At Chiller Theatre

I was doing research on the Chiller Theatre convention (being held this weekend) and I came across Mikey Hersh, who agreed to contribute some pictures and info.  Chiller Theatre was a tv program which featured classic horror movies.  The Chiller Theatre convention features celebrity guests and dealers mostly of the horror genre.
Mikey went to his first Chiller Theatre Expo in September of 2008.  An appearance by Ace Frehley was too hard to resist.  In Mikey's words:

I usually don't pay for autographs and photos unless it'ssomebody who truly has made an impact on me. Since I had already met PaulStanley, Peter Criss, and Gene Simmons, how could I pass up the chance to meet"Space Ace" Ace Frehley? I asked if I could just get a photo withhim, but his representative told me that the price for an autograph and a photoare separate. I figured I'd just pay for the autograph, and my brother wouldsnap the photo of me shaking Ace's hand. What do you know? Ace poses next to meand tells my brother to take the picture. If it were Gene Simmons, I highlydoubt this would have happened. We talked a little about his new album and howdisgusted I was with Tommy Thayer wearing his costume in the new line-up ofKiss. Even though Ace wasn't the biggest name at the show, it seemed like hehad the most people there to see him.

To get the rest of Mikey's stories and pictures of Chiller, you can check out his 2008 Chiller report and his 2009 Chiller report.  Both are filled with great stuff about his time at the Chiller Theatre Expo.  Also on Mikey's site MisenPOPic are a lot of :brushes with greatness" celebrity photos, and a bunch of interesting music lists and movie lists.

I really appreciate Mikey sharing his experience here.  I am sure we will have more from Mikey in the future.  In the meantime, check out his site!

Mikey Hersh and Ace Frehley in Parsippany, NJ-September 2008.

Queen Sharmell and King Booker

Booker T. Huffman first gained fame tag-teaming with his brother Lane (aka Stevie Ray).  Eventually they went from the Ebony Experience to Harlem Heat and attained real stardom.  Booker T has held 35 major titles in WCW, WWE and TNA.
Things were not always great for Booker.  In his younger days, he spent time in prison for robbing a fast food restaurant.  When he was released, wrestling became his passion and profession.
Sharmell won the 1991 Miss Black America title.  A few years later she joined WCW as Paisley, a member of the Nitro Girls.  This is where she met Booker, whom she later married.
I met Booker and Sharmell at the TNA Bound for Glory event in 2008.  I love the picture below.  It wasn't a rare shot.  These two were smiling the whole afternoon.  They seemed like they were having a ball there.  The whole event was a lot of fun, thanks to the spirit of the wrestlers like Booker and Sharmell.

Booker T and Sharmell in Chicago, IL-October 2008.

Celeb Jersey Cards #50 Ken Burns x 8

This is a regular feature which combines my passion for trading cards with my interest in celebrities.

Today marks the 50th edition of Celebrity Jersey Cards.  I decided to bestow the honor of representing CJC #50 to Ken Burns, famous director and producer and the genius behind the Baseball, the Emmy Award-winning documentary about America's national pastime.
Burns apparently really wanted to be a part of the CJC series.  He did his best impression of Mike Morgan and modeled eight major league uniforms.  Rumor has it there have been more, but no photographic documentation could be found.  Still, just like the tv series of the 70's, eight is enough!

A Night of Open Heart Magic

A couple weeks ago, Open Heart Magic held a "Tricks are For Kids" fundraiser in the west loop.  Over 500 people attended the event which raised money and awareness for this wonderful charity, which uses magic and laughter to raise the spirits of hospitalized children in the Chicago area.
I first became aware of Open Heart Magic because of Chuck Gekas, who was volunteering his time as one of the magicians who visited and performed at hospitals.  What a great concept.
As someone who spent a great deal of my early years in hospitals, I can tell you how much something like this would be appreciated.   A hospitalized child can feel any combination of confusion, abandonment, fear, boredom and many other negative emotions.  I know I felt all of that at some point.  I would have been ecstatic to have a real magician walk into my room and perform for several minutes.
Michael Walton is the founder and Executive Director of Open Heart Magic and he deserves praise, as does each volunteer.  Everyone involved with OHM is so dedicated and so giving.  This is a very special group, one truly worthy of your attention.  The prestidigitation they perform isn't the only thing magical about Open Heart Magical. 

Michael Walton of Open Heart Magic in Chicago, IL-April 2011.

Old Times at the Comiskey Park

Today, another one of my old pictures taken during my teenage years.  The camera was bad, the image is grainy, but the meories are great.
What do I know about this picture?  I know the batter is Joe Charboneau, the 1980 AL Rookie of the Year.  Charboneau was drafted by the Phillies, but made the majors with the Cleveland Indians.  Unfortunately, Charboneau's major league career lasted only three seasons.
The rest of the info is questionable.  I wrote "1981" on the back of the picture.  However, on the same page, I had a picture of the Sox scoreboard erupting with fireworks.  On the back of that picture, I wrote that it was from a homerun by Harold Baines.
If the two pictures were from the same game, it could not have been 1981.  In fact, it would have only been from one game and that was in 1980. My only problem with that (aside from the "1981" part) is that the player on deck would have to be Bo Diaz.  Although the picture is fuzzy, I swore it was Duane Kuiper.
So my conclusion is that the picture was taken in 1980 or 1981.  The reference to a homerun by Baines might have been a mistake.  That's about as definitive as I can get.

