Celebrity Jersey Cards #668 Rob Ryan

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys.

Today I am featuring only one Celebrity Jersey Card, because it is a special one. It's not because it is Rob Ryan, although no disrespect intended. Not only is it the first card of someone wearing a New Orleans Pelicans jersey, it is the last of all four major sports teams to be featured. The Pelicans were the last team I needed and I searched a long time for this one. (Side note: I only count team names, not teams moving, as there are too many of those.)

Ryan is wearing #23, most notably worn by Anthony Davis, who played six seasons with the Pelicans, after one with the New Orleans Hornets. He has since played five seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Son of Buddy and twin of Rex, Rob has held positions with many NFL and college teams. Most recently, he is the senior defensive assistant with the Las Vegas Raiders. As for his connection to the Big Easy, he spent a few seasons as an assistant with the Saints.

Cards That Never Were: Doug Plank Topps 1978 Color Corrected

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts. More of my creations and a lot more from others can be found in the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group (and it's not just baseball cards, despite the name).

Sometimes the creative folks in the Custom Basbal Cards group create improved versions of cards. Those are usually done because the Topps card either had a bad or old picture or produced a card too early to show the player's new team. BSometimes though, the folks there get even more creative, as is the case with Bob J's "Color Corrected" Topps 1978 Football set.

Bob felt (and rightly so) the colors Topps chose for each team should have corresponded with the team colors. I agree completely with Bob and always thought Topps should have done this every year they did not use just one color.

Using the team colors really makes the pictures pop. Below you see the original Doug Plank card and below that is Bob J's Color Corrected version. It's a huge improvement. Bob did an example of one player from each team and they all look insanely good.

I am hoping Bob continues this theme for other years and in all sports. It would be cool to see more "Color Corrected" cards through the years and sports.

Appreciating Joey Lauren Adams

Joey Lauren Adams is probably best known for starring in Chasing Amy. That role earned her a nomination for the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy.

Her acting debut was in 1977 with a small role in Exorcist II: The Heretic. She has had many roles in other great movies like Mallrats.

I met Adams several years back at a comic convention. While I was familiar with her work, I didn't know much about her. My friend there really wanted to meet her though. Since he was going to her, I figured I would go, too. I am glad I did.

She was so sweet. She was very engaging. She asked my friend his favorite role of hers and they talked for a bit, with me soaking in the chat. She stayed with us a bit longer than usual, maybe because there were two of us and I didn't really talk much. It was more my friend's moment, but I still enjoyed it.

The moral of the story is sometimes you have unexpected pleasant moments with convention guests. Without my friend, I probably wouldn't have met Adams, but I am glad I did. I went from being a casual fan to one who looks for her work and has a special memory of her.

Adams spent a year in Australia, after which she decided she wanted to pursue acting. One last bit of trivia, Adams  was a niece to Hee-Haw cast member Grady Nutt.

Joey Lauren and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2018.

On the Beat With John Cosper

I have interviewed author John Cosper many times. John has written several books with wrestlers and also has penned fiction stories, including his Dead Park series.

I am a big fan of all of John's works. I love his wrestling books for their historical content. His subjcts deserve the recognition and the readers get to know wrestlers who haven't enjoyed the spotlight as much as more well-known stars.

His fiction books are awesome. The Dead Park series centers around Dead Park Plaza. They are horror books, with some quirky humor sprinkled into the mix. I also love his other fiction books, including one on Charlie Kruel, one of my favorite independent wrestlers.

For the full recap and interviews, go to John Cosper On Wrestling and Horror on the Patch. Also check EastSleepWrestle.com and DeadParkBooks.com for all of John's books.

On the Beat with Jerry Kramer and Bob Fox

Last week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Green Bay Packers Hall of Famer Jerry Kramer and author Bob Fox. The two men recently collaborated on Run to Win, Jerry's latest book.

A native of Montana, Jerry starred at the University of Idaho, before being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 4th round of the 1958 NFL draft. Jerry went on to play guard for 11 seasons with the Packers. He also kicked for several seasons.

