Cards That Never Were: John Flannery Topps 1978

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.

While I usually do the creating, sometimes others help me with tough designs or have beaten me to a specific card. The latter is the case today.

Infielder John Flannery was selected by the California Angels in the ninth round of the 1975 MLB draft. In midseason 1977, he was traded to the Chicago White Sox with Don Kirkwood and John Verhoeven for Ken Brett. He made his MLB debut that season, playing in seven games. He had three plate appearances, walking once, but not getting a hit. He did score one run. Unfortunately, that would be it for his MLB career. He played in the minors with the Sox, San Diego Padres and Detroit Tigers, retiring after the 1982 season. 

Not surprisingly, Flannery did not appear on any Topps cards. I set out to create a 1978 card (a rookie card and a career capper all in one), but Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls beat me to it. Gio's site has hundreds of his awesome creations. So many times, I see a picture and am ready to create a card, only to see Gio already did one. His creations are spectacular and plentiful.

Elizabeth Berkley at Fan Expo

Running August 13-15, Fan Expo Chicago is now exactly two months away. Of course, I will be "On the Beat" all weekend, along with my pal and photog Tony.

Last year, we met Elizabeth Berkley, who rose to fame on television's Saved By the Bell. While a bit silly, the show was just fun Saturday morning entertainment. Most of the actors on the show have gone on to solid careers.

Berkley originally auditioned for another part on Saved By the Bell, but ultimately the producers were so impressed they created the role of Jessie just for her. She was a strong, young female character, a good role model for other teenage girls. Of course, she also later starred in Showgirls, which a bit controversial at the time, has become a cult classic. 

Last year at Fan Expo, Berkley was so very sweet. We expected our standard few minutes with her, but she initiated more conversation (much to the dismay of the guy behind us). We discussed her career and Chicago. I also gave her my card, hoping for an interview later. She took it and even took a picture of it to make sure she didn't lose it. Unfortunately, I never got the interview, but I really didn't expect it. Still it was a great several minutes with her (even if the guy behind us didn't agree).

Up close, Berkley is stunning  At 51, she looks naturally beautiful.

Fan Expo Chicago will have many new celebrities this year and Tony and I will meet many of them. There is also a huge Artist Alley full of creators of all sorts. Vendors and events round out the fun-filled weekend.

For more info, go to fanexpohq.com. Chec back here for my updates.

Elizabeth Berkley, Tony and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2024.

David Herro of The Herro's Journey

Over the last couple weeks, I wrote about the premiere of The Herro's Journey, as well as interviewed Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes. Today, I feature an interview with David Herro, the subject of the documentary.

The Herro's Journey gave a great look into the man and father David is. My goal here is to share that with my readers and also to thank David for years of entertainment and friendship.

Just like in the film, David spoke candidly about the process of making it. He also diffused the topics of nepotism and criticism of wrestling (and rightly so). Lastly, he spoke of his son Kal.

All of it revolves around Kal. He clearly is David's main focus and their relationship is one to admire.

As The Herro's Journey gives a fantastic view of David, I hope this interview gives another small glimpse into him. David is a #Superfriend to all.

Watch our interview video at On the Beat with David Herro. Check back here for updates on The Herro's Journey.

Talking Travel with Barbara Booth

Barbara Booth is my latest Talking Travel interview guest of Global Traveler. Booth is a CNBC contributor and the CEO-cofounder of Go-Be Airplane Seat Trays.

Looking into the cleanliness of airplanes for a friend, Booth saw a need and she worked on a solution. The result is a sleeve that covers seatback trays, one of the most germ-filled spots on planes.

After seeing one on a plane and realizing what they were, I contacted Booth who graciously gave me an interview. Booth discussed the whole process, airplane hygiene, future possible products and more.

The full interview is at Talking Travel with Barbara Booth on GT. Also, please subscribe to the GT YT channel. (It's free, easy and will help me a lot).

Friend Encounters: Jacqueline Moore and Heather

 Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Here are two of my favorite women wrestlers. Pioneer Jacqueline Moore is partially responsible for paving the path for Hardcore Heather Owens.

Moore is an underrated wrestling personality. Whether a wrestler of manager/valet, Moore was one of the generation who bridged the gap from the old time women wrestlers who were lucky to get one match on any card to the new generation who can main event a card. While Heather has never told me directly Moore is one of her role models, I know her well enough to say this is the case.

I have known Heather from our time with Resistance Pro Wrestling. I believe she was vastly underappreciated there, but she was a good soldier and did what was asked. I would have liked to see her get a real run to and with the title.

Since then, Heather is mostly retired. She runs a yearly wrestling show in the Cincinnati area as well as being one of the promoters of Squared Circle Expo, where she met Moore.

