Bambi Bloodlust at the Windy City Rollers 2017 Juanna Rumbel Cup

Friday night, I was back on the Beat with the Windy City Rollers.  All four teams of the WCR were competing for the JRC championship.  My full recap can be found on the Patch at On the Beat at the 2017 Juanna Rumbel Cup.
Hell's Belles won the Juanna Rumble Cup via a 91-82 victory over The Manic Attackers.  This bout was competitive and exciting from beginning to end.  It was a relatively low-scoring battle, with both teams under the 100 point mark, but that did not detract from the fun.  The game was just hard-fought, well-played, smash-mouth.
There is a lot of beauty in such a game.  It was roller derby at its finest and I was glued to the action.  In roller derby, you don't need a lot of scoring to have a lot of action.
The Juanna Rumbel Cup MVP was Bambi Bloodlust.  I had just met her earlier in the night.  Little did I know I was posing with the future MVP!  The best part is she was as nice as could be.  That doesn't surprise me though.  All of the WCR athletes are very fan-friendly.
I'll be covering the Windy City Rollers all season.  I'll be sprinkling in WCR stories here and on the Patch.  In between my reports, you can follow the WCR at WindyCityRollers.com, the WCR Facebook page and the WCR on twitter.
Thank you to the WCR for their hospitality.  I can't wait for the next WCR night of fun!

Bambi Bloodlust and me in Chicago, IL-February 2017.

Friendly Encounters: The Edge and Erin Morris

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

Whether chasing down her favorite rock stars, managing her latest wrestling talent, handing dj duties at RPro or just hanging out, Erin is always in the middle of the action.  Honestly, is she not the coolest?

I first saw Erin years ago at an indy wrestling event.  She was working her magic with some tag team, if memory serves correctly.  Years later, I found myself working with her at Resistance Pro.  I still think she is the coolest.

I don't know how she meets so many rock stars though and she doesn't reveal her secrets.  Actually, she doesn't reveal much.  She has had an interesting career in wrestling.  She has seen a lot and been involved in a lot.  I have tried to interview her, but she politely declines.  Her stated reason is that she is afraid of what will come out of her mouth, which is the exact reason I would love to interview her.

Erin took a picture with The Edge of U2 fame.  I don't think she ever took a picture with Edge of wrestling fame.  That would be a cool combo.  If anyone could pull it off, it would be Erin, but don't expect her to tell you how!

Erin Morris and The Edge in Boston, MA-July 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #311 Jimmy Buffett & David Bowie

This is a regular series in which I create virtual trading cards for jersey-clad celebrities.

Born in Pascagoula, Mississippi, Jimmy Buffett rose to fame in Margaritaville.  Parrotheads flock to this music legend.  The Minnesota Wild gifted him with this unique jersey, which allowed me to create a very colorful Celebrity Jersey Card.  I'm not sure if the Wild ever officially wore this jersey, but since it is team created, it is good enough for me.

This is an edited version of my original post.  Thanks to reader Ned for identifying the man pictured as Mick Ronson, after I had him listed as rock legend David Bowie.  The late Ronson was a musician who played with David Bowie as one of the Spiders from Mars, among his musical accomplishments.  I blame my excitement over finding a celeb wearing a California Golden Seals jersey for this mistake.  I also thank Ned for reading and for correcting my error.

Noelle Foley at C2E2 2016

When did Mick Foley's little girl Noelle grow up?  How did Mick Foley even produce such a beautiful girl?  I'm infringing on Al Snow territory there.
I remember Noelle when she was a toddler.  I have been friendly with Mick for many years and he always spoke so lovingly of his family.  I remember seeing pictures of all of his kids (three sons and Noelle).  Mick always seemed to have his priorities straight.
All of a sudden it seems the kids have become adults.  Noelle has done some work in the entertainment industry.  She did some reporting work at C2E2 last year and I was lucky enough to run into her for a photo.
Mick has been a fan of women's wrestling and has worked for equality within the business.  This is especially significant now that Noelle has started to work towards becoming a wrestler.  I'll be following that story as it develops.
I salute Noelle for pursuing her dream.  I also applaud Mick for being a great dad above all.  Mick seems to have survived and even succeeded after retiring from in-ring activity.

Noelle Foley and me in Chicago, IL-March 2016.