Jerry played 130 games in his career, racking up quite a few awards and accolades. Among them, he made three Pro Bowls, five All Pro teams, the Pro Football Hall of Fame team All-1960s Team and more, culminating in his 2018 induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Run to Win isn't Jerry's first book. He has written a few, starting with Instant Replay in 1968.That book focuses on the 1967 season, including the famous Ice Bowl, a game Green Bay won with one iconic block by Jerry. Instant Replay was one of the first sports books I ever read and remains one of my favorites.

Now, Run to Win is joining that book as one of my favorites. Jerry and Bob did a fantastic job in telling more of Jerry's story. Also included are fantastic pictures.

Jerry and Bob talked about the book in our interview, but mostly Jerry told some great football stories. It is those kind of stories you will find in the book. Jerry is a legitimate NFL legend.

Of course, I had to ask Jerry about Ray Nitschke and Dick Butkus. Jerry had a great answer. At 87, Jerry is as sharp as ever.

This was such a thrill for me. Not only is he an HOFer, he is a Green Bay legend. As a Chicagoan, there is no better rivalry in all sports than Chicago versus Green Bay. I will always love my Bears, but I respect the Packers immensely, especially men like Jerry.

The video is at On the Beat With Jerry Kramer and Bob Fox. Look for Run to Win at any major book retailer.

Paul Erickson at C2E2 2019

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo returns April 26-28, just four months from now. Run by ReedPop, C2E2 is one of the best and biggest cons.

Paul Erickson was one of my favorite guests at C2E2. I always loved walking to his booth (usually shared with fellow author James Finn Garner) and seeing him dressed in full Hobbit gear.

Erickson is a self-described "nerd-parodist.' Translated, that means he writes parodies of such franchises as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. Although I am not a huge fan of either of those movie series, my friends who are totally love his work, as do I. My point is, his work stands alone as very funny an witty. The movies behind them are merely context. The material stands by itself.

I haven't seen Erickson in a few years. I hope to see him at C2E2 or elsewhere sometime soon. It's been too long.

Go to C2E2.com for more info and updates. Check here for my recurring coverage.

Paul Erickson and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Friend Encounters: Sorah Suhng and Sara Richard

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends who meet celebrities.

Today's feature is very artistic. Excuse my bad joke, but it features two talented artists in Sara Richard and Sorah Suhng.

I have written many times about Sara. A longtime favorite of mine, she was one of the first artists I ever met and interviewed. Many times of both and 10+ years since, I am still bugging her. Her art is amazing and she truly is one of the coolest people I know. She is also gaining even more success and popularity. Now with several books (written and/or illustrated), she is busier than ever.

I met Sorah years ago and appreciate her work as well. The owner and creator of character Karnal Sin, Sorah has been carving her path in the world of comics since 2007. While her work reminds me a bit of Sara's, she has her own unique style. Both create fantastic art.

I love when my favorites take pictures with other celebrities. It shows they are human, too. they like taking pictures with their favorites, too.

Go to SaraRichardArt.com for more info on Sara. Also, check SorahSuhng.com to learn more about Sorah. 

Sara Richard and Sorah Suhng in New York, NY-October 2023.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #667 Robert Smith & Mike McCready

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today we detour from football to frozen pond.

Born in England, Robert Smith is best known as the co-founder, lead vocalist, guitarist and main song writer for the Cure. Smith and the Cure were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2019 and  earlier this year,  Rolling Stone ranked him as the 157th greatest singer of all time. Smith donned the polarizing fisherman jersey of the New York Islanders on stage to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card.

A native of Pensacola, Florida, Mike McCready rose to fame a co-founder and lead guitarist of Pearl Jam. McCready and Pearl Jam were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2017. McCready suffers from Crohn's Disease and works hard raising awareness and money for the cause. Not a fair0weather fan, McCready is a staunch supporter of the Seattle Seahawks, Mariners, Sounders and now Kraken. It is his Kraken fandom which landed him on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were; Billy Williams Topps 1977

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards of players missed in various sets. Today, like Ringo Starr, I got by with a little help from my friends.

Today, I feature a creation of Gio with When Topps Had (Base)Balls. Gio's site has thousands of cars he created. Often times when I set out to make a missing card, I see Gio made it first and better than I could have. To save myself effort and highlight his great work, I use his card and give him all the credit for this feature today.

