Kayla Wedl From UIC to AU

Kayla Wedl was a softball pitcher in high school, but moved to the infield when she played at the University of Illinois at Chicago. In addition to being a star player at UIC, she also earned a degree in Kinesiology and is working on a Master's degree in Marketing.

Ay UIC, she was the 2021 Horizon League Player of the Year. That was just one of many awards and accolades she earned in a stellar career at UIC.

In June, Athletes Unlimited held its first open tryouts and Kayla won a spot on the 2021 league roster. As I have previously documented several times, AU doesn't have set teams, but rather has weekly redrafts. That's why Kayla earned a league roster spot and not a specific team.

As is the case for all AU players, part of Kayla's earnings in the league go to the charity of her choosing. For Kayla, that is Players for Pits, an organization dedicated to saving pit bull type dogs in Chicago-area animal controls. The goal is to decrease the number of pit bull type dogs dying in shelters and to make the nation no kill.

I had the pleasure of meeting Kayla at the first set of games this season. As a local athlete, she was very busy with family and friends, but she was kind enough to give me a few moments.

Follow her at @kaylawedl on Instagram. Also, check AUProSports.com for more info on Kayla and the rest of the league.

Kayla Wedl and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2021.

On the Beat With the Atlanta Dream 09/08/2021

The WNBA Atlanta Dream announced Morgan Shaw Parker as new Team President and Chief Operating Officer. The team held a press session featuring Owner and Chairman Larry Gottesdiener, Co-Owner and Vice-President Renee Montgomery and Shaw Parker. That media session can be found at On the Beat With the Atlanta Dream 09/08/2021.

In her role as President and COO of the Dream, Shaw Parker will oversee day-to-day business operations and revenue growth. She will manage sponsorships, ticketing, retail, marketing, digital, in-game experience, human resources, community engagement and research and analytics. She will work closely with owners Larry Gottesdiener, Suzanne Abair and Renee Montgomery. 

Montgomery was bursting with enthusiasm in the press session. “I am ecstatic to welcome Morgan to the Atlanta Dream family. Her enthusiasm for making an impact on the City of Atlanta is exactly the kind of leadership we need. I can’t wait to collaborate with Morgan to boost our players’ visibility in the community, to continue earning the respect of our city, and to make sure that the game we love is accessible to all those who want to be part of the WNBA experience.”

Gottesdiener added, “Morgan Shaw Parker is an absolute force in the sports industry, and she will be a true game-changer for the Atlanta Dream. Morgan’s genuine, thoughtful professionalism was an instant fit for our culture, and her passion for women’s sports matches our own.”

Shaw Parker was obviously just excited to get started. “It is an incredible honor to join the WNBA and the Atlanta Dream, an organization whose new leadership celebrates its players and embraces their powerful roles both on the court and in the Atlanta community. I have proactively championed women’s sports throughout my entire career and there’s no better time than now for me to take an active leadership role to shine a spotlight on these amazing athletes. I’m committed to working as hard as our athletes do to build an authentic brand that empowers women, represents the city, and exemplifies how a model professional sports franchise should be run.”

With more than 25 years experience of leadership at all levels of the sports industry, Shaw Parker looks to bring much-needed stability to the Dream organization, as well as marketing and communications strategies. Among her other positions, Shaw Parker was with Nike for more than a decade and the Kansas City Chiefs for five years, in addition to sports marketing agencies for several years. She was named as one of its “2019 Most Powerful Women in Sports” by AdWeek.

Shaw Parker's appointment is the latest in a series of changes within the organization, which included a new ownership group. Montgomery is the first former player to become both an owner and executive in the WNBA. In the middle of the many changes, the Dream was named the 2020 ESPN Sports Humanitarian Team of the Year for the work the players did towards the social justice and change movements.

The Dream, stand at 7-21 with four games remaining. They travel to DC, then host Indiana and Los Angeles, before finishing the season in Connecticut. They lead Indiana by half a game in the race to avoid the league's worst record. Washington and LA are both three games ahead of Atlanta.

