Chris Chelios at The National 2017

Chris Chelios played an unbelievable 26 years in the NHL, 8+ with my beloved Blackhawks. That career, ended after the 2009-10 season with the Atlanta Thrashers, earned him an enshrinement into the Hall of Fame.

Prior to his NHL career, Chelios was an outstanding prep player. He even played at Mt. Carmel, my alma mater. It's a long-running joke among my friends that no other duo of Mt. Carmel alums played as many games as Cheli and I. Together we played 1,651 games in the NHL. Of course, I played none, but that doesn't get in the way of a (bad) joke.

Actually, Cheli didn't attend Mt. Carmel for long. Despite him being 3 years older than me, we weren't even there at the same time. I think he played his freshamn year at MC, before the family moved to the west coast.

Despite his Chicago roots and his time playing for the Hawks, I had never met Cheli until last year at The National. He looked to still be in playing shape, despite being 55 years old.

I mentioned our MC connection (but not the bad joke). We talked a bit about his son Jake (then playing defense in the AHL) and daughter Caley (a sports reporter in Tampa).

It was a thrill to meet Cheli. Because of ages and proximity, I really followed Cheli's career for more than 30 years. (How had he really escaped me until then?)

Chris Chelios and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Ray Guy at the National 2019

Ray Guy was an outstanding punter at the University of Southern Mississippi. A great athlete, Guy was also the placekicker and starting safety. He kicked a 61 yard field goal and also had a punt for 91 yards.

He became the first pure punter ever selected in the first round of the NFL draft, when the Oakland Raiders took him 23rd overall in 1973. Guy went on to play 13 seasons with the Raiders. Early in his career, he kicked off a bit and was also the emergency quarterback.

Guy was known for perfect form, including a high leg follow-through, which resulted in great height and hang times for his punts. He was a difference-maker, a rarity for a punter.

Watching him, you knew he was bound for the Hall of Fame. In 2014, he was finally elected to the HOF, becoming the first pure punter inducted. It was fitting that the honor went to Guy, but it was disappointing it took so long. On the other hand, it does speak volumes about Guy's success that despite a bias against punters, he was simply too good to not be inducted. 

When I was granted press credentials for the National Sports Collectors Convention 2019, Guy was one of my main targets. He amazed me as a kid. I never saw any punter like him and to this day, I still haven't. There have been many great ones, buy Guy was a cut above all. This was one of my first football card favorites come to life.

He was extremely nice and we briefly chatted.

A Steelers fan was next to meet him and he asked Guy to "choke" him (because of the Steelers-Raiders rivalry). Guy had a good chuckle, but politely declined. He did allow the fan to reverse it and "choke" him.

Ray Guy and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2019.

John Cappelletti at The National 2017

The National Sports Collectors Convention will be held in Rosemont July 31-August 4. Once again, I will be "On the Beat" and reporting back here, on Patch.com and GlobalTravelerUSA.com.

When I was asked to cover The National in 2017, I immediately checked the sports guest list and saw John Cappelletti's name. I was a huge fan of Cappelletti's and made him my main target to meet.

Cappy was a star running back at Penn State when his younger brother Joey was diagnosed with leukemia. His special bond with Joey led to his famous, tear-filled Heisman trophy acceptance speech.

The story is beautifully told in Something For Joey, an old movie starring Marc Singer as John. It is less well-known, but every bit as heart-wrenching as Brian's Song. 

Everything went great at The National until it came time to meet Cappy. There was some sort of mixup in the scheduling and I missed my opportunity. Disappointed, but not deterred, I approached a staffer and plead my case. Cappy had moved onto the autograph signing portion of his day. I plead some more and the staffer said he would talk to Cappy. I figured that was a polite blow-off, but minutes later, he returned and told me Cappy would meet me after his signing session if I wanted to wait.

Would I wait? Oh certainly I would wait.

About an hour later, the staffer got me and brought me to Cappy. He didn't have much time, but I was thankful for the few minutes. Cappy appreciated my effort to see him and my interest in his entire career.

