Bear Down Sunday #8...Happy Birthday Cuzz

Today the Chicago Bears have a bye week.  It comes at a very good time..  Today is also the birthday of Chuck "Cuzz" Gekas, which because of the off day for the Bears, also comes at a very good time.
I met Cuzz through Chuck and Jim (the Gekas brothers).  Cuzz is a staunch Michigan fan, as well as a big fan of the Detroit Tigers and San Diego Padres.  He is a knowledgeable sports fan, from the basics to the very obscure (such as his vast knowledge of backup catchers and infielders).
Cuzz and I have started the Backup Catcher Hall of Fame, to honor the great backup catchers of our lifetime.  The BCHOF really started through our (lengthy and thorough) discussions on backup catchers on our various trips through the years.
Cuzz is a great friend.  Sure the debate over Larry Haney versus Junior Ortiz might get heated on occasion, but there is nobody I'd rather have on stage with me when we induct each new class of BCHOF'ers.
I hope Cuzz has a great day and follows it with a fantastic year.  This one's for you Cuzz...Happy Birthday, my friend.

Cuzz, Jim and me at the Big House in Ann Arbor, MI-Fall 2005.

Big Kev, Big Hass and Johngy

I have met Kevin Nash several times, but my friend Hass had never met the big man. When we were at the Wizard World Con, I brought the big man (Hass) to the big man (Kevin).
Hass is younger than me, so Nash probably fits his era of watching wrestling more than mine. I really enjoyed watching Hass interact with the wrestlers, including Nash. I have attended so many of these shows, but it is always fun to watch friends have fun at them, too.
Nash said all was good and that Scott Hall had just gone into rehab. Hall and Nash are tight outside of the ring. Hall has had a lot of problems and Nash has always stuck by his friend. We hope and pray that one day, Hall will be appearing alongside Nash at these shows and that his problems will be behind him.

Hass, Kevin Nash and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Celeb Rookie Cards #25 Nat Neidhart and Drew Barrymore

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 two women on Celebrity Rookie cards. The first CRC'er is Nattie Neidhart, third generation wrestling member of the Hart dynasty. Nattie, daughter of Jim "the Anvil" Neidhart, is currently wrestling for the WWE, although she is more a manager than a wrestler for some reason. Once again, I see the WWE not letting an excellent female wrestler show her skills. At least, Neidhart showed off her Vodafone soccer jersey on a promo tour for the WWE. Nattie becomes the second CRC'er to be shown in a soccer jersey.
Despite still being young, Drew Barrymore has already had a long and interesting career. More interesting is the Marlins pinwheel. The tied jersey is good enough for Barrymore to get a Celebrity Rookie Card, but the whole ensemble is questionable. It does remind me of some of the Fleer cards of the late 80's though.

Revisiting the Joe Torre Shunning

In my ongoing quest to study the effects on a major leaguer after declining an interview request with Johngy's Beat, I am revisiting Joe Torre.  In all fairness to Torre, he did say he might have time after the game, but I did not pursue that option as it usually doesn't come to fruition.
Torre had an excellent playing career and has gone on to have a Hall of Fame managing career.  While his stay in Los Angeles didn't produce a World Series title, he has compiled a 259-227 record for a .533 winning percentage, which is just slightly below his career percentage of .538.
Torre and the Dodgers were off to a great start in 2009.  Then Torre made the mistake of shunning Johngy's Beat.  The results are as follows:
Before the shun, the Dodgers were 55-31 for a .639 winning percentage.  They were in 1st place, 7 games up.
After the shun, the Dodgers went 40-36 for a .526 winning percentage.  They ended in 1st, 3 games up.
Looking deeper into these stats, post-shun the Dodgers would have been in 3rd place.  The Colorado Rockies would be in 1st (six games up on the Dodgers and 5 up on the 2nd place San Francisco Giants.  The San Diego Padres would be in 4th, only 1/2 game behind the Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks would be in last (12 out of 1st and 6 behind the Dodgers).
Continuing the research, Torre and the Dodgers finished 2010 in 4th place, 12 games out of 1st.  Late in the season, Torre announce it would be his last (at least in Los Angeles).  Was he retiring for good or was he just trying to lift the Johngy's Beat Curse?  Only time will tell.
Sooner or later, even Bill James will have to jump on this statistical trend.  For now, all I can say is Johngy's Beat 3 and the players (Torre, Byrd and Jenks) 0.