T

Joe Charboneau in Comiskey Park in Chicago, IL-Summer 1981.

Ms. Tessmacher is Back

Ms. Tessmacher (Brooke Adams) has returned to TNA and says that she wants the TNA Knockouts Championship.
She has been "training" and wants back into the Knockouts division.
Well here, you can hear it for yourself....



As you probably already know, Ms. Tessmacher has been involved in pro wrestling since 2006.
She started out in the 2006 WWE Diva Search and unfortunately didn't even make it into the top eight.
But as the WWE so often did back then, she was given a contract anyway.
She went to Deep South Wrestling (DSW) to train, starting out as a valet, while training to become an actual wrestler.
Her first wrestling match was (interestingly enough) a loss to Angel Williams (now TNA's Angelina Love) in December of 2006.

Then she went to ECW, where her wrestling training was pretty much tossed out the window and she became a dancer.
But she still continued on in OVW at the same time, until being sent to Florida Championship Wrestling in 2007.

On November 1st, 2007, she was released from the WWE and on March 29, 2010, she showed up on TNA as Eric Bischoff's assistant, Ms. Tessmacher.
Yes she was named after Valerie Perrine's character in Superman and Superman 2.
After a false start with Lacey Von Erich, she finally got in the ring as Mickie James' partner but they were defeated by Madison Rayne and Tara.

On Christmas day she got a broken jaw (Not in the ring mind you, she was punched in the jaw by a friend. Nice gift huh?) and had to have surgery to fix it.



Well now she's back and I'm kinda curious to see what TNA does with her.
Will she be going after Mickie James?

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.

The latest blog I have just found is the Sports Daddy, a blog written by Mookie Anderson, who states he created the blog to hone his web skills and write about sports.  He has turned it into an interesting blend of sports and family, with a definite (but not over-the top) Minnesota flavor.
I asked Mookie to share something for this site and he responded with a couple stories and a picture.  I'll let him take it from here.

MA:I was in a movie, briefly, called Overnight Delivery.  It was filmed back in 1994 in the Twin Cities and starred a young, future Oscar winning actress Reese Witherspoon, along with Paul Rudd.  I was an extra who was called back to shoot two different specialty scenes in that comedy.  One role was as a bouncer in a strip bar.  The other was a waiter in a diner.  They didn't use either, so my work is on the cutting room floor somewhere out in Hollywood.  The fun thing is I got to eat and chat with both actors on the set.  Rudd was a great person to chat to.  I had just finished up a part as Big Jule in Guys and Dolls at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul and he told me a lot about his experiences on the stage.
"In movies, it's a lot of hurry up and wait.  You can never tell how good a movie will be when you film it.  Once it's done filming,many other people have a hand in its final format, making changes and editing the scenes.  You never know what scenes or takes they will use or how the final version will look.  Then once it comes out, you have to wait to see if the critics will like it.  The process can take months.  On stage, the feedback is instantaneous.  The crowd reaction tells you immediately."
Gordon Lightfoot's drummer is married to an old friend of mine and in 1993 I got a backstage pass.  I remember asking him the question I I always wanted to ask a musician,  "have you ever written a song and just knew it would be a hit?".
He said point blank, "It's tough to know, but when we wrote Sundown, we just had a good feeling that it would chart.  There are of course surprises.  The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, for example, we wrote that song not knowing it would be the one that we are most known for.  It was intended to be an album filler.  It caught us all by surprise when it became so popular."

Now that is an excellent tale, but I am not surprised.  The Sports Daddy doesn't disappoint.  Check out the Sports Daddy website and see for yourself!

Gordon Lightfoot and Mookie Anderson in MN-1993.

Autograph Tales:Paul Splittorff and Buck Martinez

It was a very cold night either early or late in the 1973 or 1974 season. The Kansas City Royals were in Chicago for a game against the White Sox.  I think it rained a bit before or during the game.  I have tried researching the exact date and I think it was either 10/1/74 or 10/2/74.
My dad took my friend Tom Skalski and me to the game and we were sitting by the Sox dugout.  At some point before the game started (or was it during a rain delay?), we went to the concourse and ran into Paul Splittorff and Buck Martinez, two of the Royals.  They were in full uniform, but I am not sure what they were doing.  It certainly wasn't an organized autograph session.  I swear, they were just getting food at the concession stand.  I did get autographs on a scorecard I still have somewhere.
Looking back, it was very odd to see the players in that area, although at the time, I don't think we thought about that.  Why would they be there?  It still boggles my mind.
The White Sox won the game and Sox centerfielder Ken Henderson made a great catch at some point.  The attendance was horrible (less than 5,000 at either game).
The wins allowed the Sox to finish at 80-80 for 4th place.  It was a forgettable season, but that game remains one of my favorite (and earliest) memories of baseball.