Two DePaul Alums

I graduated from DePaul in 1987, 34 years before Kate Polucha did. Thanks to the wonderful world of softball, I know Kate.

I met Kate while covering the Blue Demons softball team. The California native came to DePaul after a highly successful high school career. The change in climate didn't slow down Kate, as she started all 52 games and hit .362, leading the team in hits with 63. She went on to have a successful career at DePaul and was one of the most popular players. She was also gutsy, overcoming a torn ACL.

A couple years ago, I interviewed Kate about all of this. My interview with Kate is at On the Beat With Kate Polucha. Kate was very well-spoken, as she discussed her playing career and her future.

Now, she is back in California, but last season, I ran into Kate at a DePaul game. It was great seeing her. I hung out by her for several innings, just absorbing her thoughts on the game. I love watching sports with players. It gives a whole different perspective.

I thank Kate for a lot of great memories while covering the Blue Demons. I also wish her great luck always. I hope our paths cross again. She was a special player and is just as special off the field.

Kate Polucha and me in Chicago, IL-April 2023/

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today I celebrate the birthday of another long time friend. Brother of Chuck, cousin of Cuzz and friend to all, I join the millions in toasting Jim today.

A long-running joke is how Jim not only makes friends instantly everywhere, but also gets free stuff. On one of our Boys of Summer baseball trips, we all enjoyed a standard, complimentary hotel breakfast, yet Jim somehow got a whole bunch of extras from a staffer he befriended that morning. That's just Jim.

Another old gag is his blind love of all Chicago athletes. Jim is a very astute sports fan, except when it comes to Chicago. Every new player or any bench player who has a good game is suddenly bound for greatness in Jim's eyes. One of my favorite memories was Jim bi-talking former QB Matt Barkley. About an hour later, Barkley was on his way to throwing five interceptions in a game. That ended the hype and pretty much Barkley's tenure here.

Happy birthday to my dear friend. In honor of Jim, I post this pic of the legendary Barkley!

Absurdities: Toghether Sign

I'm back with another absurd thing.

On a recent trip to one of the dollar stores, I saw the sign pictured below. Ahh there's nothing like spending time "toghether," especially around the holidays. lol.

How does that happen? I guess the sign might have been made in a non-English speaking country, but that shouldn't matter. A simple spelling mistake? Yes, but still, how does it happen. This stuff drives me crazy.

Then I started thinking about it. Some people probably bought it without realizing the error. I wonder if they eventually catch it. If they do, do they still keep it in their home?

Another question. If you saw this (or something similar) at someone's place, would you point out the error or just let it go?

Friend Encounters: Andre Dawson and Mark

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

There's a lot of coolness in this picture. Baseball Hall of Famer Andre Dawson is pictured with his Gold Glove and promoter ark Childers.

Dawson started his career with the Montreal expos, but one of the biggest highlights happened when he joined the Cubs. He was named National League MVP despite the Cubs finishing in last place. That is a rarity. After six seasons with the Cubs, Dawson played two seasons each with the Boston Red Sox and the Florida Marlins. He was elected into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Mark is a hard-working promoter. I originally met him at AU Sports, a sports collectibles store, but I have since seen him at many other signings. If Mark is involved, I know it will be run smoothly. Those signings are also a great chance to catch up with Mark and have a few laughs.

Mark and Andre Dawson in New York, NY-November 2023.

Happy Birthday Dave!

Today is the birthday of my brother-in-law Dave. I just saw him a couple days ago, but he might be on his way west for the winter now.

Dave gives and takes a joke well. One of the longest running gags or debates involved pizza. Dave insists his favorite pizza is Domino's. The Italian in me (heck, even the human in me) bristles at this. While Domino's has gotten better, it is still on the level of a cheap pizza for college kids or even poker games with my hungry friends. In no way is it in my top pizza choice. It's not even in my top 10, top 20 or maybe not even top 50. I do admire Dave though. He dug in his heels and he will die on this hill. 

I am sure he is celebrating his birthday with Nancy and their pup Sully. I raise a toast to him from afar. I celebrate him with a picture of his favorite.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #666 Steve Miller & Guy Hebert

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Based on the number in the title, I might have gone with cards of the New Jersey Devils, but I played it safe.

