Happy Birthday, Jim

Today I celebrate my pal Jim's birthday. The ultimate Chicago Bears fan, Jim isn't celebrating much this year.

I love my pal, but I have never met anyone that smart, who is so mislead in his sports fandom. Every year, Jim seems to find the most positive things about his Chicago teams. He has proclaimed even the worst of QBs to be the next savior of the franchise. From Caleb Haney to Mike Glennon, Jim sees great potential, only to see that unmet. Yet Jim comes back the next season ever hopeful.

That's just Jim though. He's a positive person. While I don't follow his rabid fandom of certain Chicago athletes, I have gotten more positive in general because of Jim.

That's just one reason I am happy to have Jim as a great friend for the last 30ish years. We've had many adventures traveling or just enjoying meals. I am a better person for having Jim as a friend.

I will be seeing Jim soon for his birthday lunch. Until then, I wish him a happy birthday from here.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today I celebrate the birthday of another long time friend. Brother of Chuck, cousin of Cuzz and friend to all, I join the millions in toasting Jim today.

A long-running joke is how Jim not only makes friends instantly everywhere, but also gets free stuff. On one of our Boys of Summer baseball trips, we all enjoyed a standard, complimentary hotel breakfast, yet Jim somehow got a whole bunch of extras from a staffer he befriended that morning. That's just Jim.

Another old gag is his blind love of all Chicago athletes. Jim is a very astute sports fan, except when it comes to Chicago. Every new player or any bench player who has a good game is suddenly bound for greatness in Jim's eyes. One of my favorite memories was Jim bi-talking former QB Matt Barkley. About an hour later, Barkley was on his way to throwing five interceptions in a game. That ended the hype and pretty much Barkley's tenure here.

Happy birthday to my dear friend. In honor of Jim, I post this pic of the legendary Barkley!

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today, I celebrate the birthday of Jimmy G. Despite him clinging to the fact he is younger than me, I still wish him a great day.

Jim is one of my greatest and oldest friends. We've done a lot together. Whether we are traveling the country or just meeting for lunch, it is always a great time.

I am torn on one issue though. We made a list of the All-Jim and All-John musician list. In a fluke, we learned Paul McCartney's first name really is James. Jim now claims him on his All-Jim team.

I don't know what to think of that. On one hand, there is not way McCartney should be on the All-Jim team. On the other hand, I do applaud his pettiness and finding that loophole. Of course, it also led me to looking for other great musicians with "John" as their little known first name. I haven't found one yet.

Anyway, I want to wish Jim a very happy birthday. He deserves the best one yet. In honor of Jim, I present this picture of his other famous Jim.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today is another Gekas brother birthday. This time, brother Jim gets the birthday treatment.

I actually originally crossed paths with Jim back during our days at DePaul. I didn't know Jim then, though. I officially met Jim after his brother Chuck started at Lerner Newspapers. No matter the origin, Jim has become a great friend.

Oh sure, he might drive me crazy with his lack of punctuality, but if that is a person's biggest fault, it's a good life. Perpetual lateness aside, Jim is a great friend. (Editor note: Jim isn't always late and has gotten better, but I don't mind reminding him to prevent a backslide.)

Of course, Jim can always fire back with the history of me somehow causing him pain, like spilling a hot coffee on his lap or other such instances. Fortunately, we are both too mature to really get that petty.

Jim and I have had a lot of adventures with the Boys of Summer, the Michigan football trips and other shenanigans. 

He never ceases to amuse me with his somewhat distorted view of his favorite sports teams and players. For a person who knows so much about sports, Jim can sometimes view things through extremely rosey glasses, but that's part of Jim's charm.

We used to meet often for lunch, but the pandemic stopped that. Hopefully soon, we shall resume our lunch gab sessions.

For now, I will settle for raising a virtual toast to my dear friend. Happy birthday, Jimmy!

Chuck and Jim Gekas in Niagara Falls, NY-July 2014.

Happy Birthday Jim

Today I am celebrating the birthday of my bud Jim Gekas. I am sure Jimmy is celebrating somewhere today, but I am saluting him here.

Our paths probably crossed at DePaul in the mid 80s, but I became friends with Jimmy in the late 90s, after he followed his brother Chuck into Lerner Newspapers. Over the years, Jimmy has become one of my best friends.

