Danielle Zymkowitz and the 2016 Chicago Bandits

As the 2016 season opener for the Chicago Bandits draws closer, I am featuring some of the Bandits here.  This is just the beginning of my coverage of the 2016 Bandits.

Danielle Zymkowitz had a stellar career at the University of Illinois.  She holds the Illini career records for batting average (.384), hits (277), runs scored (202), stolen base attempts (106), stolen bases (91) and stolen base percentage (.858).  She joined the Bandits after an open tryout in 2011.

In her five seasons with the Bandits, the second baseman has put up solid offensive numbers, while forming a fantastic defensive combo with shortstop Tammy Williams.  These two are a pleasure to watch.  They make "web gems" virtually every game.

In 2015, Danielle was one of two Bandits players (Tammy was the other) to play in all 48 games.  She ranked second on the team in stolen bases (8) and had a .972 fielding percentage with 97 putouts.

One of the team veterans and a real leader, DZ is also one of the most popular players with the fans.  It has been a real pleasure and an honor to cover Danielle and the Bandits.  I look forward to another exciting season.

For more info, check out ChicagoBandits.com.  Also, stay tuned here for recurring coverage!

Danielle Zymkowitz and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2015.

Friendly Encounters: Steve Harvey and Deena Fagiano

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Deena Fagiano is one of a handful of Chicago Bliss players who have been on the team for all four seasons I have covered them.  Deena is one of my favorites, too.  As an under-the0radar Italian runner-receiver-lineman, she fits the mold.  As a person, she breaks the mold.

Deena is funnya nd fun.  She is entertaining, intelligent and goofy (in a good way).  She often gets overshadowed on the Bliss by bigger names with bigger stats, but Deena is a consistent contributor, appreciated by coaches, teammates and true fans.

Last season, she was one of the eight players featured on Pretty.  Strong., the docu-series focusing on the Bliss.  Chicagoan Steve Harvey got Deena to appear on his show.

The episode turned a bit cheesy, as part of it was about finding a date for Deena, including her throwing real passes to a couple guys.

It's kind of cute, but seriously, Deena can't have any problem finding dates.  If she does, I'm sure there are hundreds of guys at any Bliss game who would gladly take her out.

Still, it was entertaining and it gave Deena more exposure and that is all good.  The LFL itself is under-the-radar and I really cannot understand that.  These ladies deserve our attention.

Steve Harvey and Deena Fagiano in Chicago, IL-Summer 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #275 Shawn Kemp & Bill Russell

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  We continue working our way alphabetically through Major League Baseball.

Six-time NBA All-tar Shawn Kemp was born in Indiana and played 8 of his 14 seasons with the Seattle SuperSonics.  Unfortunately for Kemp and his Sonics, they reached the NBA Finals during the season when the Bulls set the (then) record for wins in a season (72) while on the way to their 6th title in 8 years.  Kemp was honored by the Seattle Mariners, which explains his Celebrity Jersey Card.

 Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Russell came out of Louisiana to win 11 NBA titles in 12 yeaqrs for the Boston Celtics, including 2 as a player-coach.  Later, he coached the Sonics and the Sacramento Kings, without as much success.  He returned to Seattle for the ceremonial pitch honors and to make his way onto a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Brittany Cervantes and the 2016 Chicago Bandits

As the 2016 season opener for the Chicago Bandits draws closer, I am featuring some of the Bandits here.  This is just the beginning of my coverage of the 2016 Bandits.

An alum of the University of Kentucky, Brittany Cervantes is entering her fifth season with the Bandits.  She first joined the Bandits after an open tryout.  The star first baseman has improved every season.  Last season, she batted .358 with 9 home runs and 23 rbi's.  She was the NPF Offensive Player of the Year.

Brittany also was the first Bandit I ever interviewed.  That interview occurred after a victory and can be found at On the Beat With Brittany Cervantes.  I'll always have a special place for Brittany because of that.  I was a bit nervous and excited to start a new coverage.  I enjoyed the interview so much and really felt Brittany's excitement.  I remember driving home looking forward to coming back.  I was pretty much hooked from that game and it all started with #22 Brittany.

I hope to see everyone out at the ballpark this season.  Check out ChicagoBandits.com for ticket info and updates.  Also, stay tuned right here for regular coverage.

Brittany Cervantes and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2015.

