Countdown to Lockdown

Mick Foley is a favorite of Johngy's Beat. I have met Mick several times at different events and he is always great.  At the Wrestlers Reunion in 2005, Mick was part of one of the most memorable celebrity encounters I have ever had.
My fascination with Mick started years ago when he was known as Cactus Jack and he was working hard to make it in the business. I saw Mick work his butt off through good times and bad to become one of the greats. His story doesn't end there though.
Mick is also an author, a real author, a New York Times best-selling author. Mick's three autobiographical books were written by Mick without the usual ghost writer. Mick also authored two best-selling novels, Tietam Brown and Scooter.
Tomorrow, Mick's newest book, Countdown to Lockdown, comes out. Mick takes us from his last days in the WWE to his big match with Sting at TNA's Lockdown event. Along the way, Mick shares his life and his thoughts. Mick is open, honest and humorous.
Johngy's Beat was on hand when Mick Foley appeared at Wizard World. Mick gave us a little extra fun by appearing in a quick video promoting Countdown to Lockdown and Johngy's Beat. The video was classic Foley. All that was missing was his old school "cheap plug" comment.
Getting to know Mick a bit more than the usual fan has been a huge pleasure and honor. Mick is an entertaining, hard-working and successful wrestler. He is also an entertaining, intriguing and somewhat offbeat writer. Most importantly, he is a genuine nice guy. To quote an old catchphrase and the title of one of his books, "Foley is Good".
Buy the book. I promise you'll enjoy it. If you ever meet Mick, tell him Johngy sent you.

Razor Shines Give Us Props

Yesterday, I posted our interview with Razor Shines, coach with the New York Mets. Today's video is a bit shorter and definitely not as steady, but for us it was hilarious.
When Scott, Matt and I attend Astros games (sitting close to the Astros dugout), we have made it a ritual to cheer the player who warms up the pitcher between innings when the regular catcher isn't ready. We have gotten acknowledgment from former Astros player Mike Lamb, as well as current Astros Geoff Blum and Humberto Quintero. It's all in good fun.
We have occasionally strayed and wildly cheered others, too. Sometimes it is the pitching coach. Sometimes it is an effective middle relief pitcher.
Last time in Houston (after the interview with Shines), we cheered wildly for Shines as he jogged to his coaching position near first base. Shines pointed to us and laughed. The laugh isn't audible and the point is a bit hard to see, but it was there, right about at the six second mark.

On the Beat with Razor Shines

Isn't Razor Shines one of the greatest names ever? Of course Razor isn't his real first name. That would be Anthony. Razor is actually his middle name. Really. How cool is that?
We had the chance to interview Shines in Houston. Shines brought up Montreal as one of his favorite cities. Even though he played his entire four year major league career there, it was still cool to hear someone name Montreal. It made me nostalgic for those old Expos hats with the odd red, while and blue logo.
Then we asked Shines about his time as a coach in Chicago. Shines lit up and said great things about Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
By all accounts, Shines is said to be a pretty fun and happy guy. By my short interview with him, I cannot disagree. However, tomorrow's video is a better example of his fun-loving nature.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

When we last saw Nick Verveniotis, he was hanging with the Simpson family in Ireland. Today, Nick is featured with another cultural icon, but much closer to home.
Nick's a great guy and not just because he usually plugs his appearances here on his Facebook page. Nick is much beloved and not just because he is willing to play catcher in 12 inch softball. I am sure Nick is already looking forward to recapturing his past dominance on the football field on Thanksgiving.
On a trip to Memphis, Nick saw Elvis and had the foresight to capture the moment for a Friendly Encounter (even before Friendly Encounters existed). One might ask why Nick is giving the 'metal' sign to Elvis (even Nick questioned it). This conjures weird images of Elvis trying to capture a new audience by releasing a metal cd. (There has been worse...see Pat Boone).
Anyway, it's always good to feature Nick here. The site viewership always spikes (by at least one) when Nick appears.

Nick Verveniotis and Elvis in Memphis, TN-Summer 2008.

