Cards That Never Were: Carl Garrett Topps 1970, '77 & '78

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).
After playing college ball at New Mexico Highlands, Carl Garrett was selected by the Boston Patriots in the 3rd round of the 1969 NFL draft. Garrett played four seasons with the Pats, two with the Chicago Bears, one with the New York Jets and two with the Oakland Raiders. In his nine seasons, he rushed for 4,197 yards for a 4.1 yards average and 28 TDs. He also caught 182 passes for 1,931 yards and 7 TDs.
For his efforts, Topps made a card for Garrett from 1971-'76. That left 1970, '77 and '78. I easily found pics of Garrett with the Raiders, but the Patriots were more challenging. Still, I managed to make it all work and complete the series for Garrett.

Christy Hemme at Wizard World 2010

Wizard World returns to Chicago this weekend. I really missed Wizard World. I also really miss Christy Hemme, who I saw many times at Wizard World and elsewhere.

Now retired from wrestling, Christy also ventured into singing, acting, hosting and more. Christy was always one of my favorites in and out of the ring, but after interviewing her a few times, I gained a whole new appreciation for her. My interview with Christy at Wizard World can be found at On the Beat With Christy Hemme. She's such a positive person and so much fun.

Christy seems to be enjoying life with her family these days. The mother of five, including quadruplets, talks about that in or interview. As the kids get bigger, I am hoping Christy will make more appearances. It's been too long!

Check WizardWorld.com for news and scheduling. Also, check back here for my recurring coverage.

Christy Hemme and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

Looking Forward to K Lynn Smith at Wizard World

Wizard World returns to Chicago October 15-17. I am looking forward to seeing all of the celebrities and my creator friends. K Lynn Smith is one of the most talented and coolest artists.

KL is an artist and writer based in Michigan. She has produced the western comic series Plume and the series For Goodness' Sake. Of course, she also does original art work as well as commissions (as time permits).

Smith describes Plume, "Plume is a western adventure about Vesper Grey and her supernatural (and reluctant) guardian Corrick. On their way to recover some stolen artifacts, they start to learn the gritty truth about the past and how far they’re willing to go to amend it."

Talking about For Goodness' Sake, she says, "Thatcher is on a journey of self-destruction after he finds himself cursed, turning more and more demonic as the days go by. He soon runs into the free-spirited Rayne, who believes there might be a way to cure him. Together, they travel the country, working to unravel his predicament, while trying to survive each other."

Her work in any form is enjoyable, but I like her artwork the best. One of my favorite creations of her is a self-portrait of sorts.

KL is at the top of my list of artists I would like to create a Johngy interpretation. I usually do not give artists any direction, because I want it to be their vision, but I might make the exception and ask KL to include her self-portrait somehow. I can't wait fr conventions to resume.

Check KLynnSmith.com for all of her info and art. Go to WizardWorld.com for news and schedules for events all year.

KL Smith and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Peter Tork at Wizard World St. Louis 2017

Wizard World Chicago returns October 15-17. It's been a long time since my last Wizard World and I can't wait to be back "On the Beat" again.

I might have missed a lot of conventions last summer, but I have so many great memories over the years. A road trip to Wizard World St. Louis a few years ago was a lot of fun.

Peter Tork was always my favorite member of the Monkees. By now, everyone knows the Monkees started as a television show. In some ways, the concept was a precursor to many music audition reality shows of today. Musician Stephen Stills auditioned for one of the roles, but was turned down because producers felt he wasn't photogenic enough. They asked him for recommendations and he suggested Tork.

A talented musician, Tork was one of the most vocal and persistent in wanting the members to actually perform and write their own music. Eventually, they won out and the Monkees became a real band.

Despite their relatively short first run, the Monkees had a huge following. MonkeeMania was restarted when MTV aired the original tv show. The band reunited in various combinations over the years. Unfortunately, Tork and Davy Jones are no longer with us.

Tork was a lot of fun at Wizard World. He had a facemask of himself that he put over his face on and off. He joined Micky Dolenz at his table sometimes. He even ribbed Dolenz a bit. Tork got into the spirit of Wizard World. He was having fun and he made it fun for everyone else.