We've had a lot of fun over the years on baseball trips, Michigan football trips and even a Detroit Red Wings trip. As the loudest snorers, we have been roommates most of the time. It's always fun racing each other to fall asleep before the snoring kicks in high gear.

We don't need to travel to have fun either. We can entertain ourselves with highly-spirited discussions debating Jerry Morales versus Greg Gross or other such important topics. Okay, actually, Jim usually just sort of goes along with me, but I appreciate that even more.

Among his many great qualities is his interest in trying different restaurants and thereby trying to get me to join him. If it wasn't for Jim, Village Inn would be my only option.

While I won't see Jim today, I will buy him lunch the next time we meet. Maybe it will even be at Village Inn. Until then, happy birthday Jimmy!

Chuck Gekas, Jason Farber, Louie Atsaves, Jim Gekas, me and John Roelke in Washington, DC-June 2019.

The Boys of Summer in Washington, D.C.

This year, my friends and I went on our 19th annual "Boys of Summer" trip. The Washington Nationals lost, but that did not detract from a great trip.

Borrowing the name from Roger Kahn's great baseball book, "The Boys of Summer" started in Cleveland with a win in 2001. The original "boys" consisted of Chuck Gekas, Jim Gekas, Jason Farber and me. The first four have been on every trip. Over the years, Cuzz Gekas and Jason Fleigel joined for many trips, while John Roelke and Louie Atsaves finally joined us for the last two trips.

We have now been to 29 ballparks, only needing to add the Los Angeles Angels, Houston Astros (although I have been there), Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners and Atlanta Braves to complete the current stadiums. (I purposely named the teams and not the stadiums, because those names seem to change so often).

Back in 2001, I was very grateful to do one baseball roadtrip. I had hopes that there would be more, but I never thought we would manage to take group trips for 19 years straight. I consider myself blessed to be a part of this, to have been to so many cities and , most of all, to have such great friends.

In the end, the baseball is the backdrop (or the excuse to go). While we enjoy the games, they have increasingly taken more of a secondary role to trying new things (like this year's Segway tour) and simply hanging out. 

It is way too early to start thinking about our 2020 trip. I certainly hope most of us can coordinate things enough to have our 20th trip. I know we all work hard at being flexible in scheduling. We shall see, but for now until spring, I am happy to simply recall the fun times with great friends in beautiful places.

I wrote more about this year's "Boys of Summer" trip online for Global Traveler at Segway Touring Around the Nation's Capitol and Capitol Dining. As you see, activities and food are a big part of the trip.

Jason Farber, John Roelke, Chuck Gekas, me, Jim Gekas and Louie Atsaves in Washington, D.C.-June 2019.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today I celebrate the birthday of Jim, the second Gekas brother having a birthday this month. It's only chronological though, lest brother Chuck forever tout that his birthday feature comes first. Yes, we are all that petty, although Jim claims it is only because Chuck and I draw him into our world of pettiness.

Today isn't about pettiness. It is about featuring a dear, long time friend who was born on this date  just a month or so before I appeared on this planet. (Ooops, there I go with pettiness again.)

Petty or not, Jim is a great person. He's been like a brother to me. I am very fortunate in that I have a handful of friends I know will always have my back and Jim is certainly at the front of that line. I think (and hope) he knows I return that sentiment.

We've had many serious discussions and probably more silly ones, but they are always entertaining to me. We've had a lot of great times over the years. We've closed down a few buffets along the way, too.

Ever humble Jim isn't much for the spotlight. He doesn't make a big deal about his birthday. Still, I say, aww come on Jim, whoop it up today. You deserve it.

Happy birthday Jimmy. Enjoy your day!

Louie, Chuck, me, Jim, Cuzz and Jason in Denver, CO-June 2018.

Friendly Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas

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

Many times, I am envious of my friends in their encounters with celebrities. This one would absolutely be near the top of that list, except I was there with Jim and I joined him in meeting Haley Reinhart. Actually, I was the reason he met her.

Haley is one of the few musical artists of recent years who I really like. A Chicago area native, she comes from a musical family. She appeared on the 10th season of American Idol, finishing in third place.

