Dan McNeil (aka Danny Mac, Dangerous Dan, Dah Mahna)

Dan McNeil was one of 'the Originals' at the Score (WSCR), a sports radio station in Chicago. Danny Mac had a nine year run there and then spent time on WMVP (ESPN's local radio affiliate in Chicago). McNeil returned to the Score in June of 2009.
I admit (and I told McNeil this, too) that I wasn't a huge fan of his during his time on WMVP (although I had liked his work previously on the Score). It wasn't a dislike, but more of an apathetic feeling. I was apprehensive about his return to the Score. I am happy to admit that I have totally enjoyed McNeil (and Matt Spiegel) since his return. I told this to McNeil as well.
McNeil and Ed Sherman co-wrote The Great Book of Chicago Sports Lists. I attended a book discussion featuring the duo at the Book Stall in Winnetka (IL). They talked about parts of the book and fielded questions from the crowd.
After the discussion, McNeil spent time with everyone who approached him. He didn't just give a quick signature. I especially was impressed with how he talked to a teenage journalist-hopeful.
As for the book, it is funny and thought-provoking (or debate-inducing). It's the kind of stuff that sports fans can discuss forever. The book and its' authors are real winners.

Dan McNeil and me in Winnetka, IL-November 2009.

Random Interview:Dewey Robinson

In 1977, Dewey Robinson was a 19th round draft choice by the Chicago White Sox out of Southern Illinois University (really Swede, he really did go there). He made his first appearance for the Sox in 1979. In 30 games over 3 seasons, Robinson compiled a 2-2 record.
Since 1997, Robinson had been with the Houston Astros organization in a variety of roles. Unfortunately, Robinson did not survive the Cecil Cooper firing. Robinson will surely be employed in a baseball capacity somewhere in 2010, but I don't know where yet.
Just after I talked to Cooper in Houston, Robinson walked right to us. I took my opportunity to talk to one of the pitchers from my White Sox youth. It was kind of funny, as he seems to recognize Global Traveler (can it be?). Also, we got to discuss Ross Baumgarten, another White Sox from my youth.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I have known Nick Verveniotis for several years. I don't think we ever officially played on the same softball team, but I know we have each subbed on the other's team many times. Nick usually allows me to take the catchers position (mainly because he can play any of the other positions better than me).
I have also played a few Thanksgiving Turkey Bowls with and against Nick. A couple years ago, wearing the gold and black of the Steelers, Nick was a man on a mission, intercepting 3 passes and being named our MVP.
Today however, I am featuring Nick for another reason. Nick met Cubs legend Ronnie "Woo Woo" Wickers at a game last season. For those who don't know of Wickers (oh how lucky you are), he is a mainstay at Cubs games. He is easily found (or heard) because he screams "Woo" incessitantly. Usually, he places the "Woo" in between a player's first and last name, as in "Geo woo Soto woo Geo woo Soto woo Geo...", seemingly only stopping for an occasional breath (or beer).
Nick also adds that he once saw WooWoo at a wake and he was in full Cubs gear. Nick swears that he is not kidding us either. Unfortunately, I believe him on that one.

Nick Verveniotis and Ronnie Wickers in Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL-Summer 2008.

Bear Down Sunday #11

The Chicago Bears (4-6) face the Minnesota Vikings (9-1) today. Today's game will bring a new twist to the rivalry. That twist is #4, Brett Favre, facing us in the purple and gold for the first time. Today though, I am featuring a former member of the Vikings, who played a less glamorous position and mostly for another team, but was a native Minnesotan. However, he did all of this in Hall of Fame fashion.
Jim Langer played 10 years with the Miami Dolphins and 2 for the Vikings. He was a 4 time All-Pro and 3 time Super Bowl champion. Meeting players like Langer is always cool. Langer really appreciated everyone who approached him. He gladly posed for pictures throughout the whole show (Ultimate Collectibles Show).
I talked to Langer about the offensive line (okay, I tried showing off by naming the entire Dolphins line from that era, including a few reserves). He seemed genuinely impressed by my trivial knowledge, but really just happy to be talking to good, respectful fans. He even seemed somewhat surprised by the attention he got.
By the way, that is long-time QB in the background in the right background. I'll have more on Morrall in the near future.

Jim Langer and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Holiday Music-Part 2:Jason Mraz

Continuing my quest to highlight the very best of holiday music, I present one of the newest holiday song releases. This one is a live version of "Winter Wonderland" by Jason Mraz.

