Friendly Encounters: Mark Bodek Meets Bryce Harper and Kurt Suzuki

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

Mark Bodek lives in the Washington DC area.  He is a sports fan and naturally a fan of the Nationals and other teams of that area.
The Nationals arrived in Washington DC in 2005, after leaving Montreal as the Expos.  I wonder what it would be like to be without a sports team in one of the four major sports.  I also wonder how it would be to suddenly have a team.  Would it matter if the team was an expansion team or a relocated team?  Yes, these are the things that haunt me.  Fortunately, I don't think Mark has those issues.
Even if he did, I wouldn't feel sorry for him.  He knows Terri Runnels.  He works with Terri Runnels.  He represents Terri in booking appearances and other things, such as occasionally auctioning various pieces of her wrestling memorabilia.
Terri is one of my favorites.  I have interviewed her, she has done a JohngysBeat.com promo and she wore my shirt.  That's all pretty cool, but unlike Mark, I can't say I really know her.
Mark has me there.  He also has me slightly on sports teams right now.  The Wizards knocked the Bulls out of the NBA playoffs.  The Nats are doing much better than the Cubs, but the Bears were much better than the Redskins and the Hawks were better than the Capitals.  The edge goes to him for eliminating the Bulls.
So he gets sports teams and Terri?  How is that fair?
He isn't satisfied though.  He piled on by meeting several players at a Nationals event.  He even posed in the dugout with some (like like Bryce Harper and Kurt Suzuki).
What's with Mark?  Is he trying to raise my ire?
Actually, Mark is a good guy and has helped me on occasion connect with Terri.  I like both Mark and Terri.  Okay, I like Terri more, but I digress.  In either case, you can reach Mark on all matters related to Terri at TheTerriRunnels.com.  Tell him Johngy sent you.  Maybe he will invite me to dinner...with Terri!

Bryce Harper, Mark Bodek and Kurt Suzuki in Washington, DC-January 2014.

A New York State of Mind

On a recent trip to New York for Global Traveler, Louie and I knew we would have a few hours to kill.  I came up with the idea of visiting some spots where Billy Joel album cover pictures were taken.  Fortunately, Louie is a patient and easy-going person.  He agreed to go along with the plan.
Some quick internet research brought me to PopSpotsNYC, a great site run by Bob Egan.  Egan found an detailed a bunch of interesting spots of pop culture history in NY.  Three of those spots were Billy Joel album cover picture locations pretty close to our final destination for Global Traveler.
Billy’s 52nd Street (released in 1978) presented a little more of a challenge. Billy leaned against the building on 52nd Street, just east of Seventh Avenue in Times Square. The building/block has changed quite a bit, but thanks to Egan’s efforts, I found the exact spot where Billy leaned.

The cover for 1983’s Innocent Man was shot at 142 Mercer St. in Soho. The belief is that the stoop was chosen to pay homage to the doo-wop sounds of the album. There were several people eating lunch on the steps, but they volunteered to move so I could get a solo picture on the steps. Score one for the politeness of New Yorkers.

For Turnstiles, released in 1976, Billy posed at the turnstiles of the uptown side of the Astor Place subway station (Eighth Street and Fourth Avenue). Billy played in several clubs in this area. This was easy to find but difficult to photograph due to the usual subway volume of people.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #180 Tom Hanks & Peter Scolari

This is a regular series which attempts to merge my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  I return to baseball with a "Bosom Buddies" blast from the past.

Tom Hanks played Kip Wilson (and Buffy) on tv's Bosom Buddies, which ran from 1980-1982.  Hanks shot to stardom, earning two Oscars along the way.  He portrayed Jimmy Dugan, manager of the Rockford Peaches in "A League of Their Own," one of my favorite movies.  The 1979 Topps Peaches card breaks all of the time continuum rules, but a "Bosom Buddies" Celebrity Jersey Card reunion is good enough reason to bend the rules.

Peter Scolar played Henry Desmond (and Hildegard) on Bosom Buddies and he teamed with Hanks on a total of seven projects.  Scolari also played Red Auerbach in "Magic/Bird."  Scolar's most recent role was as Yogi Berra in "Bronx Bombers" on Broadway.  Although he portayed the Hall of Fame catcher, due to his smaller frame, I listed him as a 2nd baseman on his Celebrity Jersey Card.

On the Beat with the Chicago Bliss-06/23/2014

At Monday's Chicago Bliss practice, we landed interviews with three rookies.  Bridget McDonnell and DiA'ndra Frye have appeared here before, but we also got Dana Lorraine, one of the newest members of the Bliss organization.

All three rookies gave us their thoughts on the upcoming game in Las Vegas.  Bridget even gave a little happy dance because she will be in uniform for the game.  Congrats to her.  It is well-deserved.