Jordan Trovillion Loves Johngy's Beat

At the recent Motor City Comic Con, I had the pleasure of interviewing Jordan Trovillion.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With Jordan Trovillion at the Motor City Comic Con 2016.  It's hard to believe that it had been four years since I last interviewed Jordan.

After the interview, Jordan was nice enough to give us a quick promo.  Once again, we want to thank Jordan for the interview and also for the promo.  We hope it isn't four more years until we next speak.

Jennie Finch and the Chicago Bandits

The Chicago Bandits start their season one week from today.  I have had the pleasure of covering the Bandits for the past two seasons and one of the greatest experiences was meeting softball Hall of Famer Jennie Finch.

Finch has done it all in the world of softball.  Time magazine described her as the most famous softball player in history.  She won the 2001 Women's College World Series with the University of Arizona and helped lead Team USA to the gold medal at the 2004 Summer Olympics and a silver medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.  Then she embarked on a pro career.

She pitched for five seasons with the Bandits, going 36-8.  She pitched two perfect games along the way.  I could fill a page with the rest of her accomplishments and awards, but you can find that info in many other places.

I have seen Finch around the Bandits, as well as teaching youngsters.  She is immensely popular and viewed as royalty.  I was very excited about meeting and interviewing her.  I am happy to say she was as nice and professional as could be.  It ranks as one of my all time favorite interviews.  That interview can be found at On the Beat with Jennie Finch.

Finch is the real deal.  She was a winner at every level.  She continues to give back to her sport with her clinics and other commitments to the softball community.  Finch didn't have to take time for my interview, but she did so willingly and we talked a bit after, too.  Then, she went on to do a couple more interviews.

There are few players higher in their respective sports than Finch.  She's like the Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky or Babe Ruth of softball.  That isn't exaggeration either.  She would definitely be on the Mount Rushmore of softball.

One week from today, the Bandits start their season.  Two new teams are in the league (Dallas and Houston).  Young women softball players will be trying to make their name in the great sport, like Finch did not so long ago.  I'll be there for plenty of games and hopefully I'll see Finch again.

For more info on the Bandits, check out ChicagoBandits.com.  I hope to see you at the Ballpark in Rosemont!

Jennie Finch and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

Billy Martin at Wizard World Chicago 2015

Billy Martin is best known as the lead guitarist and keyboard player for Good Charlotte.  When he is not watching Good Charlotte's albums going multi-platinum, he spends his time building another career as an artist.  Merging the two passions, he contributed to Good Charlotte's stage design, album art and band merchandise.

His artwork is not limited to his band though.  He co-wrote and illustrated Vitriol: The Hunter in 2012.  It is the story of a hero, fueled by vengeance, in a decomposing city filled with the supernatural.  Recently, he has also done work on Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: New Animated Adventures and BOOM!’s Adventure Time.

Martin is a versatile, multi-talented artist.  He's also a very popular comic con guest.  Too bad he couldn't showcase any of his music at the con.  That would have been awesome.

I look forward to meeting Martin again and reporting back here.  Until then, check out TheBillyMartin.com for updates, info and his convention schedule.

Billy Martin and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

The Motor City Comic Con 2016 Recapped

Another year of the Motor City Comic Con is in the books and it was awesome.  My full recap can be found on the Novi Patch at The Motor City Comic Con Was Epic!

I have been going to the MCCC since 2007 and I honestly believe this was the best and biggest one yet.  A few years ago, due to some big name celebrity guests and the huge attendance they drew, the MCCC had some major issues with lines and parking.  In fact, the MCCC was torched a bit on social media.  While the situation was bad, the con was still great and it was the unexpected level of attendees which caused the situation.

In any case, the MCCC organization addressed the parking and the lines.  This year they had a little glitch in parking, but the whole situation was much improved and effort was seen.  I applaud the MCCC for the strides they have made.

This goes a long way to making the MCCC an elite convention.  I really think it took a step into that category this year.  Huge celebrity guests, hundreds of artists and vendors and a very organized and helpful staff combined to raise the bar at MCCC.

I look forward to things getting bigger and better.  Most impiortant, I look forward to being there again and again.

Thank you to the entire Motor City Comic Con organization.  Thanks, too, to Cuzz Gekas for his valuable logistical skills.

Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2016.