I was really sad to hear of Tork's death. He was one of my first favorites. The Monkees were probably the first band I ever remember hearing. I even had a Monkees Matchbox car.

Tork was 77 when he died. That's not young, but certainly too young to die. This is exactly why I try never to pass on meeting a favorite of mine at these conventions. You never know when it might be your last chance to meet someone. I am grateful I had a chance to meet Tork a few times over the years.

Go to WizardWorld.com to check for their revised convention schedule. You don't want to miss any fun.

Peter Tork and me in St. Louis, MO-April 2017.

Looking Forward to Ali Cantarella at New York Comic Con

Tomorrow, I head to the New York Comic Con. I can't wait to be "On the Beat" again at a comic con. I also can wait to see Ali Cantarella, one of my favorite artists.

A Chicago-based artist, Ali has been a regular stop on my Artist Alley circuit at comic cons. I have interviewed her a couple times, with the last time being at C2E2 2020 in Chicago right before the pandemic shutdown the world.

Actually, my pal, Entertainer Extraordinaire Joey Roth handled the masterfully interviewing duties that day. I wanted a fresh perspective and Joey delivered as always. Of course, it is always easy with Ali, because besides being a great artist, she is a lot of fun. That interview can be found at On the Beat With Ali Cantarella.

Ali is a blast to follow on social media, too. Whether she is painting full wall murals, dressing up outdoors power cabinets, hiking or any of the other adventures she posts, it is always a fun time following her.

Noted for her pet caricatures, Ali gave me her version of the Johngy character, which hangs in my place now. Of all her work, I am oddly fascinated by her hand series. In my next interview with Ali, I will ask about their origin.

Go to Cantarella.Ink for more info on Ali and her art. Also, check NewYorkComicCon.com for scheduling and updates.

Ali Cantarella and me in Chicago, IL-March 2018.

Looking Forward to Art Baltazar at New York Comic Con

New York Comic Con starts on Thursday and I am stoked. I'll be "On the Bear" for the first time at NYCC. I can't wait for the four days of fun, meeting celebrities, creators and friends. Art Baltazar is all three actually!

Art is a famous cartoonist. If you don't believe me, ask him or look at the Art Baltazar - Famous Cartoonist Facebook page.

If that sounds braggadocious, it's not. Art is just a fun guy. Besides, it is a true statement. He is a multi-time award winner, including an Eisner award (with Aw Yeah co-owner Franco) for Tiny Titans.

I have known Art for years and been a fan even longer. Somehow, it took me a while to realize he owned Aw Yeah Comics in Skokie, even though I went there for my random comic book searches.

Art has done work for a long list of companies, including DC Comics, Disney, Warner Brothers and many more. He also self-publishes.

Art is a unique guy. I think his mind is always working. Like a comedian who always sees humor from situations, Art seems to always have a comic idea in his head. He describes comic books as a way of life.

I have interviewed him several times, the last of which was at C2E2 2020 right before the pandemic. My buddy, the versatile Joey Roth handled the interviewer duties flawlessly and got a really fun interview. I think somewhere down the line, Art will challenge Joey for the Joey Roth title belt.

Check AwYeahComics.com for all the news and info on Art's books and future projects. Also, follow Art on Facebook for more frequent updates. Also, go to NewYorkComicCon.com for scheduling and other info.

Art Baltazar and me in Skokie, IL-July 2021.

Friend Encounters: James Finn Garner and Joey Roth at C2E2 2020

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Last year, I was "On the Beat" as always at C2E2, but I tried something new. For creators I have previously interviewed multiple times, I asked entertainer extraordinaire Joey Roth to handle the interviewing duties.

Joey brought a new perspective and the result was really fun. I am happy to report, Joey has confirmed he will repeat his role at C2E2 2021.

Author James Finn Garner was one of Joey's interview subjects. That interview can be found at On the Beat With James Finn Garner at C2E2 2020.

