Saluting Resistance Pro's Positive Outreach Program

Today I am featuring a very special Resistance Pro interview.  As great of a wrestling company as R Pro is, today is not really about wrestling.  Today is about paying forward.  Today is all positive.

Last summer, R Pro's C Red talked to me about a Positive Outreach Program (POP) that he envisioned for R Pro.  I saw the passion in his eyes as he laid out his vision.

Since then, I have watched POP debut, grow and flourish, all under the leadership of C Red.  There are many more people involved and they all deserve credit, but C Red is the driving force.

I cannot express how proud I am to consider C Red a friend.  I am just as proud to be a part of POP.  I did not expect to be more than a reporter, but C Red had me speak at the first POP event and I have been contributing on some level to every event since.

Each event is different, like each school and each student is different.  Whatever POP does is always well-received by the schools.  We all have talked about the chills we get from being at these events.  As C Red says, just making a difference with one kid would make it worthwhile.  POP far exceeds that number every time.

At the end of the interview, C Red gives me some props for my participation.  I was humbled, proud and speechless (for once).  I am taking this time and space to shine the light on C Red and POP>  C Red...thank you.  I love you, friend!

The World's Greatest Tag Team?

Shortly after they debuted, Selton Benjamin and Charlie Haas started referring to themselves at "The World's Greatest Tag Team/"  While they have achieved a fair amount of success over the last 12 years, that title is just a bit lofty.  They were solid, however and very entertaining.

They appeared at Wizard World a few years back and proved to be quite popular.  Often times, it is the lesser stars like Benjamin and Haas, who draw unexpectedly big crowds.  They charge less and spend more time with the fans.  I always like these hidden gems of such conventions.

Matt and I did not have "The World's Greatest Time" with these two, but we did have fun with them.  They were very open to chatting with their fans.

Shelton Benjamin, Matt Parker, me and Charlie Haas in Rosemont, IL-August 2011.

Friendly Encounters: Matt Parker Meets Lady Liberty

This is a weekly series which features my friends who have met celebrities.

Over the years, Matt Parker has probably been the biggest contributor and helper with JohngysBeat.com.  He is always looking for photo opportunities to use on the site.  A couple years ago at U.S. Cellular Field, he took a page from my sister Nancy's book by posing with an inanimate object, namely the Lady Liberty White Sox statue.
In earlier days, I would have accuse him of hitting on Miss Liberty.  Would that make Lady Liberty a cougar?  Being that he is happily attached now, I cannot accuse him of that.
So what is with him posing with a statue?  Who cares.  It is a cool Chicago picture from a big White Sox fan.
Wait a minute.  What time is it?  Matt might not be a Sox fan now.  Which way is the wind blowing?  Never mind.  Actually, at the time, he was clearly a Sox fan (unless he had another team's shirt under the Sox jersey).  That's really all that matters.
No, actually, all that matters is that Matt gave me a cool picture.  I don't really care which team he follows on any given day.  Like the wind in Chicago, it can change any minute.

Lady Liberty and Matt Parker in Chicago, IL-September 2012.

A Piece of the Game

My occasional accomplice for my interviewing capers, Scott Beatty,is involved in a cool tv show called A Piece of the Game. Don DuPree is the creative force behind APOTG.

The show basically has people presenting their collectibles for appraisal.  Scott is one of the professionals who appraise the items. Then there is a buyer who decides whether or not to make an offer.  There is also some trivia tossed in the mix.

It's a fun concept.  There have been about 4 episodes which have aired, but I know from a first-hand source that more episodes are being filmed (probably as you read this).

I think DuPree has a winner here.  Look for A Piece of the Game on cable in the near future.

Don DuPree and me in Morton Grove, IL-Summer 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #171 Sophie Simmons & Leann Rimes

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today, I salute the Vancouver Canucks.  They did not make the playoffs, but with celebs like these representing them, who cares?

Second-generation singer Sophie Simmons is a cutie for sure.  She definitely looks better in leather pants than papa Gene.  Sophie has started a singing career and has sung the National Anthem at several sporting events.I think she has a great voice and a bright future.  She is the first of the Simmons clan top get a Celebrity Jersey Card, but she won't be the last (nor will this be her last card).