Celeb Jersey Cards #49 Jimmy Smits & Bill Guerin

This is a regular series which combines my love of bubblegum cards with my interest in celebrities.

I first saw Jimmy Smits in Running Scared, one of my favorite movies.  It was one of his earlier roles and he has gone on to have a solid career on tv and the big screen.  One of his more recent roles was on West Wing.  I am assuming the Washington D.C. connection is what lead him to throwing out the first pitch for the Nationals.  This is one of the rare cards which is taken from the 1986 set, which was when the Nationals were still the Expos.  Sometimes this happens in the world of Celebrity Jersey Cards.

Representing another not-so-good baseball team is very good NHL'er Bill Guerin.  Guerin played for eight teams during his eighteen year career.  He is the first player of Hispanic descent to play in the NHL.  He also ranks 7th all-time in goal scoring for Americans in the NHL.  His last team was the Pittsburgh Penguins, which probably explains the Pirates connection.

On the Beat With Jill Urchak

Jill Urchak has graced Chicago radio since the mid-1990's.  She has been a host, co-host, news reporter and traffic reporter.  She has also written some poetry and is an avid White Sox fan.
I have heard Urchak for years, but I first really became a fan during her time at WSCR, when the various hosts made her a part of their shows.  I contacted Urchak recently and she answered my questions.

Q-You have done a lot inyour career. If you could pick one dream job (in or out of your fields ofexpertise) what would it be?

JU-That's a tough one. The reason I went into radio was because I love music andwanted to be surrounded by it. My career has encompassed a little of everythingand yet, I always go back to music. My dream job in radio would be to have amusic show that plays a little of everything. The show would concentrate on musicfrom the 60's, 70's and 80's. I would play old clips from the artists, airaudio from each era to accompany each segment. It would be comparable to"TV LAND of RADIO". I'm old school and I think it would bring in anew generation of people. Also, I would bridge the gap between then and now.Music is music and it all ties together eventually! I would LOVE to have my ownshow.

AND if I wasn't in radio, I would work with children who need role models. Ithink teaching Kindergarten would be a blast. Kids are like sponges and are readyto learn. Children keep it real!

Q-Which job (or assignment) made you the most nervous?

JU-I literally just tried out for the Channel 2, CBS Traffic gig for the morningshow. I've done a little TV, but not like this. I was a nervous wreck. Steppingout in front of the camera with all the blinding lights was very intimidating.I'm used to being in a studio in jeans and a T-shirt with nobody watching me.To have your every move watched takes getting used to. I had fun and was incrediblychallenged at the same time. I hope my adrenaline worked for me and not againstme. You get one shot and if you blow it, then you blow it. Yikes!

Q-How did it feel when someone asked for your autograph or recognized you forthe first time?

JU-I thought it was a joke. I was doing a remote for WSCR and some guy wanted myautograph and I kept on asking him...WHY? Why do you want it? I don't get it? Iwas very embarrassed and thought it was a joke. It's very sweet and still blowsme away(not that it happens often). I was at a Sox game and heard some guyscreaming, "Hey Urchak! How's the traffic"? It's flattering and stillsurprising when it happens.

Q-You are a legendary Sox fan. If you could make your all-time favorite lineup, who would you pick?

I don't even know how to answer that question. All I know is that it wouldinclude Alexei Ramirez, A.J. Pierzynski, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome (bring himback). I think if you shuffle those guys around in any order then you can'tlose.

Q-Are you writing more poetry? Any plans in that direction?

JU-I only write if I feel a really strong emotion. I don't just sit and writesomething for the heck of it, I have to be inspired. Thank God for my ex-boyfriend. He gave me so much material (lol). It's true. It was a good way blowoff steam. Writing poetry makes me feel good. It's an outlet that just comesnaturally and it's safe. I'll always write and never stop!

6-What is your favorite vacation spot?

JU-I haven't been to too many places to make a comparison. I can tell you that Las Vegas is the place to be. I'm not a gambler by any means,but Vegas has so much more. In Vegas you can lay out in the sun all day(yourtropical experience), play slots in between(your Vegas experience), see ashow(Broadway experience), shop and people watch. What other vacation spotoffers so much in one location?

It's great to know a bit more about the person behind the voice I have heard for so many years.  To learn even more about Urchak, you can go to Chicago Now and check out In Check With Urchak. I really appreciate Urchak's time and thoughtful answers. Thanks, Jill and if you ever land that dream radio job, count me as a listener!

A Six Foot Long?

We all know that Subway is famous for their foot-long sandwiches.  \I just never knew they had a six foot sandwich.
On my recent trip to Las Vegas, I was happy eating a six inch turkey on hearty Italian bread when the big Subway sandwich mascot walked out of the back room and headed for the exit.  The sub mascot was going to pass out coupons on the strip.  Before he hit the door, Matt and I stopped him and got our pictures taken with him.
Because I am nothing if I am not detail-oriented, I had to figure out the caloric content of this big sub.  Based on my calculations (and that is always a scary proposition), this sub would have approximately 2796 calories.  That is based on the sandwich the way I like it (turkey, provolone cheese, pickles, black olives and no condiments).
Ordinarily, a six foot sub mascot would be an odd sight, but on the strip in Vegas, it ranked low on the scale of weirdness (as you will see in future posts).

