George Castle and Great Reads 2019

I first met writer and author George Castle at Lerner Newspapers back in the early 1990's (maybe even the late 1980's_. He was a sports writer and I was in the Circulation Department. We bonded over talking sports.

George has more sports trivia knowledge than anyone I have ever met. I am proud that he gives me credit for having a lot of knowledge, too, although I am not in his league.

George has written many books during his lengthy career. His latest book is The 1969 Cubs: Long Remembered - Not Forgotten. Co-written with Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins, this is the definitive look at the 1969 Cubs. Jenkins gives his personal reflections, while Castle fills in fascinating details and facts. Castle conducted interviews with several significant players invloved in that season.

This book is a "must" for any Cubs fan. If George is involved, you know it is thorough. Actually, any baseball fan would love this book. I included The 1969 Cubs: Long Remembered - Not Forgotten in my Great Reads 2019 online piece for Global Traveler.

You can check out all of George's book on Amazon's George Castle author page. I have several of his books, including The 1969 Cubs: Long Remembered - Not Forgotten and Champions: 15 Inspiring Comeback Stories from Sports & Life.

George Caste, me and Steve Gassman in St. Charles, IL-December 2017.

Friendly Encounters: Mark Hudson and Steve Gassman

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

Before there was a Kate Hudson, there was the Hudson Brothers.  Mark, Brett and Bill (father of Kate) formed the Hudson Brothers, a musical band which peaked in popularity in the mid 1970's.  They also ventured on to television with a couple shows, including The Hudson Brothers Hour, a night time variety show and The Hudson Brothers Razzle Dazzle Show, a Saturday morning show.  I loved that zany Saturday show.

The brothers have all stayed in show business in some form.  Mark is a musician, song writer, producer and more.  He co-wrote Aerosmith's Livin' on the Edge, among other hits from Aerosmith and others.

Hudson also worked with Ringo Starr on 9 albums.  That collaboration cemented Hudson's place in the history of the Beatles.  That connection brought him to a Beatles convention and my friend Steve (aka Willy, but that's another story).

Steve is more well-known in the world of sports.  As the Personal Assistant to Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins, Steve can be found at many conventions, too.  Presumably, he was off-duty at the Beatles convention (if Steve is ever really off-duty).

This is the kind of celebrity encounter that I love.  Hudson has such a great story, but he rarely does conventions.  The connection to the Beatles is pretty cool, too.  I love how all of these worlds collide into one cool picture (well, as cool as a picture with Steve can be).

I first met Steve years ago and reconnected last summer at a chance meeting when Marv Levy was doing a book-signing.

Steve has a lot of other interesting celebrity encounters, although I am not sure any of them will top Hudson for me.  Hudson is a guy who wouldn't have crossed my mind, but I would love to meet.

Steve Gassman and Mark Hudson in Rosemont, IL-August 2017.