Friendly Encounters: Danielle Zymkowitz and Sheri Samson

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

If there was a Chicago Bandits Hall of Fame, former player Danielle Zymkowitz would be a lock to be enshrined. Z played 7 seasons with the Bandits, being a vital part of the 3 NPF championships. She was the consummate player. I loved watching her play and I am grateful to have seen her up close for several seasons. I am even more privileged to have interviewed her several times.

I hated to see her retire, but she has been coaching in the collegiate ranks and that is where he immediate future is. I am happy to have related my total respect for her last interview as a member of the Bandits.

If there was a Bandits fans Hall of Fame, Sheri Samson would definitely be a first ballot inductee. Part den mother, part raving fan, Sheri has witnessed more Bandits games than anyone. Her constant presence at the ballpark is like comfort food for the softball soul. It's just good seeing her there every game.

Z appeared at a game last season and of course, greeted Sheri. It's a great picture which represents a lot of Bandits history.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info on the team. Also, go to UWBadgers.com to follow Z's progress with the Badgers, where she coaches along with Kirsten Verdun, another former Bandit!

Sheri Samson and Danielle Zymkowitz in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #431 Jodie Sweetin & Emily Allard

This is a regular series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Once again, we are working our way alphabetically through all of the Major League Baseball teams.

Jodie Sweetin rose to fame as middle daughter Stephanie on tv's Full House.Jodie overcame some personal problems and appears to be doing great these days. I had the pleasure of interviewing her a few years ago. That interview can be found at On the Beat with Jodie Sweetin. She was incredibly sweet, funny and very beautiful. Jodie's Celebrity Jersey Card comes from an episode of Full House.

Emily Allard was a star softball player at Northwestern. She joined the Chicago bandits and quickly became one of the best and most popular players in the league. Unfortunately, concussion issues derailed her playing career, but not her heart and spirit. Emily has poured herself into coaching and instructing. I interviewed Emily many times, including a full length one for HeroTV, which can be found at HeroTV2017: Episode 4 Emily Allard. This young woman is simply awesome. I will always have a place in my heart for Emily. Her Celebrity Jersey Card features her wearing the jersey of Robb Nen, one of her favorite players. Go to BeTheMomentumSoftball.com for more info on her softball instruction.

Death Wish With Gabe Baron and The Resistance

A couple weeks ago, The Resistance held Chapter VI Death Wish in Summit, IL.I had an up close seat as I called commentary with Gabe Baron for the first half of the show. You can watch the full show at The Resistance Chapter VI Death Wish on YouTube.

The Resistance has had six shows now and things seem to be settling into a nice groove. I'd say Death Wish was their best show yet.

I admit I was not very excited when co-owners Gabe and Jacques Baron announced The Resistance was going all hardcore. That style of wrestling isn't my favorite. With no offense to the competitors, I don't care to see ridiculous spots and unnecessary blood. Now, a few shows into the new hardcore approach, I am very pleasantly surprised with the product delivered. 

While the shows are labeled hardcore, it's that very definition which I need to rethink. During the commentary, Gabe explains it perfectly. Hardcore isn't just light bulbs and chair shots. It doesn't always involve blood.

Hardcore is a frame of mind. Hardcore is an attitude. Hardcore is Mad Man Pondo beating and stapling things to his opponents. Hardcore is also Resistance champ Shane Mercer giving hi all every time he goes out there. Hardcore is the Man Muffin Kody Rice having the agility to wrestle like a man half his size.

Only one of the seven matches involved lots of blood flow and foreign objects, yet the whole night was hardcore.

On commentary I have noted the split and flip-flopping of the fans. They are on their feet for most of the night, with a pretty even divide in their cheers. Many often also switch sides as the match progresses. This shows they appreciate the efforts of the wrestlers.

There are no major storylines yet, but the crowd is very into the action, because of the action. Ther is a little history between Mercer and former champ John Skyler, only because we saw Mercer's rise as a tag team champ. Their title match had everything you'd want in a match.

While I was apprehensive about the new direction, I am starting to change my mind. The Resistance isn't a blod-filled spotfest. It is smashmouth, excellent wrestling. It is hardcore!

Gabe Baron and me in Summit, IL-May 2019.

Portia Chellelynn at Days of the Dead Chicago 2017

Days of the Dead Indianapolis 2019 happens July 5-7. As i gear up for this year's event, I look back on some of my favorite moments at DotD over the years.

Portia Chellelynn has appeared at many DotD events. Sometimes she might be a brunette, while others she might be blonde. There might even have been a few other colors in the mix. No matter the hair color, the woman wearing it is just a real sweetheart.

I had the pleasure of interviewing her last year. That interview can be found at On the Beat with Portia Chellelynn. We talked about her name, her career, her projects and more.