Bear Down Sunday (Really Monday) #3

The Bears stand at 2-0 and tomorrow face the Green Bay Packers who are also 2-0. I'm not a meatball fan who thinks this is the only game that matters, but the Bears-Packers rivalry is huge despite what Coach Smith thinks. Additionally, with both teams off to a good start, this game should be interesting and a good test.
Hall of Famer Paul Hornung saw plenty of these games firsthand, while starring for the Packers. We discussed the heated rivalry when I met him last year. The picture below reminds me of how strange life is. Here was Paul Hornung, a Hall of Fame player, sitting at a card show with a cheesy hand-printed sign and few people approached him. People were more excited by the big current names at the show.
It probably makes me sound old, but it is the same as kids only looking for the rookie cards of today's hot stars. Here is a legit star and only a handful of people cared. I wanted to yell, "It's Paul Hornung!".
Oh well, to each his own. I should probably just be grateful there was time for me to talk to the living legend.

Paul Hornung and me in Willowbrook, IL-March 2009.

Celebrity Rookie Cards #20 Chris Jericho & Ron Howard

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. They are the Celebrity Rookie Cards. If anyone else wants to get in on the fun, feel free to make your own and send it over.

First up today is Chris Jericho. Chris is an avid hockey fan and laced up the skates while wearing a New York Rangers jersey, much like his father did for 5+ seasons. Jericho is just his wrestling name. Irvine is his real last name and his father is Ted Irvine, who played 10 seasons in the NHL and had plenty of his own hockey cards.

Next up is Ron Howard, a true Hollywood legend. Steve of White Sox Cards sent over the picture and I created the 1957 Topps Celebrity Rookie Card. I put Howard in the outfield, based on his softball experience and also I thought I remember him playing outfield on an episode of Happy Days. When Howard debuted, pitcher Dick Donovan wore the #22 jersey. During the black jersey era (like Howard is sporting), outfielder Darrin Jackson would probably be the biggest name to claim #22.

What's Happening!!

The tv sitcom What's Happening!! (yes, two exclamation marks are in the official title) was a light-hearted comedy in the 70's. Sometimes it was criticized for being too light and not attempting any serious shows about social issues. I applaud them for just trying to entertain people.
When I met Ernest Thomas (Raj) and Danielle Spencer (Dee), I told them I liked What's Happening!! for the entertainment and was glad they never went serious. They laughed a bit and said it was just a show and not meant to be a life-changer. If anything, it provided comic relief during tough times.
I like that attitude. It is always great seeing former young stars doing well now. Hey hey hey (sorry, I couldn't resist).

Ernest Thomas, me and Danielle Spencer in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

On the Beat with Jeff Bagwell

Jeff Bagwell and his 449 HR's should make it to the Hall of Fame in a few years. I had the pleasure of watching him up close several times a year as I visited my sister in Houston. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing him in Minute Maid Park.
Bagwell was standing by the batting cage before batting practice. The Astros really hadn't started bp yet, therefore I took my shot and approached him.
My normally reliable video guy (my nephew Matt) missed the very beginning of my question, which was "how do you like being back in baseball?". Bags stated that he was really enjoying it.
Recently, I heard that he probably will not return as a coach because he wants to spend time with his family. While I am glad that I got to interview Bags (especially if he doesn't return), I can't help but think how cool it would have been if he gave us the possible scoop.
I know, I have to be dreaming to think Bags would give us the scoop. I'm just saying...wow that would have been cool. Oh well, at least I logged in another (probable) Hall of Famer.

On the Beat with Sergio Santos

This time, my friend Chuck Gekas got into the interview act. While on the field, Chachi donned the Global Traveler reporter's cap and talked to White Sox pitcher Sergio Santos.

Chachi has been a great friend for a long time. He has assisted me several times in interviews. That's one reason why it was especially cool to see him in front of the camera for this session with Santos.
Chachi handled it smoothly. I am sure he would say, "What's the big deal? We're all professionals." More importantly, I think he had a fun time doing it. With Chuck and my nephew now doing interviews, I am claiming Amway points. All are done under the GT/Johngy's Beat banner. Therefore all are mine.

What If Cards

I dedicate this post to Steve over at White Sox Cards. Steve is a loyal Sox fan, an interesting blogger and the first blogger I saw creating original virtual cards.
There are a lot of different types of virtual cards (from Steve and other bloggers). I have seen Cards That Never Were, Final Tributes, Chachi cards, Birth Year Cards and some goofball even has Celebrity Rookie Cards (!?).
During a recent conversation with my dad, I remembered that a former quarterback for the Chicago Bears once tried out for the White Sox. He even pitched for Iowa, their AAA team. He had an ERA of 9 over 7 innings. The experiment ended, but not before Sox owner (and marketing genius) Bill Veeck had the "prospect" in a White Sox uniform, tossing pitches in front of the media. Of course, this whole experiment was more flash than actual substance, but the "prospect" was a great athlete and possibly could have made it to the Sox if he started a bit earlier.
I found an image of this quarterback-turned-pitching prospect and created a "What if" card for him. The media coverage wasn't quite as comprehensive back then, but the b/w photo fits perfectly with the 1979 Sox prospects card. Without further yammering, I now present my creation of what if Bobby Douglass actually made it to the White Sox.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

