Athletes Unlimited Volleyball: Willow Johnson

 As regular readers know, I have always been fascinated by sports families, particularly multi-generations and multi-spots. Today's feature fits all of thos categories.

Willow Johnson is a star volleyball player and the daughter of Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher Randy Johnson. I had heard of Willow a while back, but being she plays for the University of Oregon, I didn't get any chances to watch her games. That changed earlier this year with Athletes Unlimited debuting a volleyball league.

Like her father Randy, Willow, at 6'3", is a tall lefty. At Oregon, she finished ninth in program history with a .272 hitting percentage. She had 1,011 kills and 1,165 career points. In AU competition, Willow was of to a solid start, but got injured.

On a selfish side, I was happy to have gotten a chance to speak to Willow prior to her injury. She had a great game and was part of the post-game media session. I asked Willow about advice from her famous father. Willow responded that her father has helped her with generalities, but his expertise isn't volleyball, so he didn't get into specific stuff. Willow's entire media session is at On the Beat With AU Volleyball 2021 Week 2.

I never had the chance to interview Randy, but I have added Willow to my list of interview subjects. I hope to talk to her sometime in the future..

For more info on all of AU sports, go to AUProSports.com. Follow Willow on social media to get updates on her career and life (and maybe Randy, too).

Willow Johnson and me-March 2021.

On the Beat with Georgina Corrick

Athletes Unlimited AUX Softball starts with the draft June 9 in Rosemont, Illinois. Pitcher Georgina Corrick is preparing for the season and will arrive in town in about two weeks. Knowing the hectic schedule of this short season, I took the opportunity to interview Georgina yesterday.

Georgina was born in England, but moved to the United States as an infant. Although she attempted a few sports, she found her spot on the softball field. Starting as a catcher, Georgina eventually moved to the pitching mound, thus launching an elite pitching career.

At South Florida, Georgina won numerous awards and accolades, while putting her name all over the program's leaderboard. Among her awards, she won the first pitchering Triple Crown in NCAA history. She also ended her career perfectly, pitching the gem in her last collegiate game in front of her parents, too.

On the international stage, Georgina continued her excellence for Great Britain. In European Championships, Georgina and her teams won two bronze and one silver medal. 

Georgina was selected third overall in the 2022 AU Draft. In the inaugural AUX season in San Diego, Georgina finished fifth with 1,308 points. She continued setting records, including the first pitcher to record double-digit strikeouts, and a record 162 pitches in 9.1 innings.

In our interview, Georgina started by telling the story of her attempts at youth sports. It took a little perseverance and a little luck, but Georgina eventually found her home on the softball field. It's a great origin story, although ever-humble Georgina describes it as “embarrassing.”

She discussed moving from catcher to pitcher, experiencing success, pitching in front of her parents and representing her native GB internationally. She also gave her thoughts on the unique scoring system and setup on AU Softball, including her initial feelings, preparing for the short season and current thoughts with one season completed. She confirmed she will play the AU championship season starting in late July, after returning from international play. 

Although she has no immediate plans of retiring and I certainly hope she plays a long time, Georgina hopes to become a shark enthusiast when she finally leaves the field. She explained what a shark enthusiast is and how she is already preparing for that potential endeavor. I recommended the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago as a place to visit while she is in town with AUX.

I look forward to seeing Georgina in action at AUX. It will be great to finally meet her in person.

Watch the interview at On the Beat With Georgina Corrick. For more info on AU, go to AUProSports.com. Follow here for my recurring coverage.

On the Beat With Greta Cecchetti

Greta Cecchetti was born in Bollate, Lombardy, Italy. She became the first born and raised Italian softball player to play at the NCAA Division I level, as well as professionally in the United States and Japan.

I got to watch Cecchetti up close last year when she pitched for Athletes Unlimited. Despite AU playing about 15 minutes from my home, my first interview with her came last week while she is halfway around the world in Japan. That interview is at On the Beat With Greta Cecchetti.