Mraz and Toco Rivera put a quick beat into this holiday classic. About halfway through it, Mraz kicks it up even more with a bit of holiday scatting. A holiday song with scatting!!! Now that's my kind of holiday song.
Unfortunately, I don't think this song is available on any cd. I did find it available to be downloaded and/or purchased on several sites.

Stay Tuned to Jenniffer Weigel

Last Friday, I had the pleasure of attending a book discussion featuring Jenniffer Weigel and Theresa Rowley at Burke's Books in Park Ridge (IL). Weigel's book Stay Tuned:Conversations with Dad from the Other Side was the backdrop for an evening of introspection, enlightenment and enjoyment.
Weigel is the daughter of long-time Chicago sportscaster (and personal favorite) Tim Weigel. In 2001, Tim died from a brain tumor. During his battle, while Tim looked for alternative methods to help his fight, Jenniffer looked for alternative answers in life (and death). After Tim passed, Jenniffer continued her pursuit to connect with her father.
One woman who contributed immensely to Jenniffer's journey was Dr. Therese Rowley, a Chicago-based psychic (who also happens to be a strategic business consultant). Rowley helped Jenniffer in much the same way she has helped hundreds of others.
Together these women stress that we are all where we are supposed to be. When we are ready to be elsewhere, we will go there. It's about understanding oneself, one's world and one's place in the world. It's about acceptance and awareness.
Trust me, that is just my own simplistic summary. (You can read a slightly more detailed version in my online piece for Global Traveler.) What Weigel and Rowley offer is so much more. I highly recommend Stay Tuned. It's a book for everyone. It opened my mind to many possibilities and has inspired me to deeper pursue these topics.
Jenniffer starred in a one-woman show (I'm Spiritual, Dammit!) based on Stay Tuned and is in the process of writing her second book (due out in 2010?). I am already waiting for that book release.

Jenniffer Weigel and me in Park Ridge, IL-November 2009.

Ramsey Lewis Salutes Literacy

Ramsey Lewis is a jazz music composer, radio personality and Chicagoan. Lewis has 5 gold records and 3 Grammy Awards. He truly is a music legend.
When I approached Lewis about appearing in the NIE ad series for Lerner Newspapers, he worked for WGN (part of the Chicago Tribune company), while Lerner was owned by the Chicago Sun-Times. Despite the fact that it was technically a competitor, Lewis quickly agreed to be part of the series. The cause was bigger than the company rivalry.
It was an honor having Lewis appear in our ad series. Having people like Lewis gave the NIE ad series instant recognizability and added credibility.
I also give credit to Christina Royston (now at the Sun-Times). Royston really did a beautiful job with this ad. It was definitely one of her best efforts.
As always, I give extra credit to Laurie. Without Laurie's input, this ad series would have failed miserably.

Until I could afford leisure travel, books were my window to the world. I still visit places, cultures and interesting minds through reading.
--Ramsey Lewis as quoted in the NIE ad series in 1994

Tony LaRussa Played for the Chicago Cubs?

Everyone knows Tony LaRussa is having a Hall of Fame managerial career. Most people know LaRussa had a modest playing career. A lot of people don't know that LaRussa actually ended his major league career with the Chicago Cubs.
Most diehard sports fans know of LaRussa's one game with the Cubs. On Opening Day in 1973, LaRussa pinch-ran for Ron Santo and scored the winning run. A few days later he was sent to the minors, never to return to the majors as a player.
LaRussa's last baseball card as a player was his 1972 Topps card as a member of the Atlanta Braves. That is, until now.
Paul over at Wrigley Wax has given LaRussa his final player card as a member of the Cubs. Paul had a great post (and not just because he dedicated it to me). Paul gave a great effort in creating a LaRussa Cubs card, primarily because pictures of LaRussa in Cubs blues are uncommon.
Wrigley Wax is one of my regularly visited sites. It has regular features like 5 Random Cubs Cards and 196(9) at a Time. Paul is a fan and collector. Most of all he is interesting and fun.
Thank you, Paul. Thanks for creating the LaRussa card. Thanks for thinking of me. Thanks for being one of the good guys.

Tony LaRussa 1973 Topps card as created by Paul at Wrigley Wax.