Born in Milwaukee, WI, musician Steve Miller has entertained fans for more than 60 years. Although he was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2016, it was not a pleasant experience for him. He criticized the HOF for many things, including not respecting the inductees. Among his complaints, he wanted Elton John to induct him, while the HOF selected the Black Keys. Longtime fans of his, the members of the Black Keys later regretted the experience.

New York native Guy Hebert enjoyed 10 seasons in the NHL. The goaltender started with the St. Louis Blues after being selected in the eighth round of the 1987 Entry Draft.. After two seasons, he was claimed in the Expansion Draft by the Anaheim Mighty Ducks. In his eighth season with Anaheim, he was claimed off waivers by his home state New York Rangers. All told, he played 491 games in the NHL.

Cards That Never Were: Bo Eason Topps 1985-'88

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I have borrowed from far too many to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts. More of my creations and many great creations of others can be found in the Custom Baseball Cards Facebook group (and not just baseball cards).

Bo Eason played college ball at California-Davis, before being selected by the Houston Oilers in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL draft. The defensive back played 38 games in four seasons, grabbing 6 interceptions and recovering four fumbles.

Although he started 16 games in 1985, Topps did not give him a card in that or any set. The fun part of this story is that a friend of Eason's requested these cards through the FB group mentioned above. I was able to quickly knock out all four cards. The only really weak one is the 1986 card, but it's okay.

Ali Cantarella at C2E2 2019

Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo (C2E2) returns April 24-26 at McCormick Place. I'll be there "On the Beat" all weekend.

One of the artists I'll be seeking out is Ali Cantarella. I have followed Ali's work for many years. She definitely is one of my favorite artists. She even designed a Johngy shirt for me and I loved it.

Her art isn't limited to my silly requests though. It also isn't limited to pet portraits (although she is awesome at those, too). Lately, she has been working all over Chicago, making the city more beautiful one wall or one building at a time with her murals.

It's pretty cool watching Ali create her murals on her social media videos. Then seeing them in person is even better. I have sought out many to see, but a  few times, I accidentally found myself right by one. I think those times are actually more fun. "Hey that's Ali's work!"

She really is as cool as her art and I encourage everyone to check her work and see for themseles. I also encourage all to come to C2E2 2024 and fins both of us.

Go to Cantarella.ink for more info on Ali. Also follow her on social media. She is a blast there. Go to C2E2.com for all the info and updates on C2E2 2024.

Ali Cantarella and me in Chicago, IL-March 2019.

Jordan Trovillion At Motor City Comic Con 2017

Motor City Comic Con is just over six months away. It's not too early to make your plans to be there. I know I am.

Jordan Trovillion is one of my all-time favorite celebrity guests at the Motor City Comic Con.  She is an actress, singer, model, artist and probably more.  It seems every time I see her, she has added more to her already lengthy resume.  Also, every time I see her, she is always smiling.

Jordan isn't above having some lighthearted fun at her own expense.  She once had a sign which read "Don't be afraid to ask who I am."  That brought many laughs.  Most people attending the MCCC knew Jordan, of course.

Over the years, I have interviewed Jordan a few times and talked to her several more.  She is always a delight and she is always into several new projects.  Interviewing Jordan is never dull.

Every comic con has several celebrity guests who I always like seeing and for the MCCC, Jordan is at the top of that list.  I am hoping she will be there again this year and I will try to get an update interview. 

Go to JordanTrovillion.net to learn more about her.  You can check out my interview with Jordan, along with all of my interviews from the MCCC, at the Johngy's Beat Motor City Comic Con playlist on YouTube.  You can also get all of the info about MCCC 2024 at MotorCityComicCon.com.  It runs May 17-19 in Novi, Michigan.

Jordan Trovillion and me in Novi, MI-May 2017.

The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 72: "Dan Levy"

Tommy Else and I have had many debates. In an effort to settle some of them, we invited Dan Levy to join us on The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast.

A longtime presence on the Chicago media scene, Levy co-hosts Barguments, a highly entertaining podcast featuring Levy and guests debating topics. I previously interviewed Levy and also his wife Jill Urchak on Johngy's Beat. If you're from the area, you definitely have heard both of their voices.

Go to The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast - Ep. 72: "Dan Levy" to watch the insanity unfold. Dan was a great guest and we had a lot of fun. Also look for Barguments on all podcast platforms and follow Barguments on social media.

