some ice time, even scoring a goal. His anxiousness over the game and his exuberance in scoring is exactly how any fan would feel. His ability to express those moments is one of the highlights in the book.
Mason discusses the tour with the NHL legends, while dropping in anecdotes from most of the players. The stories range from heroic to funny to fascinating.
Mason tells the story of the Stastny brothers, Peter, Anton and Marian. The Stastnys defected from Czechoslovakia in 1980 to play in the NHL. Peter became a Hall of Famer.
Another story involved Gary Nylund's father, a member of the RCMP. Nylund's father was at the scene the night Roy Spencer (father of Brian) died in a shootout outside a tv studio which Spencer had been threatening over not televising his son's first game.
There are also less-serious stories, like Mark Napier playing with Dave Hanson of Slapshot fame. Napier would go on to have a solid career, while Hanson would become a movie icon of sorts.
Mason also talks about the interactions on the current tour. I often felt like an old friend was updating me on his life. I grew up while most of these "oldtimers" were playing. Mason gives such an intimate look at the men in and out of uniform.
Mason shared more than just his stories however. On one occasion, Mason loaned his gear to Peter Ettinger, a Canadian musician (and hockey fan) the group befriended one night so that Ettinger could participate in one of the games. Although Ettinger didn't score, he got the thrill of his life playing alongside his heroes. Stories like this, stories about the pure joy of playing, make Oldtimers fun.
Mason's book was well received by the legends, according to Sproule. "Gary told the stories the way they were. Gary became one of the 'boys' on the road in a very respectful way," Sproule stated. People often speak of the camaraderie of hockey players. Retired hockey players often say the camaraderie is what they miss the most. Mason delivered a unique and outstanding look at that camaraderie through his writing in Oldtimers. Thanks to Mason and a great group of NHL legends, we have a chance to join in on the fun.
As for the Oldtimers, there is currently a project in the works which will be a 10 part series on TSN. Last year, a 1 hour special aired on The NHL Network with producers Rod Black (TSN), Sproule Productions and Triple Threat Entertainment. The players continue to skate, have fun and raise money for charity, while giving fans another look at their NHL heroes.
I would like to thank Gary Mason and Cathy Sproule for giving their input for this piece. I'd also like to thank Dave "Tiger" Williams and the rest of the NHL legends (past and present) for their play on the ice and their stories off the ice.

Author Gary Mason (inset) and NHL Legend Dave "Tiger" Williams-late 2000's.

The NHL legends team photo-2009.
(photo courtesy of www.OldTimersHockey.com)

Holy Photos, It's Batman

Everyone knows Aquaman is my favorite Superhero, but I would never miss the chance to take a photo with any Superhero. Many years ago, Louie and I met one while working.
Years ago at Lerner Newspapers, we occasionally had a booth at various neighborhood fests. One such event was Schaumburg Fest in the summer of 1990. Our Powers That Be decided to make a big cardboard replica of our front page, with a big square hole in it. The thought was that fest-attendees would flock to our booth to have their picture taken.
Aside from the fact that fest goers really couldn't care less about having their picture taken for a "cover" of the Schaumburg Voice, the attempt was pointless since we had nothing else at the booth. So a handful of people came over, but then quickly left after taking their picture. We didn't supply the camera. Some people came over and left annoyed, because they didn't have a camera either!
The moment of the day occurred when "Batman" walked by our booth. Even before there was a thought of Johngy's Beat, Louie and I jumped at the chance to have our picture taken with the Caped Crusader.
Silly us, we also thought it could be used for a fun story in the paper about the event. Unfortunately, the Powers That Be didn't see any use for it. Why have any fun stuff in the paper? Why give yourself a little free publicity in your own paper? Did I mention that paper went out of business within the year?
Well, I found a use for it. Right here and right now!

Louie Atsaves, Batman and me in Schaumburg, IL-Summer 1990.