The Subway mascot and me in Las Vegas, NV-March 2011.

Happy Birthday Jean

Today is my sister Jean's birthday.  I am fortunate to have two great sisters (who are also great friends).  Much like with my sister Nancy's birthday, I will keep it short and straight.
Happy birthday Jean.  You are the best and I love you dearly

Jean, me and Nancy in Mokena, IL-December 2010.

Everybody's Got a Record (C)HCoSG

A few months ago, I borrowed Everybody's Got A Record from Matt F. of Heartbreaking Cards of Staggering Genius.  The series is dedicated to the idea that every baseball player holds some kind of record.  I promised Matt I would borrow his concept sparingly and really only for a handful of my favorite payers, if I could find records they hold.
My first foray focused on Mike Squires.  A quick check on Baseball-Reference.com revealed that Squires is the all time leader in range factor/9 innings for a first baseman.  I has happy to find this record so quickly.
The other night, while talking baseball with Cuzz Gekas, somehow we came to the conclusion that Squires might have had the fewest career hits of a Gold Glove winner.  I immediately checked Baseball-Reference again and found out the facts on career hit totals for Gold Glove winners.
Squires had 411 career hits.  This would be the lowest total for any AL non-pitcher Gold Glove winner.  The next closest is Doug Griffin with 524.  In the NL, Ken Hubbs only had 310 hits, but that number is skewed by his premature death after only 3 seasons.  The next closest is Ruben Amaro who had 505 hits.
Therefore, minimally, Squires is the record holder in the AL and by all rights would be the record holder for all of baseball for fewest career hits by a Gold Glove winner.  There is little doubt that Hubbs would have collected enough hits to rank higher than Squires if not for his untimely death.
Finally, this in no way is meant to disparage Squires.  In fact, I view it as an impressive accomplishment.  The Gold Glove often goes to offensive stars or at least highly recognizable names.  Chris Chambliss, Eddie Murray and Don Mattingly won multiple Gold Gloves during Squires' career.  For Squires to win the award means he really must have put on a great fielding display that season.
Thanks again to Matt for letting me borrow his concept.  Matt does a great job with this series and with his site.  Recently, he moved his site from the blogosphere.  He still has the same cool stuff on the site, only the web address has changed.

Friendly Encounters

This is a weekly series about friends who have met celebs.

I first met Scott Beatty about 15 years ago at AU Sports.  After several years, Scott went to do some other business and I didn't see him for a few years (except for one random encounter at a July 4th celebration in Evanston a couple years back).  A few months ago, Scott returned to AU.
As many of you know, former AU owner Steve Gold passed away earlier this year., but AU Sports will continue to be the best trading card and memorabilia store.  Scott is running things and Dave Zeman is back.  There is a nice buzz around the store. 
While AU has had several great guests in for autograph signings, Scott ventured away from AU to Naperville to meet WWE Hall of Fame wrestler Joe Laurinaitis, also known as Animal, one-half of the Road Warriors.  Joe is also the father of star linebacker James Laurinaitis of the St. Louis Rams.
Scott went to meet Laurinaitis, get his book signed and see a screening of the Road Warriors dvd.  Laurinaitis was great, according to Scott.  He was eager to pose for photos and to sign additional items (something which is often frowned upon, but is very appreciated by collectors).
Scott was pretty eager to meet Animal, too.  In fact, I am pretty sure he was tempted to don the face paint and make a pitch to form the Road Warriors 2011.  I am sure Scott could hold his own in the ring, but the real question is what ring name would he use?  I am also sure his friends might have a few suggestions.
Scott is a good guy and I know he will do well with AU and longtime AU patrons are happy.  To keep up with the happenings at AU, check out the AU Facebook page or stop in at the store.

Joe Laurinaitis and Scott Beatty in Naperville, IL-April 2011.

Celeb Jersey Cards #48 Terrence Howard & Derrick Rose

This is a regular feature which combines my interest in celebrities and my passion for trading cards.

Baseball season has started and some Chicago baseball love is overdue.  Showing my impartiality, I present both sides of town.
For the North siders, I present my old friend Terrence Howard.  Howard showed nice form while tossing the first pitch.  Last time we met, I was a bit underdressed, wearing jeans with my suit.  Howard returned the favor by wearing jeans while earning his spot on a Celebrity Jersey Card.

Chicago Bulls star on the rise Derrick Rose donned the Sox cap with his jersey while tossing the first pitch on the South side.  Rose's effort was less heralded than another former Bulls journey into baseball, but it was certainly more successful.  I celebrated that success by creating a card for Rose to go with his dozens (so to be hundreds) or basketball cards.

