Monique Dupree at Comic Cons, Wrestling Shows and More

I first met Monique Dupree at The Motor City Comic Con years ago.  Dupree earned her place at such cons be appearing in horror movies, but she has also done singing, modeling and more in the world of entertainment.

I actually recognized Dupree at a wrestling booth at a comi con years later.  (This is odd, because I never recognize anyone, even when I know they are scheduled to be there.)  Dupree was helping work the booth with thee wrestling talent.  She fit in well there, too, because she has appeared on some wrestling shows,

I bypassed the wrestlers, because I had previously met them and I talked to Dupree.  She was a bit surprised, but she was as pleasant as can be.  I have since met Dupree several times, including the last Blizzard Brawl in December of 2015 and i am sure I will see her again.  Between her movies, wrestling and all else, she will pop up somewhere.

Monique Dupree and me in December 2015.

The Godfather at C2E2 2016

Charles Wright is possibly best known for his stint in the WWE as the Godfather.  This was during the Attitude Era, when limits were pushed and ratings soared.  Wright became a solid midcard talent.

Previous to becoming the Godfather, Wright went through a few other gimmicks, none nearly as successful.  It really wa a combination of timing and talent.  Wright played his role well.  Even today, some twenty years later, he can still rev up a crowd with one of his Godfather taglines.

Such was the case when Wright appeared at C2E2 last March.  Wright arrived at his booth and saw a nice line waiting for him.  He immediately encouraged everyone to step aboard the "hooooooooooo train."  The crowd went wild, acknowledging the boisterous Wright and paying homage to his Godfather persona.

I got to talk a bit to Wright about appearing at comic cons.  He fits right in and he gets it.  After taking our regular picture, Wright told me to choke him, which I gladly did.  He sold it like the true pro that he is.  I love these pictures.

Wright is a winner in and out of the ring.  He's not one of the greatest ever, but he will always have a place in the hearts, minds and memories of wrestling fans.  Plus, if he continues to do comic cons like this, he will be picking up new fans.  You never know where things might lead, especially in the world of pro wrestling.

The Godfather and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Revisiting "Pieces of Talent"

I just watched Pieces of Talent again and I loved it again.  I think it is destined to be a cult classic.

I first encountered Kristi Ray (the female lead) at Days of the Dead.  The trailer caught my attention and Kristi's enthusiasm also helped.

Pieces of Talent is the story of Charlotte, an aspiring actress stuck in a job she hates, while she cares for her mother and hopes for her break.  She meets David, who happens to be a film maker.  None of that sounds extraordinary, but it is filmed well and it slowly draws in the viewer.

Once Charlotte and David meet, the real story starts to be told and it is quite a story.  Charlotte agrees to be in his film project and the story takes some interesting and frightening turns.  None of the twists seem forced or unnecessary.

I don't want to give away too much of the story.  Actually, you can hear Kristi talk about everything at On the Beat with Kristi Ray.  She is totally correct when she describes Pieces of Talent as a character-driven, psychological thriller.  That's exactly why I love this movie.

There is also a sequel in the works, although it will not be done for a few years.  Until then, you can keep up with all of the info at the Pieces of Talent Facebook page.

Kristi Ray, Joe Stauffer and me in Indianapolis, IN-June 2015.

Cards That Never Were: 1970 Topps Tony Muser

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual cards for players who were skipped in a regular set.  It is a concept I have borrowed from too many to list, but I appreciate them all.

Former first baseman Tony Muser played parts of nine seasons in the majors.  He debuted in 1969 with the Boston Red Sox.  He spent 1970 in the minors, before being traded to the Chicago White Sox.  He played parts of 1971-75 with the White Sox, before being traded to the Baltimore Orioles during the 1975 season.  He played in Baltimore through 1977.  He spent one season with the Milwaukee Brewers before retiring.

Muser had Topps baseball cards from 1973-1978.  Therefore, he is missing in the 1970, 1972 and 1979 sets.

I found no pictures of Muser from 1971, nor any of him as a player for the Brewers, but I did find a usable shot of him with the Red Sox.  Therefore, I created the 1970 Topps card that never was, but should have been (at least in my eyes).