Cecchetti attended high school in Italy. She played for the Italian National Team from 2004-11, winning the European Championship in 2007. She also played in Italian Softball League from 2004-11, winning the 2005 Italian Championship. She also played five seasons in the Australian Softball League

After coming to the United States, Cecchetti started her college career at Polk State College, before moving on to Texas A&M-Corpus Christi for two seasons. While majoring in psychology, Cecchetti managed to make her mark on the Texas A&M leaderboards, despite pitching only two seasons.

In her one season with AU, Cecchetti earned 1,044 points in 15 games pitched. Wearing No. 81, she tied for eighth in the league with 1,060 win points.

Part of the unique structure of AU is playing for a cause, where a percentage of the player bonus goes to a charity chosen by the athlete. Cecchetti played for BEE Daring Foundation, whose mission statement is “Eradicating the stigmas surrounding mental health for college students, first responders, and athletes.”

Cecchetti discussed all of this and more in our interview. Unfortunately, because of the shaky wifi in Japan, there is no vide, but I inserted a few cool pictures from Cecchetti's career.

In addition to softball, Cecchetti gave some thoughts on travel, including a little advice. Having traveled as much as she has, Cecchetti certainly qualifies as an expert.

Thank you to Cecchetti for her time and consideration. Be sure to follow her on social media to get updates on her career, including this season in Japan.

On the Beat With Jade Hewitt

I first met Jade Hewitt many years ago, when she was a photographer for the Dallas Charge of National Pro Fastpitch (NPF). After the NPF, Jade moved on to Athletes Unlimited Pro Sports (AU), building an impressive resume, including the Olympics, Topps cards and more. Earlier this week, Jade discussed all of this in our interview.

While attending Millsaps College in Jackson, Tennessee, Jade was a four-year letter winner on the softball team. While the ever-humble downplays her softball prowess, she was awarded All Conference and All Tournament selections and was a team captain her junior and senior years.

Jade tells the tale of her start in the NPF. It's a story of guts and persistence. The fledgling Charge franchise quickly learned the talent they just acquired when Jade joined the organization.

After NPF, AU came calling. As the Lead Photographer, Jade was in charge of capturing the moments and players in softball, volleyball, lacrosse and basketball. Each sport required a unique photographic eye and Jade was more than up for that challenge. The thousands of pictures over the four years of AU prove Jade was the right choice.

At AU, Jade's photos appeared on the first ever women's softball cards produced by the Topps Company. That alone would be the career highlight for most folks, but Jade has done much more.

In addition to AU, Jade also did photography and videography for Team USA, including at the Olympics. Only the players get official medals, but Jade certainly earned a gold medal for her work.

Jade discussed all of this in our interview. She talked about the challenges of finding unique shots during four years of softball, the pros and cons of staying in the same stadium, adjusting to other sports and more, including her favorite frozen yogurt and the occasional return to recreational play on the field.

Those who follow Jade on social media (and everyone should), already know this, but Jade often gives photography tips. Not only that, but in the interview, Jade excitedly states she loves helping others. Jade realizes what women before her did and her place in history. She is proud to help future generations. Her enthusiasm is one of the best parts. As much as she enjoys her work, she also takes great pride and thrills in passing down advice.

The AUX season starts with the first team drafts on June 9 in Rosemont. Of course, Jade will be there photographing the draft. Actually, I am sure she will be there earlier as the players settle in and start practicing. I know she will be there for all the AUX games, then she will return in late July for the regular AU softball season.

I thank Jade for her time, but also for all of the great photos she has shared with the world. I have great appreciation for Jade's work and even more for Jade herself. She's an asset to the world of women's sports.

For more info on Jade, go to JadeHewittMedia.com. Also, check AUProSports.com to see her work with the league. Check out the interview at On the Beat With Jade Hewitt.

On the Beat With Sam Fischer

As the college softball season nears its playoffs, the Athletes Unlimited (AU) softball players are gearing up for AUX starting in early June. Heading into the AUX season, I had the privilege of interviewing Sam Fischer, who is always ready for softball playing and discussion. Find it at On the Beat With Sam Fischer.