Player Coach Michelle Gascoigne

Softball pitcher Michelle Gascoigne won an NCAA softball championship with Oklahoma.  She was drafted by the Chicago Bandits and has won two National Pro Fastpitch titles with them.In addition to the NCAA title, she left Oklahoma with a degree in education.  She is combining that degree with her playing experience as she embarks on a career in coaching.  Currently, she is on Kate Drohan's staff at Northwestern University.  Previously, she was on the staff at her alma mater Oklahoma for 2014-15.  Despite her youth, I have seen Michelle "coaching" her Bandits teammates on occasion.  She is very knowledgeable and has a passion for the game.

She is also one of the pitchers who "advised" me on my one at bat in 2015.  I believe her exact words were a negative head shake.  She proved to be wise with that reaction.

I will be covering the Bandits again this season.  I will also be onb the beat with the NU Wildcats.  I have interviewed Michelle as a player and I am looking forward to picking her brain as a coach.

One of the highlights of last year was watching her pitch in Akron.  As of this writing, I do not know if she will still be playing in the NPF.  I hope she is.  I always anjoy watching her pitch.  She is a talented battler out there.  It has been a real pleasure covering her and knowing her.

Michelle Gascoigne and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Card Miss: Leah Remini

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a regular feature where I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing spirts jerseys.  To date, I have created over 600 such cards.

Recently while watching King of Queens, while Doug (Kevin James) was on the phone, Carrie (Leah Remini) wearing a New York Jets jersey, was in the background.  It appears to be a #10 Chad Pennington jersey.

I immediately (yes, I am insane) went online to find an image of Remini in that Jets jersey.  I came up empty.  Then I tried to screen cap it from the episode on YouTube.  This was another fail, as you can see below, because Remini was not prominent enough in the scene (Darn you Kevin James!).

This would have been a great one.  Remini is one of my favorites and she looked so cute in the jersey.

This leaves me with a gnawing void in the Celebrity Jersey Cards history.  It is so close, yet so far.  It's one thing not to have a possibility.  It's another thing to be teased!

I'm On Puck Planet

I met Ryan Crappa during our time as writers for Tru School Sports.  Recently, Ryan announced he was starting Puck Planet, a site which would be dedicated to hockey.  He got a few writers from TSS on board, along with some new writers.

Ryan approached me, but I didn't think I would be able to contribute daily (or enough to satisfy the needs).  Fortunately, Ryan was fine with my limited commitment and I agreed to contribute a few times a month at the least.  I would be covering the Rockford IceHogs, along with writing an occasional feature piece on some hockey topic.

I am really excited about this site and writing for it.  I think Puck Planet has a bright future.  Ryan has the enthusiasm, knowledge and patience needed to run the site.  The writers already on board are all talented and dedicated.  I'm looking forward to watching it all develop and grow.

My first piece for Puck Planet is Rockford IceHogs Fight For Playoffs Spot.  Please check it out and return often to PuckPlanet.com, your top destination for all things hockey!

A Pack To Be Named Later

A Pack To Be Named Later is a website founded several years ago by Matt F., of Heartbreaking Cards.  The stated goal of the site is to rip open (at least) one pack of every card product ever made.  Admittedly, it was ambitious.  Now, several years later, APTBNL is going strong.

Each post would consist of the writer opening one pack of whatever cards.  The pack and the individual cards are included in the piece, along with a brief summary of the set, the cards and possibly other random thoughts.  There was no strict guidelines, other than to have fun and to show the packs.

I contributed in the early years of the site.  Some of the packs I showcased include 1978 Donruss Kiss, 1976 Topps Welcome Back Kotter, 1991 Impel WCW, 1991 Topps American Gladiators and others.  It was fun writing and also reading what others wrote.

Unfortunately, I drifted away a bit.  I got busy with other projects and did not keep up with APTBNL.  I still checked the site and always meant to start again, but it just didn't happen, until now.

I am once again writing on APTBNL.  My first piece showcases a pack of 2016 Topps WWE.  I don't know how often I will appear there, but I am trying for a few times every month.

It feels good to see my first piece back there.  It really is a fun site.  There are plenty of packs still to go and plenty of packs that can be repeated for different and interesting results.  You can always check out all of my pieces for APTBNL by clicking on the APTBNL box in the right column.