James is a New York Times best-selling author of many books. I enjoyed all of his books, but his Rex Koko series is my favorite. The Rex Koko series is a set of clown noir mysteries. It is such a funny and original concept. I fell in love with it from first glance and have been on board with each new novel. Joey and James discussed that and more.

You'll notice Joey is holding a title belt. It's not a fake. Joey is the current IPW Chicagoland champ, a title he has held for 800+ days. He's also a manager, an actor a podcaster and more. I was very happy to land him for my interview role and I look forward to more fun.

Go to JamesFinnGarner.com for more info on James and Rex Koko. Also, check C2E2.com for all the info on the event running December 10-12. Look for Joey all over he wrestling and entertainment scene and look for us both at C2E2, where we will get more fun interviews..

James Finn Garner and Joey Roth in Chicago, IL-March 2020.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #557 Baron Von Raschke & Brock Lesnar

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.

James Raschke was born in Nebraska but gained fame in wrestling rings around the world as Baron Von Raschke. The master of "The Claw" won several titles during his career, although most were in tag teams. He won a few singles titles in smaller organizations. He is legendary, especially in the midwest. At a convention a few years ago in Milwaukee, Von Raschke was one of the most popular celebrity guests. Even sports heroes like Bobby Hull and Fergie Jenkins wanted a pic with him. Von Raschke demonstrated his clawlike grip on a baseball for the Minnesota Twins in one of the few actual wrestling holds depicted on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

South Dakota native Brock Lesnar was a standout amateur wrestler in high school and college. He spent his junior and senior years on a scholarship at the University of Minnesota. Lesnar tried out for the Vikings and dabbled in MMA, but he found his real success in the wrestling ring. Many dislike his part-time status and attitude, but his accomplishments can't be denied. He has won a WWE singles title eight times. Lesnar looked a bit pained as he tossed out a first pitch for the Twins, but he still gets a Celebrity Jersey Card for his effort.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #556 Haley Reinhart & Christina Milian

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.

Chicago area native Haley Reinhart is my favorite singer of this century. I have seen her in concert and met her three times. I was supposed to do it all again last year, but the concert was canceled due to the pandemic. long with having a powerful voice, Reinhart especially likes music from the 1960s, which is another reason why I really like her music. Reinhart sang the National Anthem for the Detroit Tigers, but had to wear a Tigers jacket over her jersey because of the cold Michigan weather at the time. Because she is still wearing a jersey and she is one of my favorites, I definitely was going to make a Celebrity Jersey Card for her.

Actress, singer, song writer Christina Milian was born in New Jersey, but raised in Maryland. Milian originally wanted to be an actress, but started in the music industry. She would eventually do both. Milian has openly talked about the challenges of being Afro-Latina. She also had her own reality show for a while. Milian wore a Tigers jersey in her private life, but it's good enough to land her on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

The Connecticut Sun held a game day media session featuring Alyssa Thomas and Natisha Hiedeman. As expected, much of the talk centered around the Game One loss to the Chicago Sky and Game Two tonight.

Thomas, who has played three games since her return from an Achilles injury, spoke about her health. She has averaged six points, four rebounds, two assists and about 17.5 minutes per game since her return. While she is healthy, she is probably not in midseason form yet. Still, her return is a big boost to the already loaded Sun.

Hiedeman scored nine points in the loss to Chicago. She has averaged 10.66 points and 0.83 steals per game over the last six games. The first player off the bench, Coach Curt Miller looks to Hiedeman for a spark whether in the game or on the bench. Hiedeman should have extra help when the Suns head to Chicago for Games Three and Four, because of the proximity to her Wisconsin home. She confirmed there will be a sizable Hiedeman fan section for those games.

The Sun were favored by 7.5 points. Having lost Game One, this is a crucial game for the Sun (maybe even a "must win" game). The Sun will still have Game Five (if necessary) at home, but they don't want to head to Chicago down two games.

I predicted Chicago to win this series in five. Taking the first game was a huge step in that direction. I see Connecticut coming out strong tonight and taking an 85-82 victory

That media session can be found at On the Beat With the Connecticut Sun 09/30/2021.