As always, if the other two pictures show up somewhere, I will be certain to create the 1972 and 1979 versions.  Until then, I am happy with this Card That Never Was.

Friendly Encounters: Nathalia Melo and Justin Legg

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

I haven't actually met Justin Legg, but I know him through the Chicago Bandits.  Justin and his family are fans of the Bandits and National Pro Fastpitch.

Justin met Nathalia Melo at the Arnold Classic in 2012.  An IFBB Pro fitness and figure competitor, Nathalia is the winner of 2012 Bikini Olympia.  Clearly Justin knows a bit about body building.

Justin knows a lot about softball, too.  He also knows about fund-raising.  His girls' softball team is attempting to raise awareness and money for breast cancer.  Their goal is to start a fund toward women getting the new 3D less invasive exams.

They have gotten lots of cool stuff (like autographed shirts etc.) from the NPF teams, which will be raffled.  If you would like raffle tickets toward specific teams or each team or have any interest in helping via donation, let me know and I will get the message to Justin.  You can also look for him on Facebook.

More exciting news is that Good Samaritan Hospital in their community has agreed to offer the exams at their cost.  How wonderful!

These young girls are working hard to raise awareness and money for breast cancer.  They are great examples and role models already.  Congrats to these young athletes (future NPF players?), Justin, the NPF and all else involved.

If you can help, please do so.

Nathalia Melo and Justin Legg in Columbus, OH-March 2012.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #292 John Goodman & Abe Vigoda

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.

Born in Missouri, actor John Goodman will always be remembered his role on Roseanne.  He also starred as Babe Ruth in The Babe.  This explains the cool photo on his Celebrity Jersey Card.  I love the old school Yankees uniform.

Abe Vigoda was born in New York and died earlier this year (despite long-standing rumors of his death).  Vigoda appeared as a Yankees batboy in an ad and actually signed a one day contract with the team.  All of this landed him on a Celebrity Jersey Card using the 1950 Bowman set design.

Booker T at Blizzard Brawl 2015

Booker T had a great career as a professional wrestler.  He is a multi-time World Heavyweight champ, multi-time tag team champ and a WWE Hall of Famer.  In recent years, he has done commentary work for the WWE.

Booker is another great guest at celebrity conventions.  I met Booker T at David Herro's Blizzard Brawl last year.  Herro's events are always a great place to get closer and spend a little extra time with wrestlers.

Booker Huffman has lead quite a life.  He rose from a troubled youth, including a stint in jail, to become a successful and popular wrestler.  Booker went from being part of a great tag team (Harlem Heat with his brother Stevie Ray) to being a multi-time Heavyweight champ.  That's not an easy trasition.  You can read all about him in Booker T: My Rise To Wrestling Royalty, which details his life and career.  It is one of the better wrestling autobiographies I have read.

You can follow Booker T on twitter for updates, thoughts, appearances and more.  Read his book though.  It really is good.

Booker T and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2015.

Amanda Kamekona and the 2016 Chicago Bandits

Amanda Kamekona was a star softball player at UCLA.  She joined the NPF as an undrafted free agent signing with the Carolina Diamonds in 2012.  She played with the New York/New Jersey Comets in 2013.  In 2014, she joined the USSSA Pride, where she remained until July 20, 2016, when they released her.

On July 23, the defending NPF champion Chicago bandits signed her.  AK 47 had 11 hits in 37 at bats for the Bandits.  She had 5 rbi's, scored 7 runs and one home run.  She played multiple positions, as well.

The Pride were riding high in first place when they released Amanda.  The Bandits were scuffling a bit in 4th.  The Bandits ended up in 3rd and eventually beat the Pride to capture their second straight Cowles Cup (NPF championship).

Amanda was not the MVP of the Bandits, but she provided a spark.  She brought experience and a tremendous amount of energy.  We will never know if the Bandits would have won it all without her, but we know she contributed a lot during her short time here.

It's moves like this and players like Amanda, that show the front office of the Bandits is top notch.  Owner Bill Sokolis, GM Aaron Moore, Manager Mike Steuerwald, Coach Roman Foore and the few staffers they have, work tirelessly to find gems like Amanda.  The Bandits continue to bring in and develop players who are quality people and excellent softball players.

