Interviews 2010

We had a very productive year in 2010.  We were able to get a bunch of great interviews.  Below is the complete listing for all posted video interviews.

We met Mick Kelleher, one of my childhood favorites, at CitiField.  Kelleher was very generous with his time and shared the story of his battle with Dave Kingman, among other topics.  To watch the Kelleher interview, click here.

We talked to Yankees coach Tony Pena about travel and George Kontos (a local player in the Yankees system).  Like Kelleher, Pena also played in Chicago, but much later, briefer and on the south side.  To watch the Tony Pena video, click here.

We interviewed The Ghoul at the Motor City Comic Con in Novi (MI).  The Ghoul spoke about his favorite movies and how he still has fun and still is popular after so long in the business.  To watch the Ghoul interview, click here.

I had a lengthy conversation with former NHL goalie Dave Dryden.  Dryden discussed his career and SCAW (Sleeping Children Around the World), a foundation founded by his parents.  To watch the Dryden video, click here.

I chatted briefly with pitcher Andrew Cashner as he headed into the dugout before a game at Wrigley Field.  Cashner talked about his favorite city.  To watch the Cashner video, click here.

I talked to Cubs coach Matt Sinatro during warmups before a game at Wrigley Field.  Aside from joking that I didn't even know him (although I totally did), Sinatro talked about his favorite cities.  To watch the Sinatro video, click here.

After waiting for local reporter Paula Faris interview Tyler Colvin, I turned the tables on her, by interviewing her.  To watch the Faris video, click here.

Good timing allowed me to be at the park the day after Piniella announced he would not return in 2011.  I was part of a gaggle of reporters who got to interview Cubs coach and possible successor Alan Trammell.  To see part of that experience, click here.

We lucked out by almost accidentally interviewing pitching legend and Twins broadcaster Jack Morris in the press box at Target Field.  Morris talked about his favorite cities.  To watch the Morris interview, click here.

We talked to Twins manager Ron Gardenhire in the dugout while rain washed out batting practice.  Gardenhire talked about his favorite cities and hotels, including one with a pool table in his room.  To watch the Gardenhire video, click here.

After our dugout interview, we were invited into Gardenhire's office for the usual pre-game press session.  Gardenhire talked about the weather and a couple of injured Twins.  To watch the Gardenhire office video, click here.

After years of talking to longtime friend and Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek, I officially talked to him in the Twins dugout.  Stelmaszek discussed his favorite cities, his longevity and the playoff hopes of the Twins.  To watch the Stelmaszek video, click here.

It's always extra special to interview a player like Jim Thome.  The former White Sox slugger talked to us in the Twins dugout.  To watch the Thome video, click here.

Chuck landed an interview with White Sox pitcher Sergio Santos.  They talked about some great travel destinations.  To watch the Santos interview, click here.

We had a great interview with Tony Oliva, but unfortunately camera problems eliminated the actual interview.  Oliva talked fondly of old ballparks and old times, but also spoke highly of Target Field.  The interview was great and the man was truly special.  To read more about the Oliva interview, click here.

I caught Twins pitcher Matt Guerrier as he headed into the dugout.  Guerrier talked about travel and the Twins.  To watch the Guerrier interview, click here.

We might have infringed a bit on a segment for an official mlb production, but we did manage to get a quick few thoughts from Twins slugger Michael Cuddyer.  To watch the Cuddyer video, click here.

Before a game at Minute Maid Park, I caught Jeff Bagwell as he waited for his Astros to get in the batting area.  Bagwell talked about being back and about travel.  To watch the Bagwell video, click here.

My nephew Matt got in the act by getting his first interview with Michael Bourn.  Bourn initially said he needed to take batting practice, but he did come back to Matt and talked about travel.  To watch the Bourn video, click here.

I managed to get Mets manager Jerry Manuel as he headed to the batting area.  Manuel talked about his favorite city.  To watch the Manuel video, click here.

I talked to Astros manager Brad Mills as he headed back into the dugout.  Mills talked about his favorite city.  To watch the Mills video, click here.

Matt crossed the field to get Mets outfielder Jeff Francouer.  Francouer talked about his favorite city.  To watch the Francouer video, click here.

  

After Matt spotted him, I interview former Astros pitcher Jim Deshaies.  We talked about his favorite cities and his Hall of Fame vote.  To watch the Deshaies video, click here.

I talked to Mets coach Razor Shines after he had met a bunch of fans.  Shines talked fondly of his time playing in Montreal and his time coaching for the White Sox.  To watch the Shines interview, click here.

Matt finished his interview trifecta with Mets infielder Michael Hessman.  Hessman talked about travel.  To watch the Hessman video, click here.

After an earlier camera botch ruined an interview with Jamie Quirk at Wrigley Field, I got him in Minute Maid Park.  We talked about travel.  To watch the Quirk video, click here.

For the third straight year, we talked to wrestling personality Christy Hemme.  Hemme updated us on her new marriage, her band (Hemme) and her favorite travel spots.  To watch the Hemme interview, click here.