All three athletes gave predictions on the game.  Obviously they are calling for a Bliss win, but they also mentioned victory margins.  Okay, I might have pushed that a bit, but they all eventually put numbers to the predicted win.  For the record, I am calling for a 14 point win.  I'm thinking 28-14.

This isn't about me though.  It is about the tough and beautiful women of the Bliss.  After you watch these three interviews, check out the ladies on their various social media sources.  Also check out the whole team at LFLUS.com and LFL360.com.

On the Beat with Chicago Bliss Asst. Coach Ryan Andrews: 2014 WWE MITB Predictions

Chicago Bliss Assistant Coach Ryan Andrews is an interesting guy.  For those lucky enough to know him (or at least follow him on Facebook), we know he is capable of tossing out tidbits of philosophy, random musings and more.

At this week's practice, we decided to switch gears a little bit and talk to him about Money in the Bank 2014, the WWE's upcoming event.  From talking to him and seeing him at Resistance Pro Wrestling events, we learned that Andrews is a knowledgeable wrestling fan.  The fans (or at least I) want to know his predictions for MITB 2014.

I have to say that some of his predictions and thoughts surprised me.  I am curious as to how accurate his predictions will be.  We will find out Sunday night.

Coach Andrews also gave us his thoughts on the upcoming Bliss game in Las Vegas.  It is short and to the point and we love it.  Check it out and check out the Bliss!

On the Beat with the Chicago Bandits

Recently, Johngy's Beat added the Chicago Bandits to our coverage.  In a joint project with Justin's World, we will be bringing our usual interviews, stories and pictures focusing on the Chicago Bandits, the women's professional fast pitch softball team based out of Rosemont, IL.

Justin's World bills itself as "Your #1 source for Division 1 and professional softball news, articles, opinion, interviews, and more!" and I cannot argue that point.  Justin knows softball and he presents it well.  I was a regular visitor to his site before our partnership began.

Justin is based out of the southeast, making it impossible for him to attend Bandits games.  Justin reached out to me, based on my proximity and interest.  It is a good partnership.

We don't exactly know where this will go.  Our goal is to interview all of the players and coaches during the season.  We hope to get to know all of them and to introduce them to all of our combined readers.

My first Bandits game was successful, except for the outcome, an 8-4 loss to the Akron Racers.  Everyone at The Ballpark in Rosemont was helpful, enthusiastic and professional.  I could not ask for better treatment.

The first official coverage appeared Monday on Justin's World at Shane Winkler Steps into Justin's World.  That was followed on Tuesday with Brittany Cervantes Steps into Justin's World.  I also wrote an online piece for Global Traveler at Chicago Bandits.

There will be a lot more coverage coming here, on Justin's World and other spots, too!

Me in Rosemont, IL-June 2014.

Days of the Dead is Approaching

Days of the Dead Indianapolis is almost here.  Later this week, Cuzz Gekas and I will be venturing down to Indy for this yearly convention.

There are currently four Days cons, one each in Atlanta, Indy, Chicago and Los Angeles.  I have been going since the first one in Indy in 2012.  This is one of the few "can't miss" conventions on my calendar.

One reason I love Days is the quality of celebrity guests.  They always have a handful of big names and a bunch of lesser-known, but very interesting celebs.

I love meeting anyone who is interesting.  One such example was Wyzae Crankfield.  I admit, I knew nothing of him when I saw him on the celeb guest list.  I did some research and found some interesting stuff.  He is a composer and an actor.  

He responded quickly and positively to my interview request.  He seemed to be very articulate and thought-provoking.  I was happy to learn that he was the real deal in person.  I totally enjoyed meeting him and interviewing him at the convention.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Wyzae Crankfield.

Wyzae wasn't the only pleasant surprise.  I always meet authors, artists and others who have interesting stories and fascinating projects.  This is why I love Days of the Dead and this is why you will love it, too.  I hope to see some of my readers there!

Wyzae Cranfield and me in Indianapolis, IN-July 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Shari Onley Meets Bonnie Gillespie

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

I knew of Bonnie Gillespie before I knew of Shari Onley, but I met Shari first.  I met Shari when she joined the Legends Football League champion Chicago Bliss.
Both beautiful women played for the New South Wales Surge for LFL Australia.  The Surge won that title last season.  I had been in contact with both women during the season.  I even got Bonnie to wear a Johngy shirt.
Shortly before the LFL US season started, Shari joined the Bliss.  While I'd like to take some credit for getting her here, I cannot.  The best I can do is say that I did know she was coming, before it was all announced.  I get some minor credit for having that scoop.
I don't work for the Bliss.  I only cover them.  I have no pull in getting Bonnie here, but some LFL team should try to get her here (and not just for my selfish goals).  We have seen the havoc and destruction these two can do as teammates.  Imagine the fun if they went head-to-head on the field.