One of the highlights for me was being in Akron when AK hit her first home run with the Bandits.  I got to interview her after the game.  Of course, I had to ask how it felt, full well knowing her answer would be that it felt great, but it was her enthusiasm which really captured me.

People always ask me who my favorite Chicago Bandit is.  I say it changes continually, because I cannot pick one (or exclude one) player from the conversation.  I love the Bandits and AK is just th latest, greatest addition to this fine organization!

Amanda Kamekona and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Joel Adams at C2E2 2016

Joel Adams is the son of the legendary comic book artist Neal Adams.  Joel has created his own legacy over the years though, including being the character designer for King of the Hill.  A few years ago, I met Neal and Joel at Wizard World.  That's like comic book royalty.

In addition to King of the Hill, Joel's work has appeared on products for many iconic franchises, like The Mighty Morphing Power Rangers, The Incredible Hulk, Power Rangers and more.  In recent years, he has spent time creating and developing LILZ, a series of big head big eyed characters.

You can see some of his Lilz creations and his other artworks at JoelAdamsArt.com.  Of course, you can also find his convention schedule and other updates there.  Check out his work there or at a comic con near you.

Joel Adams and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Guy Gilchrist at Wizard World Columbus 2016

When I checked the Artist Alley list for Wizard World Columbus 2016, one of the first names that stood out was Guy Gilchrist.  I had to meet the man behind Nancy.

Larry Whittington began the Fritzi Ritz comic strip in 1922 and Ernie Bushmiller took over the strip three years later.  In 1933, the character of Nancy was introduced.  Since then, Nancy has taken the spotlight and the title of the comic.

In 1995, Guy and Brad Gilchrist took control of Nancy.  One of the changes they made was to return Nancy back to the more traditional style.  Guy now has sole control.

I have always been fascinated by comic strips.  They are so simple, yet so much work goes into each panel.  I have talked to many comic creators and I know the effort involved, although I also see the passion.  It sounds cliche, but these people have such passion for their characters.  They actually have to look at them almost like real people, like family members.

Gilchrist fits that mold.  His passion for "Nancy" is evident as he talks about his work.  While he did not create Nancy, he keeps her alive today.

Aside from Nancy and other comic work, I learned that Gilchrist designed a few logos for minor league baseball teams.  That is almost as cool as working on one of the most iconic comic characters ever!

You can learn more about Gilchrist and "Nancy" by following Guy Gilchrist on twitter.

Guy Gilchrist and me in Columbus, OH-August 2016.

Johngy Is In Commercials?

Jacques Baron of Resistance Pro Wrestling called me and asked if I would be interested in appearing in a commercial.  He went into more details, but I didn;t need to hear anything more.  Of course, I would be interested!

Over the next few days, I received several texts asking for my measurements for clothes and other assorted info.  On a Thursday morning, I drove to the Spark Recreation Center in Summit, IL.  There I saw Jacques and Haley, along with Paloma Starr (the Chica on the Beat) and Matt Winchester (also known as the Beer City Bruiser).

I quickly donned my khakis, shirt, tie and lab coat.  Paloma and I filmed a few scenes with each other and then a few more with Matt and another actor (who was wearing Sears work clothes).  It took about 7 hours total (of intermittent action) to film what would be a 30 second commercial.

The backstory I learned was that the Producer picked Paloma and me from the Resistance website.  I guess I had the mad scientist look.

A few weeks later, I saw the finished product and I thought it looked pretty good.  I'm certainly no DeNiro, Pacino or Hanks (heck, I'm not even Scolari), but I am happy with what it was.

Last week, the video went live on YouTube.  At last check (no, I do not check it daily), it had about 2,000 views (no, 1999 of those were not mine).

The producer liked my look (why?) and I will be filming another commercial this Thursday.  I actually have speaking parts in this one.  While I don't see myself as the next Clara Peller (old reference) or Flo (newer reference), I am having fun with it.