While this has been a disappointing season for Atlanta, Shaw Parker joining the organization is one more move in the right direction to get Atlanta back on track. With new ownership and upper management in place, brighter days are ahead for the Dream.

Jungle Boy Carves Own Path

Several years ago, Jungle Boy appeared at Resistance Pro Wrestling. I heard of him, but had never seen him live. I was excited to finally see him perform and he did not disappoint. In fact, he was far more polished than I expected a wrestler of his age and experience. I thought he had a bright future.

Unfortunately, he did not return to RPro. Even more unfortunately, I failed to get a picture with him when he was there.

I did get to talk to him that night though. I told him a few of my stories of interacting with his dad. For those who don't know, Jungle Boy is the son of the late Luke Perry.

I had several fun exchanges with the elder Perry. One involved him unintentionally almost costing me an interview with Lauren Holly. Another involved him joking with my photog pal Jack, calling him "Sniper" for his quick and accurate shooting ability. Both became long-running jokes whenever I saw him at future events. Like all, I was terribly saddened by his passing.

As for Jungle Boy, he did not make his name as Luke's son. While he had a great relationship with his dad, he wanted to succeed on his own and therefore requested not to be billed as Luke's son. I even joked with him saying eventually, Luke would be billed as Jungle Boy's dad. 

Since then, Jungle Boy has made an impression on the wrestling world. He is currently signed with All Elite Wrestling, where he is a rising star.

Recently, AEW and Pro Wrestling Tees held a charity softball game to benefit PAWS. I got to meet Jungle Boy there and finally got a picture with him.

Jungle Boy has a bright future. Still a young 24, he is still improving. He seems to have his father's great qualities, too. He's humble, well-spoken and respectful of his business and fans.

Folly him at @boy_myth_legend on Instagram. Also, go to AllEliteWrestling.com for more news.

Jack Perry (Jungle Boy) and me in Schaumburg, IL-September 2021.

On the Beat With Val Capone

I can't believe it, but I first met Val Capone eight years ago at the UIC Pavilion, when she was skating with the Windy City Rollers. Val was a big part of WCR as a skater and broadcaster for more than a decade.

Established in 2004, WCR is Chicago's first flat-track roller derby league. A founding member of the Women's Flat Track Derby Association, the league is real sport, operating with rules and a scoring system. The only thing made up are the fun player names, like Val Capone. Val and her #89 jersey (for the legendary Mike Ditka) are as Chicago as can be.

In recent years, Val turned her attention to another of her passions, by becoming a broadcaster for local wrestling promotions. It was a smooth transition, which shouldn't surprise anyone. Val brings her dedication and focus to all she attempts and rises to any challenge.

Unfortunately, one of her challenges is her battle with Crohn's Disease. Despite surgeries, setbacks and other nasty effects, Val refuses to let it beat her. She makes the necessary concessions and adjustments, but it isn't stopping Val from living her life to the fullest and being an inspiration to all. The workout and practice schedule for WCR is grueling at times, yet Val worked hard, took the bumps and gave it her all.

Having not interviewed Val in several years, an update interview was long overdue. At the recent softball game pitting Pro Wrestling Tees against All Elite Wrestling to benefit PAWS, I finally had the opportunity to get that update interview.

We covered a little bit of everything, including her roller derby days, her position at the broadcast booth, Pro Wrestling Tees, dealing with Crohn's Disease and more. I couldn't take too much of her time, because she had to get ready for her catching duties. With Val seemingly constantly on the move, I was happy to steal a few moments with her.

Through her accomplishments, Val inspires all around her. She is a perfect example of following a passion and making it happen. She loved wrestling and found a way to become part of that world, without delivering body slams. She is living with Crohn's Disease, but not being defeated by it. She sets an example all can follow, even an old reporter like me.

I appreciate Val for her time and consideration with this interview. More importantly, I appreciate Val for being Val, larger-than-life, but completely down-to-earth. Our interview can be found at On the Beat With Val Capone.

Friendly Encounters: DiJonai Carrington and Henry Gee

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

The WNBA is back after a break for the Olympics. That means Global Women's Sports Radio is back bringing WNBA news daily.

