Introducing the Chicago Snowballs and Brian Kent

A few months ago, Brian Kent, catcher on the Chicago Snowballs, invited me out to a game. Due to scheduling and rain, it took a while, but Tony and I finally made it to a game a couple weeks ago.

The Snowballs are similar to the Savannah Bananas. They are baseball and entertainment and they do both very well.

Despite a rainy week and even morning of the game, it cleared up nicely and turned into a beautiful night. As we arrived 30 minutes before the gates of Slammers Stadium (home of the Joliet Slammers) opened and two hours before the game, we saw a long line already waiting to enter.

Upon entering the stadium, we saw several players greeting fans. I asked one about finding Brian, figuring it was a longshot in all of the stuff happening. I was wrong. I went to the dugout area as directed and asked for him. Several players knew me and got Brian. I was very impressed. We talked to Brian for a bit, but didn't want to take him away from his activities for too long.

Several minutes before the game, the onfield announcer gave some game rules and other information. There were a couple routines, as well. Then play started.

The game featured such novelties as backwards baseball (rounding the bases clockwise), dodgeball (forcing the defense to hit the runner after he hits the ball), walk sprints (the batter can sprint around the bases on a walk if he isn't tagged out) and several other bits. At one point, two women from the Rocket Squirrels (the opposition) batted at the same time. That made sense, since both played right field. All the while, defenders made trick plays while catching the ball.

There are too many other quirks, bits and other things to list all. The announcer helps with understanding all, but really, my advice is to just sit back and enjoy the fun. That's exactly what we did.

My full recap was on Global Traveler. For more info, go to chicagosnowballs.com.

Tony, Briand Kent and me in Joliet, IL-August 2026.

Remembering Garnet Bailey: Cards That Never Were

This is a very special Cards That Never Were. It honors the memory of former NHL player Garnet Bailey who died in the horrific events of 9/11.

CTNW is a recurring series in which I create virtual trading cards for players missed in various sets. It is a concept I borrowed from far to many folks to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Born in Lloydminster, Saskatchewan, Canada, Bailey was selected by the Boston Bruins in the 1966 amateur draft. After making his NHL debut in the 68-69 season, Bailey played with Boston until he was traded mid 72-73 to the Detroit Red Wings. In the middle of the next season, he was traded to the St. Louis Blues, who traded him in the middle of the following season to the Washington Capitals. After the 77-78 season, he joined the Edmonton Oilers for one season. He went on to play two more seasons in the minors, before retiring. All told, he played 568 NHL games and 38 in the WHA. He scored 107 and 5 goals with 171 and 4 assists in the NHL and WHA respectively.

For his efforts, Topps or OPC gave him cards in sets from 70-71 through 78-79, except for 73-74. I filled in those gaps.

Tragically, Bailey died when the plane in which he was traveling was hijacked and crashed into the South Tower of the World Trade Center in New York City during the September 11 attacks. His body was never recovered. Among the many tributes to Bailey, the Los Angeles Kings named their mascot Bailey after him.

RIP Garnet Bailey and all who perished on that awful day. Never forget.

Talking Travel with JetSet Brooke

My latest Talking Travel interview guest is known as JetSet Brooke. Her given name is Brooke Morrison and she is a travel expert and influencer.

Much like her platform, Brooke is a bit all over the place, as you will see in the interview. It's all in the best way though. Brooke delivers a bit of everything through her platform and in our conversation.

The wife of a pilot, Brooke's interest in travel started in her youth and has grown ever since. Several years ago, she made travel her career.

In our interview, Brooke talked about touching the plane before boarding and other interesting things, along with the usual topics. Brooke was as informative as she was entertaining. Interview guests like Brooke make my job a lt easier. 

You can find the interview on the Global Traveler YouTube channel. While there, please subscribe to it. It's free, easy and you won't be bothered with emails.

The Harp Twins and the Volfgang Twins

When my buddy Tony asked me about seeing the Harp Twins, I wasn't overly excited, but I am always up for something new. A music set featuring harp-playing twins was definitely something new. You can see my full recap of the day at The Harp Twins and The Volfgang Twins on Global Traveler.

On the way there, Tony gave me a brief bio on the twins. When we got there, we learned they would be accompanied by the Wolfgang Twins, also known as their husbands. The harps combined with the booming drums created an interesting sound. They played covers of rock songs (like "Dream On" by Aerosmith) and originals.

For clarifications, the Harp Twins are Camille and Kennerly Kitt, while the Volfgang Twins are Dromil and Dromal Volfgang. Don't ask me which is which.

The Harp Twins, Volfgang Twins and me in South Elgin, IL-July 2026.

Cards That Never Were: Jeff Torborg Topps 1974

Cards That Never Were is a recurring series in which I create trading cards for players missed in various sets over the years. It is a concept I borrowed from far too many to list, but I thank them all.

Catcher Jeff Torborg was signed by the Los Angeles Dodgers sometime prior to the 1963 season. After making his MLB debut in 1964, he played with the Dodgers through the 1970 season. He was traded to the California Angels and played with that team for three seasons, before being traded to the St. Louis Cardinals. He never played for the Cards though, as he was released in Spring Training, ending his career. All told, in 10 seasons, he played in 574 games, batting .214 with eight homers, 101 RBIs and 78 runs scored. He caught no-hitters from Sandy Koufax and Nolan Ryan.