Friendly Encounters: Adam West, Burt Ward, Julie Newmar and Josh Watko

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

Joshie Watko is the genius behond JW's Wrestling Memorabilia, a fantastic site featuring a ton of awesome wrestling stuff, including many in=person encounters.  The site is a showcase of Josh's knowledge and respect for wrestling and its' history.
Josh also has met many celebrities outside of the worl d of wrestling.  At a Wizard World earlier this year, he met a legendary Batman trio consisting of Adam West, Burt Ward and Julie Newmar.
I'm not a curmudgeonly old man.  I like the new Batman movies, but I will always have a special place for the coolness of the old Batman television series.  Maybe it recalls my childhood.  Maybe it is romanticized over time.  Maybe it is just the simplicity of the series.  Whatever the case, that Batman will always be my favorite.
I have met Newmar and West, but not yet Ward.  A picture with all three is so cool.  While I have had a couple encounters with West which left me disappointed, I'd still love to be involved in such a group photo.
Josh is a great guy and I hope to meet him one day.  If this happens, I am sure it will be at a wrestling show or comic con.  Maybe it will happen in 2017.
In the meantime, I encourage everyone to check out JW's Wrestling Memorabilia.  There is just so much great stuff on his site.  He has new and old merchandise info, reviews, pictures, stories and more.  He even has his own awards, The Joshies.  I'm not going to lie.  I am dying to win a Joshie.  Dare I dream?

Burt Ward, Adam West, Josh Watko and Julie Newmar in Pittsburgh, PA-August 2015.

Aquaman at Motor City Comic Con 2015

As I have well documented here, I am a huge fan of Aquaman.  I know that Aquaman is usually considered low in the Superhero rankings, but he is my guy.  Maybe that lack of appreciation makes me like him more.

At every comic con, my friends and I are always on the alert for any Aquaman sightings.  Believe me, they are rare.  Joker is hot right now.  For Superheroes, Superman is always popular, as is Batman and Spiderman.  Aquaman isn't even an afterthought.

Usually at every convention, there is that one guy who comes as Aquaman.  I have high praise for that guy.  He doesn't go with the current trends.  I have even more respect if he goes old school Aquaman.

At last year's Motor City Comic Con, we saw an Aquaman across the convention center.  It took some maneuvering, but we caught up to him and I scored the picture.

Making this one ever more rare was that this Aquaman was the first African-American Aquaman I have ever seen.  Major kudos to you, sir!

Aquaman and me in Novi, MI-May 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #291 Tammy Williams & Amber Patton

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I attempt to combine my lifelong obsession with trading cards and my semi-professional interest in celebrities.  Today, we continue to work alphabetically through all of the MLB teams.

Retired Chicago Bandits Legend Tammy Williams gets two Celebrity Jersey Cards.  This is one of the rare times I could not decide which picture I liked better.  On one hand, the top one features the 2015 Cowles Cup (The NPF Championship trophy), while the bottom one is just a cool almost artistic shot.  Tammy followed her great Northwestern years with a Hall of Fame career with the Bandits.  She is much beloved and much missed, but we appreciate all of her contributions on and off the field.

Tammy's Northwestern and Bandits teammate Amber Patton also had a great collegiate career followed by an equally great pro career with the Bandits.  Like Tammy, Amber retired after last season.  It was fitting that Amber went out on top, although we all miss her on the field.  Amber's Celebrity Jersey Card comes from a screen cap of her ceremonial pitch.  I woulld have liked a better (clearer) picture, but I really wanted to get this one done to run with Tammy's cards.  It just seemed natural.

AJ Andrews Wins the Gold Glove

Akron Racers outfielder AJ Andrews made history recently when she became the first woman to ever receive the Rawlings Gold Glove.  Not only is this an honor, it is a huge step for women athletics.

After a stellar career at LSU, AJ was drafted by the Chicago Bandits.  AJ struggled to find playing time on the talented Bandits of 2015, but she made the most of her playing time.  In addition to four stolen bases and eight runs scored, she made some outstanding plays in the outfield.

In the offseason, she was traded to the Racers for veteran shortstop Jill Barrett.  The trade seems to have worked out well for all involved.  AJ had 15 stolen bases, 30 hits, 24 runs scored, 7 doubles and 10 RBI.  She also played some decent defense.