I have known Greg Musgrove for about six years. We first connected when I was looking for national distribution help for Global Traveler magazine (which was still in the planning stages). Greg was a seasoned veteran in national distribution and gave some valuable advice and set up a distribution system in several cities. Eventually, Greg joined a different company (TGS Media), but we kept the same systems working.
Over the years, Greg has done an outstanding job. In distribution, it is very much like referees in sports. Nobody notices you unless you make a mistake and the mistakes are magnified. TGS Media has done other distribution work for us and we have done some work for them. It is a good relationship.
Greg is a proud alum of Alabama, as is former New York Giants tight end Howard Cross. They went to high school together and were teammates there. Cross was an All-American at Alabama, was drafted by the Giants and went on to have an excellent 13 year career for them.
The two former schoolmates hooked up for dinner last year in New York. Greg was kind enough to share his photo of the meeting.

Howard Cross and Greg Musgrove in New York-2009.

Bear Down Sunday #2

The Bears stand at 1-0 after (barely) beating the Detroit Lions. Today, the Bears face the Dallas Cowboys, who are 0-1. Today will also be the season debut of the Cowboys offensive lineman Marc Colombo.
The Bears drafted offensive tackle Marc Colombo in the first round of the 2002 draft. After a series of injuries, the Bears gave up on Colombo during the 2005 season. Near the end of the 2005 season, Colombo signed with the Dallas Cowboys. Despite a few more injuries, Colombo has established himself as a solid member of their offensive line.
With Jay Cutler seemingly always under pressure, Colombo might look good wearing the orange and blue again, protecting Cutler a bit. He might also help the running game.
I met Colombo during his tenure with the Bears. He was talkative and friendly to the fans present. For a young player, he seemed very well spoken and composed. By the picture, you can also see, he is one big man.
Hopefully Colombo will not be much of a factor in the game today. The Bears need to get to Romo to have a real chance at winning.

Marc Colombo and me in Skokie, IL-Early 2000's.

Celebrity Rookie Cards #19 Jerry Seinfeld & Fergie

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. These are the Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Jerry Seinfeld is a diehard New York fan. On Seinfeld, Jerry's pal George Costanza worked for the New York Yankees, but that didn't stop Jerry from donning the Mets jersey and earning him a Celebrity Rookie card. Seinfeld played left field for one of the the comics softball game on an episode of Seinfeld and that's good enough for me.

Stacy Ann Ferguson is better known as Fergie. She is also known to be a fan of the Miami Dolphins. Her Celebrity Rookie Card doesn't list a position, but her number would indicate a running back. With her size, she'd have to rely on her speed and her moves to avoid being crushed.

Gorgeous George and Not Gorgeous Johngy

A few weeks ago, I attended an appearance by Gorgeous George at Hell Fire Comics in Chicago Ridge Mall in Bridgeview, IL. It was promoted by PCW Wrestling, a great local promotion.
The folks at PCW do things right. PL Myers greeted everyone and chatted individually with several of us. The line was filled with good wrestling fans and a few of the PCW wrestlers were on hand as well.
Georgie (Stephanie Bellars) greeted everyone very warmly and exuberantly.. We talked about some of her other appearances (past and future) and then took the photo.
Georgie was sporting a new 'do and was getting rave reviews. She was in a great mood and everyone walked away very happy.
I love George (aka Stephanie Bellars).  She is so sweet and nice.  Of course, she is also beautiful, but you can clearly see that.  I enjoyed her time in wrestling and it was great to meet her again.  I wish she was still ion the wrestling scene or at least made more of these appearances.  I miss her!
These are the types of appearances which make the hobby so great. Everyone from George to PL (and PCW) to Hell Fire Comics really made you feel like you were special. What more could you want?

Gorgeous George and me in Chicago Ridge Mall in Bridgeview, IL-July 2010.

