Friend Encounters: David Cone and Jerry

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Look at my bud Jerry all spiffed up. I used to see Jerry in a cape.

I have known Jerry for many years. He was my first main contact at Wizard World (now Fan Expo). He was awesome, not only because he facilitated so many great interviews for me, but because he was just a good guy. I always looked forward to catching up with Jerry every year at Wizard World.

Unfortunately, things changed a bit when Fan Expo took over Wizard World. While much of the convention stayed the same, the PR person situation changed. Jerry hasn't been back to Fan Expo Chicago, although he still is a part of the organization.

One of the fun parts of "The Pride of Fordham" is he often wore a cape for fun. Jerry has the right balance of professionalism and fun. He is the standard for PR guys and I appreciate all he did for me.

A noted baseball fan, it is fitting I feature him meeting a baseball pitcher. David Cone had an excellent career, including a perfect game. Some would say he deserves an induction into the Hall of Fame. I say he is close, but I am all for a small HOF. I think he falls a bit short. His record of 194-126 is impressive, but despite the modern view of stats, I don't vote for a pitcher in that era with less than 200 wins.

Jerry, on the other hand, is a Hall of Famer in my book. If there is ever a comic con HOF or a PR HOF, Jerry i a first ballot lock!

David Cone and Jerry in New Rochelle, NY-December 2012.

Happy Birthday, Jean

Today is our middle sibling's birthday. I am sure Scott and Jean will be celebrating somewhere in Florida today, but I toast her here.

Like my eldest sibling Nancy, Jean is my rock. I love and appreciate them both more than they will know or than I can properly express.

On my last trip to Florida, Jean drove me around to a few cool sculptures, because she knows I enjoy them. There was a Beatles night, a comedy night and an unexpected night of Loyola women's basketball Jean always goes above and beyond, like driving 90 minutes to meet my longtime pal and Global Traveler boss Fran. Of course I enjoy all of that, but I enjoy just hanging out an laughing. She also scouted a few cannoli locations and they were fantastic.

I am blessed to have two great sisters. I put it here always knowing they will read it and know I love them dearly.

While Jean is enjoying her day in Florida, I wish her a great birthday from here. Happy birthday, Jean, I love you.

Jean and me in Florida-February 2025.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #793: Kelley O'Hara & Emily Sonnett

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams with two female soccer players repping the Atlanta Braves.

Born in Peachtree, Georgia, Kelley O'Hara represented the United States for 20 years, winning awards on the international scene. She also played 16 seasons in her senior career, retiring just in 2024. An iut LGBT athlete, was one of the executive producers on a film about two soccer players developing feelings for each other. O'Hara gained a Celebrity Jersey Card by appearing on the field for her native state Atlanta Braves.

A native of Marietta, Georgia, Emily Sonnett had an excellent soccer career at Virginia, before turning pro in 2016. She has played for a few pro teams, while also representing the U.S. internationally. Sonnett struck the double biceps pose while repping a Braves jersey to get her Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Lou Brock Topps 1980

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create digital trading cards for players missed in various sets. I borrowed this concept from far too many to thank, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Lou Brock signed with the Chicago Cubs as an amateur free agent in 1960, making his MLB debut with them in 1961. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals midway through the 1964 season, in what is regarded as one of the worst trades in MLB history. He went on to play through the 1980 season before being inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. In 2,616 games, he  compiled a .293 batting average with 149 HRs, 1,610 runs scored, 900 RBIs and a then-record 938 stolen bases.

For his efforts, Topps gave Brock cards from 1960-'79, skipping a career-capper. I'd like all players to have a career-capper, but especially Hall of Famers. Once again, Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls beat me to this creation. Knowing I could not match his brilliance, I feature his creation and encourage all to check his site for hundreds of other beauties.

Appreciating Deena Fagiano

I haven't written about former Chicago Bliss football player Deena Fagiano in a while. This might be my last post about Deena because this is my last unused picture with her. We need that Bliss reunion!

Deena played offensive line, tight end and maybe a little running back, too. She was a real team player and obviously one of my favorites. I probably interviewed Deena more than any other player except Dominique Collins.

I had so many interviews with both, because they were always willing to do them. I wasn't exactly ESPN, but they always gave me their time and seemed to appreciate the coverage. Their interviews were always, fun, too.

A few years back, Deena got married and now they have a beautiful little girl. It's great seeing her happy family through occasional social media posts.

People can laugh at the women's football league, but these women were as tough as could be. They practiced hard and often, just to play a handful of games. Coach Keith Hac led a squad dedicated to winning and they won often.

I had a great time covering the team. It was one of the most fun experiences I have had. I have so many fun memories. I thank Deena and the entire team for a lot of fun.

Deena Fagiano and me in Bridgeview, IL-May 2015.

Talking Travel with Andrew McCarthy

Similar to my feelings about interviewing musician Suzi Quatro, when I watched Andrew McCarthy's movies in the 80s, I never thought I would interview him. Like with Suzi, I also interviewed McCarthy on multiple occasions now.