Joe Torre as he decline my interview request in Milwaukee, WI-July 2009.

Diamond Dallas Page Update

Diamond Dallas Page is a fan of Johngy's Beat and we certainly reciprocate that feeling.  Page and us have had a few interactions, including the promo DDP did for us which can be viewed on the right side of this page.
Page recently responded to a message I sent him, updating me on all things DDP and YRG (Yoga for Regular Guys).  DDP's site includes the DDP video blog.  Wednesday is "Wrasslin' Wednesday" and DDP shares rare, behind-the-scenes footage of his career.
You should also check out his blog radio talk show called YRG Radio RoundTable, which airs every Tuesday night at 9 p.m. est.  It is also available on podcast, if you miss the first broadcast.  It's a show about achieving goals, facing fears and overcoming adversity.
Diamond Dallas Page isn't just a retired wrestler.  He gave a lot to the world of wrestling and now he is giving a lot to the rest of the world.  His site is jam-packed with information and entertainment.
In his promo video, DDP tells you to check out Johngy's Beat and here, I am telling you to check out DDP's site!

Dallas Page and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Revisiting Jim Forsell and the Bet

Last March, I wrote about Jim Forsell's bet with Matt Trowbridge of the Rockford Register Star.  The Chicago Cubs failed to make the playoffs, which meant Jim lost the bet and had to push a baseball across the State Street Bridge in Rockford (IL).  Jim, a man of his word (and always up for a little publicity), recently paid his debt.
Johngy's Beat got an (almost) exclusive interview with Jim in which he stated, "I think an elephant must have been standing on my back when I made those 250 (Un-Official National Ball Rolling Association stats) pushes across the bridge.  My sides feel like I was hit 100 times (on each side) with a phungo bat.  To say nothing of eating an entire humble pie."
Jim apparently id not learn his lesson though.  He renewed the bet for 2011, which will be his 50th year of following the Cubs.  You have to admire his staunch belief (or is it just pettiness, hoping to get even with Trowbridge?).  Either way, Johngy's Beat will keep you updated on the insanity.
The following clip of Jim comes to you courtesy of the Rockford Register Star.

Friendly Encounters

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

A while back I was doing research for my online blog for Global Traveler magazine and I came across Myra Segal Morehouse's pictures with some daytime drama stars. Myra recently responded and gave me the story, which she has agreed to share here, too.
Myra attended the fan club luncheon in New York in 2008 and 2009. In 2008, Myra won the lunch raffle and had her picture taken with the One Life to Live star of her choice, which was published in Soaps in Depth, Myra chose John Brotherton who plays Jared Banks.
Myra describes John as a "wonderful and friendly individual". She added that co-star Melissa Archer is "beautiful and friendly, too".
I love the picture below. How can you not? Myra looks like she is having a blast surrounded by the two OLTL stars. This is the real essence of Friendly Encounters. I love it and appreciate Myra sharing this here. Myra has a few others which will be featured here in the future. We'll see a few other OLTL stars and Myra is again all smiles!

John Brotherton, Myra and Melissa Archer in New York, New York-August 2008.

Bear Down Sunday #7

The Chicago Bears stand at 4-2 after losing to the Seattle Seattle Seahawks last Sunday.  Today, they are facing the Washington Redskins who are 3-3.  The Bears are doing better than expected, but face a tough battle today and will need their defense to play at their best.

Speaking of defense at its best, I present Mike Curtis, a 4 time Pro-Bowler.  He was also the 1970 AFC Defensive Player of the Year.

Curtis had an outstanding career, playing 11 seasons with the Baltimore Colts, a season with the Seahawks and his final 2 seasons with the Redskins.  I find it amusing that he went from the young, first year Seahawks to the "over the hill gang" Redskins.

Curtis had the reputation as being one of the meanest players.  He was completely friendly when I met him, however.  Curtis had a big smile and was happy to discuss football with me.

Everyone knows the conversation always starts with Ray Nitschke and Dick Butkus, but I wanted to see who else he thought was in that team picture.  Curtis mentioned Chris Hanburger, Ted Hendricks and Bill Bergey as being talented and productive, although none really matched the ferocity.  I respected his thoughts as they seemed genuine, not like a bitter old player.  Curtis doesn't need bitterness.  His reputation and place in football history is secure.

Hopefully, the Bears defense will produce like Curtis (and Butkus) did.  A great defense has always helped carry a questionable Bears offense.