Promos For Awesome Kong and Brandi Alexis Reed

It seems like it's promo time for the WWE Divas.

First, the long awaited first look at Awesome Kong in the WWE....



And then the not so long awaited promo for Brandi Alexis Reed in FCW...



From the looks of it, FCW maybe going with a Middle Eastern gimmick with Brandi.

I havent really mentioned TNA here that much lately (frankly, I havent seen the need to) but here is a reason why.....



TNA 90210?

The Legend of YMJ

A couple months ago, I featured JayHawk Evans with Steven (William) Regal in Friendly Encounters.  Today, I am revealing one of my favorite JayHawk stories, which occurred later in that same night.
JayHawk and I trekked out to Cincinnat (OH) for the Brian Pillman Memorial Show.  Before the night of wrestling, we met several of the wrestlers during the meet-and-greet session.  Then we settled in for a great night of up close action in the small gym.
Near the end of the night, Diamond Dallas Page entered the ring and started to thank everyone and talk about the late Brian Pillman.  In his opening statement, he pointed to JayHawk and proclaimed him to be wearing the best shirt there.  He motioned for JayHawk to stand up, which he did, soaking up a bit of applause.
As evident in the Friendly Encounter post, JayHawk was wearing a Cactus Jack shirt.  (For those unfamiliar with pro wrestling, Cactus Jack was an earlier days in-ring persona of Mick Foley).
I never saw the dvd of that Pillman event.  I don't even know if one exists.  I do know that if there is one, JayHawk is certainly on it!

Diamond Dallas Page in Cincinnati, OH-May 2000.

On the Beat With Catherine Johns-Part 2

About a month ago, I wrote about meeting Catherine Johns, a long-time favorite radio personality of mine.  Originally intended to be worked into a piece right here, our chat focused more on her current career, that as a Certified Hypnotist and a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming at the Chicago Hypnosis Center, which she co-owns.
I was very interested in that part of her career.  I had no previous experience with hypnosis and really only the very basic knowledge of it.  While I have never been afraid of hypnosis, I have never really been interested in it either, until the meeting with Catherine.
Like most people, I have issues.  I have attempted many practices to rid myself of my self-imposed burdens.  Some have worked to some degree, but I am always looking to further clear my cluttered mind.  I want to improve the quality of life.
Last week, I had my first actual hypnosis session.  It's sort of like being in a trance.  I was leaning back in a comfy chair listening to Catherine guide me through some mental practices.  I remember her saying I would drift back and forth and I did.  As she guided me back to a fully conscious state, I felt different.  I didn't realize until later that I actually felt a bit lighter.  I wrote more in depth about the actual process for my online piece at Global Traveler.
It's a week later and I have not lost that feeling.  I can't say I completely am rid of my issues, but I know I am better.  I plan on seeing Catherine for more hypnosis.  I'd like to see if I can further the progress and lessen the load even more.
The mind is so powerful and therefore the fears are equally as powerful.  Through hypnosis, Catherine delved into my subconscious and helped me retrain my brain.
It was such a wonderful experience.  Catherine is patient, caring and personable.  I immediately felt at ease with her.  If she could lessen my load, she could certainly help anyone.  I really encourage anyone to give it a try by calling her for a consultation session.  Hypnosis can be life-changing.  Why not let it change yours?

Catherine Johns in Niles, IL-March 2011.

Everyone Loves Big Money II

A few months ago, I wrote about how everyone loves Big Money.  By "Big Money", I am referring to my nephew Matt, who obtained his moniker from a patron at a store where he worked one summer.  Little did that stranger realize what he started.

Big Money took on a life of its own.  Family, friends and colleagues all jumped on the Big Money train.  Even (Progressive spokesperson) Flo gave a shout out to Big Money in a recent ad.  The other night I was watching some tv and once again, Big Money got props from an unexpected source.

Peter Griffin (patriarch of the Griffin family on Family Guy) exuberantly started yelling encouragement to Big Money.  Imagine that!  (Well, you don't have to imagine, because the clip is below).

Wow.  First a spokesperson for a major insurance company and now a cartoon character on a highly rated animated series.  Who will be next on the Big Money bandwagon?  Who knows, but when someone steps forward, I'll report it right here.

The Rick Stelmaszek Saga:Part 19

I have written before about finding rare baseball pictures on Ebay.  Back in the day, you were lucky to find any such pictures of any players unless they were stars.  That's why finding these pictures now is so cool.
Recently, I came across the picture below of Rick Stelmaszek from his time with the California Angels (pre-Anaheim Angels of Los Angeles).  This is the first real photo I have seen of Stelmaszek in an Angels uni.  His 1974 Topps card is a decent airbrush of him from his time with the Rangers.  His 1975 card is a mediocre airbrushed Cubs card.
I don't know the origin of this photo.  Obviously, it was taken in 1973 (his only season with the Angels).  I am not good enough to pinpoint stadiums on a regular basis, let alone with this limited background view.  I am just guessing it is a home shot, because his uniform looks more like the home uni.  Since he is not wearing the full catcher's gear, other than the mitt, the picture was probably taken pre-game. 
His stance does not indicate he was playing long toss.  He looks more like he was preparing to field a bouncer or maybe an errant throw.
The picture does not tell a lot, but it does do a lot.  It brings back great memories and that childhood feeling when I first fell in love with baseball.