Never Forget the Name...Goldust

It is always hard following in the footsteps of a legendary father. Dustin Runnels has had the challenge of wrestling in the shadow of his Hall of Fame father, Dusty Rhodes. The odd thing is that Dustin is actually a much better technical wrestler and has a better build.
Rhodes was already past his prime when Runnels started wrestling in 1988. They have often been in the same organization, although at times they have been separated. For the most part, their relationship was admitted.
In 1997, Runnels reappeared in the WWE as Goldust, a makeup-wearing, ambigious, Hollywood-themed character. His identity as Runnels wasn't revealed at first (although fans knew it was him soon after his debut).
Goldust was a great character. It was odd, but original (which is a rare thing in wrestling). Goldust was controversial and flamboyant and Runnels played it well.
Unfortunately, the WWE humanized (and neutralized) him with an ill-conceived interview in which he revealed many truths. The aura of the character was lost. Goldust was now Runnels in weird makeup.
Runnels flipped between WWE and TNA for a few years. In TNA, he became Black Reigh (a takeoff on Goldust). In the WWE, he turned Goldust into more of a comedic character.
This version of Goldust is very entertaining, although not nearly as appealing as an actual wrestler. Still, I have to hand it to Runnels for making the new Goldust very popular with fans.
It was interesting to meet Runnels. He was taller than I expected and he looked more put-together than on tv. He was polite, quiet and respectful to his fans. He also mugged a bit with his dad (who was also at the event).

Dustin Runnels and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.

Friendly Encounters

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

When I last featured Michele Mupo, I talked about meeting her for the first time at the Ultimate Collectibles Show. After seeing and reading about Michele all over the place, it was great to finally meet her. It has been a few months and I figured it was time for an update from the woman also known as Fuchsia.
Fuchsia's song Keep the Peace on YouTube is getting great response and continues to get more views. It's an excellent song, with a lot of great pictures shown throughout the video. Michele also has a few of her other songs on her MySpace page. My favorite is Never Forever, although I really liked all of them.
Michele recently told me she is busy writing a sitcom (keep me in mind if you need a wacky neighbor). She is also working on her cd.
As if all of that doesn't keep Michele busy enough, she mentioned that she will be on Cynthia Gibb's dvd on vocal lessons. The dvd should be coming out soon from Cool Music, Inc. Somehow I missed Gibbs at the Ultimate Collectibles Show, but Michele didn't (as seen below).
Oh and I almost forgot, Michele Mupo and Associates represent over 50 star clients. Many of her clients are big names in the wrestling industry, but her non-wrestling star list is expanding rapidly.
Michele seems to have her hand in everything. I am just grateful she took a few minutes to give me her update to share with all of you.

Cynthia Gibb and Michele Mupo in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

(Greg) Valentine's Day

Greg 'the Hammer' Valentine has been a wrestler for over 35 years. His father Johnny was also a wrestler.
Valentine has enjoyed a lot of success in the ring over the years. He has held many titles (as a solo and as part of a tagteam) in many organizations like WWE, NWA, AWA and WCW.
Valentine is a throwback. He's like an old-school wrestler. While he has wrestled through the cartoon era of the 80's and the attitude era of the 90's, I think Valentine would have been more comfortable with traditional wrestling of the 60's and 70's. He could work great, long matches with men like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Roddy Piper.
He wasn't great on the mic and he wasn't hugely marketable. That's unfortunate, because he has the mat skills and the knowledge advantage over most wrestlers.
That's not to diminish his accomplishments. Valentine is in the WWE Hall of Fame and deservedly so. I just think in an earlier era, he would have been even more successful.
Whenever I meet him, I am always amazed at how thick and solid Valentine is. He's not ripped and cut like others, but I bet Valentine is one of the strongest men in the business.

Greg Valentine and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

Please Rise as We Join Wayne Messmer

Wayne Messmer has gained most of his fame because of his fantastic voice. Messmer has sung the National Anthem for the Chicago Blackhawks, the Chicago Wolves, the Chicago Cubs, the Chicago White Sox, the Chicago Sting, the St. Louis Blues and probably countless other organizations. Once you hear Messmer sing it, you've heard the best!
Messmer overcame a horrible life-threatening incident in which he was shot in the throat. Fortunately, Messmer not only survived, he lived to sing again.
I had the pleasure of meeting Messmer at a political fundraiser a few years back. Messmer's voice is just as rich in person in regular conversation. He was very happy to talk about anything, from politics to the current state of any Chicago sports team.
I think Messmer has a lot of great stories that need telling. I think a book is in Messmer's future. If that happens, you'll read about it here.

Wayne Messmer and me in River Grove, IL-early 00's.