A native of Mississippi, Leann Rimes donned a Canucks jersey for a concert.  I have been a huge fan of Rimes for years.  I know of no other ties Rimes has with the Canucks, but again, who cares?  Beautiful and talented women wearing hockey jerseys never need a reason.  Rimes and Simmons definitely make for one of the best two-fers I have ever run on Celebrity Jersey Cards.

On the Beat with Sherry Helberg Garrity of the Chicago Bliss

There is another important new addition to the Chicago Bliss.  Although Sherry Helberg Garrity certainly looks like she could be a player, her contributions to the team will not include donning the pads.  Sherry was hired as team liaison and media relations.

An all-male staff coaching an all-female team certainly can use a liaison.  Obviously there are problems and situations which Sherry could handle easier and better than any male coach.

Equally as important, Sherry will be handling a lot of media and marketing responsibilities.  The Bliss is very deserving of attention from the public and the media.  The LFL in general is very under-covered and under-appreciated.  Even after winning the 2013 LFL championship, the Bliss is still too far under the radar.

Things are changing for the Bliss, though.  They are making many appearances to promote themselves.  For instance, this Friday, they will be appearing at Resistance Pro's "Don't Tread."

I know Sherry is very dedicated to this cause.  She believes in the Bliss and will be instrumental in raising the awareness.

JohngysBeat.com is all about the marketing.  I cannot wait to see what Sherry has in store.  I am quite sure it's going to be fun and will certainly add to the magical Bliss ride to their next championship!

On the Beat with Resistance Pro Wrestling at "The Battle Rages On"

Last month's Resistance Pro event was "The Battle Rages On' at St. Francis de Sales high school.  It was a new venue for R Po, but not for me.  I grew up in the shadows of SFDS and my sisters went there.  For some reason, I chose Mt, Carmel, but I digress.

R Pro blew the roof off of SFDS with another great night of action.  I had my chair stolen twice (opnce by Mickie Knuckles and once by Jocephus Brody).  My young cousins loved the action and interaction all night long.

Young Noah even got into the action a bit, by conducting a few locker room interviews.  Noah did some interviews for JohngysBeat back at Wizard World in August of 2013, but these were his first at R Pro.

Noah interviewed the ever-interesting team of Team I.O.U., Nick Iggy and Kerry Awful).  That interview was interrupted by "The Ego" Robert Anthony (whom Noah had interviewed at WW).  Chris Castro also entered the scene, but did not actually get interviewed.  Instead, he sort of popped in and out of the conversation.  If this all sounds confusing, it's just part of the standard fun at R Pro.

Prior to these locker room interviews, I had the pleasure of getting the returning John Skyler for our first interview.  I also got Sugar Dunkerton for teh first time without his Warden Myers on hand.

Lastly, once again, Jesse Corgan avoided me.  This time he even was rude to my cousin.  Does Jesse have a heart?

The next R Pro show is "Don't Tread" on Friday.  R Pro is going back to th barn in Willowbrook.  I look forward to another great night of wrestling action and fun.

 

Hanging with the Chicago Bliss

I have written about the Chicago Bliss many times and I will continue to do so, because they deserve our attention.  As my friend Jack says, "They have beauty, brains and brutality, plus really good football."

At the February Resistance Pro event, several of the Bliss rookies were on hand, as well as a few veterans, including Alli Alberts and Deena Fagiano.  I know both ladies through my coverage of the Bliss, but for many R Pro fans, this was their first exposure.

Alli was an outstanding rookie last season.  Coach Keith Hac said that she was one of the top two way players (wide receiver and defensive back) in the LFL.  I think she should have been named Rookie of the Year.

Deena is a Bliss veteran, playing excellently at linebacker and offensive line.  Deena sort of flies under the radar on a star-filled team.

I have a special spot for these two ladies, as they were two of my first interviews with the Bliss.  They are also two extremely nice people, not to mention just beautiful.

Thie Bliss has made a lot of personal appearances, including the one at R Pro and they plan on continuing to do so.  Their events are all fun times.  The players are always fan-interactive.  They never appear to not want to be at the events.

You don't have to take my word for it.  Go out to a game or a promotional event and you will meet some of the team and my points will be proven.  Their first home game is Friday, May 9.