Shari Onley and Bonnie Gillespie in Australia-Winter 2013.

Happy 50th John Cardone!!!

Today is John Cardone's 50th birthday.  In honor of John and this momentous occasion, I am participating in "50 Fabulous Days for John!"  This was a project headed by his wife Joan.  It began on May 4 and culminates with his birthday celebration today.
I have known John for about 20 years.  I met him when I joined the legendary Boone Fantasy baseball league.  John's team is Joe, Not the Joe's (or JNTJs).  I still do not really know what that means, although I am sure it has been explained.  I might not understand the team name, but I have to honestly admit, JNTJs are usually ahead of my Bashers in the standings.  JNTJs took 1st place in 1996 and in 2006.  That's one more title than the Bashers have for those keeping count.
The Boone League has grown beyond fantasy baseball for me.  I can easily join any number of fantasy baseball leagues online.  The Boone League is about friendship and camaraderie.  I have great memories with all of my Boone brethren.
Currently, JNTJs are in a heated battle for 2nd place.  I am also in that picture, but on the tail end and barely hanging on.
I'd like to take this space to wish John a happy 50th and to thank him for his friendship (and good-natured ribbing of my woe-filled Bashers).  If the Boone universe was to present John with a gift today, it would be to vault him into first place.  Hey if it was up to me, I would allow it.  Unfortunately, John A's Bombers are in first and John A. isn't as generous and caring as I am.  He will not let go of first.
John hit a big milestone today.  More important than his age milestone though are the friends that he has acquired over the years.  I know "50 Fabulous Days for John!" has been a great success with so many people joining the cause and gifting John in some way or another.  He deserves it all and more.  John is truly one of the good guys.
Happy birthday John.  I hope you enjoy this small token of my appreciation and I hope you really enjoy your day!

The Boone boys over the years.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #179: Billie Jean King & Carly Rae Jepsen

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  I will end "Mascot Week" by featuring two cards that have mascots prominently featured on them.

Billie Jean (Moffitt) King is a tennis legend.  Her and her brother Randy (a former major league baseball pitcher) were the first pro sports siblings I remember.  King was the bigger star, rising to Hall of Fame status, but Randy had an excellent career, too.  It is only fitting that King's Celebrity Jersey Card features her in a Phillies uniform with the Phillie Phanatic.  His origin dates back to 1977, when he was created as one of the first mascots following the San Diego Chicken.  King's connection to Philadelphia dates back to at least 1974, when she was one of the original members of the Philadelphia Freedoms tennis team (Yes, Elton John wrote the song "Philadelphia Freedom" for his friend BJK).

Canadian native Carly Rae Jepsen has no known ties to Baltimore, but who cares.  She looks very cute in her #8 Cal Ripken jersey.  Born in 1979, the Oriole Bird is actually about 6 years older than Jepsen, but younger than the Phillie Phanatic.  I love the look of the black and orange on this Celebrity Jersey Card.  Of course, having the lovely Jepsen pictured certainly helps.  If she likes this, I am hoping she will "call me, maybe."

Mascot Week: Coop the Boomer

Last summer, my sister, dad and I took in a Schaumburg Boomers baseball game.  We saw the mascot hanging around right field and Nancy and I decided to try to get a picture with him.

Of course, by the time we maneuvered through the stands and finally made it over there, the mascot was basically right where our seats were.  Back we went.  My dad, of course, was laughing at our antics and futile attempt.

We finally got our picture.  We also discovered that the mascot was "Coop," a prairie chicken.  A little research reveals that Coop was born under the nose of George Washington on Mt. Rushmore.  Coop is a 

descendant of one of the last prairie chicken communities to leave the Schaumburg area.  Coop always dreamed of going to the land of his forefathers (as opposed to forefeathers).

One day, he saw tourists wearing his likeness on their caps and shirts.  He learned that they were fans of the Schaumburg Boomers.  He stowed away in their luggage and eventually found himself in the Chicago suburbs.

The Schaumburg Boomers welcomed him into the organization and he has been entertaining fans ever since (when he isn't evading them and making them chase him around the stadium, but I digress).

Seriously, I didn't make up this stuff.  You can check it out on the Schaumburg Boomers website and check out Coop at a Boomers game.

Nancy Blais, Coop, Frank Wroblewski and me in Schaumburg, IL-August 2013.

Mascot Week: Hammy the Hog

The debacle of a final season for the Chicago Rush lead me to Rockford where I landed a gig covering the Rockford IceHogs, the AHL affiliate of the Chicago BlackHawks.  I have totally enjoyed the IceHogs and hope to do even more coverage next season.