A Skating Wolf

Since their inception in 1994, the Chicago Wolves have experienced a lot of success. For much of the time, the Wolves were the #1 hockey team in Chicago.
Originally, the Wolves were an independent team, meaning they had no NHL affiliation. The Wolves would often have a handful of ex-Blackhawks and other ex-NHL'ers on their roster. Players like Wendel Young, Rob Brown and Troy Murray had nice runs with the Wolves. Local players like Steve Maltais (who had a few short trips to the NHL) and Bob Nardella (who had a long minor league career) were fan favorites.
The Wolves eventually became affiliated with the NHL Atlanta Thrashers. A few years later, long-time Wolves coach John Anderson took over the Thrashers. Throughout all of the change, the Wolves remained successful and popular. Currently, they are in 4th place, although they have an excellent record.
Years ago, I was meandering around the concourse of the Allstate Arena, when I ran into Skates (the mascot) and Jenn (from the intermission group). I had to get a picture with the duo. That Skates is one cool cat...I mean Wolf.

Jenn, Skates and me in Allstate Arena in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

Literati Glitterati

This is another in a series on celebrity authors.

The wrestling legend of the Missing Link stated that he came from "parts unknown". All we really knew was that he was a wild, out-of-control man, needing a trainer to handle him. Eventually, I found out that Dewey Robertson was the Missing Link, but I still never knew a whole lot about the Link (or Robertson). That all changed when I read Robertson's book, Bang Your Head, co-written by Meredith Renwick.
Renwick is the co-author who did an outstanding job in pulling thoughts, stories and ideas together in the book. Like many other wrestlers from his era, Robertson's memories have faded or diminished due to years of head bumps in the ring and substance abuse out of the ring.
Renwick recently told me, "I think it was the best book anyone could have gotten out of Dewey under the circumstances. I’m not saying that just to pump up my own ego, more to acknowledge that Dewey was a challenge to work with. Anyone who knew him well would back me up on that. That the book got finished at all still amazes me sometimes." Renwick goes into more detail in an online piece she did for Slam! Wrestling.
It was through Slam! Wrestling that Meredith got on the Robertson book project. Meredith's husband Greg Oliver (Producer on Slam!) approached Robertson about an online Father's Day piece in 2000. Robertson then asked Oliver to help with the book. Oliver was too busy and Renwick was between jobs, so she took on the challenge.
The main challenge was getting and keeping Robertson on track. Robertson's life and ideas were ever-changing. According to Renwick, "He had very definite ideas about what he wanted in the book, though this would change from week to week." Also working against Renwick, were Robertson's reluctance to discuss his years of wrestling in Canada, his memory lapses and his mental state. Renwick admits she was often ready to quit, "To this day I'm not sure how I hung in there as long as I did. Maybe I just wanted to be able to say I was the one who got the damn book finished after 12 years of him working on it."
Fortunately, Renwick persevered and helped Robertson produce a very interesting book. While Robertson wanted to concentrate on his recovery from addictions, Renwick wanted to tell the whole story. The end result is a nice blend of the two components, each revealing a bit of what was behind the other. Renwick told me she was not a fan of wrestling before the book and did not become one after the book, "not after living with Dewey’s story for so long, knowing what a tough life it is and how much wrestlers suffer physically and mentally in the name of putting on a good show."
Renwick did develop an appreciation for the talents of wrestlers. Renwick explained, "Pro wrestling is about far more than just the wrestling: it’s drama, it’s improv comedy, it’s acrobatics and yes, it’s pain and suffering too."
It's clear that Robertson went through a lot of pain and suffering in his life and career. Unfortunately for Robertson, the pains and pressures of his career led him to a life of alcohol, drug and steroid use. Robertson lost a lot to the demons in his life and he is very open about discussing all in his book.
Robertson died in August of 2007. He had achieved his goal of writing and sharing his story. He had been rebuilding his relationship with his 2 sons (also wrestlers at one point). Despite continually battling his vices and the cancer, Robertson got to enjoy the success of his years of labor on the book. Readers will also enjoy the written journey through his life that is Bang Your Head!
I am very grateful that Renwick gave me her time and thoughts for this piece. In her last correspondence with me, Renwick revealed that she was married in Las Vegas in 2001 while attending the Cauliflower Alley Club reunion. The ceremony took place at the Viva Las Vegas Chapel, in a traditional Elvis wedding, including guests watching via webcast. Coincidentally, I was also at that CAC event.

Meredith Renwick and Dewey Robinson-August 2006.