I really appreciate Cappy for taking the extra time to see me. He didn't have to do that. I also appreciate the staffer at The National for going above and beyond in making this happen. He didn't have to do that either. Of course, I also appreciate The National for granting me access and giving me a great experience, highlighted by meeting Cappelletti.

Go to NSCCShow.com to get all of the info on the 2019 National Sports Collectors Convention. You can also check here for more updates.

John Cappelletti and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Pete Rose at The National 2017

one of the first baseball players I ever remember is Pete Rose.  When I was growing up, he was one of the best players.  "Charlie Hustle" was about a third of the way through his career, but definitely on a path to the Hall of Fame.

A Rookie of the Year, 17x All-Star, 3x NL batting champ, 2x Gold Glove, an NL MVP and a World Series MVP, Rose racked up the hardware, while moving as a starter from 2B to RF to LF to 3B and finally to 1B.  He is the all time hits leader and was also the last Player-Manager.

Unfortunately, Rose's enshrinement in the Hall was derailed by his admitted gambling.  This has been a source of debate for the last 30+ years.

The rules are clearly posted in ever MLB clubhouse.  This wasn't an isolated incident and Rose knew what he was doing.

His case probably isn't helped by some of his actions.  Making cash while signing "apology" baseballs might not have mattered, but it didn't look good either.

I met Rose at the National last year.  After all these years, I'm still not sure how I feel about the HOF debate or Rose, for that matter.  Still, I recognize him as one of the biggest sports stars ever, probably one of the biggest names in pop culture, too.

I had the chance to meet a baseball hero from my youth and I was happy to talk to him briefly.  I don't need to put him on a pedestal to recognize and respect what he did on the field. 

Rose accomplished a lot on the field.  Nobody can take that away from him.  Knowing his love of the game, I am sure it kills him not to be in the HOF.

Just like the steroid issue, I hate that gambling has affected Rose's place in baseball history.  Baseball stats and the HOF no longer mean what they did when I was younger.  These things were revered.  It's a shame.

As for Rose at the National, he was polite, but overly talkative.  It wasn't a bad experience, but it wasn't a particularly memorable one either, aside from who Rose is.  I guess like I wrote about Rose, regardless of what happens, I am still there, next to one of the elite in baseball.

 Pete Rose and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Susan Lulgjuraj at The National 2017

Susan Lulgjuraj is better known as "Sooz" and she had been on my "want to meet" list for years.  I finally got to meet her last year at The National, but it was almost by accident.

Sooz is the Marketing Communications Manager at The Topps Company, a dream job for us trading card enthusiasts.  Prior to that she worked for Beckett, was a blogger and a writer.

I first became aware of Sooz during her blogging years (2007-2011).  She was quite popular, because she knew her stuff, was intelligent and was an excellent writer.  Basically, she was an ideal blogger.  I had followed her career since then and always wanted to meet her.

Last year, I was invited to cover The National Sports Collectors Convention.  I was asked to interview "an executive" from Topps.  I was happy to interview someone from Topps, the granddaddy of card companies, but when I realized I would be interviewing Sooz, I really was excited!  Not only would I meet her, I would get to officially interview her.  You can watch my interview with Sooz at On the Beat With Susan Lulgjuraj.

Of course, like always, after the interview, I thought of several better questions.  In the end, I am happy with the interview and happier to have met Sooz.  I am not happy with my hair from that day,. though.

Sooz was awesome in person, during the interview and in casual chat after it.  I really appreciate her time and consideration.  I also appreciate all of the entertainment she has brought me over the years.

You can follow Susan Lulgjuraj on twitter to keep up with her updates.  You might even be able to see her at The Natioonal, which starts today in Cleveland and runs through August 5.

Susan Lulgjuraj and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Steven Walden at The National 2017

I had a blast at The National 2017.  One of the highlights was coming across artist Steven Walden.  As I roamed the convention floor, the Steven Walden Art booth really caught my eye.