On the Beat with Jerry Manuel

Jerry Manuel played brief parts of 5 seasons in the major leagues. He hit .150 in 127 career at bats. If he had been a catcher, I probably would have really liked him.
Manuel has received a lot of criticism during his 9 years of managing (6 with the White Sox and 3 with the New York Mets). Even as I write this, it is uncertain if he will return as manager for the Mets. Chalk up this interview as another timely one. I might not have had another chance to speak with Manuel.
Unfortunately, Manuel gave us the easy answer when asked about his favorite city for travel. He named his hometown, Atlanta. Next season, I hope to avoid that answer by refining my questions a bit. With 4 years under my belt, I should be progressing enough to get better answers from my subjects.

On the Beat with Rick Stelmaszek

As discussed many times before, I have known Minnesota Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek since his wife was my 3rd grade teacher. I have talked to him on many occasions, but earlier this summer, we officially interviewed him for the first time.

We asked Rick about the new stadium. Rick has praise for the new stadium. Of course, he liked it much better than the old Dome.
Then we asked him about being third on the all-time list of tenured coaches with one team. I thought he was behind Nick Altrock and Manny Mota. Rick's answer is pretty funny. I think it's cool that he knows where he ranks and talks about it a bit. He isn't bragging, just stating facts.
It was a bit surreal interviewing Rick in the Twins dugout, considering our history. Thirty some years ago, I was just hoping to get his card in the pack I bought at the corner store.

On the Beat with Jim Deshaies

In the "leaderboards" Section on the Baseball-Reference page for Jim Deshaies, you will see he got a Hall of Fame vote in 2001. That's a bit unusual for a pitcher with a career record of 84-95 over 12 seasons.
I am sure some reporter probably voted for Deshaies because he liked him and figured it would be cool for Deshaies to get a vote. No matter the reason, Deshaies logged in a vote to the HOF. (I would probably incorporate that onto my business card if I was Deshaies.)
He chuckled a bit when I asked him about it. I wasn't being sarcastic. I told him I thought it was pretty cool.
A special tip of my reporter's cap goes to my nephew Matt, who spotted and recognized Deshaies on the field. Once Matt pointed out the former pitcher, I wasn't going to let him escape without trying.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

With the start of the football season yesterday, there is no better Friendly Encounter I could run than this one featuring Jim Gekas and Mike Singletary. Jim is one of the most diehard Chicago Bears fans I know. Singletary is the coach of the San Francisco 49'ers and a Hall of Famer because of his years with the Bears.
Mike is predicting a great year for his 49'ers. Jim is predicting good things from his Bears. Unfortunately, I think both will be wrong.
This post isn't about the negatives though. It is about positives. Nothing is more positive than Jim's song Mr. Robinson, about Jackie Robinson, baseball and life. If you haven't listened before, give it a listen now. The previous predictions might disappoint them and us, but this song won't. You'll love it.

Mike Singletary and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-Late 1990's.

Bear Down Sunday #1

It's Bears season again! Oh how I love Bears season. I don't like the impending cold weather, but that is still several weeks away. By then, the Bears will be having such a good season, the weather won't matter as much.
The Chicago Bears open their season by hosting the Detroit Lions. The Lions have come a long way from their woeful stretch of recent years. Still, the Bears should prevail in their opener.
In honor of the Lions, I am featuring Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders. During his ten year career, all with the Lions, Sanders was a 7 time Pro Bowler as a tight end. For most of those seasons, his quarterback was either Greg Landry or Bill Munson. While both QB's were solid, neither was a passing machine. This makes those 7 Pro Bowl appearances by Sanders even more impressive.
When I met Sanders, we talked about the great battles between the Bears and Lions during his career. Despite neither team being very good, their games were hard fought matches. They were part of the old 'black and blue' division. Sanders said it was a pleasure to play and I said it was really a pleasure to watch him. I honestly don't think the Bears have had a tight end anywhere near as good as Sanders during my 40 years of watching them (Mike Ditka had already left when I started watching).
Fortunately Sanders isn't there today to help Matthew Stafford, the Lions young star QB. Maybe Greg Olson will step up for the Bears.

Charlie Sanders and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Celebrity Rookie Cards: Tony Danza & Kevin Costner

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. They are the Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Tony Danza has appeared as an athlete in several films. On Who's the Boss?, Danza played Tony Miceli, a former baseball player for the St. Louis Cardinals. In the much less known tv movie The Garbage Picking Field Goal Kicking Philadelphia Phenomenon, Danza played a garbageman turned kicker for the Philadelphia Eagles (fairly obvious from that title). He wore uniform #00 for his Celeb Rookie Card.
Another actor who has donned many sports uniforms for film roles is Kevin Costner. In For The Love of the Game, Costner plays an aging pitcher for the Detroit Tigers. Much like Danza, this wasn't Costner's biggest role. It was the role that put him on a 1975 Topps card, however!