A star at Loyola Marymount, among her many accomplishments, Fischer was a four-year letter winner, who became the first All-America selection in program history. At the end of her career there, she was the Lions’ all-time leader in HRs (65), RBIs (172), total bases (495), batting average (.387), slugging percentage (.786), on-base percentage (.494), runs scored (194), doubles (52) and walks (127). Fittingly, she was inducted into Loyola Marymount Sports Hall of Fame in 2019 and had her No. 52 jersey retired. Since college, Sam played for Team USA, in the NPF (National Pro Fastpitch) and the Japanese Professional League. 

In 2020, Sam joined more than 50 other elite women softball players for the inaugural season of AU softball, a new, unique league. Based on team and individual points, with weekly redrafts, culminating in an individual champion, AU put a new spin on softball. Although AU incorporates fantasty league-type elements, it retains the basics of the sport I love.

Last season, Sam finished in seventh place among the 56+ players. Aside from being one of the best, Sam is one of the most fun players. 

When I reached out to Sam for an interview, she was very gracious in granting me time, despite her normally busy schedule. When something came up, she even asked for the interview to be done earlier in the day, to have more time to chat. How awesome is that?!  I mentioned I would be asking about her travels and she was completely into that, too. 

Of course, the interview starts with softball talk. Sam discussed when she knew she was good at softball, playing in AU, her role on the AU Executive Committee, helping to make the sport bigger for future players and more. Then talk turned to travel. Through Team USA and her pro career, Sam has traveled to Japan, The Netherlands and more. She gives fun info on preparing and packing, as well as revealing her favorite places.

AUX starts Friday, June 9 in Rosemont, Illinois. Sam will be there, playing third for either the Gold, Orange, Purple or Blue. No matter the color, Sam will bring her usual elite play and fun personality to the field. I will be “On the Beat” all season, providing recaps for The Every Day Fan.

Thank you to Sam for her time and consideration. Also, on behalf of softball fans everywhere, but especially in the Chicago area, thanks to Sam and all the AU players for brightening our summer. Check AUProSports.com for more info on Sam and the league.

On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli

Earlier this week, I interviewed softball player Erika Piancastelli of Athletes Unlimited Softball, the Italian National Team (and the Olympics) and the Japanese League. Urka discussed all of this and a lot more at On the Beat With Erika Piancastelli on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel.

Born in Moderna, Italy, Erika played softball from an early age. With a father who played baseball and a mother who played softball in the Olympics, it seemed natural for Erika to play ball, but she didn't get realy serious about it until she played at McNeese State University.

It was at McNeese when Erika started thinking she could make a career out of the sport she loved. While at McNeese, in 235 games over four seasons, Erika hit .401 with 75 homers, 212 RBI's and 228 runs scored, the last three being career records for McNeese. She also ranks first in walks, doubles and total bases. Among her many awards and accolades, she was named Southland Conference Hitter and Player of the Year four times.

Erika has played three seasons with AU Pro Softball and will be returning for the 2023 season in August. In 2020, she finished in 4th, followed by 23rd in 2021 and 15th in 2022. Unfortunately, Erika will not play in AUX, the short season beginning in June, because she will be playing in Japan.

She will be leaving soon for the Japanese League season. She talked about the the style of play in Japan and adjusting to the different styles among the various leagues where she has played.

She talked about playing different positions, including which she preferred. Last season at AU, Erika played a lot of right field and she played it well. I asked her about a particular throw she made to nail a runner at third. My buddy Tony and I agree it might be the best throw we have seen on any level of ball. It was a perfect laser beam of a throw. We knew she was a star catcher, but we quickly realized she was just as good in the outfield or probably anywhere else.

Erika updated me on the latest news about RISR. Made for fastpitch players, RISR offers training content, advice and more from its instructors. Erika, Amanda Chidester, Haylie McCleney and Janie Reed certainly have the resumes to be great teachers, but it is their hands-on, relatable approach that makes RISR so special.