That last part was sarcasm.  AJ played awesome defense.  She played so good that she was awarded the first ever Rawlings Gold Glove given to an NPF player.

Rawlings instituted the award fror the 2016 season.  Only one Gold Glove was awarded for the entire NPF.  AJ should be proud.

Hopefully, down the line, Rawlings will expand the Gold Gloves to every position in the NPF.  These ladies are talented and deserve every bit of recognition they get.  As cool as it is for AJ to have the Gold Glove award, how wonderful would it be to see a Gold Glove team of NPF layers?

AJ will always be remembered as the first (and she very well could win more).  It is a big step for women softball players and women athletes in general.  Earlier this year, Monica Abbott made history with a big contract.  Now AJ carved her name in the record books.  The NPF is getting more recognition and that is a great thing.

Congratulations to AJ.  It is an award well-deserved.  It has been a pleasure watching her play.

A.J. Andrews and me in Rosemont, IL-Summer 2015.

John Cena at Wizard World Chicago 2016

John Cena has had an interesting WWE career.  For the better part of the last 15 years, he has been the good guy face of the WWE.  He's a multi-time champ who usually floats around the main event scene.  Because of this, he is both cheered and booed.

I am in the pro-Cena camp.  I don't screech like a kid for him, but I appreciate all he has done in and out of the ring.  He is tireless.  He has done hundreds of charity events, such as "Make a Wish" appearances.  That type of dedication must be applauded.

His detractors will say he is stale or he hold down other talent.  I don't claim to know what happens backstage and I don't really care.  He is the ultimate performer.

I did not pass the chance to meet Cena at Wizard World.  Like him or not, you must respect his accomplishments and meeting such a legend is always cool.  For his part, Cena was gracious in the limited time given.  He greeted and thanked us individually.  That might sound simple enough, but it isn't a given in these circumstances.

Years from now, Cena will have to be included in the greatest conversation.  The significance of this meeting wasn't lost on me and actually even Jason enjoyed the chance, despite him being more on the fence than I am.

Jason Fleigel, John Cena and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Wanted: Mercury Morris Chargers Card

Eugene "Mercury" Morris was one of the first football names I knew.  He was a star running back on the great Miami Dolphins of the early 1970's.  I loved his 1973 Topps card showing him wearing a headband and blowing a bubblegum bubble while sitting on the sidelines.

After retiring, he spent some time in jail on drug charges.  I sent him an autograph request in jail and he responded positively with the signed cards and a long hand-written letter thanking me and proclaiming his innocence.  This was one of the coolest responses I ever got.

I had the chance to meet him and thank him years later at a show in Oaks, PA.  He was soft-spoken, but very nice.  He seemed genuinely happy to be there meeting fans.  It was great to see.

Lately, he has been following the Washington Redskins, because his nephew Alfred Morris plays for them.  I always love it when multiple family members play pro sports.  How col is that?

While putting this post together, I wanted to create a "Card That Never Was" for Morris, who finished his career in 1976 with the San Diego Chargers.  Knowing he was a big star with the Dolphins, I figured there would be a ton of available pictures of him with them, but I thought there would be some shots of him with the Chargers.  It appears I was wrong.  I could not find any of him with SD.  I will put out the challenge to fellow virtual card creators to make a 1977 Morris Chargers card.

Mercury Morris and me in Oaks, PA-October 2010.

Arena Football With Mike Hohensee

Mike Hohensee played quarterback at the University of Minnesota, before a pro career whch saw him play in several leagues.  He even had a short stint with the Chicago Bears during the 1987 NFL strike.

Hohensee threw the first touchdown pass in the Arena Football League.  He also was the first coach of the Chicago Rush, guiding the team to the Arena Bowl title in 2006.  In all, he has coached eight AFL teams, the last being the Portland Thunder in 2015.

I had the pleasure of meeting Hohensee when he was coaching the Iowa Barnstormers.  The Chicago Rush was no longer around and Iowa had a big tryout day in Chicago.  My interview is at On the Beat with Coach Mike Hohensee.  