Friendly Encounters: Hacksaw Jim Duggan and Scottie Steiner

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

Scottie "The Wonder Boy" Steiner is the official timekeeper at Resistance Pro.  As such, he has met quite a few wrestlers over the years.  He doesn't really get too excited about meeting even the bigger name wrestlers.  Scottie is one cool customer.

He did get a bit jacked though when we met WWE Hall of Famer Hacksaw Jim Duggan at C2E2.  We both got our pictures with Hacksaw, but when he was done with mine, he instructed us to take another, as he choked me.  This is classic Hacksaw.  He gives more than expected every time.  After seeing Hacksaw do this to me, Scottie asked him for the same treatment.  Of course Hacksaw complied.

Scottie was a big help to Johngy's Beat at C2E2 and I am glad he got to have some fun in pictures like the one with Hacksaw.  Someday, Scottie should be a lock for the RPro Hall of Fame.

Scott Steiner and Jim Duggan in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #274 Valerie Bertinelli & Monica Potter

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  We continue working our way alphabetically through Major League Baseball.

Valerie Bertinelli was born in Wilmington, DE and became famous on One Day at a Time, which was set in Indianapolis, IN.  Thirty plus years later, she was just as cute starring in Hot in Cleveland.  It's that Cleveland connection which brings us to her Celebrity Jersey Card.  She's got an interesting grip on the ball there.  She gets extra points for the cap.  Actually, she gets extra points for everything.

Actress Monica Potter was born in Cleveland, OH and stayed true to her roots for her Celebrity Jersey Card.  She started acting on the daytime drama The Young and Restless, then moved to the big screen  She since has returned to television, most notably in Parenthood.  Potter gets extra points for the cap and for the pitching pose.  I'll also give her a few more points for being so cute.

On the Beat With Michael Zapcic and Ming Chen at Motor City Comic Con 2016

How cool are Michael Zapcic and Ming Chen?  Very cool, despite describing themselves as comic book nerds.

I contacted both men about interviews at the Motor City Comic Con 2016.  Michael responded positively, but I did not hear back from Ming. At the con, I approached Michael and he was totally gracious and willing to do it right then.  Ming asked about the interview and I explained I tried reaching him.  He apparently never got my message, but still jumped in on the interview.  This was a classy move on his part.  What happened during the interview was pure gold.

These guys made my job easy.  They took it and ran with it.  They discussed their start, the lamest superheroes and other fun topics.

On the subject of lame Superheroes, I had to ask them about Aquaman, who often makes it onto lists of lame Superheroes.  They totally disagreed about Aquaaman being lame.  Finally some validation and from two experts.  I love these guys!

They are Comic Book Men, podcasters and pop culture ramblers.  Actually, they are everyting I want Johngy's Beat to be.  For now, I will settle for them appearing on Johngy's Beat!

You can learn more about them and be entertained greatly at MingandMike.com.  You should also follow Ming on Twitter and Mike on Twitter for updates and more fun.

Thank you very much to the Motor City Comic Con for their hospitality.  A special big thanks to Michael and Ming for their time and for being great guys!

Jennifer Gilbert, Ayumi Karino, Sonoka Kuniyoshi of the Akron Racers

The Chicago bandits open their 2016 season in a couple weeks.  I have written many times of my love of the National Pro Fastpitch game and the Bandits specifically, but today I am featuring three members of the Akron Racers.

Outfielder Jennifer Gilbert is entering her third season with the Racers, after an outstanding career at Ball State.  She was a two-time NFCA All-American and the first All-American in Ball State Softball History.  She was also a three-time Mid-American Conference Player of the Year, the first player in the MAC and the 11th in NCAA Softball History to accomplish this.

Sonoka Kuniyoshi and Ayumi Karino reached softball stardom in their native Japan.  Karino won the Gold Medal at the 2008 Summer Olympics.  As of this writing, neither lady was signed with the Racers.

There are just three of the great women athletes I encountered last season while covering the Bandits.  They are young, talented and extremely fan (and reporter) friendly.  In short, they are a joy to watch and follow.  I look forward to another fun season covering the Bandits and meeting opposing players.

Check out ProFastpitch.com to follow all of the teams of the NFP and ChicagoBandits.com to follow my favorite team.  Head out to a game, follow them on line or watch them on television.  This is an exciting sport, played by great women athletes.