Lastly, we talked about Erika's new website. Of course, softball fans can always buy AU apparel to support Erika and other players, but diehard player fans always like to rep gear unique to their favorite players. As I promised Erika, I will be sporting her shirts this summer at AU. I love the logo designed by her sister. Before I let her go, I also got the origins of “Urka.”We wrapped up with a mutual expression of anticipation for the AU season. I am not sure who looks forward to it more, Erika and her teammates or the fans. I know I can't wait.

I thank Erika for her time and consideration with this interview and always. Erika is really an elite player and person. I encourage all to check her site at UrkaAthletics.com.

Friend Encounters: Abe Lincoln & Kayla Wood, Kylie Ohlmiller, Dempsey Arsenault and Ally Kennedy

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

In 2021, Athletes Unlimited exposed me to the fun world of pro lacrosse. I covered the league for the entire season, partaking in many Zoom interviews with the players. Based in Washington, D.C., the players took advantage of the area and visited many historic and fun places. One of those was a Washington National game. 

Kayla Wood, Kylie Ohlmiller, Dempsey Arsenault and Ally Kennedy attended a game and got a picture with the Abraham Lincoln mascot. Obviously, the lady athletes were trying to get featured here in the offseason and of course, I am always happy to feature fun "celebrity encounters."

For more info on AU and the great players, go to AUProSports.com. In addition to lacrosse, AU has leagues of softball, basketball and volleyball.

Kayla Wood, Kylie Ohlmiller, Abe Lincoln, Dempsey Arsenault and Ally Kennedy in Washington, D.C.-August 2021.

On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Softball 09/11/2021

This Sunday was a special day for Athletes Unlimited Softball. It was Causes Day.

Part of the unique structure of all Athletes Unlimited sports is the Athletes Causes Program, empowered by Give Lively. Each player chooses a charity, which will get 50% of that player's season bonus. It's a wonderful program, which not only raises money, but also awareness for the charities.

Players can also create their own fundraising pages to support their cause. They also use their social media platforms as another means of spreading the word.

This is such a special feature of AU. The players have strong connections to their causes. Many players have personal or community interactions with the causes.

After Saturday's games, Bubba Nickles, Kelsey Harshman, Dejah Mulipola, Amanda Lorenz, Aleshia Ocasio and Taylor Edwards participated in the post-game press session. The players talked about why they selected their causes. That press session can be found at On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Softball 09/11/2021.

For more detailed info, go to the Causes page on AUProSports.com. Also check back here for my recurring coverage of AU sports.

Morgan Zerkle Loves Johngy's Beat

With the Athletes Unlimited Softball season starting this Saturday, it is a great time to run this promo by outfielder Morgan Zerkle. Morgan recently sent a shout out to Johngy's Beat. 

Morgan was a star outfielder at Marshall University. After graduating with a degree in exercise science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology, Morgan went on to play three seasons with the Scrap Yard Dawgs. She signed with the Chicago Bandits for the 2020 season, but that season was cancelled due to the pandemic. With Team USA, she is a 2017 World Cup of Softball and 2017 Japan Cup silver medalist. During the inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited Softball, she finished sixth overall on the points leader board.

I always appreciate the support of the folks I cover. In turn, I encourage everyone to check out Morgan at AUProSports.com and tune into AU Softball starting Saturday.

AU Volleyball: Aury Cruz

The inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season ended in March with Jordan Larson being crowned the first champion. I came to really enjoy the league and the players much more than I expected. Learning about the players and getting to know them through the press sessions was one of the fun parts.

One of the top players for the first season was Aury Cruz. Born in Puerto Rico, Área Esther "Aury" Cruz Dalmau competed for the Puerto Rico national team at the 2008 Olympic Qualification Tournament in Japan, where she was named Best Server at the event. She attended the University of Florida, where she was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame as a "Gator Great" in 2014.

During one of the press sessions, I asked Cruz about that honor. She talked about it being a great feeling. She never imagined she would be among the greatest athletes from that school. It's always great to hear a player appreciate those such honors that way.

Players like Cruz accumulate many awards and honors during their careers. I always wonder if they start to become immune to the specialness of such things. It's not that the players don't care, but after so many awards, does it become routine to them? Cruz was genuinely proud and happy with her place in that HOF. 