Who Could Turn the World on with her Smile?

I have never really met Mary Tyler Moore. I did come across this bronze statue of MTM in downtown Minneapolis (MN), the hometown of Moore's fictional and tremendously popular fictional character Mary Richards. Actually, 'tremendously popular' really only scratches the surface of Mary Richards (and MTM for that matter).
MTM first became really popular on The Dick Van Dyke Show, but it was The Mary Tyler Moore Show in which MTM became a cultural icon. She was an independent, working woman. She was a vital cog in her workplace, a tv news station. They never had Richards hook up with her boss Lou Grant, which probably would have happened with such a show today. In fact, we never saw much of her love life, although we know she had romances along the way.
There aren't many actors/fictional characters who have statues outside of museums. Moore is definitely deserving of hers and I am glad I got to "meet" it.

Mary Tyler Moore and me in Minneapolis, MN-July 2010.

On the Beat with Jamie Quirk

While on the field conducting interviews for my weekly online Global Traveler piece, I occasionally get to talk to my favorite players from my youth. Such was the case last year with Jose Cruz.
This time at Minute Maid Park, I really targeted Astros Coach Jamie Quirk. Quirk had an interesting 18 year major league career. Originally, he was an outfielder, but he started catching a bit several years into his career. At this point, he was converting into a solid utility player.
In 1984, Quirk joined the coaching staff of the St. Louis Cardinals, apparently ending his playing career. By the end of the season, he joined the White Sox as a player and then finished the season with the Cleveland Indians. He went on to play 8 more seasons, mostly as a backup catcher (and you all know how I love backup catchers).
Another bit of Quirky trivia (sorry) is that he is #2 on the all-time list of HR's by a player with a last name starting with 'Q' (having recently been passed by Mark Quinn). How odd is that, he isn't even the #1 Q in Royals history?
If all of that wasn't enough, I had to recoup my lost interview with Quirk in Wrigley Field earlier this year. Among the other problems that day, my videocam died right as I got Quirk. I told him I'd see him in Houston later and he became one of our main targets.
As always, it really is cool to talk to these men, whose images appeared on the baseball cards of my youth. I never would have imagined this.

On the Beat with Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins is one of those players I really like. Cuddyer will never be a Hall of Famer, but he is nearing 1,000 hits for his 10 year career, all spent with the Twins.
When we saw Cuddyer, he was signing a few autographs before heading into the dugout to get ready for the game. Chuck managed to get his attention and squeeze in one question.

Cuddyer definitively named Chicago as his favorite city. I don't think he said it just because the Twins were playing the Sox. He had no way of knowing we were Chicago guys (nor would that matter in the least). Cuddyer was simply another player among the many who put Chicago at the top of their favorite cities to visit.

On the Beat with Jeff Francoeur

Once again, I am featuring an 'On the Beat' video with my nephew Matt as the interviewer. Matt completed his interview trifecta by nabbing Jeff Francoeur of the New York Mets.
Francoeur made the 2005 Topps All-Star Rookie team and won a Gold Glove in 2007. Frenchy's stats dipped a bit after the 2007 season, but have remained steady since and at only 26, he still is young and improving.
Batting practice was ending and it was time for us to leave the field, but Matt logged in this last one. It is short, but effective as Francoeur gave us his thoughts on his favorite baseball city to visit.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.

When we last saw Erin Galligan, she was with my nephew Matt and a Blue Man (from the Blue Man Group, obviously). Despite some bad puns that I wrote, Erin recently sent me a photo from her latest celebrity encounter.
Erin and her family went to the premiere of Sex and the City 2 and then to the Hollywood Palms in Naperville (IL). Actor Willie Garson was there signing autographs and taking pictures (no doubt hoping to land here in a Friendly Encounter).
Garson is a veteran actor, having appeared in more than 50 movies and on many television shows. He had a recurring role on the tv version of Sex and the City, as well as a role in the big screen versions. He currently can be seen on the USA network show White Collar.
What a lovely photo. They all look so happy. Thanks to Erin for sharing this shot.

Marianne, Kailee, Willie Garson, Shannon and Erin in Naperville, IL-Summer 2010.

Celebrity Rookie Cards: Dan Aykroyd & John Cusack

They aren't perfect, but they are my attempt at the world of virtual cards. They are the Celebrity Rookie Cards.