Jennifer Gilbert, Ayumi Karino, Sonoka Kuniyoshi and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

On the Beat With Jordan Trovillion at the Motor City Comic Con 2016

I met and interviewed Jordan Trovillion four years ago at the Motor City Comic Con.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With Jordan Trovillion at the MCCC 2012.

I immediately became a fan and have followed her career since then.  She has had several roles in movies and television.  She still sings with her band.  She is still working with Comics Continuum.  In short, she is as busy as ever.

When I saw she would be back at MCCC 2016, I contacted her about a update interview and she responded positively.  That interview is below.  She talks about her current projects, appearing at a comic con in her home area and more.

It really is a pleasure seeing and talking to Jordan.  She is simply adorable and one of my favorites.

Jordan is busy with many projects and she is excellent at all of them.  I was very pleasantly surprised when I heard her band for the first time.  She is really good.  She's not just an actress singing.  She is a talented singer.

I hope to catch Jordan in the future and I will never pass a chance to interview her.  Until then, you and I can follow Jordan on twitter.

Thank you to the Motor City Comic Con for their hospitality.  Thanks especially to Jordan for being so sweet!

Cards That Never Were: Dave Roberts 1979 Topps

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual sports trading cards for ones that were missed in the original sets.  It is a concept I have borrowed from too many others to list, but I thank them all.
David Wayne Roberts was the third "Dave Roberts" to play in the majors.  Since then, former player and new Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts became the fourth.  Three of the four played for the San Diego Padres, including David Wayne Roberts, who was the second, missing pitcher David Arthur Roberts by one season.  Confused?  It gets more interesting, too.
In 1972, the Padres selected David Wayne Roberts as the number one draft choice in all of baseball.  He became one of the few players to skip the minors when he joined the Padres as their third baseman,.  The Padres were horrible back then and they needed the boost of a rising star.
Roberts had a decent rookie season, but dropped off in his second season.  His third season produced a .167 batting average in 360 plate appearances.  He spent most of his career bouncing between the majors and the minors, as well as bouncing around the field at several positions.  In his career, he played every position, but pitcher.
Roberts had an interesting history of cards, too.  His 1973 rookie card was an awesome action shot at Wrigley Field.  This remains one of my all-time favorite cards.  His 1974 card (like all of the Padres) was originally issued with "Washington Nat'l. Lea."  Later on, after the Padres did not move, it was corrected and reissued.
His 1975 and 1976 cards were normal cards.  Things got weird again in 1977.
Despite playing the entire 1976 season in the minors, Topps gave Roberts a card in the 1977 set.  It was a card where he was airbrushed into a Blue Jays uniform because of an October trade to the expansion team.  He never played for the Jays though, as he was traded back to the Padres in February.  These such cards are sometimes called phantom cards, because the player never appeared for the team.  OPC issued him with the Padres.
Despite appearing in 82 games in 1977, Topps did not issue  a card for Roberts in the 1978 set.  Topps gave cards to Gene Tenace and Bob Davis, the other Padres catchers.  Roberts played more than Davis did.  Catcher Rick Sweet was also featured on a multi-player "Rookie Catchers" card, despite not playing for them in 1977.
Roberts was one of ten Padres to play third base, although his seven innings were the second least.  Third was his usual (and original) other position.
Prior to the 1979 season, Roberts was part of a trade to the Texas Rangers.  Among those going to the Padres was catcher Bill Fahey (who was seen here last week in his own CTNW feature).
After two seasons with the Rangers, Roberts signed a (then) big free agent deal with the Houston Astros.  After one season, he was traded to the Philadelphia Phillies.  One dismal season with the Phillies brought his retirement.
Roberts received cards for every season, except for the aforementioned 1978 card.  He even got a card in the 1983 set,
As a big fan of Roberts, it is my job (or my obsession) to fix the omission.  I now present my 1978 Topps Dave Roberts card.  Despite most of his cards listing him as "C-3B," I just listed him as a catcher, since he only played 7 innings at third in 1977.

Friendly Encounters: Austin St. John and Amy Jo Hill

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I love this picture, because I was there to witness Amy Jo Hill actually come as close to marking out over a celebrity as I have ever seen her.  Amy doesn't usually get too excited over meeting any celebrity, but this was one rare such occasion.

I heard about Amy's excitement months before C2E2.  I was happy when she committed to going to the event with her fiance, my bud, Chazz Moretti.  Of course, Chazz is a pretty big name on the Chicago indy wrestling scene.