Backup Catcher Hall of Fame:Reader Contributions

I have gotten a bunch of good comments regarding the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame idea that Chuck E. Gekas and I have been putting together. Cuzz and I take this seriously, wanting to protect the integrity of the Hall and the honor of being inducted.
Last week, I saw a post that my old friend Vince Saputo made on his Facebook Wall. He listed seven men as nominees for the BCHOF. I will list his choices and the thoughts that Cuzz (my BCHOF partner) and I have on their merits.
Chris Krug and Dave Ricketts-These players simply did not spend enough time in the majors to get any real consideration.
Jim Pagliaroni-Pags played too much and was too good to be considered. Four years with 300+ AB's made for a nice career, but ruin his chance at the BCHOF.
Carl Sawatski-Sawatski is the toughest to determine. He played a bit more than necessary later in his career, which really works against him considering his era. This one might have to go to the veterans committee for further review.
Pat Corrales, Earl Averill and Doug Camilli-These three are viable candidates. They played enough games to be regular backups, but not too many to ever be considered starters. Their numbers were solid.
Overall, Cuzz and I applaud Vince's effort and interest. For a first attempt, Vince's suggestions were pretty good.
Other readers contributed many names. I will briefly give my thoughts on the players suggested.
Some catchers just didn't have quite enough of a career to be given serious consideration. Art Kusnyer, Larry Cox and Sal Butera had some success in the majors and should be proud of their careers. They just fall short for consideration.
The next group played too much. We understand that a backup catcher might be pressed into starting duty at times, but these catchers played more than half of the games in at least three years. Chris Widger, Mike Ryan and Joe Garagiola were starters too often or at least in the 'platoon' category.
Joe Ferguson is in a class of his own here. For one thing, he played too much at other positions. Twice he played over 50 games in the outfield. Plus, four times he caught more than half of his team's games. Additionally, most of this was done with the Dodgers who were an excellent team. Playing a lot for bad teams might be understandable. Playing a lot for playoff teams puts Ferguson out of consideration.

The final group was the biggest, proving my readers know their stuff (or at least their backup catchers). Each player in this group has the stats and the intangibles necessary for consideration. Kelly Stinnett, Paul Bako, Doug Mirabelli, Gary Bennett, Ken Rudolph, Greg Myers, Bruce Bochy, Luis Pujols, Bill Fahey, Tom Lampkin, Joe Nolan, Steve Swisher and Todd Pratt are all excellent candidates. As the years pass, I am sure many will be inducted into the BCHOF.
The momentum is picking up for the BCHOF. People realize we take it seriously when we are choosing catchers who fit the standards of the BCHOF. It takes a special player. Just ask Bill Plummer, Bob Montgomery, Jeff Torborg or Duffy Dyer (aka the first group of inductees).

Future BCHOFer (?) Bob Uecker in Miller Park in Milwaukee, WI-Summer 2009.

The Losers Sixth (or Seventh) Man

We can't get enough of the Losers. Today, I am featuring our Sophomore sixth man, guard John Fleszewski.
John was a couple years behind most of us, although not the youngest guy on our team. John certainly brought his youthful energy to the court. He played in every game and might have even started one (how did that happen?). John lit up the net for a crispy 33.33% shooting percentage, leading our team in that category. (Okay, so he only took 3 shots, 33.33% is still 33.33%!)
John and I stayed in touch throughout college. He is a proud grad of Northern Illinois University (Go Huskies).
Thanks to the wonders of the internet and the intrusive world of Facebook, John and I have reconnected a bit. He is alive and well, still living in the greater Chicago area.
Again, despite the graininess, I love the picture. On the right is Greg Nessinger, trailing the play, but always ready for action (in other words, playing defense when the ball is stolen or the shot is missed). John is making a nice move, worthy of comparison to Pistol Pete Maravich. Look at how he is splitting the defenders. Simply poetry in motion.

John Fleszewski (with ball) and Greg Nessinger (black shirt on right) in Mt. Carmel gym in Chicago, IL-Spring 1983.

Friendly Encounters

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

When we last featured the Saputo family, Vince was posing with Paul Teutul Sr. Today, we will be featuring Anthony Saputo.
I knew Anthony before the picture was taken. Therefore, obviously I knew him as a real young guy. I had worked with papa Vince and mama Melody at various times at Lerner Newspapers. During Melody's time there, we worked a lot of promotion events together. Often times, Vince brought Anthony and his sister Adrienne to visit us. Anthony and Adrienne were great kids. They were playful, respectful, social and bright.
Now the kids are all grown up. Recently, Adrienne Saputo Rissley sang the National Anthem at a Gwinnett Gladiators hockey game, while Anthony got engaged! Congrats to both of them and Vince and Melody.
So, while the kids are now adults, I will jump in the way back machine and enjoy a picture from their younger days (and mine, too).