Missing Joe Knetter and Sarah French

I think I first met Sarah French and Joe Knetter at Flashback Weekend. I messaged Sarah ahead of the convention and asked for an interview. When we got there, Joe graciously moved and allowed me to conduct the interview.

This was very early in my interviewing years. I made a rookie mistake (as my buddy Chuck would say). I didn't realize Joe had an impressive resume, too.

Sarah is an actress, while Joe is a writer and author, both generally in the horror field. The couple has been together for many years and they are a lot of fun.

Of course, once I realized they were a couple and Joe had quite a career, I asked for another joint interview, which they both accepted. That interview is at On the Beat with Sarah French and Joe Knetter.

I interviewed both a few times back then. Unfortunately, they have not been around here in many years. The coule moved to the west coast and have been busy ever since.

I wish them great happiness and success always. I also hope they eventually find their way back to a Chicago convention. I miss them (and I want another interview).

Sarah French, Joe Knetter and me in Schaumburg, IL-Movember 2013.

Friend Encounters: Susanna Hoffs and Kenny Casanova

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

This is the first appearance by Kenny Casanova in Friend Encounters. Earlier this year, I interviewed Kenny, which can be found at On the Beat With Kenny Casanovs.

No semi-retired from wrestling, Kenny discussed is latest book, this one an autobiography with Ken Patera.

Kenny has helped a few other wrestlers write their books. Justin Credible, Sabu and Tito Santana are just a few of the wrestlers Kenny brought to life in book form.

Recently, Kenny met singer Susanna Hoffs. Musician Hoofs is one of the co-founders of the Bangles. While i enjoyed her work with the Bangles, I actually like her solo work even better. Hoffs has also done a bit of active and wrote a novel published this year/

For more info on Kenny, go to KennyCasanova.com. If you are a wrestling fan, you will love his books.

Susanna Hoffs and Kenny in Albany, NY-November 2023.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #665 Mariska Hargitay & The Big Show

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I'm in a New York State of Mind.

Born in California, Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of bodybuilder and actor Mickey Hargitay and actress Jayne Mansfield. The actress has won a Golden Globe Award, two People's Choice Awards and a Primetime Emmy Award. She might be best known for her role on television's Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Hargitay speaks five languages. For her Celebrity Jersey Card, Hargitay went cross-country from her birthplace to rep the New York Giants.

Born in South Carolina, Paul Wight played college basketball before finding great success in the wrestling ring as The Giant, The Big Show and finally Paul Wight. One of the most athletic big men, TBS is a multi-time champ in World Championship Wrestling and World Wrestling Entertainment. He now works for All Elite Wrestling, although his in-ring career is nearing its end. For his Celebrity Jersey Card, The Big Show donned a New York Jets No. 12 jersey, most notably worn by Hall of Famer Joe Namath. Imagine trying to sack this guy.

Happy Birthday Chachi!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of a longtime friend Chuck. I will not give him any of my usual backhands.

It is said to surround yourself with good people. It is also said to judge a person by the friends he keeps. With Chuck as my friend, I am good on both of those. 

Short and simple. I love this guy. For almost 30 years, he has been a great friend, a brother.

I am sure Chachi will be surrounded by his loving family, but I send birthday greetings from afar. Happy birthday, Chuckles!

Chuck and his family in Illinois-November 2023.

Angelina Love at Blizzard Brawl 2019

Great Lakes Championship Wrestling's annual Blizzard Brawl returned last week at the Waukesha County Expo Center. It's a huge event, featuring many past and present wrestling stars.

Lauren Williams was born in Canada and rose to fame on the wrestling scene as Angelina Love. Gaining much of her success in Total Nonstop Wrestling/Impact Wrestling, Love is a seven-time women's world champion. She won the TNA Knockouts Championship six times, and the Women of Honor title once. She also was a one-time TNA Knockouts Tag Team Champion with Winter. Love has enjoyed a great partnership with Velvet Sky as the Beautiful People.

As for Love herself, I met her several times and she is extremely sweet. At one convention, she was accompanied by her little son, who is probably not so little anymore. It was cool to see her in that role, while she was interacting with fans.