Amy stated that the only celebrity she really wanted to meet at C2E2 was Austin St. John (which sounds like a wrestling name, ironically).  Like any good fiance, Chazz made it happen and I was there to see it all unfold.

Amy didn't gush, but she had a controlled giddiness about her.  She had her few minutes of special time with the former Power Ranger and ASJ seemed to enjoy meeting AJH.  Chazz enjoyed seeing his fiance happy and I enjoyed seeing both of them.

Amy Jo Hill and Austin St. John in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Happy Birthday Laura!!!

Today is the birthday of my oldest niece.  I suppose I shouldn't call Laura a kid anymore, because she has grown into such a great young woman, but she'll always be a cool kid to me.

I love the picture below.  Few things would get me out of bed so early on a rainy October morning.  Laura was doing a 5K downtown and I wanted to be there to cheer for her.  It was rainy and mucky and cold, but I was so happy to see her do so well in the run.

Laura is such a unique person.  She is opinionated, intelligent, funny and quirky (in the cool way).  I love her dearly.  I also love her regular Facebook posts with her beloved Marley.

I always joke about our two cross country trips to New York.  Feel free to ask her about her packing skills.  The truth is I loved those trips.  It was a rare chance to spend quality time with her (and Nancy).  Don't tell her that I really viewed it as a thrill and not a chore moving her stuff back and forth.

Happy birthday Laura.  I hope your day is great and this is the start of your best year ever.  I love you, kid!

Laura, Nancy Blais and me in Chicago, IL-October 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #273 Jeff Franklin and Rob Schneider

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  We continue working our way alphabetically through Major League Baseball.

Jeff Franklin is a producer, screenwriter, and director.  He is perhaps best known as the creator of television's Full House.  He is a native of Inglewood, CA, but the show set in San Francisco, which explains his Celebrity Jersey Card.  I love this card.  Franklin, the Giants mascot and the lovely (all grown up) Jodie Sweetin make for a fun image.  Franklin and Sweetin worked together again on Netflix's Fuller House.

Comedian-actor Rob Schneider stayed true to his SF roots for his Celebrity Jersey Card.  He gets extra points for the full uni.  It appears he took some batting and fielding practice with the Giants.

Rocky LaPorte: Comedian For Hire

Back in my younger days, when I was going to comedy clubs more often, I saw Rocky LaPorte.  I forget the details, but I remember seeing him perform.  I know he wasn't the headliner, but he was very funny.

Flash forward 20ish years.  We were in Las Vegas and decided to see Marc Price (of Family Ties fame).  I was shocked when the announcer introduced Rocky LaPorte as the opening act.

Once again, LaPorte was really entertaining.  In fact, he was so darn funny, he caused me to take a really bad photo (see below).  Obviously, we did not use a digital camera or I would have taken another.  I blame LaPorte for making me laugh so hard.

LaPorte is a comic lifer.  He has a long resume of standup, as well as movie and television roles.  You probably will recognize him, even if the name isn't familiar.  Either way, the guy is funny and I recommend anyone catching his act when possible.

You can get more info on him at RockyLaPorte.com.  Check out his appearance schedule and then check out an appearance.  You will love him!

Rocky LaPorte and me in Las Vegas, NV-March 2011.

Thank You and Good Luck Tammy Williams!

As the 2016 season opener for the Chicago Bandits draws closer, I am featuring some of the Bandits here.  This is just the beginning of my coverage of the 2016 Bandits.

After a stellar career at Northwestern, Tammy Williams was selected 10th overall in the 2nd round of the 2009 NPF Draft by the Bandits.  She has been a star at shortstop since then, except for her 2010 hiatus from the NPF.

Last season, she hit .258 with 1 home run and 16 rbi's.  For anyone else, that would be an excellent season.  For Tammy, it was a bit of an off year.  In her previous two seasons, she hit .362 and .344 respectively.

As much as she contributed offensively, Tammy's offense can be overshadowed by her great defense.  She gets everything hit near her.  She started all 48 games at shortstop last season and was a defensive machine.

It has been a real joy watching Tammy play.  There were rumors that she might retire after last season.  In my interview with her at On the Beat With Tammy Williams, she even hedged and stated that at most she had one more season.  Unfortunately for us fans, Tammy recently announced her retirement.