Friendly Encounters: Fernando Valenzuela and Dodger Bobble

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

Joshua Kohl is the creative baseball fan behind DodgerBobble, a cool website dedicated to the Los Angeles Dodgers, bobble heads and baseball.  While the site hasn't been updated in a long time, there is so much baseball goodness still to be found there.  I love this site.
Fernando-Mania hit in the summer of 1981.  Fernando Valenzuela eventually cooled off, but still had an excellent 17 year career in the majors, mostly with the Los Angeles Dodgers.  He will always be a beloved part of the Dodgers history and community.
It seems perfect that Josh was able to meet Valenzuela.  While he might not be the greatest Dodger of the last 35 years (Mike Piazza?) he is one of the best and possibly the most recognizable.  He is destined to be a lifer, almost like a team mascot.
Josh is a big baseball fan.  Meeting the legendary Valenzuela had to be a thrill.  I know the feeling.  Congrats on getting this icon!

Joshua Kohl and Fernando Valenzuela in Los Angeles, CA-March 2011.

Happy Birthday Sam!

My youngest niece Sam is celebrating her birthday today.  It's going to be quite a year of celebrating for Sam, too.

The picture below is from her Pinning Ceremony.  We are all so proud of Sam for her hard work.  She's going to do great things.

Coming ahead this year, Sam will be getting married to Kyle (seen in the photo).  That will be quite a celebration, too.  Just a few weeks after that, Sam, Kyle and I will be running in the Chicago Marathon.

Sam is an amazing young lady.  She is smart, tough, sweet and has a huge heart and a great sense of humor.  I couldn't be prouder of Sam.

I am also so happy to be involved in the Marathon with her and Kyle.  I appreciate them letting me share in the experience.

Happy birthday Sam.  I hope this is your best year yet!  I love you!

Sam Parker and the family in Naperville, IL-December 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #310 Whoopi Goldberg & Elizabeth Hasselbeck

This is a regular series in which I create virtual trading cards for jersey-clad celebrities.

Carol Elaine Johnson was born in Manhattan, NY.  She rose to fame on the screen and stage as Whoopi Goldberg.  She donned a San Antonio Spurs jersey for a segment on The View, a show she has co-hosted since 2007.  While I am not a fan of a collared shrit under a jersey, I do appreciate the opportunity to create an NBA Celebrity Jersey card.

Elizabeth Hasselbeck was a co-host on The View from 2003 to 2013.  A native of Cranston, RI, she is married to former NFL quarterback Tim Hasselbeck (who has appeared on his own football cards).  Like her former View partner, Hasselbeck earned her Celebrity Jersey Card for a show segment.  She gets extra points for having a basketball!

Lisa Lutz and the Spellman Family

It is my never-ending quest to discover debut authors and then follow them throughout their literary career.  One of my favorite "finds" has been Lisa Lutz.

Lutz's The Spellman Files caught my attention in 20078.  Since then, I have enjoyed the adventures of the offbeat family of investigators.  Lutz combines humor with a bit of mystery to produce pure pulp entertainment.

I have enjoyued her forays outside of the Spellman franchise, too.  Heads You Lose is probably my favorite non-Spellman book of hers.  Lutz and David Hayward take turns writing chapters in this comic crime novel.  Utilizing extra notes and verbal sparring between the writrs, this book is an easy and enjoyable read.

I had the pleasure of meeting Lutz at a book siging a few years back.  She had been on my "Wanted" list since I read that first Spellman book.  It was another great experience, hearing the voice behind those beloved Spellman characters.

I highly recommend her books.  You can learn more about her at LisaLutz.com.

Lisa Lutz and me in River Forest, IL-March 2013.

Happy Birthday Louie

Today, join me in celebrating the birthday of one of my oldest and dearest friends and business partner.  Louie turns 50 this year!

I have known Louie since September of 1987, when I joined Lerner Newspapers.  Louie was already there, havibng worked part-time through high school.

We have had a lot of adventures over the years.  We survived Lerner and started Arch News Agency, our printed materials distribution company.

We have gone to Spring Training, Chicago Bears mini-camp, Las Vegas and other fun trips.  We have run the Chicago Marathon together twice.

I was there when he met his future wife Effie.  I stood up at their wedding and watched as his family grew to include three great boys.  I became part of his extended family.

Louie is a great friend and business partner.  I couldn't ask for anyone better.  It really has been a pleasure knowing Louie for these almost 30 years.  I love him like a brother.