Although I never got to interview Hammy the Hog, I have met the porcine one several times.  Hammy is very accessible to the fans.  He can be found in the concourse area before and after the game and he is always eager to pose for pictures.  You might say he is a bit of a camera hog (sorry).

Matt Parker, Hammy the Hog and me in Rockford, IL-March 2014.

Mascot Week: Bruiser

I have written much about the ups and downs of the Chicago Rush.  I had followed the Rush since their debt and I had covered them for the last two years of their existence.  The Rush is gone for the 2014 seaqson and probably for 2015, as well.

The Rush organization treated us well.  Okay, most of the organization treated us well.  For some odd reason, Bruiser seemed to have a problem with me.  From the moment I first met him, I knew there was going to be trouble.  Out of nowhere, he put me in a headlock and squeezed.

What could I do?  I could not retaliate with a headlock of my own.  How could I wrap my arms around that big neck of his?

Fortunately Matt captured the incident.  I am sure Bruiser felt that thisproof would not be good for his image, especially since the team was on shaky ground.  Who would hire a mascot with an assault charge pending?

From then on, I pretty much avoided the big guy.  I am sure we will meet again somewhere.  Hopefully, it will be at the relaunch of the Chicago Rush franchise.  Maybe we can even declare a truce in celebration.

Bruiser and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2013.

Mascot Week: Bull Diablo

Bull Diablo is the mascot for the Hell's Belles of the Windy City Rollers.  She (a female bull?) is known for her high kicks and her hijinx.  She is always getting the fans fired up!

I have had the pleasure of covering several Windy City Rollers events.  The fans who pack the UIC Pavilion are always revved up, but Bull Diablo and her mascot colleagues always get them amped up just a bit more.  It's all about fun at the WCR events.

I have previously written many times about the WCR.  The action of these flat track derby ladies is definitely one of the most underrated events in the area.  They have a loyal fan base, but these ladies deserve even more.  I have a great time every time I attend their events.

Give them a chance and you will love them, too.  And that's no Bull (sorry).

Bull Diablo and me in Chicago, IL-Spring 2013.

Friendly Encounters: David Zeman Meets Monty the Moose

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

I have known Dave Zeman for about 15 years.  We originally met at AU Sports and Memorabilia and we bonded over our mutual love of sports, trivia, Seinfeld and more.
Dave is truly one of the nicest guys you would ever want to meet.  He is also very interesting.  He co-authored two books, Great Baseball Feats, Facts and Firsts and The Baseball Rookies Encyclopedia.  I actually own a signed copy of the BRE and I have gone back and reread it many times, as well as have lent it to fellow baseball fan friends (although, I probably should have made them buy copies).
Dave knows his stuff.  If you want to know the starting rotation of the 1916 Chicago Cubs, ask Dave.  He will know it (and he is probably reciting it as he reads this).
He is not a one trick pony either.  He can quote almost any Seinfeld episode.  Ask him to name all of Kramer's unseen friends and he can do that, too.
Dave is appearing here today because he met Monty the Moose in Wisconsin last year.  Monty makes frequent appearances at Wilderness, America's largest waterpark resort.  I have since learned there is also a Molly the Moose.  I have no idea if they are related in any way or if they are just two random moose characters hanging around the waterpark.
If you happen to run into Dave at AU (or at a waterpark or elsewhere), feel free to try to stump him with baseball trivia.  My money is on Dave!
If you happen to run into Monty (or Molly), feel free to snap a picture and send it to me.  I am always happy to run fun mascot pictures.

David Zeman and Monty the Moose in WI-Summer 2013.

Mascot Week: Angry Bird

Am I the only person who never played Angry Birds?  After it debuted in late 2009, it exploded onto the video game scene.  I saw Angry Birds everywhere.  Then I started seeing Angry Bird variations everywhere.

Last year while in Las Vegas, we ran into an Angry Bird.  I dragged Tom into the picture with me.  (Hey, it was an angry bird...I wanted to keep the odds in our favor).

I guess as costumes in Las Vegas go, this one would be okay.  It's not too cumbersome and it is easy to put on.  It's basically just a pair of red pants and a big, round head.

I will be heading out to Vegas (at least once) later this year and I hope to get several more pictures with the fine folks who like to play dress up.  I wonder if I will ever see a Johngy out there?

Tom Nestlehut, Angry Bird and me in Las Vegas, NV-March 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #178: John Witte & Bridget McDonnell

This is a regular series in which I try to combine my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  I am continuing "Chicago Bliss Week" by featuring two members of the Bliss organization.

