Friend Encounters: Ben Eager and Scott Bridges

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I met Scott Bridges through my dad. Scott is co-owner of Bridges' Scoreboard Restaurant and Sports Bar in Griffith, Indiana, about 15 minutes east of the Chicago/Indiana border and about five minutes from my dad's house.

Bridges is a great neighborhood spot. A friendly staff, excellent food and fun ambience combine to make it a go-to spot for a quick snack or a full meal.

Another reason to go to Bridges' Scoreboard is to meet athletes. Over the years, I have met several great pro athletes, including former Chicago Bears legend Doug Plank, Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry and more. Sometimes, the athletes will even hang out all night watching various sporting events. It is always a cool night, far more than a quick meet-and-greet 10 second selfie. Plus, you get a delicious meal surrounded by a friendly staff and crowd.

If you're anywhere in the area, stop in for excellent food. Follow Bridges' Scoreboard on Facebook to get updates, including appearances by athletes.

Scott Bridges and Ben Eager in Griffith, IN-December 2023.

Friend Encounters: Bruce Herron and Scott Bridges

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

Bridges Scoreboard Restaurant and Sportsbar is a great place for fun and food in northwest Indiana, near my dad in Griffith. We have enjoyed many delicious meals and interesting sports guests there.

Co-owner Scott Bridges runs a top-nothc eatery and cool celebrity appearances. Sometimes they host podcasts, while some are just random special appearances. Either way, they are all well worth the trip.

One of his most recent athletes was former Chicago Bears linebacker Bruce Herron. Drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 1977 NFL Draft, Herron ultimately spent his entire five season career with the Bears. Herron played 71 games, starting one. He had a fumble recovery in 1981. Since then, Herron has remained active in the Chicago area.

A former player at the collegiate level himself, Scott has lots of sports contacts. Although none are announced right now, I am certain Bridges will have many more athletes appearing, especially during the Bears season.

Follow Bridges Scoreboard on Facebook for news and guest appearances. Go to Bridges for great food!

Scott Bridges and Bruce Herron in Griffith, IN-July 2023.

Friend Encounters: Olin Kreutz and Scott Bridges

Friend Encounters is a weekly series featuring friends meeting celebrities.

I met Scott Bridges because he owns Bridges Scoreboard, a great sports bar in Griffith, Indiana, near my dad's home. My dad is a regular at Bridges.

The Chicago Bears season isn't going as well as we hoped, but that doesn't stop fans from enjoying the team. Bridges offers a special way to celebrate the Bears through Danny Mac's Friday Tailgate Show, broadcast live there. Longtime broadcaster Dan McNeil hosts a fantastic show all about the Bears and he usually brings a former Bears player with him.

While today I feature Scott and former Bears center Olin Kreutz, the next guest announced is Super Bowl champ Jay Hilgenberg on October 28. Additionally, although the show runs noon-2 pm, Hilgy will stay an additional hour to meet and greet fans.

Follow Bridges Scoreboard on Facebook for more info, including upcoming sports guests. You don't need to wait for a special event though. Their food is top notch and the service is awesome.

Olin Kreutz and Scott Bridges in Griffith, IN-July 2022.

Friendly Encounters: Eddie Olczyk and Scott Bridges

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

Scott Bridges is co-owner of Bridges Scoreboard, a great sports bar/restaurant in Griffith, Indiana. Locates very close to my dad's home, it is a regular dining and sports-watching spot for my dad and me.

In addition to great food, a friendly staff and a fun atmosphere, Bridges Scoreboard occasionally brings in athletes for meet and greets. These events are better than the usual athlete appearance. Most guest athletes arrive early, stay late and give everyone special time and attention.

The pandemic disrupted everything, but Bridges Scoreboard is still open. Hopefully in 2021, athlete apearances will return, too.
Go to BridgesScoreboard.com for more info. Also, check the Bridges Scoreboard Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Eddie Olczyk and Scott Bridges in Griffith, IN-January 2020.

Friend Encounters: Buff Bagwell and Scott Bridges

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

Bridges Scoreboard is a neighborhood sports bar in Griffith, IN. It is my dad's "go-to" place. I have been there several times, as well. They have solid bar food and a lively, but not crazy atmosphere.

A native of Griffith, co-owner Scott Bridges was a kicker for Indiana State University in the mid-80s. Now he runs Bridges with his brother Jeff.

Bridges has held several athlete appearances over the years. The latest was wrestling star Marcus "Buff" Bagwell. Buff has had a lengthy and successful career. He had a lengthy run in World Championship Wrestling and has been on the independent scene since they were bought by the WWE in  2001.

As expected Buff drew a big crowd and he delighted everyone with his stories and humor. Buff truly is "the stuff," as he'll gladly tell you. Scott even got into the act by donning Buff's trademark hat.

Go to BridgesScoreboard.com for more info. Also, check the Bridges Scoreboard Facebook page for more frequent updates.

Buff Bagwell and Scott Bridges in Griffith, IN-October 2019.

Friendly Encounters: Glen Kozlowski and Scott Bridges

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

After an excellent career at Brigham Young University, Glen Kozlowski was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 11th round of the 1986 NFL draft. A serious knee injury in his senior year probably caused him to be drafted later than he should have been.
Koz recovered from the injury and played with the Bears from 1987-1992. In 66 games he had 31 receptions and played special teams.
I had never met Koz, but he was always on my "watch" list. That situation was corrected when he appeared at Bridges' Scoreboard in Griffith, IN. I combined a visit with my dad with Monday Night Football at Bridges with Koz.
Bridges has had many guest athletes over the years and all have been very good, but Koz was even better than the average guest. He really took time with everyone and made many special moments for the fans. We talked about his first NFL touchdown, among other topics.
Bridges is a great place to watch any game or just to hang out. There's always a friendly, lively crowd, tasty food and often some extra excitement, like bingo or other such activity.
Occasionally, you'll even see a guest celebrity, like this Saturday, September 22, when William "The Fridge" Perry is appearing! Check out BridgesScoreboard.com or the Bridges Scoreboard Facebook page to get info and updates. Better yet, stop by if you're in the area!

Glen Kozlowski and Scott Bridges in Griffith, IN-October 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Brian Baschnagel and Scott Bridges

This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebrities.

In the theme from tv's Cheers, they sing, "Don't you want to go where everybody knows your name and you're always glad you came."  When I visit my dad in Griffith, Indiana, that place is Bridges' Scoreboard.
Scoreboard has your usual sports bar amenities (several big screens, standard bar fare, etc), but it has the intangibles that make it special.  Owners Scott and Jeff Bridges are usually on hand.  The wait staff is friendly and attentive.  The patrons are familiar faces.  It's a place where you always feel welcome.  It's a place which is lively, without being unbearable.
One thing I really enjoy is when they have a player appearance.  Recently, they have had former Chicago Bears wide receiver Brian Baschnagel.  I wrote about the evening on the Patch at On the Beat With Brian Baschnagel at Bridges' Scoreboard.
One of the cool parts is that it is such a casual environment, unlike a major sports convention.  You actually get to spend time with the athlete.  It's almost like Baschnagel popped in to your house to watch the game with you.
Bridges' Scoreboard is a fun place to watch a sporting event.  You can check out their menu, learn about their special events (including more player appearances) and get any other relevant info on the Bridges' Scoreboard Facebook page.

Scott Bridges and Brian Bacshnagel in Griffith, IN-October 2017.