Mike Curtis and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Celeb Rookie Cards #24 Ric Flair & Elton John

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

I love today's pairing of two of the most flamboyant personalities in the given professions. Ric Flair is the limousine-ridin', jet-flyin', kiss-stealin', wheelin' and dealin' Nature Boy. He is considered one of the greatest pro wrestlers of all-time, both in the ring and in his promos. To be the man, you have to beat the man and nobody beats Ric Flair in a Carolina Hurricanes jersey on an old school hockey card. Woooooooooooooooooo!
Reginald Kenneth Dwight started his professional career before I was born. He changed his name to Elton John early on and started wearing colorful and interesting hats, glasses and shirts. John's appearance on a Celebrity Rookie Card is typical, as it features him in a Dodgers jersey, but one covered in gemstones and sparkles. He is wielding a bat, but I have to wonder what the opposing pitcher would think if someone dressed like that ever stepped into the batter's box.

Happy Days with My Sister and Erin Moran

Last year, I crammed a lot into a 4 day road trip. It was exhausting, but fun and productive.
I helped my sister Nancy move my niece Laura to New York for school. On the way, I stopped at the world headquarters of Global Traveler magazine in Yardley (PA). A few of us went to a Phillies game (Phils lost). The next day, I attended the Ultimate Collectibles Show in Oaks (PA).
At the show, we ran into Erin Moran, who we grew up watching grow up on tv's Happy Days. Moran is always in a good mood at these shows. I think she likes meeting the other celebrities as much as the attendees do.
Moran knows all about Johngy's Beat from the first time I met her a couple years back. This time, she did a promo for us, which can be found in the "Testimonials" column on the right side.
It was just one more reason why the trip was excellent. Even my sister got a bit of a kick out of meeting Moran (and a few others), while attending her first such convention.
Sadly, as I was writing this, I heard of the death of Tom Bosley, Erin's tv dad.  The guest book for Bosley can be found here at Legacy.com.

Erin Moran, Nancy Blais and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Revisiting the Marlon Byrd Shunning

Last week, I wrote about being shunned by Bobby Jenks and how his stats took a nose dive.  It got me wondering about some of the other people who have shunned us.  This brought me to Marlon Byrd, the previous most-recent shunner.

Byrd had a fine season for the Cubs.  He hit .293 with 12 home runs, 66 rbi's, 84 runs scored and 5 stolen bases.  Byrd shunned me before the game on July 21.  Let's see how his stats compare before and after the shun.

Before the shun, in 93 games, Byrd hit .315, with 10 HR's, 42 rbi's, 53 runs and 4 stolen bases.
After the shun, in 59 games, Byrd .259, with 2 HR's, 24 rbi's, 31 runs and 1 stolen base.
Percentage-wise, the only stat that is comparable is his runs scored.  Clearly, this is another case of the player going into a downward spiral after declining an interview for Johngy's Beat.
I am not making up this stuff.  I am simply presenting the stats as is.  I will continue this series, but for now it is...Johngy's Beat 2, the players (Byrd and Jenks) 0.

Marlon Byrd moments before shunning me at Wrigley Field-July 2010.

Autograph Tales:Joe Nathan

A few years ago, my friends and I went to Minneapolis to see the Twins play. I couldn't get press creds for the game, but I wanted to talk to a couple Twins. One of them was Joe Nathan.
Nathan is a friend of one of my softball teammates, Pete Z. When I saw Nathan playing long toss in the outfield before the game, my friend Chuck and I called out to him.
This was well before game time and the crowd was minimal. We were standing (in the seating section) along the left field line and nobody was around us.
Nathan came over and talked to us a bit. Within two minutes, Chuck and I were practically crushed by the rushing mob of fans trying to get Nathan's autograph.
We apologized to Nathan for causing the chaos and we left. To his credit, Nathan stayed there and signed a ton of autographs.
The Twins beat the Oakland A's 4-3 in a comeback victory. Nathan did not pitch. I wonder if he was too tired.

Joe Nathan at the MetroDome in Minneapolis, MN-July 2007.