In addition to her beautiful voice, I really like her musical tastes. She often performs classic songs from the 1960's and '70's. Her album What's That Sound?, released last year, has 14 songs, mostly oldies, with a couple original compositions. I think I am close to wearing out the cd.

I am usually not a fan of concerts, but I had to make the exception when I learned Haley was appearing near me. Jimmy and I saw he in 2016 and then again in 2017 when she came back to the same venue.

Ever the logistics master, Jim scoped out the venue and secured the best seats for comfort and sight lines. We have enjoyed both shows from the same seats.

Prior to each show, I was able to wrangle meet-and-greet passes. Haley was as sweet as could be and actually remembered us the second time.

Haley concerts here are especially fun, because many friends and family members are in the audience. It is almost like a big family party (which would make me weird cousin Johngy?).

You can get all of the info and concert scheduling at HaleyReinhart.com. I also highly recommend you check out What's That Sound?

Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas in Chicago, IL-November 2017.

Happy Birthday Jim!

Today I celebrate the birthday of the other Gekas brother.  Jim is Chuck's younger brother, although someone once referred to Jim as Chuck's son.  Jim is also one of my closest friends.
Jimmy is one of the nicest people on this planet.  The guy has put up with me for over 20 years.  Seriously, wherever we go, Jim will inevitably make friends with several people within minutes.
We have been across this country on several trips. as well as having great times just at simple lunches at the Village Inn (where my picture hangs disturbingly over us as Jim eats his ahi sandwich).  It's always a good time with Jim, whether we are comparing obscure ballplayers of the 70's or I am tricking him into defending a failed Bears player.
Jim is like a brother and I consider myself lucky to count him as a friend.
Happy birthday Jimmy.  Today, I raise a toast to you!

Jim Gekas in Toronto, Canada-June 2012.

Boys of Summer 2017

The "Boys of Summer" started in 2001.  Jim, Jason, Chuck and I went to Cleveland, OH for the weekend to watch the Indians play the Anaheim Angels.  The Indians won 4-2 to start a great win streak for us and an even better trip experience which has lasted 17 years and counting.

Over the years, we have added Cuzz Gekas (2003) and Jason Fleigel (2007).  We have seen 28 teams in 27 ballparks.  We have included a few extra activities (white water rafting, the Baseball Hall of Fame, ziplining and more).  We visited other areas (Las Vegas, Washington D.C., LaJolla (CA) and others).  We have yet to see home games of the Atlanta Braves, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, Seattle Mariners, Colorado Rockies and Washington Nationals.

Cuzz has missed the last couple, but is always welcome to return.  In 2015, we combined the Boys trip with Matt Parker's bachelor party in Las Vegas, which included Louie, Scott Parker and several others.

In 2001, we had no idea this experience would last 17 years.  I hoped for a few more, but 17 trips was more than I could have imagined at the time.

I love these trips and these guys.  I soak in the experience every time, knowing it might be the last trip.  I'm even at peace if the trip ends.  I feel blessed to have been on 17 trips and I know it won't last forever.

For now, I am just happy to have 2017 in the books.  It was a bit of a struggle and we ended up just "traveling" to see the Chicago White Sox.  Despite the lack of a "trip," we enjoyed the ride down to Guaranteed Rate Field, the game, the park and the meal after the game.  Most of all, I enjoyed spending a relxing and laughter-filled day with my friends.

Jason, Jim, Jason, me and Chuck in Chicago, IL-June 2017.

Happy Birthday Jim

First I met Chuck Gekas (he of the birthday earlier ths month).  A few years later, I met his brother Jim.  I love these guys, but today is about birthday boy Jimmy.
If you truly get judged by the company you keep, I am happy to hang with Jimmy.  He really is a good person.  He's become the best friend I could ever want.  I am better for knowing Jim.
Oh sure, I might bust his chops about his overzealous appreciation of the talents of some Chicago players, but that's part of his charm.  Ever the optimist, Jim just badly wants to see his beloved Cubs/Bears/Wolverines do well.
His love of life and all things living is inspiring, as is his faith.  He has taught me a lot and I am forever grateful.
Below is a pic from the time the Gekas brothers joined me on the field in St. Louis.  This was one of the coolest Johngy's Beat adventures ever.
Happy birthday Jimmy.  Love ya, pal!