Tammy is a future Hall of Famer.  She is also as nice and personable as can be.  It was a pleasure covering her, watching her play and knowing her.  Tammy was an elite player and more importantly, she is an elite person.

Check out ChicagoBandits.com for more news and ticket info.  Also keep checking here for regular coverage of the Bandits!

Tammy Williams, Ozzie and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

Terence Muncy at Days of the Dead Chicago 2015

Terence Muncy is the creative genius behind Bikini Monsters.  The 2010 film focuses on a Florida man's attempt to create a mermaid, his ultimate expression of beauty.  Of course, there are several failed attempts (aka mutilated subjects).  A local female detective works feverishly to uncover the truth and puts herself in the hot seat to get the whole story.

This is the perfect horror movie.  It's a simple premise, delivered in a horrific way.  It is a great movie for a cold Saturday afternoon of horror movie-watching!

Muncy's talents go far beyond just that though.  He is a writer, director, producer and also an artist.  He has created Twiztid t-shirts that you can find at Twiztid-shop.com

He is a fixture at horror comic cons and one of the most popular guests there.  His most recent project is Belly Timber, a Horror Wasteland Pictures International film, which also involves Bobby Easley, another of our friends.

In short, Muncy has a lot going on.  Catch him at a comic con near you.  

Terence Muncy and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2015.

Sassy Stephie Loves Johngy's Beat

I first saw Sassy Stephie at Resistance Pro a few years back.  She wrestled on several shows and I interviewed her a few times.  She was always entertaining in the ring and during the interviews.  We even sparred a little bit with me poking at her love of the Cleveland Browns and her returning jabs about my Chicago Bears.  It was a lot of fun.

Stephie is still wrestling, along with doing other entertaining things, but she hasn;t been in the Chicago area in a long while.  I miss Stephie!

Recently, she was kind enough to send me a little video she made.  This is the first promo anyone has ever done while actually wearing a Johngy shirt.  That makes it doubly good.  It is triple good, because it features the Sassy One herself.

Thank you Stephie and I hope to see you in action again sometime.  Until then, I will enjoy your video!

Cards That Never Were: Dick Billings 1976 Topps

"Cards That Never Were" is a recurring series in which I create virtual sports trading cards for players who were not in the regular set for some reason.  I have borrowed this concept from too many others to list, but I thank them all.

There is no better way for me to celebrate the start of baseball season than by creating a missing card for a backup catcher of my youth.  I previously gave Dick Billings (along with fellow backup catcher Marc Hill) a 1975 Topps card in Cards That Never Were: 1975 St. Louis Cardinals Catchers.

Billings played most of 1975 with the Cardinals AAA team in Tulsa, but he did appear in three games for the Cardinals.  They released him in September and Topps did not give him a card in the 1976 set.  While I cannot argue that decision, I can still give Billings a 1976 card, which would be a career capper, as he retired at that point.

Friendly Encounters: CM Punk and Eugene Cresto

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

I have featured Eugene Cresto many times.  He meets more people than I do.  His main focus is wrestling and he has met some of the all time greats.
CM Punk had a short, but great wrestling career.  He is attempting to have a UFC career now, although some still predict a return to wrestling.  He is a bit controversial, but nobody can deny he was one of the best during his run in the WWE.
Speaking of greats, how great is the picture below.  Eugene and his crew got that pose thing down.  This is awesome (apologies for using the Miz's catchphrase).  Perhaps I should have written that this is the best in the world.  That might have been more fitting.
Either way, Eugene will continue to meet wrestlers and I will continue to be impressed by his ability to find them.  I will also continue to feature his best pictures right here.

Filip Trbovic, Steve Pustek, CM Punk, Eugene Cresto and Che Alfaro in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #272 Christopher Lloyd & Garry Marshall

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  We continue working our way alphabetically through Major League Baseball.

Despite Christopher Lloyd being born in Stamford, CT, he did not choose wrestling as his career.  Instead, Lloyd became an actor, winning three Primetime Emmy's and many other awards along the way.  I love the dugout shot for his Celebrity Jersey Card.  He even has a casual stance holding a bat.

Garry Marshall was born in the Bronx.  He went on to become an actor, director, writer and producer.  I'd say he went Hollywood for his Celebrity Jersey Card, but I bet Marshall's fandom started with the Brooklyn Dodgers.  The shorts on the smaller picture are reminiscent of the Bill Veeck White Sox of the mid-70's.