Happy birthday Louie.  Enjoy your day!

Louie Atsaves and me in Chicago, IL-October 2015.

Rae Dawn Chong at Motor City Comic Con 2011

My friends (and most Johngy's Beat readers) know of my fascination with familial ties in sports.  My interest in faily relations extends to the entertainment world, too.

Actress Rae Dawn Chong is the daughter of Tommy Chong.  Perhaps best known for her role in The Color Purple, Cong has had a successful and steady career since the late 1970's.

When Cuzz Gekas and I met Chong at the Motor City Comic Con years ago, I was impressed by her grace.  She seemed like such a pleasant person.  She was happy to be there and happy to meet and talk to fans.

We talked a bit about her famous father, mostly about growing up with a famous dad and entering the same profession.  She politely answered our questions (which she probably has answered hundreds of times previously).

She thanked us for stopping by and for our interest.  I heard her thank every fan.  That's a small, nice touch that leaves you feeling good.

Rae Dawn Chong, Cuzz Gekas and me in Novi, MI-May 2011.

Lauren Holly Would Be My Valentine

Who better to be featured on Valentine's Day than Lauren Holly, one of my long time crushes.  Just look how happy I am in that picture.

I had the pleasure of meeting and interviewing Holly at Wizard World Chicago 2012.  Thanks to the persistance of Matt Parker and despite the unintentional interference by Luke Perry, I was able to talk to Holly for a few minutes.  That interview can be found at On the Beat With Lauren Holly.

I had been a fan of Holly's since her days on tv's All My Children.  I was excited simply to meet her, but I was not going to pass on the chance to interview her.  Things got a little tricky when there was no time set.  Then when our opening came, booth neighbor Luke Perry started talking to her.  I will forever thank and appreciate Matt for sticking with it and almost forcing the issue.  While it was a bit of a wait and sometimes uncomfortable, in the end I got one of my favorite interviews from one of my favorite stars.

Lauren Holly and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2012.

Friendly Encounters: Jason Terry and GQ

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

Like most professional wrestlers, my friend has used several names.  He has been GQ, Greeko Sauve, GQ Sauve, Yanni and probably more.  Obviously, he is of Greek descent and takes great pride in his heritage.

He also takes great pride in his wrestling work and rightly so.  He is very talented in the ring and on the mic.

After a short stint on the west coast, GQ has returned to the Chicago area and most notably POWW, his main wrestling home.  If you have not seen him wrestle, you should get over to a POWW show, because he does not disappoint and POWW is always a great night of entertainment.

Recently, GQ attended a Milwaukee Bucks game and had a bit of a unique friendly encounter.  He got a courtside selfie with Jason Terry.  Nice work on it, too!

The Bucks are in a battle for a playoff spot in the Eastern Conference of the NBA.  Terry is in his 18th season and has adapted nicely to a smaller, but important role on the team.

I can't guarantee you will land a selfie with Terry or any player at a Bucks game, but I can fuarantee you will get plenty of pics with the talented stars of POWW at any of their events.  You might even see me there!

GQ and Jason Terry in Milwaukee, WI-January 2017.

Celebrity Jersey Cards Or Topps First Pitch?

My Celebrity Jersey Card series debuted on May 7, 2010.  Many bloggers were creating virtual Cards That Never Were or other special cards.  I decided to create virtual cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.  I thought it fit with the overall theme of Johngy's Beat and it allowed me to have a little creative fun.
In 2015, Topps introduced "First Pitch," thier series featuring celebrities throwing out the first pitch.  While it isn't an exact theft of my concept, it is pretty close.
My series puts the jersey-clad celebrity on a Topps card in the year the celebrity debuted in whatever profession he found fame.  My series featured celebrities anywhere, doing anything.  Topps mostly has celebrities in the act of pitching.  My series also has celebrities in jerseys of all sports, even some minor leagues or foreign teams.
Certainly Topps has cleaner looks and snazzier graphics, but they also have much better technology and talent on hand than I do.  I doubt they actually stole my idea, but it is fun to think they might have.
Either way, I will continue with Celebrity Jersey Cards.  Maybe one day they will realize my design choices are better.  By putting the celebs on cards from their "debut" year, it gives a cool variety of looks, instead of the basic uniformity of each subset.
Below are a couple of examples of Topps First Pitch and the corresponding Johngy's Beat Celebrity Jersey Card.  You can decide for yourself which concept you like better.