Today I am featuring the first odd shaped card, the 1975 Topps TallBoys. Dan Aykroyd is best known as Jake Blues from The Blues Brothers, but Aykroyd has a lengthy acting resume. One of his roles was in Celtic Pride, a little-known movie from 1996. Aykroyd plays a passionate Celtics fan who (through a series of comic incidents) wears a Jazz uniform. The movie might not have been a big hit, but it helped make a 'big' Celeb Rookie Card.
Chicagoan John Cusack played Chicago White Sox player Buck Weaver in 8 Men Out. This made my job a lot easier. My only problem was having the Pepsi sign in the background. I would have liked to PhotoShop a Coca-Cola sign there, but it really wasn't worth the effort.

Rhythm and Blues and Hass and Johngy

As Hass and I walked by this booth, the Honky Tonk Man called out a "Jay Leno" to me. As I have previously written, Honky Tonk is a member of the Jay Leno Club and has jokingly debated about Terri Runnels calling me "Jay" before or after him.
I wasn't surprised by the Jay Leno remark, but I was surprised to see Greg 'the Hammer' Valentine sharing the booth. I met Valentine before, but never the former tag-team known as Rhythm and Blues together.
Valentine is a WWE Hall of Famer, while HTM is the longest reigning WWE Intercontinental champ. Unfortunately, Rhythm and Blues was not exactly a high point for either of them. Valentine was a great, but dying his hair black and adopting the guitar playing gimmick went against his traditional wrestling background.
HTM and Valentine actually wrestled together (sometimes called Double Trouble) a while before they reunited as Rhythm and Blues. Although they never won tag-team gold in the WWE, they did win the titles in the Northern States Wrestling Alliance. Also, Diamond Dallas Page's first appearance in the WWE was driving them to the ring in a pink Cadillac for Wrestlemania VI.
Honky Tonk was his usual fun self and Valentine was his usual quiet self, but both were definitely willing to talk a bit about wrestling. Honky let me hold the IC title belt. In the lower left, one of Johnny Valentine's (Greg's dad) is sitting on the table.

Greg Valentine, Hass, me and Honky Tonk Man in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Happy Birthday Big Money

Today is my nephew Matt Parker's birthday. I can't believe he is 22. I seems just like yesterday...
Big Money is a great guy. We have had a lot of fun watching Cash Cab, Mythbusters, wrestling, sports, Legends of the Hidden Temple and other silly things. Most of the time we have made Coke bets on the outcome of various parts of each. We probably have made 1,000 bets, but in the end, I believe he owes me about 3 Cokes.
One bet that I lost to him really cost me. I had to wear a White Sox jersey to Wrigley Field for a game between the Cubs and the Houston Astros. I forget if he had to wear the Astros jersey or if he just wanted to wear it. Either way, I caught more grief than he did. It's a screwed up world at times.
At least Matt isn't screwed up. Oh sure, he is a windsock at times when it comes to cheering for sports teams, but that just adds to the fun.
Happy Birthday, Big Money!

Matt Parker and me in the Cubby Bear in Chicago, IL-Summer 2006.

On the Beat with Matt Guerrier

On a recent trip to Target Field, we were able to get a few interviews for my online feature for Global Traveler magazine. We were just about to leave the field, when relief pitcher Matt Guerrier walked right up to us.
Guerrier was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1999, but has only pitched for the Minnesota Twins during his seven seasons in the majors. He has a 16-25 career record with 5 saves. He lead the AL in games in 2008 and 2009 and is among the leaders this season.
Guerrier mentioned Boston as his favorite city to visit and Gibson's in Chicago as one of his favorite restaurants. It's hard to argue with either of those choices.
I had to split the video for it to be uploaded here. I also wish the music at Target Field wasn't quite as loud. Once again though, I was on a major league field, interviewing a player and I really can't complain about anything!

On the Beat with Mike Hessman

Last week, I proudly featured my nephew Matt Parker's first celebrity interview. Once Matt got the first one out of the way, he wanted to grab a couple more to add to his resume. We crossed over to the Mets side of the field, where Matt encountered Mike Hessman, a corner infielder.
Hessman was the International League MVP in 2007 and was on the 2008 Olympic baseball team which won a bronze medal. This success hasn't yet translated to major league success, primarily due to his high strike out rate.
As usual for Global Traveler magazine, Matt asked Hessman about travel. Hessman's answer was a bit different than the usual cities mentioned.