Anthony Saputo and Skates in Rosemont, IL-Winter 2000.

John Paxson Salutes Literacy

This recurring series spotlights the Literacy ad series I ran while at Lerner Newspapers.

When an old blowhard of a GM handed me the Newspaper In Education (NIE) program to run, I was not happy, but I had no choice. I also had no budget, no resources and virtually no help. I started to run a series of ads in our newspaper to promote the program. (Even that was a hassle in our troubled company.) Still, I forced the issue and got the ad series going.
I solicited well-known Chicagoans to appear in the series. I knew this would raise awareness and it did. The series was quite successful. I am still amazed at some of the people who appeared.
John Paxson is a Chicago sports legend. The Chicago Bulls won three straight championships with Paxson sharing the backcourt with Michael Jordan.
Paxson is perhaps best known for his game (and series) winning shot in the 1993 NBA Finals. Paxson sank a three point shot against the Phoenix Suns with 3.9 seconds left to give the Bulls the lead and their third consecutive title.
After Paxson retired, he has been an assistant coach, an announcer and held various executive positions for the Bulls. While he hasn't enjoyed the same success he did as a player, Paxson's place is well-secured in the history of the Bulls.
The ad design for this was simple, yet effective. Paxson was pictured making his big shot and as the Assistant Vice-President. The duality conjured thoughts of success, progression and contrasting roles, along with simply being visually appealing. In retrospect, maybe we should have added three small NBA trophies in the lower left white space.
Adding Paxson (and his three NBA titles) was excellent for the ad series. He is a highly recognizable champion.

Reading is invaluable because it inspires our thoughts, ideas and imagination. To pick up a good book or to read a favorite author is one of the true joys in life.
--John Paxson as quoted in the NIE ad series in 1994

Autograph Tales:Jim Pettie

A couple days ago, I wrote about Jim "Seaweed" Pettie and his involvement in George Plimpton's book Open Net. Today, I want to share a story about Pettie signing a puck for me.
As everyone knows, I have always been a fan of hockey, especially during my youth. Pettie was a goaltender with the Boston Bruins in the late 70's, appearing in 21 games over three seasons. After reading Open Net a few years ago, I located Pettie and sent him a puck, asking him to sign it.
About two weeks later, I received my puck signed very nicely by Pettie. He also included a hand-written letter. My favorite line (among many funny ones) was when he stated that he gave the puck to his young daughter to roll at him, so that I could say that I had a puck that he had stopped!
Now that is a classic line! It was possibly the funniest comment I ever got with an autograph. Experiences like that really make autograph-collecting fun.
Some day, I hope to meet Pettie. I'd like to thank him in person for contributing to Open Net, for the puck and letter and for his time and consideration in helping me write the piece about Open Net. Until that day, let this serve as an open "Thank you" to one of the great hockey characters and an even better guy.

My Jim "Seaweed" Pettie signed hockey puck-Early 2000's.

From Lost in Space to Battlestar Galactica

Anne Lockhart is the daughter of veteran actress June Lockhart (of tv's Lassie and Lost in Space). Lockhart has had a lengthy career doing movies, tv, commercials and voicework. She is probably most noted fpor her role as Lt. Sheba on tv's Battlestar Galactica.
My friend Hassan was much more of a fan of Galactica than I was. Okay, I really didn't even watch it. However, Hassan wanted to go to the Hollywood Celebrities Show to meet some of the stars of Galactica and I am always ready for a celeb convention.
While our meeting with co-star Richard Hatch produced a few memorable moments, I really don't remember much about Lockhart. I remember she talked about being proud that she was on a show which had a lasting following. We joked that she would always have a spot on the convention circuit simply based on that.
Despite her lengthy volume of other work, she was grateful that fans did remember her for one defining role. That is a good attitude compared to others who sometimes resent such notable roles.

Anne Lockhart and me in Rosemont, IL-early 00's.

Literati Glitterati

This is another in a series on celebrity authors.