I love this picture. It is two generations of women wrestlers. I would bet there is pride on both ends. No doubt Moore is proud of the women who have followed her and Heather is proud to meet the legend.

Go to squaredcirclex.com for more info on the awesome wrestling convention. Also, check Heather on social media or the Cincinnati Patch for info on Power. Pride. Pro Wrestling!

Jackie Moore and Heather Owens in Indianapolis, IN-April 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #744: Brian Agler & Brock Huard

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing pro jerseys. I continue my season-long march through all MLB teams.

A native of Ohio, Brian Agler rose to fame as a coach in college, the American Basketball League and the WNBA. During his career, Agler's awards and accomplishments include ABL Coach of the Year Award (1997), 2× ABL champion (1997, 1998), WNBA Coach of the Year Award (2010) and 2× WNBA champion (2010, 2016). Agler tossed a ceremonial pitch for the Seattle Mariners to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card. Agler's connection to Seattle stems from his years coaching the WNBA Seattle Storm, including leading the team to a championship.

Brock Huard's connection to Seattle runs deep. He was born there, went to the University of Washington and played four seasons (over two stints) with the Seahawks. Since retiring, Huard has done broadcast work in different roles for several outlets. The Seattle Mariners invited Huard to toss a ceremonial pitch which landed him on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Pinfalls: WWE Money in the Bank

Pinfalls returns with a deep dive into WWE Money in the Bank, which airs today. My The Johngy "OR ELSE" Podcast partner Tommy Else and I made our predictions and added some other topics to the discussion.

There are only four scheduled matches:

Cody Rhodes & Jey Uso vs. John Cena & Logan Paul

Women's Intercontinental Champion

Lyra Valkyria vs. Becky Lynch

MITB Women's Ladder Match

Solo Sikoa, LA Knight, Seth Rollins, Penta, Andrade and El Grande Americano

MITB Men's Ladder Match

Alexa Bliss, Rhea Ripley, Roxanne Perez, Guila, Naomi and Stephanie Vaquer

Lately Tommy has been building his lead in wins. This year, Tommy is 22-4, while I trail at 19-7, which is still pretty good. Tommy now leads me by two wins lifetime.

We also discussed the R Truth situation. Could it be part of a big storyline or am I just playing booker.

Lastly, we paid tribute to Valhalla, otherwise known as Sarah Logan or Crazy Mary Dobson, our old pal from Resistance Pro. WWE announced they were not renewing her contract. Sarah is enjoying her life, but it i still bittersweet seeing her WWE stint and probably her wrestling career end.

Make your picks and then watch the video at Pinfalls: WWE Money in the Bank. Enjoy the show!

Athletes Unlimited Softball League Debuts

Athletes Unlimited Softball is back and the old is the new.

AU Softball has always been an innovated system of points, drafts, redrafts and other such stuff. AUSL brings traditional softball back and I can't wait for it.

Tomorrow is Opening Day in Rosemont. The Bandits play the Talons. There are no city affiliations, yet. Still, if the Bandits are in Rosemont, we have to think they shall remain in Rosemont for the long haul.

For more info on AU softball, go to theausl.com and auprosports.com. Check back here for my coverage.

Jordan Roberts, Payton Gottshall and me in Evanston, IL-April 2025.

On the Beat with Justin James Elk Grove Rotary Fest

 I hadn't seen former pro wrestler Justin James in several years, when I ran into him at a POWW show a few weeks back. Justin told me of a cool future wrestling event and I immediately got behind it.

James had to step away from in-ring action due to injuries, but he hasn't strayed from his passion. He is a teacher and wrestling coach, as well as a great help to POWW owner Jimmy Blaze behind the scenes.

Justin is teaming with Elk Grove Mayor Johnson in tag team action at Elk Grove Rotary Fest. This is the first time wrestling will be held at the fest and it looks to be a great card. Justin got some returning favorites, active veterans and stars on the rise in a great mix of talent on the card.

I talked to Justin about his career and the upcoming show. I'll let him reveal the entire card in the video.

For the full interview and full story, go to Wrestling Coming to Elk Grove Rotary Fest on the Chicago Patch. Check back here for updates.

David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey"

Yesterday I discussed the premiere of The Herro's Journey. Today, we're still on the subject, as I interview Producer David Vox Mullen and Director Danny Reyes.

Vox and Danny talked about all aspects of the film. They were open and honest about the challenges and their love of the project and subject. Likewise, the film is open about David's life. Also like the film, this is such a feelgood interview, not because we made it that way, but just because of who is involved.

For the full interview, go to David Vox Mullen & Danny Reyes Talk "The Herro's Journey" on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel (and subscribe to the channel if you would).