Happy Birthday Jason Fleigel

Jason Fleigel entered my life as a part-time telemarketer at Lerner Newspapers in 1995.  The telemarketing thing didn't work out so well, but he became a vital part of Lerner's IT team.  More importantly, he became a great friend.

He has had many names over the years, including, the Little Ball of Hate, Senor Anger, The Angry One, Young Master Jason, YMJ, JayHawk Evans and others.  Over the last few years, he has been called a husband and more recently a father.

I had the honor of being a groomsman at his wedding.  I could not have been prouder or happier for my friend.  It has been great seeing him so happy, a happiness he truly deserves.

Of course, as his life gets busier, his time with me on Johngy's Beat has been limited, but that is understandable.  He does have an open invite to return any time.

I look at him like the little brother I never had.  I am fortunate to call him a friend.

I love ya, buddy and happy birthday!

Jason Fleigel and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2015.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #309 Mascot Week Brandi Chastain & The Geico Caveman

This is a regular series where I create virtual trading cards for jersey-clad celebrities.  This is a special Mascot edition.

Soccer legend Brandi Chastain was born in San Jose, CA.  The former Olympian and pro player posed with SJ Sharkie on this special Mascot Edition Celebrity Jersey Card.  She made headlines years ago for her sports bra incident, but I think she looks equally good in her native San Jose jersey.

The Geico Caveman first appeared (came out of his cave?) in 2004 to start a series of very popular commercials.  Unfortnately, those commercials did not translate into a successful television show.  Still, the character itself remained popular.  His appearance at a Capitals game earned him his place on a special Mascot Edition of Celebrity Jersey Cards.  (I must admit that it probably isn't the real Geico Caveman, but it works nonetheless.)

Mascot Week: Ellie the Elephant from the Elephant Event

Today Mascot Week bring us to a personal highlight from last year.  It was a one time mascot appearance, but it left a big impact!

Late in 2015 wrestling manager (and good friend) PL Myers asked me to help him organize and run a benefit show for his daughter's school trip to an elephant sanctuary in Africa.  Of course, I agreed.

It turned into a great experience on so many levels.  I learned a lot about putting together a show.  I met a lot of great people.  I had a lot of fun.

Perhaps the best part was spending time with PL and his wife Lori.  They are genuinely two of the nicest people and I was so happy to help them.

The show turned out great, raising about $1500.  There were several fun wrestling matches and one surprise appearance.

As much as we would have liked a real elephant to be at the show, logistics made that impossible.  We got the next best thing (or possibly an even better thing) and I had the pleasure of walking the elephant to the rings for her appearance.

Yes, it was a female elephant.  In fact, (spoiler alert), it was Lori Myers.  She had such fun doing it and it really surprised her daughter.  It was a great way to end the show.

The "Elephant" and me in Summit, IL-February 2016.

Mascot Week: J.L. Bird of the Joliet Slammers

The Joliet Slammers are an independent baseball team based out of Joliet, IL.  Their name is derived from the well known Joliet prisons.  That sounds like something out of pro wrestling.  In all fairness, it is also named for the baseball term.

The Slammers were founded in 2010.  The following year, their mascot was hatched.  In keeping with the theme, the mascot was named J.L. Bird.

Oddly, the Slammers have two mascots.  Along with J.L. Bird is Spikes, the Guard Dog.  The word that I get is that these mascots co-exist peacefully.

I had the pleasure of meeting J.L. Bird at Mascot Day at a Chicago Bandits game.  While J.L. flew the coop to make this appearance, Spikes wasn't present.  He probably was on guard duty.

You might have better luck meting both mascots at an actual Joliet Slammers game.  For more info on the team, head to JolietSlammers.com.

J.L. Bird and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Mascot Week: Snappy of the Beloit Snappers

Mascot Week continues with an odd encounter.  I met a baseball mascot from Wisconsin at a hockey game in Illinois.  Actually, it all makes sense.

Snappy D. Turtle is the mascot of the Beloit Snappers, the Class A affiliate of the Oakland A's.  Beloit is only about 17 miles north of Rockford, where the IceHogs play hockey.  Snappy was at the IceHogs game to market the Sanppers and hopefully draw some fans from Rockford.