On the Beat with Brad Mills

Last year, we landed then Astros Manager Cecil Cooper for a quick interview for my online blog for Global Traveler. This year we continued the Manager trend, but with current Manager Brad Mills.
Mills played four seasons with the Montreal Expos. He was a teammate of recently featured Mets coach Razor Shines. Mills was traded in 1984 to the Astros, but never played for the major league club.
The Astros are going through a rough time and Mills has them playing about as well as could be expected (maybe even better). Hopefully, the Astros young talent will develop and will be aided by some acquisitions to solidify the team in 2011. Otherwise, it might be a long season next year for Mills.

Friendly Encounters

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

When I first covered the Motor City Comic Con for Global Traveler, Press Liaison Valerie Schendel was a huge help in my effort. Valerie was very informative, helpful and pleasant throughout the process.
I asked Valerie to share a few photos and stories about her years working with the MCCC. She had some great stories to tell. She really seemed to love the convention. After attending my first one, I understood her enthusiasm for the MCCC. She wasn't just being a great Public Relations person. It was a great event.
One of the pictures she shared was of her and Adam West. West almost appears to be smiling. I always try to give the celebrity the benefit of the doubt on unpleasant experiences, but I have not had a pleasant experience with West in at least 5 different conventions.
West is very strict about being photographed. How strict? At the Spring 2010 MCCC, my friends and I were a good 50 feet from his booth when we were testing my camera by taking pictures of things in the opposite direction. West had one of the assistants ask (tell) me to stop shooting pictures.
I witnessed a similar scene involving others at another convention. I also witnessed West refuse to take a group picture with fellow celebrity guest Frank Gorshin (who appeared on Batman with West). I have also never seen him smile in any photo with fans.
Did I just catch West on a few bad days? Maybe, but I don't think so. I think that is just him. Either way, my stance remains the same for celebrities. If you don't want to be there, stay home. People pay a lot of money for West and they should not walk away feeling cheated.
If I am being unfair to West and he (or anyone else) wants to dispute it, I will be happy to report the other side. If I ever see evidence contrary to my belief, I will happily retract my statements. Until then, I stand by my observations.

Valerie Schendel and Adam West in Novi, MI-Early 2000's.

Bear Down Sunday #6

The Chicago Bears, who are 4-1 and in first place, are facing the Seattle Seahawks, who are 2-2.  I can't predict the Bears at all this season and this game will be no different.
Today, I am going old school with this post.  Maybe I am going old school buddy with this post.
In 1980, the Seattle Seahawks were still relatively new to the NFL.  They finished at 4-12.  Three of my favorite Seahawks were Jim Zorn (QB), Steve Largent (WR) and Dan Doornink (FB).  Largent was just beginning his Hall of Fame career.  Zorn was in the middle of an underrated career.  Doornink was pretty early in his solid career.
The Bears finished 1980 at 7-9.  Walter Payton was the offense.  Dan Hampton and Mike Singletary were at the beginning of the HOF careers.
Meanwhile on the far south side of Chicago, Tom Skalski and I were struggling our way through our first year at Mt. Carmel high school.  Tom and I always fooled around with artwork.  In grade school, we often drew covers for our book reports.  It was more for our amusement than for the grade.
I don't remember what prompted it, but Tom gave me a drawing he made of my favorite Seahawks.  Recently while reorganizing my closets (and boxes of stuff), i came across the picture.  It has held up well for being 30 years old.
It brought back a lot of good memories.  I thought about my friendship with Tom (with whom I recently reconnected).  I also thought about my youthful interest in football.  The Bears were terrible, but I loved them regardless.  I loved seeing my favorites return year after year (there was no free agency back then).  
Isn't it cool how one simple drawing could produce many great emotions thirty years later?  I probably like it more now than I did then.
As the teams face each other today, I'll be thinking of Zorn, Largent, Doornink, Tom Skalski, my youth, my Bears and who knows what else.  It's all good.

Seattle Seahawks artwork by Tom Skalski (c) 1980

Celeb Rookie Cards #23 Alyssa Milano & Kevin James

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

I have called out Alyssa Milano before. Milano is a sports fan and a sports blogger, just like I am. Somehow though, she gets much closer access with much looser rules. Fortunately, I am a bigger man and will not let that prohibit me from giving Milano a Celebrity Rookie Card.
I featured Milano in a Pirelli soccer jersey. Oddly, despite Milano's presence at so many sporting events, this was the only real jersey picture I found of her. I know she has appeared wearing many NHL jerseys and various MLB articles, but those are photoshopped for merchandise catalogs. While I salute Milano's fandom of Pirelli (hey, I'm a Paisan, too), I question why she can't be found wearing a Dodgers jersey. Oh well, enough griping, here is Milano's card.
Kevin James starred opposite Leah Remini (another Paisan female) in tv's King of Queens. James has gone on to appear in several big screen efforts. James went back to his New York ties though, when he sported the uni of the New York Mets and earned himself an appearance here.