Random Interview:Cecil Cooper

Cecil Cooper had a very good career. With a couple more of his average seasons, he might have gotten Hall of Fame consideration. Coop was a pleasure to watch.
I got to watch him up close as the Manager of the Houston Astros for parts of 3 seasons. He took over the team during a tough time. The team was transitioning from the 'Bagwell-Biggio' era. Unfortunately, these Astros never found a real identity and floundered around the .500 mark.
I really liked Coop as a player and I respect him as a Manager. I hope he gets another shot somewhere. When we were in Houston this summer, I had the chance to talk to Coop for a couple minutes. As always, no matter the topic, it is always a thrill for me to talk to these stars of my youth.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

The Bears just the lost to the Philadelphia Eagles. Keeping with the Eagles theme, I am featuring Pete Ruggieri in another of his old school pictures. This time, Pete is with Harold Carmichael, the featured star from yesterday).
While I missed standing next to the tall Carmichael (see yesterday's post), Ruggieri was able to get a height shot. The fact that Ruggieri is only about 10 here really emphasizes Carmichael's height.
Ruggieri (aka Evil Pete) is the founder of 505, a social network based out of the Lancaster (PA) area. He also was the subject of an online piece I did for Global Traveler magazine.

Thanks again to Pete for sharing his great pictures.

Harold Carmichael and Pete Ruggieri in West Chester, PA-Summer 1975.

Bear Down Sunday #10

The Chicago Bears are 4-5 and hosting the Philadelphia Eagles who are 5-4. Philly's quarterback is Chicago's own Donovan McNabb, but today I am highlighting Harold Carmichael, their greatest wide receiver.
Carmichael played 13 years with the Eagles before ending his career with 2 games for the Dallas Cowboys. The 4 time Pro Bowler stood 6'8" and provided a nice target for his various QB's.
When I met Carmichael at the Ultimate Collectibles Show, I was really hoping to get a picture with him standing. Being that the show was in Oaks (about 20 minutes out of Philly), Carmichael was one of the most popular stars. There was no time for him to keep getting up for pictures, although he gladly posed if you bent down next to him.
I really didn't get to talk to him because of the crowd, but I can tell you that he made sure everyone got an autograph. He worked hard, but thoughtfully as he made his way through the long line ready to meet him.

Harold Carmichael and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Holiday Music-Part 1:Kyle Broflofski

The holiday season is upon us. Holiday songs are on the radio and in the stores. There are a ton of holiday songs and everyone seems to be getting in the act. Therefore, I needed to give a Johngy's Beat approval to a handful of great holiday songs. Over the season, I will be sprinkling in these songs. I hope you enjoy and if not, let me know which ones you like.
The first selection comes from Kyle Broflofski of South Park, CO. Yes, our little friend from the popular animated series makes my list with his mournful ode to being Jewish during Christmas time.
There are other humorous holiday tunes (Adam Sandler's Christmas Song and Lou Monte's Dominick the Donkey), but Kyle's version is not only the best of those, it is also good enough to make my overall holiday list. I am pretty sure Laurie will appreciate this (although Cartman is really her man).

Shawnee Smith Did Not Scream

Shawnee Smith has been labeled a Scream Queen, due to her recurring role in the Saw movie series, as well as several other horror films. However, Smith also co-starred on tv's Becker.
I have to admit I don't have much to say about Smith. I met her at the Horror Hound Weekend in Indianapolis. I hadn't planned on approaching her, but somehow during the course of events, I ended up right at her table. What else could I do, but ask for a photo with her.
It was a bit awkward, as I wasn't really familiar with her work. I faked my way through some conversation by asking about her horror roles. I knew she was in horror films. She answered politely, but not enthusiastically.
Fortunately, my client soon arrived and reshuffled stuff and I was on my way. I mean no disrespect to Smith. I know she has a following, because I saw them. She just hadn't crossed my radar.
Maybe my hair scared her silent. Looking back at it now, it does leave me a bit speechless.

Shawnee Smith and me in Indianapolis, IN-October 2007.

Ric Flair, Mike Fuhr, Mike Squires and Ron Siemers

Recently, I received two packages from two out of town friends. I met both Ron Siemers and Mike Fuhr about 12 years ago, when I joined the world-renowned Boone League in fantasy baseball. Since then, both men have routinely and soundly beaten me almost every year. This year, they have expanded to football, in an effort to beat me in yet another sport.
Ahh but this post isn't about them getting the better of me in sports acumen. This is about them getting me something out of the kindness of their hearts.

