JOHNGY'S BEAT
YOUR 316TH BEST SOURCE FOR POP CULTURE NUGGETS
Saturday, April 27, 2024
Cards That Never Were: Michel Plasse Topps MidCard 1975-76
Friday, April 26, 2024
Catching Up With Kirsten Verdun
Kirsten Verdun will forever hold a bittersweet place in my heart. Realistically, it was much more sweet than bitter.
After a stellar career on the mound for DePaul, Kirsten joined the Chicago Bandits in 2014, my first season of fully covering the now-defunct league. The next year, I was offered the opportunity to play in an exhibition game between the Bandits and a semi-pro men's team.
At my best, I was a marginal player in men's rec leagues. Despite the odds against me, I wasn't going to pass up this chance. Around the fourth inning, Bandits media person Jason told me to warm up, because I was batting the next inning. From then, it really all was a blur.
My name got called and I approached the batter's box. Bandits 3B Amber Patton offered advice to tuck in my press lanyard, advice catcher Taylor Edwards repeated as I stepped into the box. Realizing their point, I pushed my lanyard into my shirt, understanding I now had less of a chance to choke myself.
I already had scouted pitcher Kirsten. I knew she threw a few pitches, none of which I really had a chance to hit. Earlier, Bandits manager Michael Steuerwald gave me this tip, "when you see the ball leave her hand, it's too late." How prophetic that turned out to be.
As I left the dugout, ace pitcher Monica Abbott politely wished me good luck, smiled and said, I had no chance. Of course, she was right.
I settled myself in the box and took a strike before I even knew it. I wouldn't have even known she pitched it if I didn't hear it slam into Taylor's mitt. I steadied myself and focused on making contact. I swung early, because it was my only chance and felt the ball barely scrape the bat, Contact! I'll take it.
Falsely buoyed by making any contact, I awaited the third pitch. With nerves of steel, I took the pitch as a ball. Was I actually working the count on Kirsten?
Before I had a chance to even think of that possibility, strike three was on the way, well before my bat could meet it. There was no joy in Mudville, as the mighty Johngy had struck out.
I walked away still in a cloud. I felt better later, when I learned 11 other batters struck out, too. These were semi-pro me, too. I don't remember the final score, but I know the Bandits shut out the men, who managed only a few hits all evening.
I always make it a point to see Kirsten whenever I can. I last saw her when she was an assistant at Wisconsin. When I saw she was now with Illinois, I made sure to get to Northwestern when they hosted the Illini.
Of course, with Johngy's luck, it started to rain right as the Wildcats took the win. The Illini team would certainly be rushed to get out and get dry. Still I was not to be denied. Wen Kirsten emerged from the dugout, I approached her for the traditional picture. Despite the loss and the rain, she was as pleasant as could be. I didn't mention the strikeout, choosing to put that issue behind us. Actually, I am quite sure Kirsten never thinks of our confrontation.
In reality, there is no grudge of course, but it makes for a better story. I was excited to bat in that game, regardless of the outcome. As a semi-retired rec player nearing 50, I didn't expect to really get a hit off a pitcher in her prime. Shortly after the game, Kirsten told me the pitch was about 45 mph, which translates to about 90 mph in a baseball game.
As cool as it would have been to crush one off Kirsten, I wouldn't be proud had I done that from any easy lob. Kirsten admitted she did not take it (too) easy on me. Of course not. She has pride, too. Even in an exhibition game, she wouldn't want a 50 year old reporter to go yard on her or even reach base.
I am forever grateful to the Bandits, Jason and especially Kirsten for that moment. It means nothing to everyone else, but to me, it was one fo the coolest things I have ever done. Thank you Kirsten. See you next time.
Thursday, April 25, 2024
Back to Rocket Pro Wrestling
Wednesday, April 24, 2024
Talking Travel with Kelsi Davies
For my latest Talking Travel interview on Global Traveler, I spoke with multi-hyphenate Kelsi Davies. She discussed earning her many hyphens for dancing, acting, singing, being a social influencer and more. Of course, she also talked a bit of travel.
As someone with millions of followers across her social media pages, Davies is highly recognizable in public. She talked about how her fame impacts her travel. Obviously, for fun and pleasure, she travels a lot, but how does being so famous affect her travels?
Look for the interview video and recap on Global Traveler at Talking Travel with Kelsi Davies. Also, look all over social media for Kelsi.. Lastly, please subscribe to the Global Traveler YouTube channel for all sorts of interesting travel content (and to help my job security LOL).
Tuesday, April 23, 2024
On the Beat With Kevin Anton of The Iron Claw
I recently interviewed Cazzey Cereghino, who played Bruiser Brody in The Iron Claw, the movie about the famous Von Erich family. Last week, I continued my dive into the movie by interviewing Kevin Anton, who played Harley Race.
Although the movie obviously focuses on the Von Erich family, Kevin appeared in one of the most pivotal scenes. Kevin as Race defended his National Wrestling Alliance Heavyweight title against Kevin Von Erich, the eldest of the Von Erich brothers. Kevin perfectly captured the essence of Race. He also performed the wrestling maneuvers like a seasoned pro.
It was a real pleasure interviewing Kevin. I appreciate him for his time and consideration. Now I have an even greater appreciation for his performance in The Iron Claw.
Go to Kevin-Anton.com for more info on this fine actor. Also check TheEveryDayFan.com for more sports coverage. Lastly, check the full interview at On the Beat With Kevin Anton.
Monday, April 22, 2024
Friend Encounters: Haku and Ed Gonzales
Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.
Sunday, April 21, 2024
Celebrity Jersey Cards #684 Sarah Nurse & Elaine Chuli
Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing jerseys. I continue marching alphabetically through all of the Major League Baseball teams with two great women hockey players.
Born in Ontario, Sarah Nurse comes from an athletic family. Her uncle Donovan McNabb was an NFL QB, another uncle Richard Nurse was a WR in the CFL, her cousin Darnell Nurse plays for the NHL Edmonton Oilers and her other cousin Kia Nurse plays for the WNBA Los Angeles Sparks. Nurse starred at the University of Wisconsin before going pro. In 2020, Mattel released a Barbie doll based on Nurse. Nurse currently plays for Toronto of the PWHL ( (Professional Women's Hockey League). Nurse tossed a ceremonial pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays to earn her Celebrity Jersey Card.
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Happy Birthday, Jean!
Friday, April 19, 2024
Gigi Edgley at Fan Expo
Thursday, April 18, 2024
On the Beat with Ray "Glacier" Lloyd
Ray Lloyd has an interesting spot in pro wrestling history. As Glacier in World Championship Wrestling, he had one of the most elaborate expensive entrances and costumes. He also had a series of incredible vignettes to introduce the character.
It was an incredible time in the WCW. The New World Order burst on the scene, overshadowing many of the other storylines. Because of the uniqueness of the Glacier character and Lloyd's excellent work, he was never swallowed into the NWO vortex.
Lloyd also embarked on an acting career, landing roles in movies and on television. His latest role is a big one. The Unbreakable Bunch is a movie about a group of wrestlers on a final tour who encounter aliens in Florida. It's got a They Live vibe in all the best ways. From watching the trailers, I am very intrigued.
I talked to Lloyd about his career in the ring and on film in our interview. Lloyd's passion and positivity are clearly evident. Watch the interview to learn all about Lloyd and The Unbreakable Bunch.
The interview is on the Johngy's Beat YouTube channel at On the Beat With Ray "Glacier" Lloyd. Also, check out TheUnbreakableBunchMovie.com for more info on this project.