I last saw her at Blizzard Brawl 2019, one of the last events before the pandemic shut down most everything. 

Love was at Blizzard Brawl 2023, but I missed getting a pic.. You can see Love at @ALove4Life222 on Instagram. Also, go to GLCWWrestling.com for info on all great GLCW events..

Angelina Love and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2019.

On the Beat With Victoria Cheri Bennett

Earlier this week, I interviewed Victoria Cheri Bennett or Bevin. Bevin is the alias of Bennett, who is hosting Beverages with Bevin, the newest fandom talk show.

A veteran of the comic con scene (we determined she is in fact a comic con veteran), Bennett launched Beverages with Bevin, a show featuring her (Bevin) interviewing various folks from the comic con scene. The beverage is her way of creating a casual fun atmosphere, which makes it more entertaining for the guests, fans and Bennett.

After giving a brief bio, Bennett gave me all the info on her new show. With 50+ guests on its first season, its plan is quite ambitious, but so is Bennett. Before closing, I turned the tables on Bennett and asked her what beverage I would have. Despite just meeting me and me reversing the concept, Bennett indulged me with a solid guess. Although I just met her, that didn't surprise me. She is quirky, fun and fast on her feet, all of which make her a great interviewer and Beverages with Bevin a great show.

I wrote more about it on TheEveryDayFan.com. Also, check the interview at On the Beat With Victoria Cheri Bennett on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel. Lastly, go to BeveragesWithBennett.com to learn more about her and the show.

I thank Victoria (or Bevin) for her time. Also, thanks to Annie Banks (another comic con veteran) for facilitating the interview.

On the Beat With John St. Augustine

Last month, Ironman, the autobiography of legendary Chicago Cubs catcher Randy Hundley, was published. Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing John St. Augustine, longtime fan and friend of Hundley and the co-author of Ironman. That interview is at On the Beat With John St. Augustine.

When I was growing up watching the Cubs, I could always count on Hundley behind the plate. Although he started with the San Francisco Giants, Hundley joined the Cubs in 1966 and remained their starter through the 1973 season. During that time, he caught 947 games, but that includes 1972, when an injury limited him to nine games. Over a four year stretch, he averaged 153 games. He also caught 160 once, which still stands as an MLB record, one that will probably never be broken. Hundley was indeed an Ironman.

As a youngster, St. Augustine first met Hundley while seeking autographs. Little did either know how their lives would become intertwined years later.

Fast forward to a fantasy camp, an idea that Hundley actually started, the two met again. St. Augustine had a great camp, but more importantly he developed several friendships, most notably one with Hundley.

A few years ago, after a bit of prodding from St. Augustine, Hundley decided to finally write his book. His handpicked co-author was St. Augustine, a wise and natural choice. Together they worked diligently, but with a real passion, to bring the full story of Hundley's life and career.

I can proudly say I play a very small part in this process. St. Augustine contacted me after I interviewed Jody Davis, another former Cubs catcher. I put him in touch with Davis and also George Castle, my former colleague and longtime friend. St. Augustine and Hundley were even kind enough to include me in the book's acknowledgements, for which I am very grateful and somewhat shocked.

The book is destined to be a "must-read" for any Cubs fan, but also any baseball fan in general. In addition, even historians will love it for much of it's backdrop is during the turbulent 1960s.

For more information, go to Lulu.com. You can also get an autographed copy directly from St, Augustine if you contact him on Facebook.

Talking Travel With Steve Wright

Since it is football season, I looked to the gridiron for my recent Talking Travel interview on Global Traveler. Former NFL player Steve Wright also had a book coming out, which made it even better timing.

Wright played offensive line and tight end during his collegiate career at Northern Iowa University. Although he ultimately was inducted into the Northern Iowa Athletics Hall of Fame, he went undrafted by the NFL. Undaunted, he made the Dallas Cowboys team, signing as a free agent.

After two seasons with the Cowboys, he played two seasons with the Baltimore/Indianapolis Colts, followed by a season in the United States Football League. Wright returned to the NFL with the Los Angeles Raiders for his final six seasons.

Wright stayed busy with charity work and one season on tv's Survivor. All the while, he was compiling content for his book, Aggressively Human: Discovering Humanity in the NFL, Reality TV, and Life.