Theire is quite a bit of info about Snappy on the Snappers website.  He was born on June 1, 1995 in Beloit, of course.  He lives in the Snappers clubhouse.  His favorite color is green and his favorite teams are the Snappers and the Oakland A's.  His favorite musical band is the Turtles.

Next season, I might actually take the advice from Snappy and head to Beloit for some baseball.  Check out SnappersBaseball.com for more info on the Snappers.

Of course, I cannot this without also plugging my Rockford IceHogs.  There is still plenty of time to catch a game this season.  Go to IceHogs.com for all of the IceHogs info!

Snappy and me in Rockford, IL-Winter 2015.

Mascot Week: Wheelie of the Akron Racers

Mascot Week continues with a stop in Akron to meet Wheelie, the mascot of the Akron Racers of the NPF (National Pro Fastpitch).  No pun intended, Wheelie did a good job of speeding by me.

Cuzz Gekas and I went to Akron for a roadtrip with our Chicago Bandits.  Wheelie made his rounds during the game, but somehow kept bypassing our section.  It was comical, seemingly deliberate.  Surely our Bandits caps couldn't be that offensive.  I'm sure he was just roaming, but it was odd that he missed our section throughout the whole game.  He was very fan-friendly otherwise.

Eventually, Cuzz and I stalked Wheelie until I got my picture.  I am happy to report that Wheelie was very agreeable to the picture, despite my Bandits cap.

Wheelie usually wears #99, but here he was wearing a special 15th anniversary jersey to celebrate the Racers 15th year of existence.  The Racers have built quite a large and loyal fanbase.  Unfortunately, they have only won one NPF title (in 2005).

It was a great trip to Akron and we look forward to a return in 2017.  Owner Joey Arrietta runs a class organization.  Check out AkronRacers.org to learn more about the Racers, including ticket info and scheduling.  Tell them Johngy sent you.

Wheelie and me in Akron, OH-August 2016.

Mascot Week: Friendly Encounters: JayHawk Evans and Hammy Hog

Friendly Encounters is a regular series about my friends who have met celebrities.  In continuing our theme, this is a Mascot Week edition of Friendly Encounters.

My great friend JayHawk Evans (aka Jason Fleigel) is celebrating his birthday later this week.  We will celebrate with him then, but I am also featuring him today.

JayHawk has joined me several times in covering the Rockford IceHogs.  At one of those games, he met Hammy Hog, the mascot of the IceHogs.  Knowing JayHawk's passion for bacon, this was particularly interesting to me.  I am happy to report that JayHawk remained professional and there were no incidents.

You will notice the huge smile on his face though.  Aside from his wedding and the birth of his daughter, I have never seen him that giddy.  I guess when he is that near that much potential bacon, he just looks that way.  Thank goodness there was no may around.

To meet Hammy and to get more info on the Rockford IceHogs, check out IceHogs.com.  As a friendly Johngy's Beat tip, Hammy can usually be found pre-game in the north concourse on the second level.  JayHawk can usually be found pre-game getting a pulled pork sandwich (sorry Hammy).

Jason Fleigel and Hammy in Rockford, IL-October 2015.

Mascot Week: Dibs of DePaul University

This is Mascot Week.  All week. I shall be featuring some of my favorite mascots, starting with a very special one.

I attended DePaul University for four years, but I never met the Blue Demons mascot.  That momentous occasion occurred some 30 years later at a Chicago Bandits game.  The Bandits had a "Mascot Day" and it is perfect to lead off my Mascot Week.

Back in my day, I think the mascot was named Barney.  At some point in the last few years, the mascot got a makeover.  The thought was to make him appear edguer, perhaps even fiercer.  The result was Dibs.

Dibs actually stands for Demon in a blue suit.  I'm not really sold on that acronym.  Doesn't stating that it is a blue suit take away from the mascotness of the whole thing?  I know, we all know it is someone in a suit, but why announce that?  Also, isn't that a bit clunky when explaining it to kids, who are probably the biggest fans of the mascot?

It just seems unnecessarily complicated in an attempt to be clever.  I give that part a giant fail.

I do like the look of Dibs though.  It is a darker blue than the previous mascot.  The face is less goofy, if there is such a comparative among mascots.

Enjoy the rest of the week of mascots.  I know I enjoyed meeting them all.