Rick Stelmaszek-Summer 1973.

Barry Windham and the Family Business

Everywhere Barry Windham looks, he sees wrestlers.  His father is Blackjack Mulligan.  His brother is Kendall Windham.  His brother-in-law is Mike Rotunda.  Two nephews are wrestlers.
Windham has had a lengthy career, winning several tag team titles and various other titles, although never holding the Heavyweight title in any major organization.  Windham is one of those wrestlers who never quite put it all together (perhaps maybe a bit too injured), but still was always popular and successful.
Windham was also a member of the famed Four Horsemen.  Having met Ric Flair, Chris Benoit, Steve McMichael, Dean Malenko, Tully Blanchard, Lex Luger and Windham, I stand at 7 Four Horsemen.
Windham seemed to be really enjoying himself at the Wrestlers Reunion in 2005.  I think it was the first big reunion and many wrestlers enjoyed themselves fully.  Windham was gracious enough to the fans, but he seemed more interested in the other wrestlers.  I really can't blame him though.

Barry Windham and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.

Friendly Encounters

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

When we last saw my old Sacred Heart classmate Mary Jovanovich Brazzale, she was posing with Bill Wennington (a former Bull who was wearing a Blackhawks jersey).  Mary went from posing with an NBA champion to posing with an NHL champ when she got a picture with Jonathan Toews of the Blackhawks.
Mary and her family are huge Blackhawks fans.  If she isn't at the game, she is probably watching it somewhere.
I always enjoy Mary's Blackhawks-related posts on Facebook.  Hopefully, in a few weeks, she will be posting another picture of her husband with the Stanley Cup, like she did last year.
I also always enjoy pictures from my old classmates.  I am hoping for more classmates to appear here, but I am pretty sure that Mary will make more appearances.  She seems to meet a lot of the players.  What is her secret?  Even with my press passes, I have a hard time meeting as many players.

 Mary Jovanovich Brazzale and Jonathan Toews in Chicago, IL-Early 2011.

Celeb Jersey Cards #47 Carlton Fisk and Ryne Sandberg

This is a weekly series which combines my love for bubblegum cards with my interest in celebs.

The Hawks head into today's game 2 points ahead of the Dallas Stars.  Both teams have 1 game to play.  I brought out a pair of Chicago Hall of Famers to guide the Hawks into and through the playoffs.
Although he went into the Hall of Fame with a Red Sox cap, Carlton Fisk actually played more games for the White Sox, where he was the backbone of their teams in the 80's through the mid-90's.  Pudge is the all time leader in games caught.  Unfortunately,right after breaking that record, the Sox cut Fisk.  Only recently, did the Sox and Fisk get back together in harmony. Fisk looked in game shape when he dropped the puck at a Hawks game (I wonder if it was against Boston?).

Ryne Sandberg joined the Cubs from the Phillies in 1982, the year after Fisk arrived on the south side.  Unlike Fisk, Ryno would go into the Hall with a Chicago cap.  Ryno left the Cubs organization under questionable circumstances during their recent managerial search.  Hopefully, like Fisk, he will someday find peace with the Cubs.

WWE Diva Gail Kim and Robert Irvine?

Rumor has it that WWE Diva Gail Kim (who? LOL...I know) is engaged to celebrity chef Robert Irvine.
Well it's not so much a rumor as Tammy "Sunny" Sytch (now a WWE Hall of Fame member) said on her Facebook account that a WWE Diva would be getting married soon and Gail and Robert were together at the WrestleMania 27 weekend and the Hall of Fame.
(Why not? They sure didn't let Gail wrestle!)

This is what Tammy said...
"Can't believe one of my favorite WWE Divas in marrying one of my favorite Food Network chefs!!"
"Man, is she a lucky girl! All that amazing food, all the time!!!"




So who is this Robert Irvine person that's gonna marry Gail?
Well if you watch the Food Network you know.
And if you don't...dude is a beast!
You don't expect chefs to be that big, but this former member of the Royal Navy is.
Oddly enough, Wikipedia (I know...it's Wikipedia but still...) lists Robert as being married since at least 1998.

WWE Diva Gail Kim and Robert Irvine? , posted to http://beautiful-wrestling.blogspot.com/ on March 9th, 2011

It's Just A Fantasy

It took 15 long baseball seasons.  It took me adding my nephew Matt as my General Manager.  It took some prayers and lots of luck.  Finally, though, the Boone League trophy is mine.
I have placed in the money (top 3 positions) only 3 times in my 15 years in the league.  I have finished last about 6 times (maybe more).  All of that is (temporarily) forgotten, because the trophy is mine.
My team was lead by the hitting of Aubrey Huff, Jason Heyward and Carlos Gonzalez (who also helped with his speed).  Andrew McCutchen joined CarGo to provide a great steals duo.  Tim Lincecum and Ted Lilly anchored my starting staff, while Brian Wilson and Ryan Franklin were shut-down closers.  I even had Mike Lamb (one of my all-time favorites) on my bench (but more as a coaching veteran).
The trophy resides on my bookcase.  It is mine until the 2012 draft next April (unless I somehow manage to repeat).  Dare I even dream?