Dawn Marie to the (Wrestlers) Rescue

Years ago, JayHawk Evans and I met Dawn Marie at a comic book store in Golf Mill Mall in Morton Grove (IL). Dawn had recently debuted in ECW and was about to become a star on the wrestling scene.
Fifteen or so years later, Dawn is retired from the wrestling business, but is still very busy with wrestling. She is the woman behind Wrestlers Rescue, a foundation started to create awareness and raise funds for the healthcare of retired professional wrestlers.
Dawn can often be found at various conventions greeting fans and spreading the word on Wrestlers Rescue. She is more concerned with Wrestlers Rescue than her own merchandise.  Dawn is very outgoing and definitely a friend of Johngy's Beat. Over on the right side of this page, she can be found cutting a nice promo for this site.
Dawn accomplished a lot during her time in pro wrestling. However, as much as she did during her active career, she is doing even more for pro wrestling now.

Dawn Marie and me in Morton Grove, IL-Mid 1990's.

Shunned by Bobby Jenks

On our trip to Target Field earlier this year, a new member joined the Johngy's Beat Shunners Club.  White Sox reliever Bobby Jenks gained membership by shunning us while sitting alone in the dugout during a pre-game rain storm. As always, I was disappointed, but not upset.  The player has that right, even if he is seemingly doing nothing while watching the rain fall.  However, in this case, I feel the need to do a statistical analysis of Jenks.
Overall, Jenks was 1-3 with a 4.44 ERA, a 1.367 WHIP and 27 Saves.  I'd like to look beyond the totality and do a pre- and post-shun Bobby Jenks.  Here is where it gets interesting.
Before shunning us, in 36 games, Jenks was 1-1, with a 3.97 ERA, a 1.44 WHIP and 20 Saves (with only 1 blown Save).
After shunning us, in 19 games, Jenks is 0-2, with a 5.30 ERA, a 1.23 WHIP and 7 Saves (with 3 blown Saves).
Is this mere happenstance?  An odd statistical anomaly?  Maybe.  Maybe not.  A solid case could be made that his plunge cost the Sox a playoff spot.  Next time, perhaps Jenks will play it safe and talk to us.

On the Beat with Jim Thome

The Minnesota Twins were the unlikely first team to clinch a playoff spot this season.  Unfortunately, they were also the first team ousted.  One of the big reasons for their success has been ex-White Sox slugger Jim Thome.

The Chicago White Sox received Jim Thome in the trade for Aaron Rowand. Thome was loved on the south side, but fans still lament the loss of Rowand. Sox fans now lament the loss of Thome, too.

Thome is nearing 600 homers and is only 39.  He will certainly be back next season and maybe even more.

My nephew Matt and I ran into Thome last season in the underbelly of the MetroDome.  We saw him tossing the medicine ball against a wall and catching it while twisting.  This was about 4 hours before the game.  We didn't go for an official interview, because we saw how hard he was working out.  He did greet us and we shared a quick greeting.

This season, my friend Chuck approached Thome in the dugout at Target Field.  Chuck landed a quick interview with Thome and ended by thanking him for his time in Chicago.

Matt, Chuck and I all walked away from Thome feeling that we just talked to a genuinely great guy.  One day he will be in the Hall of Fame and that will be a great moment.  In a world of egos and self-importance, Thome is everything you'd want in a ballplayer (and a person).

Celeb Rookie Cards #22 Alan Ruck & Billy Crystal

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

Leading off today is one of the nicest celebrities I have ever met. Alan Ruck's portrayal of Cameron Frye in Ferris Bueller's Day Off put him on the path to stardom and onto a Celebrity Rookie Card. Rumor has it that the reson for the Red Wings jersey was to cement Frye's bad decision-making, which contributed to his glum demeanor. I would rather believe Ruck had the foresight to see himself here!
Billy Crystal was actually signed by the New York Yankees. Oh sure, it was for his 60th birthday and was only a one day contract. Even so, it fulfilled a dream of his, a Celebrity Rookie Card. Okay, seriously, Crystal has been a Yankees fan all of his life. Although he earned a baseball scholarship to Marshall University, he never played a game there, because the program was folded. Despite his love for the Yankees, Crystal wore a Mets cap in City Slickers and he is a part-owner of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Crystal has been in show business long enough to allow me to use my favorite card, the 1976 Topps (it was my first set).