Chuck and Jim Gekas in St. Louis, MO-August 2013.

Friendly Encounters: Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas

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

This is another Friendly Encounter which I really enjoyed.  First, I am responsible for the moment.  I got passes to the Meet-and-Greet prior to the Haley Reinhart show.

Second, I also met Haley for the first time.  Haley had been on my radar and my "want" list since I heard her version of Radiohead's Creep.  It blew me away and I looked for other stuff of hers.  i quickly soaked up everything I could find from her.

I learned she is a Chicago area native and was a contestant on American Idol.  How did she not win that season?  Since then, she has performed solo, with Postmodern Jukebox and with various others, like Casey Abrams, another Idol contestance from that season.

There was an opening act, followed by Haley's band performing without her.  Haley eventually joined her band and performed for about an hour.  It was a great night of music.

At the Meet-and-Greet, Haley was very sweet and friendly.  She is simply a doll and her voice is amazing.  She is definitely my favorite singers from the current music scene.

I am glad Jimmy also enjoyed the night.  It was fun to experience all of this with him.

Haley Reinhart and Jim Gekas in Chicago, IL-June 2016.

Seasons in the Sun

It's the best time of year! It's softball season again!  Unfortunately, I am not playing.  In fact, my days of regularly playing are probably over.
I know the picture below defies modern digital picture-taking capabilities, but I love it nonetheless. The graininess reminds me of pictures of yesteryear. This is what happens when a technologically challenged catcher takes a quick snapshot with a disposable camera on an overcast evening.  The picture is a microcosm of our team. It might not be the best and might look a little old, but it's was lot of fun!
I had a lot of fun playing for over 20 years.  It's never easy giving up something you enjoy, but guys got married, had kids, moved away or lost interest.  That's life.  I am just grateful for the good times I had.

The Dogs in Park Ridge, IL-Summer 2009.

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

Friendly Encounters is a weekly series about friends who have met celebrities.

Today's Friendly Encounters is a special edition celebrating Jim's birthday.  It also focuses on a celebrity encounter that I missed (not that I am bitter).
We were all in Las Vegas to celebrate Matt's last few days of being single.  Buddy Guy was playing in our hotel.  I give Jim credit, because he recognized the blues legend right away in our lobby.  Nobody was completely certain it was him though.
Meanwhile, Scott and I were dealing with the front desk over an issue with one of the rooms.  Jim and Jason decided to approach Guy at that same moment.  They briefly talked to him and got a picture, all while I watched from afar.  Darn them!
It's not really a huge deal.  Jim is much more of a fan than I am.  I would have liked to have been included, but I am glad they got the chance and the picture.  I do say that Jimmy owes me a celebrity encounter though!
Here we are on Jim's birthday and I want to wish him a great day.  He's a dear and thoughtful friend (when he isn't stealing my celebrity encounters).  Believe it or not, in addition to our endless trivial conversations, we have had many deep, thought-provoking chats.  I am proud to consider Jim one of my closest friends.  I know I can always count on Jim no matter what.
Happy birthday Jim!  (Just because it is your birthday, I am not going to wipe away your celebrity debt!)

Jason Fleigel, Buddy Guy and Jim Gekas in Las Vegas, NV-September 2015.

Happy Birthday Jim

Jimmy Gekas and I were the bags champions of our 2014 Boys of Summer trip.  Not only were we champs, we were undefeated against three other opponents.  That is dominance.

I could not have asked for a better bags partner, just like I could not ask for a better friend.  I am lucky and proud to have Jim as one of my closest friends.

He is one of the nicest guys you would ever meet, but he is also capable of tossing out some biting sarcasm which will bring you to your knees.

Today, I dedicated Johngy's Beat to Jim, because it is his birthday!  Happy birthday, my friend.

Jim Gekas and me in Milwaukee, WI-September 2014.

Happy Birthday Jimmy

My bud Jim Gekas is celebrating his birthday today.  As usual, that call for the JohngysBeat.com treatment.

I should rephrase that.  The usual treatment would be fill;ed with sarcasm and the famous backhanded compliments.  Today, Jim gets a free pass and deservedly so.