Happy Birthday Nancy

Today is my eldest sister Nancy's birthday.  I could write a lot of words and still not say enough about her.  Therefore I am going to keep it short, simple and heartfelt.
Happy birthday Nancy!  I love you and couldn't ask for a better sister or friend.

Nancy, Jean and me in Mokena, IL-December 2009.

A Game Info Question Answered By Johngy

Last weekend, I got together with a group of old friends to partake in our yearly draft for our fantasy baseball league.  Mike Fuhr, leader of the Fightin' Fury and regular reader of this site, mentioned he was looking for info about an old game-action photo from a White Sox game.  Mike had seen me write about identifying specific games from old pictures and baseball cards and hoped I (or more likely, one of the other bloggers who are much better at this than I am) could figure out the specifics.
When Mike sent it to me the other day, I was able to get most of the info on my own.  The date was Friday, October 2, 1959.  It was Game 2 of the 1959 World Series.  It was the top of the 7th inning and the Los Angeles Dodgers trailed the Chicago White Sox 2-1.
Bob Shaw was pitching for the Sox.  There were two outs.  Neal Essegian hit a solo homer.  Junior Gilliam walked.  Charley Neal came up to bat with Gilliam on 1st and the score now tied.
Neal hit a homer to deep center.  In the excitement, a fan (accidentally, from all accounts) knocked over his beer and it fell right on White Sox outfielder Al Smith (#16) who had already given up on the ball.  The Dodgers won the game 4-3 and ultimately won the World Series 4-2.
Mike asked if the ball is visible anywhere.  I found a set of four pictures from the Tribune photo vault.  In picture #4, it looks like the guy wearing a hat and facing sideways with his hand(s?) extended might be holding (and showing off) the ball.  Others appear to be looking and pointing at him.
Further research showed that the beer which was spilled was Hamm's (the beer refreshing Hammmmmms).  I could not determine the price of that beer, nor the name of the infamous beer-spiller.
Okay Mike.  I think that should answer most of your questions regarding this photo.  I hope it brings you peace of mind, too.  For me, it gave me a topic for the day!  Great seeing you.

Autograph Tales:Robin Earl

David Spada, of Spada Law Offices, is a familiar name in Chicago.  He sometimes uses his Facebook page to give out magnet schedules and autographed photos of former Chicago Bears, like Robin Earl. 
Earl joined the Bears as a fullback in 1977.  He played 7 seasons with the Bears, although morphed into a tight end about halfway through his stint.  He played two seasons with the Birmingham Stallions in the USFL before retiring.  He has remained in the Chicago area, where his two youngest sons are enjoying prep careers.
I have met Earl a few times at various charity events and he is awesome every time.  He has some great stories and he happily will tell them.
I have no idea how far the two young Earl boys will go in football.  However, if they make it to the NFL 9or even if they don't) would this be considered their rookie card?

Snooki Wins At Wrestlemania

Well Wrestlemania XXVII is now in the books and everyone seems to be flipping out about Snooki scoring the pin in the Snooki, Trish Stratus and John Morrison versus Dolph Ziggler and LayCool with Vickie Guerrero match.

"She’s always been one to run her mouth and after her win at Wrestlemania XXVII it seems Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi can back it up."
http://celebrity-gossip.net/


"As Snooki's WWE debut proved, she didn't step into the ring just to get tossed around and pummeled"
http://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/


"Snooki, captain of her high school cheerleading squad, did some athletic moves to get the victory."
http://espn.go.com/

Guys.....really?
She did two handsprings, a cartwheel and a splash.
I'm guessing maybe 50% (or more) of the readers out there could pull off the same moves with a weeks instructions.
And that's not counting the ones out there that already can.

I imagine Michelle McCool's fans are feeling the same way that I felt that night K-Fed pinned John Cena.
(No I'm not letting that go!)
The two time WWE Unified Divas Championship and two time WWE Women's Championship beaten by a four foot nine reality star, using a finishing move that Molly Holly used to use as a transition move.

Heck, why didn't they just go all out and have Snooki take out Michelle with "The People's Elbow" or "The Big Leg"?

Actually "The Big Leg" would have been more fitting.