For his efforts, Torborg got cards in Topps sets 1965-73. He was omitted from the '74 set, which is understandable since he was traded in December and his future was uncertain. As I prepared to create his missing card, I found Gio from When Topps Had (Base)Balls already made a beauty. Gio's site has hundreds of awesome digital cards. He often beat me to creations, but at least I can give him his props.

Back to Torborg, he also appeared in some television shows during his career. Recently, Jeff Torborg: A Wonderful Baseball Life was released. I interviewed Jeff's son Dale (a former MLB coach) about the documentary at Talking Travel with Dale Torborg.

Meeting Cuppy

Dunkin' (formerly known as Dunkin' Donuts, but that is another story for another day) has had three main mascots over the years. Recently, I met Cuppy, the current mascot.

Dunkie, a mascot made of donuts carrying a tray of donuts. was the first mascot of DD in the 1950s. In the 80s-90s, Fred the Baker became the mascot. Fred was an actual actor (Michael Vale) whose tagline was "Time to make the donuts." 

Cuppy debuted in the 2010s. It's not secret I love mascots. I do have some reservations about objects being mascots. I prefer fuzzy creatures to inanimate objects. A mascot made of donuts promoting eating donuts seems a bit odd, even cannibalistic. The same goesfor Cuppy.

Even with those thoughts, I could not pass up the chance to get a pcture with Cuppy at an appearance by the Savannah Bananas at a local Dunkin'.

Cuppy and me in Chicago, IL-July 2026.

Friend Encounters: Maud-Aimee Leblanc and Jim

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I haven't featured too many golfers here over the years. My buddy Jim is about to change that after caddying at a tournament in Oregon.

One of the players he met is Maud-Aimee Leblanc. Born in Sherbrooke, Quebec, she started playing in golf tournaments at age 9. She was a member of the Canadian National Team for six years. While attending Purdue University, she earned Freshman of the Year honors. Late last year, LeBlanc secured her card for the 2026 LPGA Tour at Q-Series.

My buddy Jim, on the other hand, is a duffer on the course. Clearly, he is better than me, as I have golfed four times in my life (three times too many). Baseball was Jim's first sport though. Caddying is just one of his leisure activities now that he is retired.

Some might say Jim saw an opportunity to appear "On the Beat" by taking pictures with golfers. I cannot rule out that possibility. As you will see in the next several months, Jim met several other golfers, too.

Jim and Maud-Aimee Leblanc in Portland, OR-August 2026.

Celebrity Jersey Cards #819: Bryan Devonshire & Meagan Martin

Celebrity Jersey Cards is a weekly series featuring celebrities wearing sports jerseys. I am continuing my season-long alphabetical march through all MLB teams.

Bryan Devonshire was a river guide in California, who played online poker. He moved to Colorado and kept getting better and winning more in online poker. He eventually moved to real poker in Las Vegas. He finished 12th (two away from the main table) in the 2011 World Series of Poker. Devonshire continues to be a river guide in Colorado, while also trying his luck at the WSOP. He threw a first pitch for the Colorado Rockies to earn his Celebrity Jersey Card.

Professional climber Meagan Martin is a professional climber, who has made history on American Ninja Warrior in 2014, when she became the first rookie to complete a qualifying course and the third woman to climb the warped wall. She has competed on AN every year since and has always made the nationals finals. She was a Division 1 athlete at Vanderbilt. I don't know of her connection to Colorado, except maybe mount climbing, but she was invited to toss a ceremonial pitch and that got her a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Cards That Never Were: Jake Brown Topps 1976

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 borrowed from far to many folks to list, but I appreciate all of their efforts.

Outfielder Jake Brown was selected by the San Francisco Giants in the 1st round (2nd pick) of the 1969 amateur draft (June Secondary). After making his MLB debut in 1975, he would split the '76 season in the SF and Atlanta Braves organizations after a midseason trade. For his MLB career, Brown played in 29 games, hitting .209 with no homers, 4 RBIs and 6 runs scored.

Topps did not give Brown a card, but I couldn't let that happen. Once again though, Gio of When Topps Had (Base)Balls beat me to it. A true master, Gio creates thousands of cards on his site. Knowing I couldn't do any better, I chose to feature his masterpiece instead.

Leai Huddleston at Fan Expo (Where's Terry?)

I met artist Terry Huddleston many years ago at a comic convention. I am not even sure which one, but I know I have seen him many times since then in Detroit, New York, Chicago and more.

Terry always has a big booth displaying a lot of fantastic artwork. Aside from the size, it is draws a crowd for all of the beautiful art. I proudly have a few of his pieces in my home. There's always room for great versions of Aquaman and Terry had a couple beauties.

A couple years ago, I went to his booth as usual an I learned he was at another convention. His wife Leia was there instead. While I have met her a few times, I didn't have a real chat with her until this year.

She is just as engaging as Terry. With an infectious and welcoming smile, Leia drew the usual big crowd to the booth. I didn't want to take up too much of her time, but it was nice to finally chat a bit.

For more info on Terry's creations, go to terryhuddlestonart.com. Also, check back here for my recurring coverage of comic cons and the people I meet.

Leia Huddleston and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2025.