GWSR was started by Henry Gee. He wisely asked me to join his efforts as Senior Contributor and we have been going strong for the last 18 months.

Earlier this season, Henry attended a game in Phoenix, when the Mercury hosted the Connecticut Sun. Ever his own man, Henry got a picture with the visitors' DiJonai Carrington and not any of his hometown Mercury players.

After a successful collegiate career, Carrington was selected by the Sun in the second round (20th overall) in the 2021 WNBA draft. In her first year, she is averaging 2.6 points, 1.9 rebounds and 0.5 assists per game. Because the Sun are loaded, playng time is hard to get, but Carrington is making the most of her 9.2 minutes per game. She looks to have a bright future.

GWSR also seems to have a bright future. Henry is working hard always to get more and better content. He has added several cool elements and more good things are coming. I am happy to be a part of GWSR and look to grow with it.

Check our the site at GlobalWomensSportsRadio.com. Also check out WNBA.com for more news and info on Carrington and the league.

Henry Gee and DiJonai Carrington in Phoenix, AZ-June 2021.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #553 Karyn Williams & Nicki Bluhm

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue working my way alphabetically through all MLB teams.

Musician Karyn Williams was born in Florida. She is the daughter of famous sports executive Pat Williams. She has a degree in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Florida. She focuses mostly on Christian music and two of her singles placed on the Christian Songs chart. Williams sang the National Anthem for the Cincinnati Reds and wore a Bronson Arroyo jersey to earn her first Celebrity Jersey Card.. 

Nicki Bluhm is a singer-songwriter from Lafayette, California who formed The Gramblers in 2008. Bluhm released two albums with the Gramblers and four solo albums. We sang the National Anthem for the Reds while wearing a custom #22 jersey to get her Celebrity Jersey Card. The Reds have had a lot of players wear #22, but none really stand out. Currently, pitcher Wade Miley wears that number.

On the Beat With Marla McKenna

Author Marla McKenna's first book, Mom's Big Catch, was inspired by a real life incident at a Milwaukee Brewers game. She didn't know it at the time, but one game, one moment even, totally changed her life.

Mom's Big Catch is the story of the pursuit of catching a ball at a Brewers game. The title might be a clue as to what happens, but I am not giving out any of the story. You have to buy the book to find out.

Written for children, Mom's Big Catch can also be enjoyed by adults as a quick, fun read. It's also customizable for any team. With a special editions featuring the Brewers, the Chicago Cubs and other teams, Mom's Big Catch is also interesting to team collectors.

One added bonus is partial proceeds from Marla’s books benefit the Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation and legendary musician Rick Springfield matches the donations. The story on how this came to be is fascinating, as you will hear in the interview below.

Marla was just getting started though. Next came Sadie's Big Steal, I'm A Secret Superhero and A Soccer Summer Dream with The Milwaukee Torrent.  I like how Marla weaves in some important issues, like bullying, without being preachy. Marla presents life lessons in entertaining ways within the stories.

Not leaving children's books behind, Marla turned her attention to more serious topics. Our Last Day in Heaven (co-written with Alex Hoffman and Michael Nicloy) and Manifesting Your Dreams were her next two books.

Having interviewed Marla several years ago and following her career since, it was time for an update interview with her. Marla talked about her books, her love of sports, meeting her sports heroes, being a woman writer and much more.

It was such a pleasure talking to Marla. She has a real passion for writing and giving. She has a genuine appreciation for the teams (like the Brewers, Cubs, Torrent and more) and players (like Fergie Jenkins, Rollie Fingers, Geoff Jenkins, Paul Molitor and many more) who have been involved in her career.

I tried to get a scoop on Marla's next project. She assured me she has ideas, but did not reveal them yet. Whatever she does, I am sure will be highly enjoyable.

It might be a case of art imitating life for Marla. She is a great example of manifesting your dreams. In a feature on Oprah Daily last year, Marla stated, “The easiest way to manifest anything is to be clear about what you want. Don’t give the universe mixed signals... and take action. Working toward your goals is imperative.” Marla did all that and more and the results are six great books with more to come.