Alli Alberts, me and Deena Fagiano in Willowbrook, IL-February 2014.

Cards That Never Were: 1976 Topps David Clyde

Today is David Clyde's birthday.  He turns 59.  I'd like to wish this gentleman a happy birthdaya nd present a 1976 Topps baseball card that was never made.

Clyde was a Texas high school star pitcher.  He made his debut for the Texas Rangers in 1973 at the age of eighteen.  His last professional season was 1981, when he was only 26.  His career is full of great stories, highs and lows, despite being so short.

I will never forget being in Barnes and Noble when my phone rang.  It was David Clyde, responding to my interview request.  A few months later, I was in Houston sitting and talking with him at the Miracles Baseball Academy.

This was a blast.  Clyde was one of my childhood favorites.  He was one of the first players I followed right from the beginning.

I am happy to report that despite the troubles he endured, Clyde is a positive and happy guy.  He was as nice as could be.  We even revisited him a few years later for another interview.

Clyde had arm issues during his career.  In 1975, he pitched mostly in the minors for Texas, going 12-8 in 22 games.  He pitched in one game for the Rangers in September.  At 20, it would seem he would have still been considered a hot prospect.

Unfortunately, he never again pitched in the majors for the Rangers.  He resurfaced in 1978 with the Cleveland Indians and had a couple decent seasons.  He went back to Texas, but only pitched in the minors and eventually retired after the 1981 season.

I realize Clyde only pitched in one game in 1975, but I still think he might have gotten a card.  Heck, on those "Rookie Prospect" cards, a lot of the players didn't even make the majors.  I would think a 20 year old pitcher, only 2 years removed from hot stud prospect status would be a good candidate for a card.

Following in the footsteps of my blogging buddies, I have created a "Card That Never Was" for Clyde.  Here is a 1976 Topps card that should have been.

Happy birthday David Clyde!  I hope you like your present.

Friendly Encounters: Brimstone Meets Stan Lee

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

Brimstone (aka Will Kucmierowski) can probably best be described as a creative entrepreneur.  He is a former wrestler who has a line of food products and a comic book series and I am sure he is involved in other ventures, too. You can find out more about him in our interview at On the Beat with Brimstone at Wizard World 2013.  You can also find more updates at EntrancetoHell.com.
At a convention later in 2013, Brimstone met the legendary Stan Lee.  I would love to hear Brimstone's thoughts on meeting Lee.  I imagine he was as excited as I was when I met Roddy Piper for the first time.  Meeting a legend like that is just incredible.
I love seeing celebs get excited about meeting other celebs.  It shows they are just people, too.  It also shows that I am not just a celeb-chaser.  A lot of us like meeting the famous people we watched in whatever field of work.
I hope I get the chance to talk to Brimstone again.  I will certainly ask about his encounter with Lee.

Stan Lee and Brimstone in Los Angeles, CA-November 2013.

Happy Birthday Jean Parker

Today is Jean Parker's birthday.  I hope it is a great day for her.

I continually say that my sisters are my rock.  I love them dearly.  I know Jean regularly checks JohngysBeat.com, but that is not the reason why I love her (okay, not the only reason...)

There are way too many reasons to list.  She listens to me, encourages me, helps me in any way.  I am lucky to have her in my life.  I am lucky to have her whole family, too.

Jean deserves the best birthday and I hope she gets it.  Happy birthday Jean.  I hope it is awesome!  I love you.

Frank Wroblewski, Jean Parker and me in Houston, TX-Winter 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #170 Darryl Strawberry & Chad Michael Murray

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong love of baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  The NHL regular season is over and two New York teams finished in last place in their divisions.

Darryl Strawberry played for both NY baseball teams.  On his Celebrity Jersey Card, he is representing the Islanders, who finished in last place in the Metropolitan division.  Straw had his share of success in baseball though, as he was on three World Series winners and 8 All-Star teams.  With that type of resume, Straw should be sporting a Rangers sweater, since they are actually in the playoffs.

A native of Buffalo, NY, Chad Michael Murray is an actor, spokesperson and model.  He has been acting for over 15 years and his breakthrough role was on tv's One Tree Hill.  My favorite #9 from the Sabres would be Norm Gratton.  I am fairly certain CMM's would be someone more recent, perhaps Derek Roy.