During the AU season, Cruz finished in fourth place with 3,582 points. That's only 108 points behind second place. While it is 987 points behind first, champion Larson dominated the league. I am judging Cruz on the rest of the league.

Finishing in fourth, Cruz was a regular presence in the post-match media sessions. She was always a good interview.

There will be a second season of AU Volleyball, although dates and location have not been announced. Go to AUProSports.com for more info and updates. I'll also provide recurring coverage here, as always.

Aury Cruz and me-March 2021.

AU Volleyball: Jordan Larson

The inaugural season of Athletes Unlimited volleyball ended with Jordan Larson being crowned the first champion. You can get more info on the season from older posts here and on GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com.

One of the fun parts for me was learning about players like Larson. Prior to the AU Volleyball season, my knowledge of volleyball and the playrs was pretty limited. Because of the broadcasts and the post-match press sessions, I got to know a lot more about all things volleyball.

Born in Nebraska, Larson is a member of the United States women's national volleyball team and Turkey club Eczacıbaşı VitrA. She was a silver medalist of the 2012 Olympic Games, a bronze medalist of the 2016 Olympic Games and a gold medalist of the 2014 World Championship. She was a two-time AVCA First Team All-American while playing college volleyball at Nebraska. At Nebraska, she became the first player ever to be named the Big 12 Player of the Year and the league's defensive player of the year in the same year.

In the AU Volleyball season, Larson was a captain for four of the five weeks, meaning she was in the top four in points for four weeks. For the season, she finished with 4,569 points, 879 points ahead of second. To put that in perspective, 865 points seperated second place from tenth place. That means Larson was dominant

Larson was a delight in press sessions. She analyzed the games, her play and the season in general. She also talked about the sport and other off-topic bits about her life. She was humble, while still being grateful in victory. In other words, she was everything you would want in a player and a champ!

I don't know if Larson will return for a second season. She'll only be 35. She certainly has game left in her, if she wants to play. My guess is she will return to defend her title.

AU announced there will be a second season, although time and place details were not announced. Next up though for AU is the lacrosse league and I will be "On the Beat" for that. Check AUProSports.com for more info on all AU leagues and check her for my recurring coverage.

Jordan Larson and me-March 2021.

Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 5

After five weeks and 30 exciting matches, the inaugural Athletes Unlimited Volleyball season ended with Jordan Larson as the Champion. Rounding out the top four are Bethania de la Cruz, Brie King and Aury Cruz.

Larson finished with 4,569 points. Only 108 points separated second place from fourth and Karsta Lowe in fifth place was only 16 points behind fourth.

Samantha Seliger-Swenson, Deja McClendon, Bethania DeLaCruz, Sheilla Castro, Morgan, Aury Cruz, Brie King, Lauren Gibbemeyer and Alex Holston were in the photo session that can be found at On the Beat with Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 5.

Go to AUProSports.com for more info on the league and players. Also, check here, GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com for my recurring coverage.

Jordan Larson and me-March 2021.

On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 3 Part 2

Yesterday, I featured the first three media sessions from Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week Three. Today, I feature the second set of three media sessions.

These pressers feature Jordan Larson, Kelly Hunter, Nomaris Velez-Agosto, Deja McClendon, Ebony Nwanebu, Aury Cruz, Sherridan Atkinson and Symone Abbott. Once again, the athletes discuss specific game and season details and general topics about their life with and away from volleyball. For the press sessions, go to On the Beat with Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 3 Part 2.

Go to AUProSports.com for more info on the players and the league. Also, check here for my recurring coverage, as well as GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com.

Sherridan Atkinson and me-March 2021.

On the Beat With Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 3 Part 1

Week Three is in the books for Athletes Unlimited Volleyball. I have to admit, I am enjoying watching volleyball much more than anticipated.

These women athletes are the best volleyball players in the world and they aren't playing for millions of dollars. Of course they are being paid, but the unique structure of the league is basically a pay for performance system. Additionally, there is a built-in donation to the charity of the player's choosing.