Bridget McDonnell has been dubbed "the Voice of the Rookies."  She is tough on and off the field, as her tour of service for our country proves.  She wears #9, which was famously worn by Bobby Hull during his years with the Blackhawks.  For her Celebrity Jersey Card, Bridget is sporting a camo Hawks jersey, which seems appropriate given her military service.

Assistant Coach John Witte is imitating Superman on his Celebrity Jersey Card.  He opens his shirt to reveal a Bears jersey.  Not that there is anything wrong with wearing #54 for the future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher, but I would have thought Witte would have represented the offensive line.

Chicago Bliss Week (Game 2): Johngy Support

My relationship with the Chicago Bliss is not your usual reporter-team relationship.  That's okay with me though.  Actually, that is great with me.

I don't have to be an unbiased reporter.  I love the Bliss.  I respect these women and the entire Bliss staff, too.  The ladies are as tough as can be.  The coaches are completely dedicated to the team and the players follow that lead.  It really is an awesome experience to be around all of this.

I almost wrote "a part" of all of this.  I will not stretch it quite that far.  I am not part of the team, but I have been accepted and, dare I say, embraced by the team.

There have been many instances when members of the Bliss have done something extra nice for me.  These instances are very much appreciated.

One such instance occurred at a practice a couple months ago.  Jack and I passed out the Johngy shirts to a few of the ladies and they immediately donned them and joined me for a photo.

Thank you Dominique Collins, Kira Brabeck and Jess Price.

I love this photo for so many reasons.  I love the rainbow of Johngys (or is that Johngies?)  I love that three Bliss players are wearing a Johngy.

Most of all, I really love what it represents.  These women did not have to take a shirt.  They did not have to pose.  They did not have to pose together with me.  Yet they did it all.

I appreciate the show of support.  I think they do appreciate what I do and the picture shows that.

I know I appreciate the team.  These women deserve your appreciation, too.  Come out to their game tonight.  I can't guarantee they will wear one of your shirts (if you have one), but I am pretty certain they will take pictures with you.  Most importantly, they will give you one great football game to watch.

Dominique Collins, Kira Brabeck, me and Jess Price in Darien, IL-April 2014.

Chicago Bliss Week: Yahshi Runs, Catches and Sings!

Simeon Rice is one of the most successful athletes to come out of Mt. Carmel High School, my alma mater.  Rice was almost a decade after me.  I never even met him.  Years later though, I met his sister and even interviewed her a few times.

Yahshi Rice is the younger sister of Simeon and she is quite an athlete, too.  Actually, she is multi-talented.  Aside from being one of the best defensive players in the Legends Football League, Rice also is a singer signed to Simeon's Hip-Hop/R&B record label, named "Lucid Dream Entertainment."

Yahshi is a force on defense.  I have sen her destroy opposing lineman.  She is a pleasure to watch and a pleasure to know.  It might hurt her tough LFL image, but Yahshi is a real sweetheart, like all of the Bliss are.  (Am I shattering their whole tough team image?  Will Coach Hac ban me from the team?).

She is having her typically excellent season.  I look for big things from her in the upcoming game against Seattle, as the Bliss continue their path of destruction on the way to the 2014 LFL title.

Come out to the game and see Yahshi and the Bliss in action.  A Bliss game is full of action, violence and beautiful women (especially on the Bliss side).  You can't lose and neither will they!

Yahshi Rice and me in Darien, IL-February 2014.

Chicago Bliss Week (Game 2): It All Starts with Coach Hac

When you talk about the Chicago Bliss, it all starts with Coach Keith Hac.  I liked the man from our first phone conversation early last season.

The Legends Football League and the Chicago Bliss are not like most pro leagues and teams.  Their is no real front office or organizational chart.  The teams are owned by the league and the Coach pretty much runs the show for the teams.

Coaching a team is tough enough.  Add to that running a team and imagine the headaches.  Yet, Coach Hac does all of that and still has a sense of humor and a light mood.  I have seen Coach Hac knee deep in practice, yet dealing with issues ordinarily handled by a staff of many.

Coach Hac is "hands on" because he has to be.  He has several top notch people around him, but this is Hac's show to run and he runs it well.

Last season Coach Hac put me on the map by guaranteeing a win in an interview.  Then he furthered my reputation by calling me "the Guru."  I am quite sure he has many important things to do, but he always gives me a few minutes when I ask him.  As a reporter, I can ask for no better treatment.

I really respect Hac's straight up approach.  Hac isn't like every coach out there.  He tells you what he thinks.  Scratch that.  He tells you what he knows and he knows a lot.  It is honest and refreshing.