I am very fortunate to have Jimmy as a friend.  He has been a coworker, teammate, adviser, friend and more.  He is like part of my family.  (I think my sister Nancy likes him more than she likes me!).

Jim never ceases to make me laugh, even when I am in the crappiest of moods.  He has been there for me time and time again and I appreciate his friendship.

I know he will eventually read this and probably give me a smarty remark.  Actually, I am counting on that.  By then, his birthday will have passed and I can go back to my normal self and reply just as sarcastically.

However, as I wrote, today is Jim's day.  Happy birthday Jim!

Jim Gekas, Steve Stumpf and me in Minneapolis, MN-Summer 2011.

On the Beat with Paul Janish of the Atlanta Braves

Paul Janish is a defensive whiz and not much of a pitcher.  He twice was ranked as the number one defensive player in the Reds organization, but his hitting is a bit less impressive.  His pitching stats, however, have been horrible.

I love players like Janish.  Back in my day, I was a big fan of Mick Kelleher (now a coach with the Yankees).  Janish has a bit more power than Kelleher, but their resumes are similar otherwise, except for the pitching.

Janish has gotten into two games as a pitcher.  He pitched two innings and has an ERA of 49.50.  Granted, he is an infielder, but 49.50 is still extremely high.  In fact, that is the highest ERA for any non-pitcher since John Mabry (another of my favorites) retired in 2007 with a 63.00 ERA.  Pitching isn't what keeps Janish in the league though.

We caught up with Janish while in St. Louis a few weeks ago.  He graciously gave us his time for a couple questions from JohngysBeat.com's Jim Gekas on travel and dining.  We did not ask him about pitching!

On the Beat with Jason Motte of the St. Louis Cardinals

On my recent trip to St. Louis, my great friend Jim Gekas made his long-awaited JohngysBeat.com interview debut.  I was very excited to see my pal out there with Chuck Gekas and me.
Jim landed Jason Motte, injured Cardinals pitcher.  Motte was drafted as a catcher in the 19th round in 2003, but converted to a pitcher in 2006.  In 2012, he lead the National League in saves with 42 (which tied him for fourth in all of baseball).  Unfortunately, right elbow surgery shelved him for the entire 2013 season.
Jim talked to Motte about travel and restaurants.  In the back ground you can see Cardinals hitting coach (and recent interview subject) John Mabry talking with fans.  As a huge Mabry fan, I felt I needed to point out that bit of info.
I am very happy Jim got the chance to contribute in this way to JohngysBeat.com.  Sharing these experiences wth good friends makes it even more special for me.
Once again, I thank the St. Louis Cardinals organization for making this possible.  I thank Motte for his time.  I also thank Global Traveler magazine for helping me jump-start my writing career.

Happy Birthday Jimmy!

Jimmy is the last of the Gekas birthday trilogy of late.  Today is his day and I want to salute my dear friend.
It has been a pleasure knowing Jim for the last 17 or so years.  Jim is one of my friends whom I would consider to be as close as a brother.  I consider myself fortunate to have Jim as a friend.
Every year, I like to give Jim something special.  This year, I think he will really like my gift.  It is a picture from Niagara Falls.  Look how tall he is.  He has got to be about 2-3 inches taller than me.
Happy birthday, Jimmy, you tall son of a gun!

Jim Gekas and me at Niagara Falls, Canada-June 2012.

Happy Birthday Jim

Today, the third member of the Tri-Gekas contingent is celebrating a birthday.  Chachi's brother and Cuzz's cousin Jim is the man of the day.
Jim is not quite as petty as brother Chuck and not quite as consumed with trivial oddities as Cuzz.  Jim has been a co-writer in some food-related parody songs, a partner in some "character" creations and most of all a great friend.
Although he isn't as petty as his brother, Jim and I have squabbled over some photo angles which seemingly make me look several inches taller than Jim.  For my birthday present to Jim, I am showing the photo taken earlier this year.  Obviously it is on flat ground with us side-by-side.  Except for possible shoe differences, Jim and I are shown to be about the same height.  This might be the best present I can give him (and it is at no cost to me!).
Happy birthday Jim!

Jim Gekas and me in San Francisco, CA-July 2011.