Good Bye and Good Luck Monica Abbott

It is a sad day in Chicago.  Ace pitcher Monica Abbott has signed a huge contract with the expansion ScrapYard Dawgs of the National Pro Fastpitch.  This ends her successful stay with the Chicago bandits, including last year's Cowles Cup championship.

I have previously written about her dominance in that series and overall.  She did stuff on the diamond that was unreal.  It was truly a pleasure and a privilege to watch her perform her craft.  When you see an athlete of that calibre, you just sit back and enjoy the show.  I enjoyed the show for the previous two seasons.

I looked forward to enjoying it again this summer.  Ironically, I just got approved for Press Credentials for the season.  Obviously, I will still enjoy going to the games, but I certainly will miss Monica.  Everyone will miss Monica.

I want to publicly thank Monica for her great effort and accomplishments during her time here.  I also want to thank her for her professionalism in talking to the media.  I will always think of the interview I did with her on her birthday.  She actually left her celebration a bit early, just to accommodate the interview request.

Monica was more than just a true professional.  She was (and is)_ a Hall of Famer in every sense of the phrase.  Good luck and good bye.  We'll see you at the ballpark, but you'll be wearing the wrong uniform.

Monica Abbott and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2015.

Barwick, Massey, Johngy & Price In the Ring and On the Field

A few years ago, I helped facilitate a few cross-promotional events involving the Chicago Bliss and Resistance Pro Wrestling.   I am very happy to have helped, but to be honest, it was a no-brainer.

Both sides took to it immediately, as have the fans of both.  Looking at their fan bases, you can see a lot of similarities, just like there are similarities between the organizations.  In short, it just made sense.

This produced some of the most fun I have had with either group.  It was so much fun for me, but I also saw both sides and both fan bases having a good time.  Seeing the ladies of the Bliss as Lumberjills in a match will always be one of my great memories.

I have written before that I think the Bliss women would like to actually get in on the action.  Why not?  They are athletic and tough.  Of course, they are not trained wrestlers and I know what goes into being a pro wrestler.  People don't just jump in and start wrestling matches.  Still, I think there could be a place for the Bliss to get involved.  Until then, they seem happy on the gridiron, where they have won two of the last three Legends Football League titles, while appearing in four straight championship games.

Jamie Barwick, Katy Massey, Jess Price and and me in Willowbrook, IL-April 2014.

Sort of Met Jenny McCarthy and Donnie Wahlberg

I don't usually feature celebrities here unless I have actually met them.  I will make a partial exception today with Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy, because I did meet them, although there is no photographic proof.  Also, because it is Jenny McCarthy, who is on my Top Ten To Meet list.

This all happened at the 2016 NFL Draft.  I was meandering around, trying to snag pictures at Draft Town and I saw the Sirius Satellite Radio booth.  I figured some sports personality would be at the booth, but I did not expect Jenny (and Donnie).

First I must say, I am not a fan of Jenny's views on certain things, but she is a local girl who I have followed from her days at Mother McAuley High School.  I must also say, she was stunning.  She was dressed fairly casually in a Bear sweater, but she looked fantastic.

Donnie and Jenny were being interviewed by a few others and then they settled in to their own talk segment.  They were good, too.  They knew their football, too.

Coming from the Boston area, Donnie is a big New England Patriots fan, but fortunately, Jenny remains true to the Bears.  I wouldn't call either a football expert, but Donnie knew plenty and Jenny held her own.

The pair signed a few autographs and chatted with the fans, but there really wasn't any way to take a picture with them.  Maybe a quick awkward selfie attempt would have worked, but I am not coordinated enough to have pulled off that trick given the situation.

In the end, it was just part of the fun of covering the NFL Draft.  I have not taken Jenny off of my Top Ten list and I will not until I get that elusive picture.  Maybe at some future comic con, I can accomplish that.  Until then, i'll always have the draft!

Donnie Wahlberg and Jenny McCarthy in Chicago, IL-April 2016.

Cards That Never Were: Bill Fahey 1979 Topps

This is a recurring series in which I create virtual sports trading cards for players who were somehow missed in the regular Topps sets of yesteryear.  It is a concept I borrowed from too many others to credit, but I thank them all.