Hac is also a master at adjustments.  He has a solid game plan, but at halftime, he evaluates the first half and alters the plan accordingly for the second half.  At halftime of the first game, another coach (who shall remain nameless) declared the game over, despite the Bliss trailing only by 2.  I knew better.  Hac did what he always does and the Bliss responded like they always do.  The end result was a 25-21 win.

Even after the win, Hac did not receive the praise he deserves.  None other than the LFL owner himself called the Bliss "one-dimensional" and LA "the better team."  I could not agree less, but still it did not seem to fluster Hac.  He rose above it.

I have a lot of respect for Coach Hac.  The man is a proven winner.  This season, he is proving it again.  I highly encourage everyone to check out the Bliss in person Friday at the Sears Center.  Seattle is next on Hac's hit list.  The Bliss will not be denied.

Coach Keith Hac and me in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.

Chicago Bliss Week (Game 2): Resistance Pro+Fox 103.9+Chicago Bliss+Johngy's Beat

The title says it all.  Four great organizations (yes, I am calling JohngysBeat.com a great organization, although some might argue both parts of that) have come together.

My association with Resistance Pro is well documented and goes back to their debut.  My association with the Chicago Bliss is also well documented, but only goes back to last season.  My association with Fox 103.9 stems from my connection with R Pro and now the Bliss.  Make sense?  Doesn't matter.  It's all fun.

I love synergy.  I love when worlds collide to make stronger entities.  I love good people working and playing together and I especially love when I play a part in connecting those good people.

I initiated the Resistance Pro connection with the Chicago Bliss.  Beautiful athletic women appearing at a wrestling show just seemed a natural fit.  The R Pro fans loved them from the first night.  The Bliss women have been awesome at each appearance.  I am still waiting for them to get in the ring sometime.

I started the ball rolling, but Gabe and Jacques Baron and Eric St. Vaughn jumped on the idea and have helped the relationship flourish since then.

The Fox 103.9 has been a sponsor and friend of R Pro for a long time.  JP Peletis and the crew are all cool and fun and get what is happening.  Recently, they became sponsors of the Bliss.  Wow, it was all coming together now.

The picture below represents 3/4 of this alliance.  Unfortunately, we did not have a Bliss player in the photo.  They were a little busy planning for the game.  Still, it was taken at the game and therefore the Bliss is represented in a way.

There is still plenty of room on this burgeoning juggernaut.  This is inclusive, not exclusive.  Come join the fun.

Eric St. Vaughn, JP Peletis and me in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Jim Strong and Bridget McDonnell

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series proving that my friends meet celebrities, too.

I have known Jim Strong for a lot of years, but we were mostly two guys who saw each other at various wrestling shows or celebrity conventions.  Over the last few months, I have seen Jim more often at Resistance Pro shows and he has done some work for me on JohngysBeat.com.

I am proud to say I have brought Jim over to the Chicago Bliss bandwagon.  Jim saw the Bliss at an R Pro show and got hooked.  He came to their first game of the season last month and got more hooked!  The Bliss have that effect on people.

Prior to the Bliss game, Jim and I ran into Bridget McDonnell, otherwise known as "the Voice of the Rookies."  Bridget is one of the handful of rookies who cracked the opening day roster.

It was a proud moment for Bridget.  Seeing her in that #9 is proof of all of her hard work paying off.  I have sen her (and the others) at practices and I know how hard these women work.

I took this picture and I love this picture.  Jim is a good guy and I look forward to enjoying more R Pro and Bliss with him.

Bridget is just awesome.  She is tough, intelligent and personable.  She represents everything good about the Bliss.  I look forward to watching her career develop.

Jim Strong and Bridget McDonnell in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.

Chicago Bliss Week (Game 2): Deena Fagiano #5

This Saturday, the Chicago Bliss play their second game of the season.  The Seattle Mist better be prepared, because this Bliss team is on a mission!

I first interviewed Bliss veteran Deena Fagiano at a practice prior to their big game against Green Bay last season.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Deena Fagiano.

Deena plays tight end and linebacker for the Bliss.  These are not glamour positions.  These are not headline positions.  They are important ones, however.

As you read stories on the Bliss, other names pop up first.  I am taking nothing away from the "bigger" names on the team.  The Bliss is a team.  They function together and rely on each other.  Still, players like Deena are too often overlooked.  

I like Deena.  (Okay, I like all of the Bliss players.)  I see Deena work very hard in practice.  Drill after drill, Deena keeps coming back for more, continually working on her technique.

Come game time, Deena is ready to roll and to rock, of course.  Deena does like to have fun on the field and off.  If you catch her on any of the various social media outlets, you will see fun pictures, as well as Bliss stuff.

On the field, she is tough.  Off the field she is a great ambassador.  All told, she is a total package for the Bliss.

I highly encourage everyone to come out to the game this Friday at the Sears Centre.  Deena and her Bliss teammates will give you a show!