Friendly Encounters

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

My nephew Matt is on his way to be an internet star thanks to his many appearances here. Today, I am featuring Matt's parents, Scott and Jean (my sister).
I have had a lot of great memories with Scott and Jean (separately and together) over the years. I had a lot of fun visiting them in Houston for the few years they lived there. It was always a great time.
Recently, they celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary. That is awesome. I remember when they started dating. Their wedding was a total blast, one of the most fun times I have had at a wedding. They have raised two great children. Extra points to them because, they have tolerated me through good and bad over the years.
I love them and I congratulate them on 25 years. I wish them well and look forward to more great times.

Scott and Jean Parker with Bishop J. Peter Sartain in Joliet, IL-August 2010.

Bear Down Sunday #5

The Chicago Bears are 3-1 after losing to the New York Giants last week.  Of more concern is the condition of Jay Cutler.  Without Cutler, the Bears will be in trouble, even against the Carolina Panthers, who are 0-4.
If Cutler is hurt, Brad Maynard will be seeing a lot of time on teh field.  Maynard has been an outstanding punter for several years, but if your punter is your MVP, you are in trouble.
Throwing out a little punter symmetry, I am featuring former punter Todd Sauerbrun.  Sauerbrun was a 3 time Pro-Bowler during his 14 year NFL career, which included stops in Chicago and Carolina.
When I met Sauerbrun, I was surprised at how big his arms were.  He was a workout nut.  He was also a friendly guy.  I don't remember why the Bears let him go, but it was just another f their many mistakes in the 90's.  Sure the punter wouldn't make the team great, but he could help.  A year later, the Bears realized this and signed Brad Maynard, who has been a stable force in Chicago since then.  I just hope that Maynard's role isn't expanded.

Todd Sauerbrun and me in Arlington Heights, IL-Mid 1990's.

The Chicago Marathon

Tomorrow over 45,000 people will attempt to finish the Chicago Marathon. I know well of the pain and exhilaration. From 1988 through 2001, I gave it my best effort (conquering the 26.2 mile course 9 times).
In 1988, my first Marathon attempt was thwarted by a massive amount of pain in my left knee. I had made it about 18.5 miles before I finally gave in. I tore something in the knee and limped for about 4 months.
The next year, I trained harder, ran slower and refused to quit. I finished in just under 6 hours. It wasn't a very good time, but it didn't matter. The accomplishment (and the medal) was mine!
I ran a couple Marathons with Louie. I ran some in other cities (Madison, Cleveland, Indianapolis, New York and Boston). I finished Madison and Cleveland (twice) fairly uneventfully. I was forced out of Indy early due to the flu. In New York, I persevered through 5 hours of rain to finish. Heat Exhaustion ended my Boston Marathon around mile 19.
In 2001, I ran what would be my last Marathon (to date at least). It was a slow, plodding, painful day, but I made it to the finish in about 5.5 hours.
A picture is worth a thousand words. See that nice Marathon stand in front of me? Usually, the picture is taken with the finisher standing proudly on top of it. I was in such pain that I could not "climb" the steps.
I am not sure if I have any Marathons left in me. I am proud of what I have accomplished. I wish good luck, nice weather and smooth running to every runner out there tomorrow. I'll be watching (painlessly).

Me at the Chicago Marathon in Chicago, IL-October 2001.

All Choked Up

Lisa Marie Varon is a body builder and a pro wrestler. In 1997, she won ESPN2's Fitness America Series. Varon has won the Woman's Championship 5 times (3 in TNA Wrestling and 2 in the WWE).
I met Varon for the first time at Wizard World in Rosemont (IL), right when she was ready to leave. She very politely gave me a few minutes of her time. I got two scoops from Varon. She is planning on moving to Chicago and she is planning on opening a restaurant. She said how much she loves Chicago, but will have to get used to the harsh winters (good luck on that part).
Varon previously owned a pizza place called Fat Tony's in Louisville (KY). She then opened a custom car shop called Black Widow Customs.
Despite achieving a fair amount of success in wrestling, I think the organizations still haven't fully realized her potential. Varon has skills in and out of the ring and should be the top woman in the organization.
I already had respect for her abilities, but after talking to her at Wizard World, I was impressed with her personally. This is why it was so strange when she lunged for my throat (see below). Then again, I have that effect on people.