With the Chicago White Sox facing off against the Texas Rangers, today is a great day to present my 1979 Topps card creation for former catcher Bill Fahey.  Fahey played for the Washington Senators, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers from 1971-1983.  He played parts of every season in the majors, with the exception of 1973 and 1978.  Despite not appearing in the majors in 1973, Topps deemed him worthy of a 1974 card, even though they had cards for Dick Billings and Ken Suarez, the two catchers who played the most for them in 1973.  Including Fahey was an odd choice.

After spending 1978 in the minors, Fahey did not receive a card in the 1979 set.  This decision made sense, although as a Fahey fan, I did not like it.  Further cementing the decision was his trade to the Padres in October.  The Padres ended up having three catchers (Rick Sweet, Gene Tenace and Dave Roberts) receive Topps cards in 1979.

Despite all of that, I wanted Fahey to have a card in the 1979 set and I have made one.  If this had been an actual card, it would be a capper for his tenure with the Rangers.

On a side not, Cuzz Gekas and I inducted Fahey into our Backup Catcher Hall of Fame.  You can read the latest on the BCHOF at Backup Catcher Hall of Fame: Class of 2015 at Tru School Sports.

In the Booth With Mike Knezevich

I'm a little upset with Chicago Bandits broadcaster Mike Knezevich.  He lists his favorite broadcasters as Bob Costas, Wayne Larrivee, Tony Roberts, Ray Scott, Lloyd Pettit, Lindsey Nelson and Paul R. Condry.  I don't see my name on that list.  I did join the Bandits broadcast for half an inning last season.

Actually, without Mike's professional guidance, I probably would have stumbled aimlessly through the half inning.  Thanks to Mike, I sounded okay and had a great time and a wonderful experience.

Mike is an award-winning broadcaster and was inducted into the Indiana Sportswriters & Sportscasters Association (ISSA) Hall of Fame.  He has a lengthy broadcasting resume and is well-respected and liked.

He does a fantastic job on the Bandits broadcasts.  I have admitted to being surprised by how much I enjoy watching the Bandits in person and on broadcasts.  A big part of the broadcast is Mike, of course.

Opening Day is a month away and I cannot wait.  I am itching to get back to the ballpark and to follow the team.  I am also looking forward to catching them on tv when I can't make it in person.  I am hoping for a little more action in the booth next season, if Mike will allow me the pleasure.

Mike is just another of the great people in the Bandits organization.  Jump on the Bandits bandwagon now.  It's never too early!

Mike Knezevich and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2015.

Friendly Encounters: Ric Flair and Serenity

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

One of the first wrestlers I interviewed at Resistance Pro was Serenity.  Despite her serene ring name, this young talent was a bundle of energy as you can see in On the Beat With Serenity, one of our first interviews with her.
Serenity wrestled for several months at RPro and continued to hone her craft in downstate Illinois.  She was young and eager to learn and she was great with the young fans.  Who wouldn't like this bouncy, charismatic young lady?
I am willing to bet wrestling legend Ric Flair enjoyed meeting Serenity as much as she enjoyed meeting him.  I just love this picture.  Flair's career started about twenty years before Serenity was even born.  I love the juxtaposition of a wrestling Hall of Famer like Flair with the young, wrestling hopeful Serenity.  They are opposite ends of the spectrum, but both wrestling professionals.
Even for non-wrestlers, meeting Flair is like meeting wrestling royalty.  I am happy to say I have met Flair a few times.  I am also happy to say I have met Serenity a few times.

Ric Flair and Serenity in LaSalle, IL-January 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #271 Joe Garagiola & Bobby Hurley

This is a regular series which attempts to combine my lifelong passion for trading cards with my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  We continue working our way alphabetically through Major League Baseball.

Joe Garagiola often jokes that he was not even the best major league catcher on his block, because he grew up with Yogi Berra.  While Berra developed into a Hall of Fame catcher with the New York Yankees, Garagiola had a solid nine year MLB career.  Garagiola later found more fame on the talk show circuit.  iIn 2013, he retired from broadcasting with the Arizona Diamondbacks, but not before earning one of our oldest Celebrity Jersey Cards!

 Bobby Hurley was a star point guard at Duke, before being the seventh pick in the NBA draft in 1993.  A car accident derailed his career, but he recovered enough to play ix seasons, mostly with the Sacramento Kings.  He transitioned into coaching and is currently the head coach at Arizona State, which explains his Diamondbacks jersey on his Celebrity Jersey Card.