Deena Fagiano and me in Hoffman Estates, IL-May 2014.

On the Beat at Resistance Pro's "Savage Amusement"

Resistance Pro's "Savage Amusement" was another great night filled with awesome wrestling.  R Pro continues to live up to the high standards they set.

JohngysBeat.com scored a few key interviews.  Special Cotrrespondent Jonathan McMahon talked to the newly-freed Suge D.  This was a lot of fun an featured a quick cameo by Mad Man Pondo and some very shiny pants on Suge D.

Another Special Correspondent made his triumphant return.  JayHawk Evans talked to Eric St. Vaughn of Body Magic.  Even after a long night of action, ESV still gave us his time to discuss the latest Body Magic news.

I thought I was interviewing Cobra, but Justin King, his new manager, interrupted and took over.  Apparently this is a new era for Cobra.

I also had a good interview going with the lovely and mysterious Miss Prig, until the overbearing Colonel Jesse Corgan saw us and put an immediate stop to it.  Still, we got a little insight from Miss Prig.

I did manage to get a full interview from Paloma Starr, the winner of the recent Sam Thompson Memorial Tournament.  Starr was getting a title shot later in the evening.
Last, Eric St. Vaughn took over the interview duties and talked to Chicago Bliss Assistant Coach John Witte.  The Bliss and R Pro are developing a solid relationship and mutual admiration society.
This is just a slice of the fun at the R Pro shows.  I am so excited about the next R Pro show, Friday, June 13.  "Deliverance" will certainly deliver.  I'll be there and you should, too!

Miss Prig's Therapy Sessions

Miss Prig arrived on the Resistance Pro scene in February 2013.  She was introduced as Jesse Corgan's therapist.  Since then, she has, slowly but surely, entrenched herself in R Pro.  We have seen her undergo some changes, as Corgan formed Colonel Corgan's Special Forces in an effort to take over R Pro.

Other than that, little is really known about Miss Prig.  She remains a bit of a mystery, while being omnipresent by Col. Corgan's side.  We recently started to interview Miss Prig, before Col. Corgan interrupted and stopped it.  The remnants of that interview can be found at On the Beat with Miss Prig.

I view Miss Prig as an enigma.  Without a doubt, she is devilish.  She claims to explain Col. Corgan's actions.  I don't see what good her "therapy" is doing him.  He doesn't appear to be softening his ways one bit.

On the other hand, Miss Prig is always very willing to pose for pictures after the show.  Maybe this is a case of separating business and pleasure.  Many "bad guys" in wrestling do not mingle with their fans so easily.  Miss Prig seems to embrace her fans and they seem to embrace her (except for her ties to Col. Corgan).

Is a turn to the good side in Prig's future?  I won't pretend to know that answer.  Col. Corgan would definitely say (scream) that it would never happen while he is in control.  Is he really in control though?  Maybe Prig is pulling the strings?  I'm just trying to look at all angles on this.

There is much more to Miss Prig than meets the eye, although what meets the eye is pretty nice.  Come out to any R Pro show and see for yourself.

Miss Prig and me in Willowbrook, IL-April 2014.

Arch Rivals?

Recently, I came across a piece of nostalgia which brought me back about 25 years or so.  Throwback Thursday is the perfect day to write about this.

Years ago, Louie and I would engage in some heated battles on Arch Rivals, a basketball arcade game.  I think I lead the all-time series by a few games (yes, we actually kept track of this at the time).  Louie's player of choice was Mohawk and mine was Lewis (in an ironic twist).

All good things come to an end though.  Our work office moved and the video arcade was just too far to hit on lunch.  That was the end of the era.

That era just might be revisited though.

I recently stumbled upon Galloping Ghost Arcade in Brookfield, IL, about 30 minutes from my home.  Of course I had to check it out to see if Arch Rivals was there.

The place was pretty big and packed with all of the games of my younger days.  Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man, TRON, Frogger and many more were there.  I was about to give up on my dream, when down the last aisle, almost in the corner, was my old favorite.

There it was.  Arch Rivals.  After 25 years or so, we meet again!  Talk about your Throwback Thursday.

My competitive juices immediately kicked in.  I wanted to play Louie right then and there (only Louie was at his home with his family, like most normal people).

I did send Louie a text picture and an open challenge.  Arch Rivals is waiting for us!  It's tight there ready to be loved again.

By the way, as a side note, when Louie and I formed our distribution company, we struggled for a name.  I am not sure how it actually came up, but we eventually chose Arch News Agency, paying homage to the video game we so loved.