Portia is an actress, director, producer model and also a mom of 3! She also was involved in pro wrestling, working with Frankie the Chi-Town Hitman.

Portia is a fantastic celebrity guest. She is very fan friendly. She seems to have as much fun at these conventions as fans do. You will always walk away feeling good after seeing her.

Go to PortiaChellelynn.com for more info. Also, be sure to check out DaysoftheDead.com for info on all of their shows, including celebrity guest lists and scheduling.

Portia Chellelynn and me in Schaumburg, IL-November 2017.

Crystal Stevens and Bandit Nation

When discussing the Chicago Bandits, you must mention Bandit Nation. I am biased, but it is a fan group like no other.

Every team has loyal fans and fan groups. Everyone thinks they are special and they all are, but Bandit Nation has a unique relationship with the team.

Among other things, the group organizes and supplies post-game tailgating with the team. This isn't just fans eating hot dogs and Cokes together. These are all out themed events (Taco Night) that are well-attended by Bandit Nation and the team. It's not unusual to see the majority of the team hanging out at the tailgate well into the night.

One of the regulars of Bandit Nation is Crystal Stevens. Crystal is a huge fan of the team (a prerequisite for being in Bandit Nation). She has been known to get on umpires on occasion, but she is a real sweetheart. She simply loves her Bandits and doesn't like seeing them get shortchanged by bad calls.

Crystal is a big softball fan in general. It was always fun seeing her at Northwestern games. Friendly faces are always welcome in the stands and Crystal's is one of the friendliest faces you'll ever see.

Last season, Crystal had the opportunity to throw out a first pitch. Her first attempt was not very successful, but it was amusing (as it landed a few feet behind her). Ever the trooper, Crystal got right back on the mound and had a much better second attempt.

I greeted her as she walked off the field. I had to get a picture of her with the ball. Crystal was a great sport, as expected.

As the season starts tomorrow, I am sure I will see Crystal many times this season. I will also see all of the other members of Bandit Nation. It'll be like a mini-reunion the first game and then it will settle into the usual ribbing on each other and the opponents. It really is one of the highlights of any game for me.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for more info n the team, including schedules and news. Check back here for recurring coverage.

Crystal Stevens and me in Rosemont, IL_August 2018.

Kristyn Sandberg and the 2019 Chicago Bandits

Kristyn Sandberg was major involved in one of the highlights of my five seasons of covering the Chicago Bandits. I am sure the moment left a bigger impact on me than her. Usually a catcher, Kristyn was the batting practice pitcher when I stepped into the box late last season.

Thanks to Director of Game Day Operations Jourdan Skirha, I was given an opportunity to take batting practice after the Bandits finished their usual session. It didn't surprise me to see Kristyn as the pitcher, because I had previously seen her pitch bp. Honestly, I didn't care who pitched. I was just excited to step in the box.

While I didn't fare too well, I did manage to hit a few liners to right. This would indicate I was swinging late (as in too slow of a swing), but again I didn't care. This was a thrill and I soaked in every moment.

This is just one of the several game day activities the Bandits offer. To be honest, most of the batting practice sessions with fans involve much younger batters than me (as in kids), but I don't think there is an age limit. There are also team pictures, shagging fly balls and more. You can check ChicagoBandits.com for all of the info.

I appreciate Kristyn pitching to me.Although a bit out of the norm, I am glad she understood I just wanted the experience.

In her 8th season, Kristyn is the team veteran, but she shows no signs of slowing down. Last season, she was an ALL-NPF team selection. She had a career high in home runs with 10 and led the Bandits in rbi's with 31.

A great player at Georgia, Kristyen was drafted fifth overall in the second round of the 2012 NPF Draft by the USSSA Pride. She also played for the Pennsylvania Rebellion and the Texas Charge, before joining the Bandits for the 2018 season.

As a bit of trivia, Kristyn is not related to Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg, despite sharing his number. too. The #23 is a family thing for Kristyn.

Check back here for recurring coverage of the Bandits. Also, check the Johngy's Beat Chicago Bandits playlist on YouTube for all of my interviews with the Bandits over the last 5 seasons.

Kristyn Sandberg and me in Rosemont, IL-July 2018.

Brenna Moss and the 2019 Chicago Bandits

The Chicago Bandits open their National Pro Fastpitch season this Thursday, June 6 against the Cleveland Comets. Technically, it is a home game for the Comets, although it is being played in Rosemont. Leading the Bandits and coming off of a great 2018 season is 5th year outfielder Brenna Moss.

Last season, Brenna set the team and league single season hits record of 65 hits. She also topped the NPF leaderboards in runs scored (38) on base percentage (.466), batting average (.442) and stolen bases (27). She also placed high in several other categories. In short, she had a great season resulting in being named the 2018 NPF Player of the Year.