It was a bittersweet day though.  While I enjoyed meeting and talking to Coach Ho, I was sad that the Rush were no longer playing.  I really enjoyed covering the Rush and watching the AFL games.

The Rush demise was well-documented.  Three owners and lawsuits in a short span brought the end of the franchise.  Chicago had to reapply for a team, but missed the deadline and then had to wait two seasons.  I believe that period has elapsed though and I am hoping for a new Chicago AFL team.  If I am dreaming really big, they could bring back Coach Ho, too!

Mike Hohensee and me in Arlington Heights, IL-October 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Deena Fagiano, Shari Onley and Jim Strong

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

This picture is bittersweet for me.  It features three great people during fun times.

Jim Strong and I crossed paths at many celebrity and wrestling events, before we became friends a few years ago mainly through Resistance Pro.  He's a great photographer, as well as a good dude.

Shari Onley is the Aussie brought in to bolster the Bliss.  Deena Fagiano was the under-the-radar player on the Bliss.  I really like both of these ladies.

I am glad to have a hand in bringing Jim and many others to the Bliss.  I did my job in exposing the team to some new fans through their appearance at RPro and through my coverage of the team.  I think I did a lot of good for the team.

I also had a ton of fun with the Bliss.  I got a trip to Los Angeles, where Jack Keenan and I saw them win their second straight LFL championship.  I met a lot of great people (including some beautiful women).  I had a real appreciation for how athletic these women are and how hard they work.

I am no longer regularly covering the team.  The LFL owner eliminated all of the press, not just me.  I don't know what the deal is with him.  I don't know what his goal is.  I saw nothing but positive for what I brought to the table.

I miss the Bliss.  I miss the ladies, the coaches, the practices and all else.  I take with me the great memories and the lasting friendships though.  I would do it all agin, even if I knew the outcome ahead of time.  How else would I have met a wonderful woman from down under like Shari?  How else would I consider a young "Italian Stallion" like Deena a friend?

This is the reason Jim's picture is bittersweet for me.  I'd love to still be doing this stuff, but that's the way things go sometimes.  At least Jim is still going strong (no pun intended) with his Bliss fandom.

Shari Onley, Jim Strong and Deena Fagiano in Chicago, IL-June 2014.

Cards That Never Were: Paul Popovich Topps 1976

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual cards for players who were missed in the original Topps card sets.  It is a concept I have borrowed from too many others to list, but I thank and appreciate them all.
Paul Popovich was a middle infielder for 11 seasons.  He debuted with the Chicago Cubs in 1964 with one game and reappeared for 2 games in 1966.  He stayed with the Cubs through 1967, before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where he played a season and half.  In mid-1969, he was traded back to the Cubs, where he stayed until being traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates after the 1973 season.  He was released by the Pirates in July of 1975.
Popovich had Topps cards from 1967 through 1975.  His one game in 1964 did not merit a card in 1965 and I will actually let that go (because I could not find that old of a picture of Pop).  Even though his 1975 season (and career) ended in July, I felt compelled to give him a 1976 card, which would be a career capper.  I think the picture works well with the feel of that set.
As I always mention, the 1976 set has a special place in my heart.  It was the first set I ever bought complete.  I actually completed the 1975 set, but that took many pack purchases to get the final cards (Mario Mendoza and Danny Cater were two of the final cards needed, I recall).  In the event of questionable card offerings, I will always lean towards doing one if it is a 1976 card

Celebrity Jersey Cards #290 Mary Tyler Moore & John Ashton

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.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Mary Tyler Moore became connected to Minneapolis from "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," which was set there.  There is even a statue of her in her iconic hat-tossing pose in downtown Minneapolis.  I love that her pose is also captured on her Celebrity Jersey Card!  I am assuming her #1 jersey is just respect for her and not for any Twins player.

In Little Big League, John Ashton plays the manager of the Twins.  A lot of managers have catching backgrounds and that is where I listed him on his Celebrity Jersey Card.  I could have given him a Manager card, since Topps had them in 1974, but then I would have fretted over the floating coaches heads.  Luke Edwards also appears on his card.