George Plimpton was an author, journalist and actor. Some of his books were first-hand accounts of sports as he actually entered the field of competition. Perhaps Plimpton's most well-known book is Paper Lion, a book about his experience as a quarterback in training camp with the Detroit Lions. My favorite Plimpton book is Open Net, detailing his time as a goaltender with the Boston Bruins.
The great thing about Open Net is that it is a little bit of everything. Plimpton brings some of the nuts and bolts of the great game of hockey, while interspersing some interesting stories of some of the players. All of this is done with he backdrop of Plimpton's "participation-journalism". Plimpton didn't just write about the Boston Bruins training camp, he was part of it. While Plimpton wasn't actually vying for a position on the Bruins roster, he went through the rigors (and the hijinx) as if he was. Plimpton gave readers a rare firsthand look at life on and off the ice for a hockey player, but through the eyes of an average guy.
Plimpton's brothers in goal included Gerry Cheevers (Hall of Famer), Gilles Gilbert and Jim "Seaweed" Pettie (Plimpton's training camp roommate and my favorite). Legend has it that Pettie got his nickname because the stringy, wild look of his hair looked during games.
Pettie is a great guy and a hockey fan as much as he was a hockey player.
I recently contacted Pettie and he was glad to contribute to this, stating, "especially to expand the fan base or interest of the greatest game going." He says he still gets asked a lot about Plimpton (or "Pimple" as he was called).
Pettie started by saying, "I will always treasure that experience. He was so easy to be with. The stories he told us about his exploits were amazing...and he told all of the stories with the humilty of having a beer with a neighbor."
Plimpton's humility is evident in the fact that he didn't just grandstand and get some time in the nets during an exhibition game. Plimpton did the work and learned the ropes along the way. Plimpton studied and leaned on his goalie mates for instruction. When he finally took the ice against the Flyers, he was as ready as could be. He was even ready (although a bit hesitant) to face the penalty shot by Reg Leach (a shot conspired by his Bruins' teammates).
After the experience, Plimpton didn't just leave his hockey friends behind. According to Pettie, "Whenever he was close to or in Rochester, he would always find the time to meet me to have a beer and reminisce. He said being with the Bruins was one of his best experiences and he considered me his friend."
I have often heard that hockey players (especially those not so recent) make strong bonds and friendships with teammates and maintain them long after retiring. Plimpton seems to have adopted that hockey trait as well. While I am not exactly "friends" with Pettie, I do feel fortunate that the book and this experience has allowed me to get to know him better. I really hope to eventually meet Pettie.
Through the book, I learned a lot about hockey, players from my youth and Plimpton himself. I really couldn't ask for much more out of this book.

Jim Pettie (left) and George Plimpton-late 1970's.

Johngy Wins Globility Award

I have been writing a blog for Global Traveler magazine for over two years. I shamelessly promote the blog and I usually get a handful of comments (always more than my Publisher Fran Gallagher gets...not that I keep track).
I have told my Rick Monday-David Stein story before, but I will recap it briefly for any new readers.
For my July 4th (2008) piece, I decided to write a piece on Monday saving the US flag during a game in 1976. Coincidentally, I was attending a game in Los Angeles (where Monday was now a broadcaster) in June. I managed to get an interview with Monday in the clubhouse (thanks to advice from Laurie).
The piece, An Act of Patriotism, appeared on GT's site as planned. That night, I was shocked to hear David Stein of Sporting News Radio reading my blog over the air nationwide.
Of course, I had to tell (brag to) Fran. After taking his barbs about the usual content of my pieces, I had to rub it in a bit. He was ecstatic at the exposure and thanked me in a company-wide email.
Fast forward to January 21, 2010. I was in NY at the newly opened Andaz for GT's annual awards event. As Fran was starting to present the many awards (to airlines, hotels, etc), I went to the restroom. Unfortunately, I did not exit unscathed as my suit pants zipper broke. Fortunately, my room was in the hotel, so I went upstairs to attempt to fix the zipper. After a few futile moments, I threw on my jeans, figuring nobody would even notice, as I wasn't the main focus (or even a secondary focus).
As I reentered the event, I heard Fran talking about a blog. Then I heard a recording of Stein reading my piece on Monday. Kim Krol summoned me to the stage area, just as Fran announced that I was the winner of this year's Globility award. (The Globility award is given for the quality of being open to a world of cultures and experiences.)
Then I tripped as I went to the stage and Terrence Howard (actor and awards-presenter) saved me from tumbling off. I have met a lot of celebs, but this was one of the most memorable!
It was a huge surprise and a great experience. I guess I can now say I am an award-winning blogger! I also have to say I owe you, Laurie!

Terrence Howard and me (and my jeans) in New York, NY-January 2010.