The games are played Saturday through Monday, with two matches each day. All of the games are followed by media sessions. I'll also admit, although I heard of most of these players, I knew very little about any of them. Through the broadcasts and the media sessions, I am learning a lot and enjoying the journey with them.

Today, I am featuring the first three media sessions from Week Three. Bethania DeLaCruz, Lianna Sybeldon, Nia Grant, Sheilla Castro, Molly McCage, Brie King and Karsta Lowe and Kelly Hunter all took turns answering questions and giving their thoughts. Topics range from specific game details to very general interest stuff. You can pretty much know which area was my focus. Check the sessions at On the Beat with Athletes Unlimited Volleyball Week 3 Part 1.

Go to AUProSports.com for more info on the players and the league. Check my recurring coverage here and on GlobalTravelerUSA.com, Patch.com and GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com.

Kelly Hunter and me-March 2021.

Cards That Never Were: Johngy Topps Volleyball 2021

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

Athletes Unlimited recently announced Topps will be producing a trading card set for the AU Volleyball 2021 season. I wrote more about that at Athletes Unlimited and Topps Partner for Volleyball Card Set for Global Women's Sports Radio.

Last year, Lynn from the Custom Baseball Cards FB group was kind enough to create an AU Softball card for me based on the Topps AU Softball set. Unfortn=unately (but not surprisingly), that card did not make the real set.

Earlier this week, Lynn was at it again, creating a card for me from the Topps AU Volleyball set. Lynn did a great job with a challenging design, which is beyond my PhotoShop skills.

Of course, I won't be included n any of the real sets, but it is cool to see a "card that might have been."

Johngy Goes (to the) National

The National starts today.  The National is the big yearly sports collectibles convention.  It moves around and this year it is in Rosemont (just west of Chicago).
Obviously, Scott Beatty and Frank Caputo of AU Sports will have a big booth there.  They display a smattering of what they sell in their store.  They also meet new customers and new sellers.
Also at the AU booth will be Brian O'Donnell.  He has an interesting collection mainly centered around old scorecards.  Oh for the days of actually keeping score at games!
Additionally, I am sure Sal Barry will be roaming around.  Sal runs PuckJunk.com and is obviously a hockey fan.  (How about those Hawks?!)  Sal is always looking to add cool stuff to this hockey collection.  I like the Penguins jersey.
Oh sure, the National also has a lof of ex-players signing autographs, usually at high prices.  Fortunately, I don't collect autographs as much as I once did.  I think I got out in time!
I usually go and hang at the AU booth for a while.  If I am lucky, I get an interview or two with some athlete.  Either way, I have a lot of fun at the National and other similar, smaller conventions.
The National runs through Sunday.  If you go, stop by the AU booth and tell them Johngy sent you.  It will get you absolutely nothing, except maybe an odd smile or two.

Scott Beatty, me, Sal Barry, Frank Caputo and Brian O'Donnell in Rosemont, IL-April 2013.

Friendly Encounters:AU Sports Meets Bill Melton

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.  If you have any pictures of your own with any celebrity of any sort, I'd be happy to feature you here, too!

Bill Melton was one of the first players I ever remember.  Melton was a fixture at 3rd base for the White Sox from my first game through 1975.  Many years later, he rejoined the Sox as an analyst and ambassador.  There is something very comforting with Melton back here.  It's like reliving a good part of my childhood.
Speaking of reliving my childhood, every time I step into AU Sports, I feel like I did so many years ago when I would but a pack of baseball cards from the corner store.
Recently, these two forces of nostalgia came together for a wonderful afternoon.  Melton appeared in the store to sign autographs and tell baseball stories.  It was awesome to hear memories of Eddie Leon, Bart Johnson, Dick Allen and more.  I felt like a kid again.  Melton even hung around longer than expected and we all appreciated it.
What could be better than an afternoon of talking baseball with Melton at AU Sports?  Well, actually, talking baseball with Melton at the new location of AU Sports.  The legendary card store has moved into a bigger and better location.  Now located in Morton Grove (IL), Scott plans on having more guests like Melton.  When he does, I will be there to report on the day and to hurdle myself back in time to my pack-buying days.