Welcome to Chicago Shari Onley

I first heard of Shari Onley when I started to research the Legends Football League.  Shari plays for the New South Wales Surge in LFL Australia.  That would be the LFL Australian champion Surge.

Shari plays on the offensive line for the Surge and she played a big role in Bonnie Gillespie winning the league MVP award.  Shari was a force on the line for sure.

I befriended her on Facebook and started kidding her (and Bonnie) about coming over here.  She teased a rumor, but I thought she was just keeping me guessing.  A few weeks ago though, I got word that Shari was indeed coming to the U.S. and specifically the Chicago Bliss.  From champion to champion!

Of course, I had to request the first U.S. interview with Shari.  She politely agreed.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Shari Onley of the Chicago Bliss.

I was immediately impressed with Shari's athleticism, but I was also impressed with her personality.  In the interview, Shari mentioned that the team is a bit more sarcastic than the Surge, but Shari seems to be joining in on that already.  She is going to be a great addition to an already awesome Bliss team.

I am really looking foreard to seeing Shari play in a game.  I have seen her in practice and she is impressive.  The whole team is impressive.  Can you tell that I am itching for the games to begin?

Shari Onley and me in Darien, IL-March 2014.

On the Beat with AliSin Chains of the Windy City Rollers 2014

Yesterday, we caught up with Jackie Daniels of the Windy City Rollers.  In her interview, Jackie gave us her update, as well as briefly explained the Windy City Rollers league.

Today, we are catching up with another of the Rollers, whom we previously interviewed.  That original interview can be found at On the Beat with AliSin Chains.

I start the interview asking about a picture of her in a Green Bay Packers jersey.  Seeing that picture a while ago, lead me to AliSin, who lead me to the Windy City Rollers.  I guess it was rather serendipitous.  AliSin explains the Packers jersey in this interview.  Of course, AliSin also talks about a bunch of other things, including when she thought she broke her hip.

AliSin skates for the Manic Attackers and wears #286 (which she explains in the interview).  She also skates for the WCR All-Stars.  Obviously, she is a very talented player.

In addition to her talent, she is also very personable.  She is a definite fan-favorite (and a JohngysBeat.com favorite).  Did I mention that I love her hair?

Last Saturday, the Manic Attackers beat the Fury, 186-180, in an exciting contest.  Unfortunately, the Manic Attackers are still in last place at 1-3.

The next night of Windy City Rollers action is Saturday, May 17.  The WCR home teams will do battle for the Ivy Cup.  This promises to be another fantastic night.

On the Beat with Jackie Daniels of the Windy City Rollers 2014

Scheduling conflicts prevented JohngysBeat.com from returning sooner to see the Windy City Rollers.  Believe me, it wasn't for lack of interest.

As i have previously written, I remember roller derby from the old days, which featured theatrics over athletics.  When I stumbled upon the Windy City Rollers, I was pleasantly surprised to learn that this roller derby is legitimate athletic competition, with a little bit of theatrics thrown in.  There are real refs who enforce real rules and real scores are kept.

Oh sure, the players have fun names, like The Jamburglar.  They also have fun mascots, like Fonzo McKnuckles.  If you are looking for over-the-top silliness, look elsewhere.  These ladies are serious about their sport.

On our return to the UIC Pavilion to see WCR, our first interview was with Jackie Daniels, bench coach for the Fury.  Last year, we interviewed Jackie when she was skating for the Fury.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Jackie Daniels.

Jackie was a great place to start.  She briefly explained the concept and organization of the Windy City Rollers.  To the novice (like we were last year), this really is helpful.

As a former skater with the Fury and current WCR All-Star skater, Jackie also gave us insight on the transition to coach and filling both roles.  Jackie gave us a lot of info, in an interesting way.  It was a great way to get us back into the WCR groove and also to give potential new fans a nice starter lesson.

I really enjoyed talking again to Jackie.  Then again, I am a Coke guy.  What goes better with Jack Daniels than Coke?  (Sorry, I couldn't help myself).

The next night of WCR action is Saturday, May 17.  The WCR home teams will fight it out for the Ivy Cup.  You can get all of the info at WindyCityRollers.com.