Lisa Marie Varon and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Here Come the Hawks, the Mighty Blackhawks

The defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks start their new season tonight. Over the last few years, the Blackhawks have really put themselves back on the scene in Chicago. Winning the Stanley Cup will put any team in the spotlight, but the Hawks momentum has been building for a few years.
One of the great things the Hawks have done is to embrace the past. They have brought back many ex-Hawks for signing appearances between periods during games. You probably wouldn't go to a game just to meet one former member of the Hawks, but it is a very nice bonus.
Last season, Laurie somehow got seats on the glass near the face-off circle. I eagerly checked their site to see who the Hawks alum was for the game and discovered it was Keith Carney.
Carney was never a superstar, but he spent 17 solid seasons in the NHL, 5 of them with the Blackhawks. In 2008, while playing for the Minnesota Wild, he became the oldest NHL player to score an overtime goal in the playoffs.
Carney was very friendly and seemed happy to be at the game. He eagerly posed for pictures and gave some kids extra signed photos in addition to the pucks they brought. It was a nice experience.
Things like this didn't help the Hawks win the Stanley Cup, but they have helped win back a fanbase which had really shrunk over the years. It has really been a pleasuure watching the turnaround.

Keith Carney and me in the United Center in Chicago, IL-March 2010.

RIP:Steve Gold

The hobby lost one of the good guys, when Steve Gold recently passed away.  Steve was the owner of AU Sports (gold=AU...get it?), probably the store with the largest inventory of sports card singles.
Many years ago, when I first started working at Lerner Newspapers in Skokie (IL), I discovered that AU Sports was about a mile from the office. Having heard a lot about the legendary store, I had to see it for myself. This started a long love affair.
On my first time there, I had a list of about 20 baseball singles from various years. Mrs. Gold (Steve's mom) got the first one for me and decided I needed to get the rest myself. From then on, I became a regular and one of the many who were allowed to "self-serve".
Mrs. Gold was the wife of Eddie Gold, former columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Mr. Gold was seldom around, as his health was already in decline. Mrs. Gold was pure gold though. She would "yell" at people, but it was all done with love and in fun. Sadly, Mrs. Gold passed away several years ago, but I will always cherish the many hours we talked and laughed.
Many times when I had hunkered down for a long session of card-finding, I would end up serving other customers. I have even logged in a few "official" days of work there.
AU recently moved to a better location in Niles (IL). Thanks to diligent workers like Tom and Scott, the store is organized and streamlined. Oh sure, the big wall of cards remains. This wall is an 8 foot by 50 foot wall of singles (and about 3 feet deep) from 1952 to present. How many cards is that? Your guess is as good as mine.
I have gotten many cards for other bloggers at AU Sports. I have spent many hours searching for cards and talking sports with the regulars there. I have met a bunch of sports stars there, too. These memories are priceless (notice, I resisted the golden pun).
Steve will be missed by all.  He was genuinely a nice guy and way too young, only 52.  I owe much of my collection to AU Sports.  I also owe them for many great memories.

AU Sports in Niles, IL-2010.

The Bashers Win the Pennant!

In 1996, at the urging of Scott O. (aka Swede) and the acceptance of his fantasy baseball league brethren (Rick, John C., John A., Mike and Ron), I entered the world of fantasy baseball (Jason would join 2 years later).  The Bashers debut season saw them capture last place, a position the Bashers dominated over their first 14 years of existence.  I think I finished last about 8 times.
The first couple years, I wrote off as inexperience.  Players like Archi Cianfrocco, Joe McEwing and John Mabry should never have appeared on a fantasy roster.
I started picking better players, but Geoff Blum, Matt Stairs and Brad Ausmus did little to help the Bashers.  Sure they were great to have on a real team, but their fantasy value was minimal.
I had my occasional "successful" seasons, including a 3rd place and a 5th place, but I was basically mired in the nether regions of the standings.  I liked the camaraderie with the other Booners, but this losing was wearing thin (why can't the Cubs think this way?)
Last year, in sheer desperation, I brought in a hired gun, my nephew Matt to help me.  Matt's addition helped the Bashers to a 3rd place finish.
That all changed this season.  The proof is below.  The Bashers captured 1st place.  I am still dizzy from celebrating.
The race went right down to the wire.  I needed Ted Lilly and Mat Latos to keep their ERA's under 3.500 for their games on Sunday.  They pitched 13 combined innings, giving up 3 runs and keeping my overall team ERA low enough to secure my overall 1st place position.
I realize I did not win this on my own, but a good manager surrounds himself with great coaches.  Tony LaRussa has Dave Duncan.  Bobby Cox had Leo Mazzone.  Mike Ditka had Buddy Ryan.  Nothing is going to wipe away my euphoria.  
Now I get to enjoy a winter of contentment.  At the next draft, I will have the honor of tossing out the first player up for bid (and it won't be Jeff Conine).  How sweet it is!