I Still Miss Kirsten Verdun

Kirsten Verdun was the 2010 Chicago Tribune Softball Player of the Year.  She was a star pitcher for DePaul and then went on to pitch for the Chicago Bandits.  Currently, she is an assistant coach for the University of Wisconsin Badgers.

I like allof the Bandits.  They are simply a class organization.  Kirsten will always hold a special place in my memeories, though.

It was a warm summer night last season, when Kirsten struck me out in a legitimate exhibition game.  That was truly one of the coolest experiencews I have had, even though I never had a chance to even touch one of her pitches.  In an interview a few days later, Kirsten estimated that pitch at about 65 miles per hour, which translates to about 95 in reality.  Like I admitted, I had no chance.

Still, Kisten was great.  We joked about it later and all season actually.  For her, I was just one more strikeout.  For me, it was a once-in-a-liefetime chance.  I am glad she didn't take it easy on me.  I am even happier she didn't mock me, but of course, she wouldn't.  Like her teammates, Kirsten is all class.

I wish her a lot of luck at Wisconsin.  She's a sweet, talented young lady and I'll be watching her coaching career!

Kirsten Verdunand me in Rosemont, IL-July 2014.

Bob Jay (and Ozzy, The Joker, Jack Nicholson, Homer Simpson...)

I met comedian-impressionist Bob Jay through PsychoBabbleTV.com.  Bob (as Ozzy) was with the PsychoBabble crew at a celebrity con.  Watching him perform his craft was hilarious.

The key to a great impressionist is the content to accompany the impression.  You have to be able to be funny, while still maintaining the intended persona.  Bob as Ozzy killed.

I have seen Bob do other impressions, as well as perform comedy on his own.  The guy is pure gold.  He also happens to be a really nice guy.

I highly encourage everyone to check out Bob at a comedy club.  You can also seehim on PsychoBabbleTV.com and a bunch of his videos on YouTube.  If you're lucky, you might be able to see him in action at a comic con at some point.  If you see Ozzy (or the Joker, Jack Nicholson or other out of place celeb) doing an interview, chances are it is Bob!

"Ozzy" and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2015.

Driving the Batmobile to the Motor City Comic Con 2016

No, it is not the real Batmobile.  Yes, the picture is a bit cheesy.  No, you can't actually drive the Batmobile.  Still, the Batmobile is such an iconic vehicle, you cannot pass the chance to get a picture in it.

Aside from all of the celebrities, vendors and other fun, the Motor City Comic Con usually has some famous vehicles.  The Batmobile has to be one of the top ten most recognizable television vehicles.  Also in that group would be the General Lee, the Beverly Hillbillies truck, Baretta's corvette, Starsky and Hutch's Gran Torino, KITT, the Monkees Mobile and a few others.  Everyone knows the Batmobile.

Cuzz Gekas and I were covering the MCCC 2016, when we came up the legendary 1955 Lincoln Futura Batmobile.  We had to take the picture.  It's like the typical tourist picture.  Everyone does it.

I did not get to drive the Batmobile (and Cuzz is probably thankful for that), but I did enjoy the brief fantasy of it.  I also enjoyed the rest of the convention and I look forward to the MCCC 2017.

Cuzz and me in the Batmobile in Novi, MI-May 2016.

Big Poppa Pump Scott Steiner

Scott Steiner followed his older brother Rick to the University of Michigan and then into pro wrestling.  They had a successful run as a tag team, but Scott went on to his greatest fame when he turned bad guy and went solo.

Scotty's appearance changed dramatically during his career.  He started as a muscular big guy with a bit of a mullet.  He ended as a hugely muscular guy with very short blond hair, usually covered by a chain headdress of sorts.

Scotty (with Rick) had a stint in the WWE early in his career, but he did not rejoin the WWE after the WCW purchase and takeover.  Scotty went to TNA, but by then he was past his prime.

Matt Parker and I had the pleasure of meeting "The Genetic Freak" at PCW.  I kissed up a bit by wearing a Michigan hat, which Scott appreciated.

Scott was very personable and still very big.  We talked a bit about his alma mater and other things.