Dibs and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #308 Steve Austin & Zac Brown

This is a regular series where I create virtual trading cards for jersey-clad celebrities.  Today, we feature reps for the Super Bowl participants.

Steven Anderson was born in Texas, but Stone Cold Steve Austin was born in a WWE wrestling ring.  Technically, "Stone Cold" was born in his kitchen during a conversation with his then-wife.  Retired from in-ring competition, Stone Cold makes the occasional appearance for the WWE.  The Hall of Famer had a brilliant run and will forever be known for his infamous and impromptu "Austin 3:16" speech. He gets extra points for having three digits on his Celebrity Jersey Card (ironically, it is his flipping of his single digit that is also a SCSA trademark).

The Zac Brown Band is based in Atlanta, GA and they stuck close to their roots by donning the Falcons jersey while they performed the National Anthem at a game.  Zac is obviously the leader and therefore he gets the billing on this Celebrity Jersey Card.

Stephanie Bellars Is Gorgeous (George)

Stephanie Bellars had a short but memorable career in pro wrestling.  In 1999, she made her debut in WCW accompanying (then boyfriend) Randy Savage.  About a year later, upon their breakup, she joined ECW.  She went on to work for a few other companies, but left the usiness in 2004.  She did return in 2008 and has worked sporadically since.

Stephanie had the looks and the charisma, but she really wasn;t a wrestler.  Maybe she could have been trained or maybe she simply did not want to be a wrestler.  Still, especially because of her association with Savage, she will always have a place in wrestling history.

Stephanie has donje a handful of appearances over the years, including an event near Philadelphia several years ago.

Stephanie was as sweet as she was beautiful (or gorgeous").  She was one of the most popular celebrities at that event.

Lately, she has disappeared from the scene.  She is occasionally on Facebook and seems to be doing well.  You can also keep up with her by following Stephanie Bellars on twitter.

Stephanie Bellars and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

John Borowski at Dark History Con 2015

John Borowski is an award winning independent filmmaker and author.  His trilogy of documentaries on American criminals includes H.H. Holmes, Albert Fish and Carl Panzram.  Initially focusing on late nineteenth and early twentieth century serial killers, he has recently expanded to international criminals.

I first met John several years ago at a convention in Chicago.  I was intrigued by his projects because of the subject matter.  I wanted to know how he portrayed these historical figures.  I wanted to see what he did with the material.

After watching Serial Killer Culture, I was amazed and impressed.  It is a look into the reasons people are fascinated by serial killers.  It is entertaining, informative and very engrossing.  It's a look at a dark subject without glorifying it.

I have since met John many times and he always has interesting projects to discuss and to promote.  His most recent project is Serial Killer Culture TV.  The videos will feature interviews with folks involved in the serial killer culture community.  It promises to be just as intriguing as his other work.  You can keep updated via the Serial Killer Culture TV Facebook page.

You can find John at many horror conventions during the year.  You can also go to JohnBorowski.com to get all of the info and updates.  Be sure to check out Mime Time, his 3 minute short film on the site.  It is fantastic.

John is a great guy.  He is very willing to chat with fans and is very accessible.  He is a true artist who takes his work very seriously, while still being relatable to the average fan.

John Borowski and me in Champaign, IL-September 2015.

Thank You Roman Foore

Although I did not see an official NPF or team announcement, Roman Foore mentioned on Facebook that he is leaving the Chicago bandits organization.  This is another tough loss for the team and the fans.
Roman has an extensive and successful softball background.  In addition to his stint with the Bandits, he has played for the United States Men’s National Fastpitch Team.  He has coached at Appalachian State and the University of St. Thomas, as well as Eagan (MN) High School and independent fastpitch teams.  After the 2016 NPF season, he joined Arizona State University as an Assistant Coach.
Roman was a vital cog in the championship runs of the Bandits.  I saw him work tirelessly with the players and his efforts certainly paid off.  He was respected by the organiztion, the fans and me.
He always gave great interviews, even when I occasionally delved into more light-hearted topics, like the Mustache Club or my push to have him named as the GM the Minnesota Twins.  Roman went along with it and gave me great answers.
It was a pleasure knowing Roman and seeing him around the ballpark.  I wish him nothing but luck and I will be following the ASU Sun Devils because of him.  Thank you Roman.  You will be missed.

Roman Foore and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2016.