The interview is at On the Beat With Marla McKenna. After you watch our interview, you can learn more about Marla at MarlaMcKenna.com. She cautions it is a bit under construction, but it still has a lot of great info. Soon, it will be even better. Also, follow Marla on all social media platforms.

On of the real joys of what I do is meeting people like Marla and spreading the news. She's a positive person with interesting stories to tell. I am going to continue following her career developments and I encourage all to do so, too.

Thank you to Marla for her time and consideration. Thanks, also, for providing great fun for all sports fans, young and old..

Happy Birthday Matt!

Today is my nephew Matt's birthday,. I am sure he is celebrating with his beautiful family, but I toast him from here.

Matt and I had so many fun adventures. He helped me so much in the early days of Johngy's Beat. He got Roddy Piper to do a promo for the Beat. He hung in there and secured my interview with Lauren Holly. He did so much and I appreciate all of it. I will always think fondly of the sports trips, comic cons, wrestling events and more that we enjoyed.

Now, Matt is a family man, married with two beautiful little ones. It's awesome to see him in this light. It's even better seeing him happy and living his life. I couldn't be happier for all of them.

I'm sure Erin, Delaney and Theo are making his birthday special, but I am sending birthday greetings right here. Happy birthday, Matt. I love ya, Big Money.

Matt, Delaney, Theo and Erin in IL-August 2021.

Cards That Never Were: Marc Hill Topps 1974 & '87

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create virtual 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 them. You can find more of my creations and a lot of other great creations (and not just baseball cards) in the Custom Baseball Cards group on Facebook.
Another great source for virtual cards is When Topps Had Balls. Gio's site has thousands of card creations, including one I showcase today.
Marc Hill was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 10th round of the 1970 MLB draft. He made his MLB debut in 1973 with a one game appearance. After playing in 10 games in 1974, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants after the season. After 5.5 seasons with the Giants, the Seattle Mariners purchased him midway through the '80 season. After half a season with the Mariners, he signed as a free agent with the Chicago White Sox, for whom he played through the 1986 season. All told, Hill played in 737 games, getting 404 hits for a .223 average, with 34 HRs, 198 RBIs, 146 runs and one stolen base.
I had a funny experience with Hill once. At a card show, Hill mentioned that Carlton Fisk and he owned the White Sox catching tandem HR record of 37 in 1985. Fisk actually had 37 HRs that year and Hill had 0, but as a pair, they do own the record!
For his efforts, Topps put Hill on a multi-player rookie card in their '75 set. He received a solo card in every set 1976 through 1986. That left a 1974 rookie card and an '87 "career capper" card. Gio from WTHB created the '74 card. That left the '87 card for me to create. Now Hill has his complete set.

A Night of Music With Erik Donner

Ral Donner was a singer with several hits in the 1960s. He had a voice similar to Elvis Presley, but a style all his own.

My friends turned me on to his son Erik, also a musician. Yesterday, I finally had the chance to see Erik perform. We all met at Avanzare, a classic Italian restaurant west of Chicago, where Erik was the happy hour entertainment. 

Although I enjoyed many of his performances online, seeing Erik live brought a new appreciation. He has an amazing raw energy and a connection with his audience. I definitely heard his dad's influence in his singing, but this wasn't a novelty act. 

For more than two hours, Erik delighted the crowd with his takes on songs, mostly from the 1960s and ‘70s, including a couple of his dad's hits. Taking requests, Erik showcased his range. Erik sprinkled in just enough banter to add to the show, without taking away from his music.

Wanting something light in the summer heat, I ordered the pear salad, a mix of poached pears, arugula, almonds and goat cheese with a lemon dressing. I was looking forward to this salad since we planned the outing.I was hooked as soon as I saw goat cheese was in the salad!

After the show, Erik came over and talked for a bit. He gave s a few facts about his dad, including him providing voice-over narration (in the voice of Elvis) in This Is Elvis, a 1981 film. Displaying a deep respect for his late father, Erik is carrying on the Donner legacy in his own way. His father would be proud.

Erik Donner and me in Lombard, IL-July 2021.