Friendly Encounters

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

Fran Gallagher has been a great friend for a long time. After briefly working together in 1984, we joined forces again in 2005, as I joined Fran's team for Global Traveler magazine.
I have mocked Fran's passion for golf. Of course, he has mocked my passion for 16 inch softball (and just about everything else, now that I think of it). I don't mock his golf column, GTee, which appears in every issue. GTee is a popular feature (but not as popular as my weekly blog for GT). Fran's love for golf finally was of use to me, when he met pro golfer Rory McIlroy at the Scarsdale Country Club near New York City.
Clearly, Fran jumped at the chance at this 'Friendly Encounter'. Oh sure, Fran has his own magazine where he can run as many pictures of himself that he might want, but we are talking Johngy's Beat here. Fran might play it cool, but we all know that he loves being featured here.

Fran Gallagher and Rory McIlroy in Hartsdale, NY-Spring 2010.

Bear Down Sunday #4

Tonight, the Bears at a surprising 3-0 face the New York Giants who are a disappointing 1-2.  Call me crazy, but I think the Bears will win this game, despite it being in New York.

For the first time in many years, the tight end is playing a key role for the Bears.  Greg Olsen already has 10 catches and two touchdowns.  This is his 4th year on the Bears.

The last time the Bears had a consistent tight end play for several years was probably Emery Moorehead, who was on the '85 Super Bowl Champion Bears.  Moorehead started his career with the New York Giants.  I met Moorehead twice, once with Kevin Butler (former kicker) and once with his son Aaron, who played for the Indianapolis Colts.

Aaron and Emery seemed to be having a ball.  I think it was the first time they ever appeared together at a signing.  Emery was very much the proud father, even joking that Aaron would be taking care of him as Aaron's NFL career progressed.

I really like the picture below.  It ties in everything.  Aaron played for the Indianapolis Colts.  A Peyton Manning jersey hangs in the upper right corner.  Peyton's brother Eli is currently leading the Giants.  It's a bit circular, but it is symmetry.

Aaron and Emery Moorehead flanking me in Skokie, IL-Mid 00's.

Celeb Rookie Cards #21 Denis Savard & Cal Ripken

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

Today's edition features two Hall of Famers. Leading off is Denis Savard, who spent most of his Hall of Fame career with the Chicago Blackhawks. Savvy ventured a bit north to Wrigley Field to earn his Celebrity Rookie Card. I think he would be a catcher, because he was a signal-caller on the ice. Plus, he would be athletic enough to pull off the left-handed catcher rarity.
How odd does a Cal Ripken Tampa Bay Rays card look? If it is really unsettling, don't blame me. I didn't make Ripken put on a Rays jersey. Obviously it is from some ceremonial play, probably stemming from Ripken's ownership of the Charlotte Stone Crabs, a Florida State League affiliate of the Tampa Rays. I believe it is the first Celebrity Rookie Card to feature an athlete in a jersey for a team in his own sport for which he never played.

Walk for Hope:Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Today is a special edition of Celebrity Rookie Cards. Since October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I created this card to commemorate the effort of Andrea Evans and the City of Hope's Walk for Hope.
For more than a decade, the Walk for Hope has raised funds for research, treatment and education. In 2010, there were Walks scheduled in eight cities across the U.S. New for the Walk in 2010 is the color purple, which represents all women's cancers research and education.
Andrea Evans has been a Celebrity Ambassador several times, leading the walkers, while walking with various members of her family. Andrea's mother is a breast cancer survivor.
I realize my previous Celebrity Rookie Cards always featured the celeb wearing a jersey, but I am making the exception today for the cause.  Andrea is wearing her Walk hat though.  That's good enough for me and this special edition card.