After an outstanding career at Fresno State, Brenna was selected by the Bandits in the 3rd round (13th overall) in the 2015 NPF College Draft. Brenna has played in a whopping 167 games in her four seasons, while improving in batting average, on base percentage and stolen bases each season. When she isn't lighting it up on offense, she is a defensive whiz in the outfield.

I knew Brenna was extremely talented, but her last season was just incredible. It will be tough to repeat that type of success, but Brenna is a focused, dedicated player. I actually think she can be even better.

Brenna has grown into a real team leader and is definitely on of the most popular players in the league. She is arguably the face of the team heading into this season. She's a real class act on and off the field.

I had a great experience when I had the pleasure of watching a playoff game last season with Brenna's father. We were hanging out by the left field foul line, as close as he could get to Brenna. I loved the interaction between the two throughout the game. It was fun watching the game through his eyes and hearing a few stories.

It is common to see relatives of the Bandits at the park. The local folks are there often, but even the out of towners make a few trips every season. It is heartwarming to see the support system.

I will be "On the Beat" with the Bandits all season. Check back here for recurring coverage. Also, be sure to check out ChicagoBandits.com for more info.

Brenna Moss and me in Rosemont, IL-June 2018.

Friend Encounters: Thomas Ian Nicholas and Nick Zambole

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

Thomas Ian Nicholas rose to fame as a youngster in Rookie of the Year. He forever earned his place in the hearts of Cubs fans with that role and he has remained close to the team ever since. I have interviewed Nicholas a couple times at various events. My first interview with him was in 2012 and can be found at On the Beat with Thomas Ian Nicholas.

One bit of proof of TIN's continued connection to the Cubs was his appearance at the Cubs convention in January. He was one of the most popular guests, too. That's where my bud Nick Zambole met him.

I met Nick at a Chicago Bandits game. Nick is tight with my other bud Jonathan Cimaglio. Cimags and Nick are diehard autograph collectors. I have witnessed them "graphing" many times at Bandits games. They must have well over a thousand autographs just from the National Pro Softball players. Cimags even has a Cimags YouTube channel, featuring a lot of autograph related fun.

Cimags moved to Minneapolis, but Nicj is still around. I hope to see both of them at some Bandits games, though. I am sure Cimags will make the trip and he will get Nick to go.

Go to ChicagoBandits.com for info and scheduling on the softball team. Also, go to ThomaIanNicholas.com for info about the Cubs fan actor and musician.

Nick Zambole and Thomas Ian Nicholas in Chicago, IL-January 2019.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #430 Jermaine Jackson & Robby Krieger

This is a regular series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. Once again, we are working our way alphabetically through all of the Major League Baseball teams.

Jermaine Jackson is the 4th oldest child and 2nd oldest son in the famous Jackson family. He literally grew up singing. Jackson has seven children, although none appear to be following him into the music business. Jackson earned his Celebrity Jersey Card as a fan at a Los Angeles Dodgers game. It begs the question if he caught a foul ball or if it was given to him. Jackson's #99 was most prominently worn by former slugger Manny Ramirez.

Robby Krieger has also been a musician since his early years. He gained fame as part of the Doors and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame with the group. After the Doors, Krieger continued to perform with other bands and as a solo artist. He performed the National Anthem at a Dodgers game to gain his Celebrity Jersey Card.

The "Or Else" Podcast: Mike Vinikour

Mike Vinikour got his start at Resistance Pro Wrestling with a reference from our good friend Mike Bucci. Mike was a regular presence at RPro behind the camera and behind the scenes in several roles.

Mike started as the photographer at RPro. He got those awesome in ring shots that captured the action we all loved. Along the way, Mike started helping in the booking area and eventually was a main booker for RPro.

Mike has an interesting story. He was around RPro from the beginning and he saw all of the changes. Unfortunately for Mike, he was involved in booking during the roughest time in RPro's history. He did the best he could under the circumstances. I would have liked to see what Mike could do with a full, consistent roster. and regular shows.

I know Mike is well loved within the RPro family. His work on all ends was certainly appreciated and respected. He helped RPro get through a tough period of transition and he also helped get The Resistance started.

He is one of the good guys and not just because he wore my shirt several times (although I do appreciate that). He loves video games, vinyl records, wrestling and photography, of course.

Tommy Else and I interviewed Mike as part of the Or Else podcast retelling of Tommy and RPro's history. As expected, Mike had some fantastic insight and some inside stories.

Check out our interview with Mike at Episode 34: Mike Vinikour Part 1 and Episode 35: Mike Vinikour Part 2. While you're there, check out the rest of the podcasts on the Or Else channel.

Mike Vinikour and me in Summit, IL-March 2015.