Frank Caputo, Bill Melton, Scott Beatty and Brian O in Niles, IL-April 2012.

Friendly Encounters:Scott Beatty Meets Rich Nye

This is a regular series about friends who have met celebs.

Doing the write-up for Friendly Encounters is usually easy.  Unfortunately, sometimes I have to run Friendly Encounters featuring Scott Beatty.  I really don't want to say nice stuff about Scott.
Oh wait.  Scott runs AU Sports.  I can say nice things about AU Sports.  After all, it is the greatest sports cards and memorabilia store bar none.  They have the famous "wall of cards", which features about 8 feet high and 50 feet long worth of sports cards singles.  If you want a specific card, odds are they have it here (except for the 1977 Topps Mick Kelleher for some odd reason).
They have singles, sets, oddballs and shortprints.  They also have photos and other cool stuff.  They even occasionally have ex-pro athletes in for signings.
Such was the case a couple years ago, when Rich Nye was there to sign for fans.  Nye pitched for the Chicago Cubs in the late 1960's and for St. Louis and Montreal in 1970.  He became a veterinarian and still has a practice in the suburbs.
Oh, okay.  I guess I cannot finish this post without writing something nice about Scott.  He's a funny guy and a good friend, but mainly he runs the best darn sports collectibles store period!

Frank Caputo, Rich Nye and Scott Beatty in Niles, IL-Mid 2010.

On the Beat with Icarus

Last week, we featured our interview with Harry Smith from the Black Friday event of Resistance Pro Wrestling.  Today, we are featuring our interview with Icarus, also from Black Friday.
Icarus was originally trained (with childhood friend and RPW wrestler Hallowicked) by Mike Quackenbush and Reckless Youth of Chikara.  He made his wrestling debut in May of 2002, as part of the Chikara promotion's first event.
Icarus has wrestled in a few organizations and continues to gain recognition for his performance.  He was named #220 on PWI's top 500 wrestlers in 2010.  Icarus lost his bout at Black Friday, but I think he will rebound and start to leave his mark on RPW.
At the after party, we talked to Icarus in the side room.  The lighting was horrible, but the interview itself was enlightening.  Once again, Johngy's Beat contributor Scott Beatty (of AU Sports) handled the interview.  They talked about about the origins of Icarus, as well as his goals past and present.
I really appreciate Icarus giving us his time and consideration for the interview.  I also appreciate RPW for allowing us the access.  After you watch the video interview below, check out ResistancePro.com and the Resistance Pro Facebook page.  Also, to learn more about Icarus, check out Icarus on Twitter.

On the Beat with Harry Smith

I almost met Harry Smith at the Wizard World con last August.  By the time I got to the Resistance Pro Wrestling booth, he was gone.  Fortunately, it was announced that he would be appearing at their debut event in Chicago.  That event was Black Friday, which took place last Friday.
Smith wrestled an exciting match which ended in a draw and set up a three-way for the title in January (at the next RPW show).
At the after-party, I approached Smith about an interview, which he very politely accepted.  Johngy's Beat contributor Scott Beatty (of AU Sports) conducted the interview.  In the background you can hear the party at Excalibur.
Obviously, we talked about his lineage and training.  He is the son of the late great Davey Boy Smith (the British Bulldog) and the grandson of Stu Hart (patriarch of the legendary Hart family) and he trained in the Hart dungeon.  We also discussed his career and Resistance Pro Wrestling.
Hart looks to be the real deal.  Smith looked to be in great shape.  He has size, athleticism and charisma.  He knows and respects the business.  I think Hart is going to make it huge one day.
Hart was extremely generous with his time and we greatly appreciate it.  We want to thank Hart and RPW for the interview and access.
We look for great things from him and from RPW and we will be there in January as he is crowned the first RPW champ!  After you watch the interview below, check out ResistancePro.com.  Also, you can go to Harry Smith's Facebook page to learn more about him and keep updated.