First, from North Carolina, Mike sent me a couple lottery tickets featuring the Nature Boy Ric Flair. My nephew Matt would love these (much better than the usual migraine-inducing Bingo lottery tickets I usually give him). Seriously, how can you not love lottery mixed with the limousine-ridin', jet-flyin', kiss-stealin', wheelin'-dealin' son of a gun. All I can say is thanks and Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. The second package came from the land of the baseball pirhanas and the football purple powerhouse, namely Minnesota. Ron must have been reading my ongoing pieces about my mancrush of yesteryear Mike Squires. In an effort to help my collection (and possibly to get me to shut up), Ron sent me 4 of Squires finest cards.
The ever-humble Ron gives credit to the cards to Dave Abbs (doesn't that sound like a great wrestling name?). Whoever got them, I appreciate them coming my way and for these two readers.
Included was his first solo card (a 1980 Topps, far right). Ironically, the gold-glove winning Squires is shown in some sort of batting pose on each of these cards. These are a welcome addition to my collection.
Thanks to Mike and Ron for the coolness. I appreciate the thought and I appreciate you guys as friends. I'd also appreciate it if you let me win the 2010 Boone League.

Mike Squires 1983, 1982, 1981 and 1980 Topps baseball cards.

Riddle Me This, Frank Gorshin

The late Frank Gorshin was a multi-talented performer. He is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the Riddler on tv's Batman.
When I met Gorshin at the Hollywood Collectors Show (now the Hollywood Celebrities Show), he was very happy to discuss any part of his lengthy career. He also gladly posed for pictures with anyone who asked.
This was in contrast to his former castmate Adam West, who sat at the next table. West would not pose with Gorshin and he begrudgingly posed for photos with his own fans (although usually not even smiling). There did not appear to be any problems between Gorshin and West, as they did engage in friendly talks during the course of the event.
Gorshin was a class act all the way. He even tried to apologize for West. I commented on his Pirates hat, knowing Gorshin was a native of Pittsburgh (PA). He said he was a baseball fan and we joked about our teams. We also joked about his portrayal of boxer Mushy Nebuchadnezzar (love that name) on Batman.
A little Gorshin trivia:His first appearance on The Ed Sullivan Show was also the U.S. tv debut of the Beatles.

Frank Gorshin and me in Rosemont, IL-late 1990's.

Johngy's Take...Rev. Know-It-All

Recently, I discovered something in the church bulletin which confused and slightly irritated me. No, this is not going to be a religious rant. Apparently this feature has been running for a while, but I rarely read the bulletin and hadn't noticed it until now. I am talking about a feature called Reverend Know-It-All.
Rev. Know-It-All is based on Mr. Know-It-All from the old tv cartoon series, Rocky and Bullwinkle. Unfortunately, it lacks the humor and the contextual placement that the cartoon had. I don't even know where to begin with this.
The concept is that the Reverend answers questions sent in by followers. However, the questions are made up, as are the names (such as Otto B. Wanuvus). Some of the questions seem like they could start a good discussion (like "If God is loving, how can He allow suffering?"). However some don't even make sense (like "Can I own a Canadian?").
The answers are when it really gets odd. They use a mix of reality, farce and sarcasm. I'm no bible-thumper, but this all just seems so out of place. They are trying to be hip and clever, but they are failing miserably.
Additionally, the answers are long...really long. If their goal is to appeal to a younger audience with their sharp wit, they might want to rethink their tome-like responses.
Must my church (and others) sink to this level? Do we need a cheap knock-off of a animated cartoon legend to teach us lessons? Now these are questions I'd really like to ask Rev. Know-It-All!

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

When we last saw Big Boy, JayHawk Evans was trying to outmuscle him for a burger (I think it was the bacon that drove him to do it). Today, Big Boy is back with my sister and a few of her posse.
Of course, her husband Scott is in the picture. Scott is always up for some travel and fun. Plus, rumor has it that being on Johngy's Beat is one of his guilty pleasures.
Laurie Nicola (wife of Jim, sister-in-law of Rick) and Rose Nestlehut (wife of Tom) are making their Johngy's Beat debut. What a proud moment for them.
That brings us to Tom Nestlehut. I have known Tom for about 25 years. Tom is a laugh riot. One of my proudest moments in life occurred in a bar in a small Wisconsin town. The details can be found in an online piece I wrote for Global Traveler, but in short, I rose up to a challenge from the Nes and crowned him with a new moniker (at least temporarily).
Tom is the President of Nestlehut Finanacial Services, Inc. and is an avid fisherman. I am looking to rejoin Tom and the gang for Canada 2015, to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my last trip (and the one and only fish I ever caught in my life).