Over the next couple weeks, we will be sprinkling in our other interviews from Saturday night's WCR action.  I hop you enjoy them as much as we enjoyed doing them.  I also hope you give WCR a chance.

Replacing Ryno Wasn't Easy

Mickey Morandini is the answer to the trivia question, "Who replaced future Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg after he retired (for good)?  The Cubs got Morandini in a trade with the Phillies (like they did with Sandberg years earlier), in hopes of the recent All-Star would fill the void at second left by Ryno.

Morandini played a solid defense for the Cubs, but his offense was a huge dropoff from Ryno, although that was expected.  Ryno spoiled Chicagoans!

After two average seasons in Chicago, Morandini signed as a free agent with Montreal (but was sold back to Philadelphia before the season).  Eric Young replaced Morandini with the Cubs and this started a bit of a revolving door at the position.  The Cubs have used 8 regular starting second baseman since Morandini left.

I always liked Morandini.  I think his career pales because of the wide-spread use of PED's by other players.  His 32 career home runs don't look so impressive compared to some of the inflated stats of others back then.  Morandini would never be considered for the Hall of Fame, but I think his career would have been judged differently in a non-steroid era.

I met Morandini at AU Sports.  He was very fan-friendly and eager discussed his time with the Cubs.  He was a popular player here, but more popular in Philly, where he played for parts of 9 seasons out of his 11 year career.

Mickey Morandini and me in Skokie, IL-Early 2000's.

Friendly Encounters: Mark Bodek Meets Denard Span and Steven Souza

This is a regular feature about my friends who have met celebrities.

I first connected with Mark Bodek because of former WWE diva Terri Runnels.  Terri is a long-time favorite of JohngysBeat.com   Terri was one of the first celebrities to call me "Jay Leno," a fact that bothers the Honky Tonk Man to this day.

Mark works with Terri and is a sports fan.  It's an exciting time to be a fan of the Nationals.  Earlier this year, Mark got to meet several of the Nats, including Steven Souza and Denard Span.

The Nats are the third team t play in Washington DC.  They appear to be a success there.  Too bad Montreal had to lose a team though.

I have not seen Terri in several years (way too long).  She is a blast at conventions.  I am really hoping she makes an appearance in the Chicago area in the near future.  If any company is interested in bring in Terri, you should contact Mark.

If Mark and Terri make it to Chicago, I am extending an open invitation to join me at a Cubs game.  I know it is more of a gift for me than them, but at least they will see the most beautiful field in all of sports (notice I wrote "field" and not entire ballpark).

Steven Souza, Mark Bodek and Denard Span in Washington, DC-January 2014.

Cards That Never Were: 1975 Topps Chicago Cubs Catchers

For the 1975 Topps baseball card set, the Chicago Cubs were given 3 cards featuring catchers.  Steve Swisher, George Mitterwald and Rick Stelmaszek (my guy) all were deemed card-worthy.  Stelmaszek's card was a decent air-brushing, although seemingly unnecessary since he joined the Cubs in July of 1974.

Three catchers appearing in a team set seems a bit high.  Swisher played in 90 games, while Mitterwald appeared in 68.  That would seem like the two obvious choices (with no disrespect to my man Stelly).

Additionally, Tom Lundstedt appeared in 22 games, starting 9, while Stelmaszek appeared in 16, starting 11.  Stelmaszek did have more at bats and hit .224 to Lundstedt's .094.  They were both 25.  Lundstedt would go on to hit .107 for the 1975 Minnesota Twins.

Since Stelmaszek got a card, I decided to make one for Lundstedt.  While I was at it, I also gave Stelmaszek a better image for his card.  Now, thanks to these Cards That Never Were, all four Cubs catchers of 1974 are represented on 1975 Topps cards.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #169 Trish Stratus & Mickie James

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for bubblegum cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  I'm a little late, as WrestleMania was last Sunday, but I am featuring two beautiful wrestlers.

Native Canadian and former pro wrestler Trish Stratus won the WWE Women's title seven times.  She was also named 'Babe of the Year' 3 times, 'Diva of the Decade' once and PWI 'Woman of the Year' 4 times.  Her Celebrity Jersey Card Blue Jays uniform has #10 on it, but I can't say it is for Vernon Wells or if that number has other significance for her.  Either way, she is looking good!  I am just sorry to say she is one of a handful of wrestlers I have not yet met but definitely have on my 'want' list.