Scott (or the Steiner Brothers) should be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.  Right now,. it appears Scott is not on great terms with the WWE, but time (and money) heals wounds.  I am sure it will just be a matter of time before they iron out their differences.

Matt Parker, Scott Steiner and me in Midlothian, IL-November 2011.

Friendly Encounters: Ice Cube and Dodger Bobble

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

Dodger Bobble is actually Joshua Kohl, the man behind Dthe DodgerBobble site, which is dedicated to the Dodgers, bobbleheads and baseball.  While it hasn't been updated in a few years, there are still tons of great pictures and stories available to peruse.

For this Friendly Encounter, I am throwing a curveball and not featuring Josh with a baseball player.  This time I am featuring his picture with Ice Cube.

Josh refers to himself as "dorky" in the captian.  Hey, next to the ultra-cool Cube (no pun intended), we all look dorky.  I just want to know why Cube has more Dodgers clothing than Josh.

Joshua Kohl and Ice Cube in Los Angeles, CA-October 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #289 Jose Feliciano & Jim Harbaugh

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.

Born blind in Puerto Rico, Jose Feliciano mostly grew up in New York.  He has an impressive resume, but my favorite will always be the "Chico and the Man" theme.  Feliciano has performed the National Anthem many times and probably has worn several jerseys doing so, but for this Celebrity Jersey card, he is with the Detroit Tigers.

Jim Harbaugh was born in Toledo, Ohio, but his heart seems to be in Michigan.  He starred at the University of Michigan and has since returned as the Head Coach of the Wolverines.  I think he was vastly underrated during his NFL career, but he seems to be getting his props as a coach.  I also think he could have been a pitcher, as his Celebrity Jersey Card suggests.

Happy Birthday Matt

Today I raise my Coke to Matt Parker.  My awesome nephew is celebrating his birthday.  It is his first birthday as a married man.

Last October, I had the pleasure and honor of being his best man at his wedding to Erin.  It was one of the proudest moments of my life.  As expected, I did toast the newlyweds with a real can of Coke (thank you Nancy and Laura for sneaking it in).

Matt and I have had many fun adventures (with many more to come), but that was his time to officially start his adventure with Erin.  It was a day filled with laughs and tears (okay, I did cry a bit).

I know Erin will make this day special for Matt.  I will not be with Matt today, but I am sending my greetings and love from here.

Happy birthday Matt.  I love you and this Coke is for you.

Erin and Matt Parker and me in Lemont, IL-October 2016.

Dominique Collins and the LFL Champion Chicago Bliss

For the third time in four years, the Chicago Bliss are the Legends Football League champions.  While I no longer regularly cover the team for the LFL site, I do still cheer for them.

Nobody works harder than Dominique Collins.  She has worked her butt off to improve her game in every way.  I have seen the effort and I have seen the result.  DC is a champ with or without a championship ring, but she happens to have three of them.

I wish I was still more involved with he team, but the LFL runs things differently than most leagues and that's just how it is.  I have the utmost respect for the ladies and the coaches.  They all work hard and deserve all they get.  Knowing them, they probably are already gearing up for next season.

To DC and the rest of the Bliss I give a heart congratulations!  I'm sure I'll see you all again in 2017!

Dominique Collins and me in Chicago, IL-May 2016.

I'm Saving the Date For a SuperFriend

We are three months away from another big event in the land of SuperFriends.  Something big is happening on December 3, in Wisconsin.  Expect to see my SuperFriend Dave Herro in a blurry form, as he is one busy person on event night.  No matter how busy though, Herro still takes time to greet friends and fans.  That's just how he is.

For those out there who think I have done a good job with the marketing of the Johngy shirts, Herro has done much better with his #SuperFriend shirts.  Hundreds of wrestling stars have donned the shirt over the years.  Herro was kind enough to allow me to make a special Johngy #SuperFriend shirt and I will be wearing it as I enjoy another evening of wrestling surrounded by SuperFriends..  I hope to see you there.

Go to the Save the Date for all of the info and updates.  I will also be providing pre- and post-event coverage.

David Herro and me in Chicago, IL-April 2015.