Arn Anderson For the Hall of Fame

Marty Lunde debuted in pro wrestling in 1982.  Because he strongly resembled veteran wrestler Ole Anderson, Lunde became Arn Anderson and started teaming with Ole as the Minnesota Wrecking Crew.  By 1986, they were aligned with Ric Flair and Tully Blanchard, collectively known as the Four Horsemen.
Flair would go on to have a legendary career.  While Anderson was usually connected to Flair, he never captured the big titles, but did win many tag titles and lesser singles titles.  Still, Anderson carved out a great career by being "the Enforcer".  His interviews were quiet, but intense.  His in ring work was no-nonsense.  A neck injury ended his career slightly prematurely and he now works as an agent for the WWE.
From all accounts, Anderson is awesome to meet.  He is cordial, gracious and appreciative of his fans.  That doesn't surprise me, as Anderson is pretty old school.  He is very protective of the business he loves and he is a great ambassador for it.
With this year's WrestleMania being in Atlanta (home of the now defunct WCW) and the Hall of Fame class having a WCW flavor,  I thought Anderson was a sure bet.  Maybe they are waiting for Ric Flair to leave TNA and rejoin WWE to induct Anderson.  With the WWE and wrestling, you just never know.  I do know that Anderson is a true classic and deserves enshrinement.

Arn Anderson in Atlanta, GA-Late 2000's.

Friendly Encounters

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

Back several years, I asked my friend Hass to join me at a celeb convention in Rosemont.  It's always easier to have another person to take the pictures instead of asking the next person in line (who is preparing to have his own stuff signed).
I didn't realize at the time that Hass was a fan of Battlestar Galactica, which was the theme of the show.  I was not a fan of the show, but I liked several of the actors for other roles and I was interested in other non-Battlestar guests.
Anyway, Hass was pretty excited to meet some of the stars.  I have to admit, for his first such convention, he was rather impressive.  He showed a great appreciation for the star, without going overboard.  He asked interesting questions, without being too trivial.  It was fun watching him have fun.
When he came across Herb Jefferson Jr. I acted as his photographer.  Pictured below were two pretty big dudes.  Of course, neither was looking to brawl, but Hass and Herb looked like they could jump into a wrestling ring and handle any opponent.
Hass did a great job of snapping my pictures, but I think it was more enjoyable watching him interact with the stars of one of his favorite shows.  Either way, it was a great time.

Hassan and Herb Jefferson Jr. in Rosemont, IL-Early 00's.

Celeb Jersey Cards #46 Hulk Hogan & Sheamus

This is a regular series which combines my love of bubblegum cards and my interest in celebrities.

Tonight is WrestleMania XXVII, WWE's biggest wrestling event of the year.  The WWE held the first WrestleMania in Madison Square Garden in 1985 and it has become the world's longest running pro wrestling event.  To honor the WWE and WrestleMania, I am featuring two WWE superstars.
Many say that Hulk Hogan is pro wrestling or that he made pro wrestling.  While those might be overstatements, Hogan's success and significance cannot be denied.  The Florida resident has been spotted at Tampa Rays games (a 6'6" man wearing a bandanna and cutoff sleeves revealing huge arms is hard to miss).  For those who love background noise in trading cards, Brooke Hogan is visible (although slightly blurred) over his right shoulder.

While the Hulkster is a wrestling legend, Sheamus is on his way to being a future legend.  He is already a two time champ, as well as the reigning King of the Ring.  Today, King Sheamus will be battling Daniel Bryan for the United States championship.

Sheamus was born in Dublin and was a pretty good amateur athlete.  I don't know of any connection to the team, but he did throw out a first pitch for the Kansas City Royals (hmm King Sheamus..Royals...maybe), which earned him his first Celebrity Jersey Card.

I'm Tired

On my May trip to Detroit for the Motor City Comic Con and a Tigers game, I met a lot of celebrities from many fields. These were generally all planned. One celebrity photo opportunity was unforeseen.
As I meandered around Comerica Park looking for some good food, I ran into the Belle Tire Tireman. How could I pass on this shot?
I guess I would have to put Tireman in the 'Mascot' category, as opposed to the Superhero category, although Tireman would sound like an interesting Superhero. Still, it is clear tht Tireman is a marketing gimmick and has no super powers nor does any saving of the universe.
I don't mean to disrespect Tireman. I am sure Tireman probably does good deeds in his own right.
Tireman did seem happy to see me (just look at that smile). I didn't have a lot of time to talk to him though. The game was about to start and I still needed to get some food. I guess you could say I had to burn rubber. (umm yeah, sorry).

The Belle Tire Tireman and me in Detroit, MI-May 2010.

Happy Birthday

Today is a special day.  Oh yes, it is April Fools Day but it is also someone special's birthday.  No, I am not talking about Mike Bacsik (a favorite non-great pitcher of my nephew and me), Brian Dowling (a favorite backup quarterback) or Gordon Jump (from WKRP in Cincinnati).  While they are all celebrating a birthday and they are some of my favorites, today is dedicated to someone even better.
Today is dedicated to the person who brought my first cat Iggy out of his isolation and lead me to my next two cats Crush and GiGi by saving them from an unknown fate.  She has believed in me and pushed me to do more and enjoy more.  She is a wonderful mother to a great young man and more than a great friend to all, especially me.
I love the photo below.  It screams happiness, love and the mother-son bond.  It is all things good and I witnessed it then and continue to see it now.  How can you look at the picture and not feel good about life?
Happy birthday and I hope you get the best, because you deserve it.