Mickie James is still an active wrestler.  She also has won numerous titles, but some of her championships have come in TNA, as well as WWE.  Her first WWE Women's title reign started with a victory over Stratus.  How is that for symmetry?  Plus, I was there to witness it!  Her Celebrity Jersey Card features James singing, which happens to be another of hers,  Like Stratus, James is multi-talented and very beautiful.  Unlike Stratus, I have met James (I am happy to report).

Back on the Beat with the Windy City Rollers!

What is it with me hanging with tough and beautiful women?  I have covered the beautifully brutal women of Resistance Pro Wrestling from its debut.  I have been covering the gorgeous women of the gridiron in the Chicago Bliss for the last two seasons.  Now I am happy to report I am back on the beat with the Windy City Rollers.

The Windy City Rollers are based out of Chicago's UIC Pavilion.  WCR is a flat-track roller derby league filled with lively and lovely ladies, divided into four teams, as well as two travel teams which plays against other teams around the country.

I admit the concept is initially a bit confusing, as are the rules.  This is a real sport, not the theatrical stuff of olden days.  The rules are explained and demonstrated before the matches.

While it takes a while to learn everything and to understand how it all works, it is well worth the small effort.  This is fun stuff.  The players are really into it and so are the crowds.

The seating is divided into fan sections, as well as general seating.  You can pick your team or cheer for them all.  I do a little of both.  I also have my favorite players, although I really like them all.

AliSin Chains was one of my favorites from l;ast year.  I initially found her while rambling around online looking for some celebrities in jerseys.  AliSon had a picture in a Packers jersey.  I was intrigued and did some research, which lead me right to the Windy City Rollers.  How is that for serendipity?!

Anyway, we met AliSin on our first night covering the Windy City Rollers.  My interview with AliSin and other women of the WCR can be found on my JohngysBeat.com YouTube channel at On the Beat with the Windy City Rollers.

I am looking forward to getting back to the roller derby excitement.  I encourage everyone to check out the Windy City Rollers tomorrow night with me.  It's a guaranteed night of fun.

AliSin Chains and me in Chicago, IL-Summer 2013.

Kal Herro is the #1 #SuperFriend

David Herro runs Great Lakes Championship Wrestling in Wisconsin.  I really like David.  He is a class act.

He has his own #SuperFriends tshirts.  He does even better than I do with getting people to wear the shirt, although he has been at it longer and has a little more cache.

David's son is Kal and from all accounts, Kal is a chip off the old block.  He is a fine young man.  He also seems to have a little fan following already.  Hey, the kid has charisma.

I have seen him get involved at a couple shows and he is very comfortable in the ring and on the mic.  It is actually entertaining.  I am sure it is too early to know where his future will be, but I could certainly see him following his dad's footsteps.

Kal is a great kid and it was very nice to meet him.  If you are anywhere near a future GLCW show, I encourage you to attend and say "hi" to David and Kal!

Kal Herro and me in Milwaukee, WI-December 2013.

Rod Carew's Statue, Statistics and Memories

When I was a kid, Rod Carew was in his prime with the Minnesota Twins.  I loved the fact that Carew was a legit superstar with the Twins and then I hated when he went to the Angels.

When my friends and I went to see the Twins a couple years ago, Chuck and I ran into the Rod Carew statue outside of Target Field.  It was so cool to see the familiar, distinct batting stance of Carew.  It also made me think back on his career.

Carew finished with 3,053 hits, 353 stolen bases and .328 batting average.  That is quite a career.  What I remember most was that he always seemed to be in motion.  Looking at his stats now and seeing where he ranks overall brings back those memories.

It also points out how numbers are now skewed.  Carew was great.  He is a Hall of Famer.  Still, his numbers will pale in comparison to some of the "stars" who have followed him.

I am starting to think stats now no longer matter.  I know Carew was great.  Nothing can take that away.  I don't need to look at lists to see how many recent players have passed him statistically.

Carew reminds me of all things good when I was a kid.  I am happy that the Twins gave him a statue.  I hope others who see the statue will look beyond the numbers and realize what a great player he was.