Jean Parker, Rose Nestlehut, Scott Parker, Big Boy, Tom Nestlehut and Laurie Nicola in St. Joseph, MI-Summer 2009.

Bear Down Sunday #9

No Chicago Bears game today (which might be a good thing). The Bears are 4-5 after facing the San Francisco 49ers, who are also now 4-5. The Niners are coached by Bears HOF'er, Mike Singletary star linebacker for the 1985 NFL champions. Today, I am presenting another member of the Super Bowl Bears, Calvin Thomas.
Thomas was the 4th leading rusher on the Super Bowl Bears, behind Walter Payton, Matt Suhey and Jim McMahon. Thomas finished ahead of fellow running backs Thomas Sanders and Dennis Gentry. How about that? Five decent running backs on one team? Times have changed in the NFL.
Matt and I had the chance to meet Thomas at Triple Threat Sports. Sanders was very quiet. We weren't really happy with the outcome, as we were standing there, while Thomas remained seated. We should have been given the time and space to bend down and get closer for a better picture. I don't blame Thomas, but he didn't give much to the fans waiting to see him either.
Oh well, TTS usually handles their signings well. The prices are good, the lines move well and they usually have plenty of merchandise available for signing.

Calvin Thomas, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-early 2009.

Old Times at Lerner Newspapers

Back in the day, we had a lot of fun at Lerner Newspapers (or the Lerners, as our readers liked to call us). No department had more fun than the Circulation Department.
At one point, we decided to try to get the company involved in a bowling tournament. When our verbal offers (aka trashtalk) did not get much response, we decided we needed to get creative.
In a move befitting the WWE, we brought in a bowling trophy and awarded it to ourselves as the Lerner Champs. We took this photo, added some verbiage (aka more trashtalk) and put it on everyone's desk.
I don't remember exactly what happened with the bowling championships, but I do know that we established ourselves as THE coolest department. Come on...the shades, the mullets...we had it all!

Jason Farber, Cindy Dzien and Dave Perham in the front and Louie Atsaves and me in the back in Lincolnwood, IL-mid 1990's.

Johngy Saved the Batgirl

Yvonne Craig was a dancer and acted in movies and on television, but she will always best be known for her role as Batgirl on tv's Batman. Craig appeared on the campy series during its final season.
As Batgirl, Craig saved the citizens of Gotham City from some of the most nefarious (and silly) villains. However, when I met Craig in the mid 1990's, I saved her from one of her most annoying fans.
It was early in the day and I saw one guy talking to Craig at her booth. As I approached, I heard him asking her very detailed questions about a specific episode. This isn't too unusual, but I decided to come back a bit later.
When I returned, the same guy was still there asking more obscure questions. At that point, I decided to intrude. I figured if Craig didn't mind his questions, she could continue with him once I was gone.
I asked Craig if I could get my picture, which gave her an opening to move away from the guy. He bristled, but slowly walked away (to Butch Patrick's booth...sorry Butch). Craig thanked me for the interference.
We talked for a few minutes about fans. She said she hated to be rude, but the guy had been there about 30 minutes and showed no signs of leaving and his questions were so detail-oriented that nobody could ever remember.
A little bit of trivia about Ms. Craig...she is one of a handful of actresses to appear in 2 Elvis Presley movies. Also, in the Batman series, since Batgirl was not given any sidekicks, like Robin, the producers decided to give her a parrot (get it? robin...parrot...groan).

Yvonne Craig and me in Rosemont, IL-mid 1990's.

Ken Norton Knocked Out Johngy

Ken Norton had a great boxing career. Norton's career record was 42-7-1, including a reign as the WBC Heavyweight Champ and induction into the World Boxing Hall of Fame and the International Boxing Hall of Fame.
My interest in boxing has diminished over the years, but a legend like Norton will always gain my attention. Meeting him at the Hollywood Collectors Show was pretty cool.
Norton was a class act. He had a bit of trouble speaking, but he spoke up after our picture was taken to make sure it was good enough. He even asked to see it to really make sure. He asked if I wanted to take another even though the first was good.
That is dedication to the fans. As I walked away, he thanked me for remembering him, approaching him and for asking about his son Ken, a former pro football player. It's celebrities like Norton who make me love this stuff.