His creations are so vibrant.  His subjects include the four major sports, as well as comics and pop culture.  He has some awesome paintings of the Rat Pack, superheroes (where's Aquaman?) and more, including a beautiful Statue of Liberty.  I love that he has a few versions of Batman (including the Adam West one).

On the sports end, he has a lot of St. Louis Cardinals, but I won't hold that against him, because they are incredible.  At least I saw some Chicago Cubs among his works.  I'm giving him a hard time about his Cardinals love and his lack of Aquaman, but I seriously loved his works.  His painting of the Busch Stadium Winter Classic is almost breathtaking (seriously).

He uses bold and rich colors.  The paintings are alive.  I think he would do an interesting job with pro wrestling, considering the already colorful characters.  I'd also like to see his take on The Johngy.

Steven's subjects and style were much different than the usual art I see at comic cons.  I'm happy that I got exposed to his work at The National.

You can check out a lot of his painting at StevenWaldenArt.com or follow Steven Walden Art on Facebook.

Steven Walden and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Phil Esposito at The National 2017

Tony Esposito was one of the first hockey players I ever remember.  I soon learned he had a brother Phil, who actually played for my beloved Chicago Blackhawks, but prior to Tony.  Phil was traded to Boston after the 1966-67 season  Tony was traded to Chicago for the 1969-70 season.  Both went on to have Hall of Fame careers.

Phil really blossomed with the Bruins and played with them until being traded to the New York Rangers in the 1975-76 season.  He retired after the 1980-21 season, having been a 10 time All-Star.  He won the Art Ross trophy (Most points) 5 times, the Hart Memorial trophy (MVP) twice and the Ted Lindsay (most outstanding player) trophy twice.

With all of those awards, what was the topic of our conversation at The National earlier this year?  We talked about our eyes.  We were both wearing shaded lenses and Phil asked if I wanted a pic without the glasses.  I declined and that sent us into a chat on eye sight, surgery and light sensitivity.  It was an unusual conversation and it was unusually long for this situation, but I enjoyed my time with Phil.

Phil was like a cool Italian uncle.  When I first approached him, he asked for my name and he immediately started calling me "Johnny."

He was a total class act in his career and now.  It was a real pleasure meeting and talking to him.

Phil Esposito and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.

Mike Hartenstine at The National 2017

Mike Hartenstine played 13 seasons in the NFL, 12 with the Chicago Bears and 1 with the Minnesota Vikings (must we really acknowledge that last season?).  Hartenstine was an underrated player who bridged the gap from the terrible 70's to the dominant 80's.

Hartenstine was part of the awesome 1975 draft class for the Bears.  Among their 17 picks were Walter Payton, Hartenstine, Virgil Livers, Revie Sorey, Bob Avellini, Tom Hicks, Doug Plank and Roland Harper.  That is a successful draft and Hartenstine would be second to Payton for overall careers.

I had the pleasure of meeting Hartenstine at the The National 2017.  He was very nice and we talked briefly about his career.  Ever humble, he talked about the greatness around him and the thrill of being on the Super Bowl team.  Of course, he also mentioned the late, great Payton.

On a team filled with Hall of Fame calibre defenders (Dan Hampton, Mike Singletary, Richard Dent, Steve McMichael, Gary Fencik, Otis Wilson and Wilbur Marshall), some think Hartenstine might have been the toughest of all and I would not disagree.

It was especially cool to see Hartenstine in the Super Bowl.  He survived some ugly earlier seasons.

Of course, I had to poke him a bit about ending his career in the purple.  Actually, it is fairly common to see long-time players end their careers with a short stint in an unfamiliar uniform.  Still, Hartenstine was and will always be a Bear.  He politely shrugged off my jab (like evading an offensive lineman), but he admitted his heart was always with the Bears.

Thank you to the fine folks at The National for their hospitality.  Thank you to Hartenstine for taking time to talk and for all you did here on and off the field.

Mike Hartenstine and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.