Chuck T. Gekas, me and Rod Carew in Minneapolis, MN-Summer 2011.

Happy Birthday Nancy

Happy birthday Nancy.

My sister Nancy is celebrating her birthday today and I am celebrating it here.  I am hoping you all send good vibes her way.  Nancy deserves the best.

My sisters are my rocks.  I would be lost without them.  I write something here every year on their birthdays, but I hope they know this on the other 364 days.

I love you Nanc.  I hope this is a great day and the start of a great year for you.

Nancy and me In Skokie, IL-February 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Eugene Cresto Meets Daniel Bryan

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

I was thinking I was really starting to get annoyed with Eugene Cresto.  The guy meets more wrestlers than me.  Lots more.  He seems to have met most every active wrestler from WWE and TNA, as well as many wrestling legends.  I admit I meet a lot of wrestlers, but this guy crushes me in quantity and notoriety.
How does he do it?
Every time either the WWE or TNA has a show or appearance nearby, I see a bunch of pictures of him with the various wrestlers posted on Facebook.  It is torture.  I am jealous.
Then I started thinking, with all of these pictures (and probable stories to accompany them), he could certainly put up an interesting website.  (Cresto's Beat?)  Shhh don't give him any ideas.  With his volume and star quality of wrestlers met, he could put me out of business.
So forget that whole first part of this piece.  I like Eugene quite a bit!  I hope he keeps meeting wrestlers in the future.  (Just stay away from putting up a website about all of them.)
Seriously, Cresto is a great guy.  I see him at a lot of appearances and shows.  I admire his ability to meet so many wrestlers.  He does have a certain knack for it.

Daniel Bryan and Eugene Cresto in Chicago, IL-December 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #168 Heather Furr & Deena Fagiano

This is a regular series which attempts to merge my lifelong passion for bubblegum cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Since the Chicago Bliss were supposed to have opened the LFL season last night, I am featuring two Bliss players.

Heather Furr is the reigning LFL MVP and one of the best two-way players in the LFL.  She was also one of the LFL's leading passers last season.  She is a team leader on and off the field.  Heather is one of the toughest players I have ever seen in any sport.  "The Rockstar" is simply the best.  I would not be shocked to see Heather become the first woman LFL coach someday.

Deena Fagiano is one of the Bliss veteran players.  Whether at linebacker or tight end, Deena's enthusiasm and talent is always on display.  Deena is a hard-worker, who because of her positions, doesn't get the headlines.  Still, she is a valuable part of the Bliss on the field and a fan favorite, too.

Bliss Week: Game Day

The Legends Football League season opener was supposed to be today.  The game between the Chicago Bliss and the Green Bay Chill has been rescheduled due to the University of Wisconsin reaching the Final Four.  LFL officials stated that they did not want to make the Wisconsin fans decide between the two sports options.

I have to say that I am extremely disappointed.  I was really looking forward to the game today.  It has been a long offseason and winter in Chicago and a short road trip to Milwaukee to see the Bliss destroy the Chill would have been a great elixir.

I deserve better than this.  The LFL fans deserve better than this.  The LFL players and coaches deserve better than this.  This sucks.

One of the best times of covering the Bliss was last season at their playoff game in the Sears Centre.  I spent the first part of the night in the end zone with Coach Hac and the other coaches and players watchinbg another playoff game.

Watching a game from the end zone is always interesting, but watching it with teh coach and team adds a whole new level to it.  I got to hear the coaches talk about the play of the other teams.  I saw them scouting the other teams.

I learned a lot and I saw that the Bliss would indeed be ready.  Coach Hac was dead on with his observations.  He called several plays and he predicted the outcomes.  He told me how the Bliss would win their game and the title game and he was right about that, too.

Their next scheduled game is Friday, May 9.  As far as I know, that game will be played as scheduled.  I will be there and report back here.  Until then, I will be covering the Bliss at practice.

I still love the Bliss.  I am just disappointed about this situation.

Coach Keith Hac and me in Hoffman Estates, IL-August 2013.