I talked to Wright about all of this, as well as travel, of course. Wright had some interesting stories, but he has plenty more in his book.

The full recap is on GT at Talking Travel with Steve Wright. All of the Talking Travel interviews are on the GT YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe to the channel (it's free) for all of the travel content.

Friend Encounters: Maria Kanellis and Tony Feddeler

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

My bud Tony is back. Tony is one of my most frequent friends appearing here.

This time he is with Maria Kanellis, a Chicago area native who rose to fame in the wrestling ring. While still active now in Ring of Honor, Kanellis had started Women's Wrestling Army, a fantastic women's wrestling company.

WWA had a great start, running a few shows in the Chicago area. Unfortunately for fans, ROH came calling and she put WWA on hold. Both Kanellis and her husband Mike Bennett insist WWA is not done. I hope they are right.

I had never seen so many great women's matches on one wrestling show. There wasn't a weak match throughout all of their events. Additionally, all of the wrestlers were great at meet-and-greets before or after the events. It really was a great experience every time at WWA.

I have written many times about WWA and I will keep doing so. I hope it raises more awareness. I hope Kanellis eventually brings back WWA. I'll be first in line for tickets. Okay, Tony and I will be first in line.

Maria Kanellis and Tony Feddeler in Highwood, IL-July 2022.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #664 Pam Tillis & Gerald Green

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today I feature the old (Houston Oilers) and the new (Tennessee Titans).

The daughter of Mel Tillis, Pam Tillis went on to carve her own successful music career. Initially releasing pop music albums, Tillis found more success when she switched to country music. Instead of repping any of her home state Florida teams, Tillis wore a Titans jersey for her first Celebrity Jersey Card. 

Born in Houston, Gerald Green went straight from high school to the NBA, after the Boston Celtics drafted him in the first round of the 2005 NBA draft. Green played for eight NBA teams and several others overseas and in other leagues. Although he had a long playing career, he fell a bit short as a first rounder. Green joined the Houston Rockets as a coach after his playing career ended. Green also shares a birthday with me, although he is much younger. For his Celebrity Jersey card, Green shows some hometown love with an old school Earl Campbell Oilers jersey.

Penny Riot and the Chicago Knockouts

Everyone who has attended any roller derby events with me has loved the action. Whether it's Chicago Style Roller Derby, the Windy City Rollers, the Chicago Knockouts or even the smaller leagues, it is always fun.

I started going to the CKO events a few years back. Then the pandemic hit and the world stopped. of course, when things re-opened and the Knockouts restarted, I was right back there. Since then, I have seen several events with different friends.

While it is stated it is legit competition, I have doubts it is completely such. There certainly are theatrics. There is also fantastic action. Is some of it planned (either during or before the event)? My best guess is there i a bit of scripting. How much is beyond me. 

Like wrestling before all the secrets were revealed, it is more fun this way. I like not quite knowing which way it is. It doesn't really matter anyway. I love the action. I appreciate the ladies. I will keep going back.

Back in my earlier days at CKO, Penny Riot was one of my favorites. As tough as could be on the track, she was all smiles after the action. 

Check out ChicagoKnockouts.com for more info. Also follow the Chicago Knockouts on Facebook for more frequent updates and other fun stuff.

Penny Riot and me in Summit, IL-February 2020.

Serena Deeb at Blizzard Brawl 2021

Tomorrow, Great Lakes Championship Wrestling presents Blizzard Brawl. GLCW's biggest annual event takes place in the Waukesha County Expo Center and I will be there "On the Beat" as usual.

Every year, I trek across the northern border to witness a great evening of meet-and-greets, followed by an action-packed wrestling card. I have been attending Blizzard Brawl for many years and have never been disappointed.

One of the guests I met a couple years ago was Serena Deeb. Currently signed to All Elite Wrestling, Deeb has seen action all over the world since debuting in 2005. Among her many achievements, she was the GLCW Women's champ.

Blizzard Brawl usually features about 20 wrestlers and legends in the meet-and-greet. There is plenty of time to meet all of them. Most also come out at intermission or after the event. 

Go to GLCWWrestling.com for the lates updates. I hope to see many friends there.

Serena Deeb and me in Waukesha, WI-December 2021.