To be honest, I didn't even know he was a travel writer until several years ago. Then I attended a couple of his presentations, met him a couple times and interviewed him. That first interview was one of the main reasons I was given the Talking Travel platform on Global Traveler.

Don't take McCarthy lightly. He is a legit travel journalist and enthusiast. Two of his previous books used travel as the backdrop for other stories. He walked 500 miles with his son in one and traveled to several cities finding himself in the other.

In his new book, "Who Needs Friends," McCarthy once again found travel to be a theme in his book. Initially, the focus was on reconnecting with old friends and exploring male friendships. He intended to return home after the first reunion, but found himself driving to the next after it. Friend after friend, mile after mile, he drove over 10,000 miles on his physical and mental journey. 

Once again, I approached his PR person and landed an interview. Once again, McCarthy gave a very interesting interview, which is at Talking Travel with Andrew McCarthy.

McCarthy's book is available now and I highly recommend it. I read am advance copy, but I picked up a hard copy at his recent presentation. It's a great read and not just for travel content. McCarthy is a very talented writer and this book works on several levels.

Talking Travel with Suzi Quatro

When I was a youngster and discovered Suzi Quatro, little did I dream I would one day interview her and three times, no less! Also, this was prior to her appearance on tv's Happy Days and also her "Stumblin' In" duet with Chris Norman. The newest interview is at Talking Travel with Suzi Quatro on Global Traveler.

This interview was to promote Freedom, her new album, which is available now.

How does that relate to travel? We did discuss her upcoming tour, but to be honest, I would  not pass on an interview with Suzi, travel or not.

Suzi was her usual self. She's honest and direct, funny and serious or the two sides of Suzi, as she would say. Talking to her and getting to know her a bit, I have even more appreciation for her.

Freedom is Suzi expressing her comfortability in herself. The songs play like an audio movie. I told her it could be used in a course on mental health. Accept yourself. Understand yourself. Announce yourself. It is so powerful.

Musically, it is pure Suzi, too. She can rock with the best of them, but there are also slower songs. Just when I though the ride was over, Suzi and Alice Cooper sang "Kick Out the Jams.' amazing.

I am so proud of this interview and thankful, too. Thankful to Suzi, her publicist and Fran from GT who lets me occasionally drift a bit from pure travel.

Almost Met Ray Meyer

Back when I was at DePaul, I worked evenings in the phone room soliciting donations from alumni. I hated making those calls, but every night there was a different bonus contest, with the winner getting a free pizza in the cafeteria. That was incentive enough for me and I won almost every night.

Whenever I would collect my pizza, I would usually see legendary DePaul basketball coach Ray Meyer. Even though he retired, he still was a presence at DePaul. While I chatted briefly with him a few times, I never got a picture with him. I didn't even think of getting a picture with him. Plus, that was well before the selfie days.

Meyer died in 2006 at 93 years old. By then I was long gone from DePaul. I should have gone back to try to get a picture, because Meyer was one of the greatest coaches in college basketball history.

Last month while walking to Caciatorre Field for DePaul softball, I walked by the pillar painted with Meyer's likeness. It is one of several pillars painted with various bits of DePaul history. Since I never got a picture with Meyer, I took the opportunity to do the next best thing now.

 Ray Meyer mural and me in Chicago, IL-March 2026.

Friend Encounters: Sara Richard and Noah

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

Never one to hog the spotlight, I always enjoy when others do interviews for me (or do my work for me). Many years ago, my young cousin Noah conducted a bunch of interviews at Wizard World. One of those was with Sara Richard, one of my favorite artists and just a cool person in general. That interview is at On the Beat With Sara Richard.

With very little notice, Noah did a great job with Sara. Of course, it takes both sides to have a good interview and Sara was her usual awesome self.

I first met Sara about 15 years ago and immediately loved her artwork. Already established as a talented artist, Sara's career really has blossomed. She has done work for trading card companies, comic book publishers and many more businesses. Her work continues to amaze me.

Noah handled interviews at other places, too. He did a few classic interviews at Resistance Pro Wrestling. For such a young guy, he handled it all very well. I haven't seen him in several years, but these experiences will always be among my favorites.

For more info on Sara, go to sararichard.com. For even more fun, follow her on social media. She is a blast.

Noah and Sara Richard in Rosemont, IL-August 2013.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #792: Kim Coates & Alan Frew

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series in which I create virtual trading cards for celebrities wearing sports jerseys. Today, I continue my season-long alphabetical journey through all Major League Baseball teams.

A native of Saskatchewan, Kim Coates is an actor and producer. Possibly best known for his role on Sons of Anarchy, Coates has had many other roles in movies and on television. Coates tossed a ceremonial pitch for his home country Toronto Blue Jays to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Born in Ontario, Alan Frew is a singer, actor and author. Lead singer of Glass Tiger, he has also released solo albums. After suffering a stroke in 2015, he has made a remarkable full recovery. Frew sang the Canadian Anthem for the Toronto Blue Jays to get his Celebrity Jersey Card.