Bliss Week: The Interviews

My coverage of the Chicago Bliss started in March 2013 when I met a handful of them at a sports convention.  My first Bliss interview was with rookie Alli Alberts.
Alberts turned into a Rookie of the Year contender (she should have won).  Coach Keith Hac said she was one of the top two-way players in the league.  Alberts is as tough and talented as she is nice.  It was a great way to kickoff my Bliss coverage.
Since then, I have done about 40 interviews with players and coaches.  I have learned a lot and had a lot of fun doing all of this. I have really grown to love this team.
They don't do this for money.  The players don't get paid.  They are all in it for the love of football and it shows.  Their 2013 Legends Football League title was earned on hard work, discipline and talent.  Their repeat title will be earned the same way.
If you have not seen my video interviews, you can go to the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bliss playlist on YouTube.  Most players are represented there.  It is a good way to learn a bit more about the women on and off the field.  I am sure you will be as impressed as I am.

Alli Alberts and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2013.

Bliss Week: Dominique "DC" Collins Does It All

Prior to a Bliss playoff game last season, Jack and I were watching a different playoff game from the end zone.  Eventually most of the Bliss players an coaches came out as well.

I happened to be standing next to Dominique Collins.  We struck up a bit of a conversation (in other words, I bugged her until she answered my silly questions).  She was very cool about it, especially considering she had a playoff game coming up.

Of course she was cool.  DC is used to the pressure.  She is one of the most versatile players in the league (in any league, really).  Wide receiver, check.  Running back, check.  Tight end, check.  Cornerback, check.  Anything else, check.

CDC is a jack of all trades.  She isn't merely play a lot of positions though.  She plays them well.  She is all over the field and always near the ball.

Players like DC don't always get the headlines, but she is a vital part of the Bliss.  She is also a fun player to watch since she is usually near the action.

Dominique stands apart because of her unique hair style, too.  It is quite striking.  In a league filled with several hundred women, DC stands out on every level.

I am predicting a big season for her, too.  From teh looks of her practices, she is ready for action.  She doesn't just catch passes.  She grabs them out of the air.  She looks focused and primed for that great year.

Lucky for me, I will witness it all firsthand.  I encourage everyone to join me in watching DC and the Bliss this season.

Nancy Blais, Dominique Collins and me in Woodridge, IL-March 2014.

Bliss Week: The Rookie Bridget McDonnell

Bridget McDonnell went from being a rookie prospect to being a rookie member of the Chicago Bliss.  I am predicting a bright football future for this rook.

From the first time I met Bridget, I was impressed.  She carries herself like a veteran already (on the field and off).

I have seen Bridget in practice, at team functions and just hanging out a bit.  She is personable, interesting and intelligent.  She gives the vibe of a true leader.

At the February Resistance Pro event, Bridget was one of the many Bliss players signing autographs, posiing and even getting involved in some of the in-ring action.  Bridget   If Bridget was a real wrestler, I see her as more of a cerebral assassin, rather than a brawler, but I am sure she is tough enough to go it either way!

It is going to be a lot of fun following Bridget's progress this season.  She is one of several rookies who made the Bliss roster.  With newcomers like this, that title repeat looks pretty safe.

I encourage everyone to join the fun.  The season opener is Saturday, April 5 as the Bliss travel to Milwaukee to take on the Chill.  Bridget will be there and so will I.

Bridget McDonnell, Eric St. Vaughn and me in Willowbrook, IL-February 2013.

On the Beat with Chicago Bliss Assistant Coach Ryan Andrews

At the Chicago Bliss practice last week, we got our first interview with Chicago Bliss Assistant Coach Ryan Andrews.  Coach Andrews is part of the excellent coaching staff assembled by Head Coach Keith Hac.

Actually, Andrews was one of the first peole I met at the first Bliss practice.  He has been extremely helpful to JohngysBeat.com in identifying players, getting players for interviews and plenty of other things.  I owe Coach Andrews thanks for all of his help.

As much as he has helped us, he helps the Bliss more.  He is a valuable asset to Coach Hac's staff.  I see the work he does on and off the field.  Like the other coaches, he works tirelessly in a job that is too often thankless.  Still, I know the Bliss players appreciate his efforts, even when he is chiding them for poor execution or other such offenses.

In our interview, we talked about how he got started with the Bliss, his thoughts on the new season and more.  There is even a quick imitation of the "superfan," as Coach Andrews attempts to predict the score for this Saturday's season opener in Milwaukee against the Chill