Ken Norton and me in Rosemont, IL-March 2009.

Dick Allen's Missing Cards

I have written a few pieces about blogger-created baseball cards. I have even attempted one myself. I really am fascinated by these cards.
For whatever reason, Dick Allen popped into my mind. Allen had an excellent 15 year career, which ended after his 1977 season with the Oakland A's. Allen did not get a 1978 Topps card, even though he had a decent '77 season in a platoon role for the A's. More surprisingly, he didn't even have a 1977 card, despite having a solid season in '76 with the Philadelphia Phillies.
The 1976 Allen card showed him in a Phillies uniform. I couldn't recall ever seeing Allen in an A's uniform. So I started searching for one. Not only did I find a great picture of a green and gold clad Allen, I found a great site and 2 blogger created Allen cards, one for '77 and one for '78!
Andy runs 'Dick Allen Hall of Fame', a site dedicated to celebrating the career of Allen and adding more force to Allen's HOF cause. Andy has some great Allen photos, including a cool shot of Allen and his brother/White Sox teammate Hank. Andy also has created a few Allen cards, including the missing 1977 and 1978 Topps cards.
The '77 card would be Allen's final card in a Phillies uniform, while the '78 card would be Allen's last card and would serve as a tribute card. Andy stated that he might create other versions of the '78. If that happens, I will be sure to highlight those in the future. Until then, I hope you enjoy these as much as I do and that you'll stop by Andy's site and read all about the most deserving player not enshrined in the Hall of Fame.

The Blueprint:Matt Morgan

As I have written before, the heights and weights of wrestlers have been 'adjusted' to fit whatever role they had at the time. Most are inflated, although some might have been deflated to give them the underdog feel.
Matt Morgan wrestles for TNA and is billed at 6'10". I'd say that is darn close to accurate.
When I met Morgan at the Ultimate Collectibles Show, I was stunned at how big Morgan was. Standing next to him was like standing under a tree. I wish my photog got a better shot, but Morgan's size is obvious anyway. He's huge!
I was also surprised with how friendly he was. I commented that I really thought his overall character development and in-ring work seemed to be improving and he thanked me several times and asked me to elaborate, which I did. He seemed genuinely interest and delighted in my comments.
Morgan seems like a guy who works very hard at his profession. He seems to listen to fans and critics and he seems to want to really learn and improve.

Matt Morgan and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Friendly Encounters

This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.

I have seen pictures of Ira Knobler with various wrestlers on many sites. Recently while perusing Michele Mupo's site, I came across Ira again and decided to ask him to share one of his experiences.
I was working for a magazine, in which I interviewed David Smith's mother Diana Hart. When I got to the Hart Dynasty signing at the Cold Stone Creamery, David remembered me from his mom, from I guess a picture with him and his mom from a convention or because we are friends on Facebook.
This Hart Dynasty is actually a second generation of the Hart family, consisting of Nattie Neidhart, David (DH) Smith and TJ (Tyson Kidd) Wilson. David is the son of the late British Bulldog Davey Boy Smith. Nattie is the daughter of Jim Neidhart. TJ is Nat's boyfriend. All currently wrestle for the WWE.
Ira's site is MarkedOut.com and is loaded with pictures, stories and events announcements. It's a fantastic treat for wrestling fans, but it goes outside of the squared circle, too. There are hundreds of searchable pictures among everything else.
I hope Ira will be willing to share more of his stories and pictures in the future. Thanks, Ira!

Nattie Neidhart, TJ Wilson (Tyson Kidd), DH Smith and Ira Knobler in NY-September 2009.

Bear Down Sunday #8

Today the Chicago Bears face the Arizona Cardinals. The Bears stand at 4-3, as do last years NFC champion Cardinals.
The best kicker for the Chicago Bears was Kevin Butler (although Robbie Gould is certainly on track to challenge Butler for that title). Butler was a rookie for the Super Bowl Bears and played 11 seasons with the team. He spent the last 2 seasons of his career with the Cardinals.
Butthead is the all-time leader in field goals, points and extra points for the Bears. He was also one of the most popular Bears and one of the last active members of the '85 Bears.
I met Butthead a few times. He was always very cool, sociable and funny.

Kevin Butler in Platteville, IL-August 1994.