Arch Rivals and me in Brookfield, IL-May 2014.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #177 Jasmine Sanders & Masaharu Morimoto

This is a regular series which attempts to merge my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  This one is tough, because I have to salute the Blackhawks, who were knocked out of the playoffs unfortunately.  Thanks for a great effort though!

The versatile Jasmine Sanders was born in Germany (although some sources report it as South Carolina).  Does it really matter?  She once dated Chris Brown, but that ended a while ago.  For her Celebrity Jersey Card, Sanders went with a new jersey with an old school look.  No complaints from me on this one.  I don't know of any Chicago connection, but when you look like her, that's all you need.

Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto was born in Hiroshima, Japan.  His official Iron Chef record is 16-7-1.  I love his Celebrity Jersey Card and all of its red glory.  I don't know why he was chosen for the puck shooting intermission event.  I don't think he has opened any restaurants in Chicago and I see no other connection.  I guess when you cook like him, that's all you need (see how I tied these two together?).

All Hail the King Lawler

Jerry Lawler was one of the first pro wrestlers to gain mainstream notoriety.  His feud with comic Andy Kaufman and appearances on The David Letterman Show exposed Lawler to a big new audience.

Back in the pre-cable days, I had heard of Lawler, but had only seen him on some syndicated wrestling shows.  I heard a lot about "the King," however.  He was like royalty in the Memphis area (hence the King).  He did not wrestle for the major companies at the time, but his connection with Kaufman changed all of that.

To this day, it is still debated as to the legitimacy of their feud.  It is one of the very few wrestling mysteries left.  The business has been exposed and shown to the mass audience.  The Kaufman-Lawler feud though stands apart from all else.

Eventually, Lawler made his way to the WWE.  He was nearing the end of his in-ring career though.  He would never win a WWE title.  He did become a very popular announcer for the WWE.

We met Lawler at C2E2, where he was helping promote Headlocked, a comic book series for which he did some of the cover artwork.  The multi-talented Lawler is also a very accomplished artist.

I always say that comic cons are great places to meet wrestlers.  While they draw good crowds, the lines are nowhere near as long as when they do wrestling shows.  Because of the number of other celebrity guests, prices are usually much better, too.

For his part, Lawler was great with the fans.  He patiently and willingly got into conversations about virtually every part of his career.  If I had stayed next to him the entire day, I probably would have heard eevery good story he had.  I still wouldn't know the whole Kaufman story though!

Matt Parker, Jerry Lawler and me in Chicago, IL-April 2014.

Friendly Encounters: Pierce and Scarlett Meet Eric St. Vaughn

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

Worlds colliding.  Time periods converging.  That is what is happening in this Friendly Encounters.
At the Northwest Side Irish Parade, I was riding in the Resistance Pro trolley, when I thought I saw an old friend on the parade route.  Darryl Corter is not easy to miss, even though I had seen him only once (accidentally at a Chicago Wolves game) in the last 10+ years.  He looked about the same, except for the two youngins accompanying him.
The two little ones turned out to be two of his kids, Pierce and Scarlett.  Apparently Darryl had been busy over the last decade or so.  He also has a wife and an older child, who were not with him this day.
I knew Darryl from my time at Lerner Newspapers.  Darryl was a dispatch driver, but probably more known for hitting 3 home runs on three pitches in one game for our beleaguered softball team.
Anyway, when I saw Darryl, I went outside and talked for a bit.  The kids wanted to meet a wrestler and I just happened to know one was on the trolley.  Eric St. Vaughn...come on down!
ESV was very happy to come and meet the two young fans.  Despite his bad guy in-ring persona, ESV is always ready to promote R Pro and meet youngsters.  (There has to be a turn to the good side in his future somewhere.)
The past met the present on this chilly day.  Darryl and ESV are two great guys.  I am glad they got to meet, too.  Now, I just need to get Darryl out to see ESV in action!

Eric St. Vaughn, Pierce Corter and Scarlett Corter in Chicago, IL-March 2014.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #176: Jonah Hill & James Hetfield

This is a weekly series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for baseball cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Just a reminder, there is baseball being played and today I salute the team with the best record in each league.

Born in Los Angeles, actor Jonah Hill reversed the trend of people adopting the Dodgers.  It seems every celebrity is a Dodgers fan.  Kudos for Hill for wearing an Oakland Athletics jersey for his Celebrity Jersey Card debut.

Another Los Angeles area native wearing another California teams' wear is James Hetfield, co-founder of Metallica.  While it seems the Giants would be more appropriate for the members of the Grateful Dead (who have previously appeared on Celebrity Jersey Cards), Hetfield endeared himself to the Giants fans by hanging out with Lu Seal, the team's mascot.  I am always happy to feature a mascot on Celebrity Jersey Cards (stay tuned for Mascot Week on JohngysBeat.com).