After missing her in 2009, we once again interviewed Beth Horn.  Horn talked to us about her acting career, American Gladiators and her favorite travel locations.  To watch the Horn interview, click here.

Diamond Dallas Page briefly talked to us to promote Johngy's Beat and his own site.  DDP gave a summary of his site and his workout program.  To watch the DDP video, click here.

We talked to wrestling legend and author Mick Foley at Wizard World in Chicago.  Foley raved about Johngy's Beat and promoted his book Countdown to Lockdown.  To watch the Foley video, click here.

The Lost Tony Oliva Interview

While at Target Field earlier this year, we got a bunch of interviews for my online pieces at Global Traveler magazine. One of our successes was Twins legend Tony Oliva. Unfortunately, the video of that interview was lost. That happens sometimes. My videographer (who shall remain nameless) is usually top-notch. One little slip doesn't change that. The important thing is that I remember several of the big points.
Oliva was quite lively. His eyes had a sparkle as he talked to us. The man is 72, but as he spoke, I could envision the much younger version of him playing with the Twins. Oliva talked about the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee. Supposedly it was haunted. Despite the rumored paranormal activity, Oliva still liked staying there, much better than the newer hotels. The Pfister, and hotels like it, have character and personality.
Oliva moved on to discuss Target Field. For a man like Oliva, Target Field is like a dream. It is worlds away from other baseball fields Oliva has encountered in his lifetime.
I love talking to men like Oliva. He clearly loves baseball. He isn't bitter about changes, but he respects the past, while embracing modern luxuries. I think Oliva would be just as happy with a simple field, but he knows things change. He just seems to be enjoying himself.
Oliva reminisced about playing in cities like Milwaukee and Seattle. He loved going to eat in Chicago and New York. He also liked finding Cuban restaurants in various cities.
The interview was fairly long (especially for us). To be honest, the details pale in comparison to the general feeling. I walked away from Oliva simply feeling good about things. I couldn't ask for anything more from a day at the ballpark.

Tony Oliva in the Twins dugout in Minneapolis, MN-August 2010.

On the Beat with Brad Mills

Last year, we landed then Astros Manager Cecil Cooper for a quick interview for my online blog for Global Traveler. This year we continued the Manager trend, but with current Manager Brad Mills.
Mills played four seasons with the Montreal Expos. He was a teammate of recently featured Mets coach Razor Shines. Mills was traded in 1984 to the Astros, but never played for the major league club.
The Astros are going through a rough time and Mills has them playing about as well as could be expected (maybe even better). Hopefully, the Astros young talent will develop and will be aided by some acquisitions to solidify the team in 2011. Otherwise, it might be a long season next year for Mills.

On the Beat with Jim Thome

The Minnesota Twins were the unlikely first team to clinch a playoff spot this season.  Unfortunately, they were also the first team ousted.  One of the big reasons for their success has been ex-White Sox slugger Jim Thome.

The Chicago White Sox received Jim Thome in the trade for Aaron Rowand. Thome was loved on the south side, but fans still lament the loss of Rowand. Sox fans now lament the loss of Thome, too.

Thome is nearing 600 homers and is only 39.  He will certainly be back next season and maybe even a more.

My nephew Matt and I ran into Thome last season in the underbelly of the MetroDome.  We saw him tossing the medicine ball against a wall and catching it while twisting.  This was about 4 hours before the game.  We didn't go for an official interview, because we saw how hard he was working out.  He did greet us and we shared a quick greeting.

This season, my friend Chuck approached Thome in the dugout at Target Field.  Chuck landed a quick interview with Thome and ended by thanking him for his time in Chicago.

Matt, Chuck and I all walked away from Thome feeling that we just talked to a genuinely great guy.  One day he will be in the Hall of Fame and that will be a great moment.  In a world of egos and self-importance, Thome is everything you'd want in a ballplayer (and a person).

On the Beat with Razor Shines

Isn't Razor Shines one of the greatest names ever? Of course Razor isn't his real first name. That would be Anthony. Razor is actually his middle name. Really. How cool is that?
We had the chance to interview Shines in Houston. Shines brought up Montreal as one of his favorite cities. Even though he played his entire four year major league career there, it was still cool to hear someone name Montreal. It made me nostalgic for those old Expos hats with the odd red, while and blue logo.
Then we asked Shines about his time as a coach in Chicago. Shines lit up and said great things about Sox owner Jerry Reinsdorf.
By all accounts, Shines is said to be a pretty fun and happy guy. By my short interview with him, I cannot disagree. However, tomorrow's video is a better example of his fun-loving nature.

On the Beat with Jeff Bagwell

Jeff Bagwell and his 449 HR's should make it to the Hall of Fame in a few years. I had the pleasure of watching him up close several times a year as I visited my sister in Houston. Recently, I had the pleasure of interviewing him in Minute Maid Park.
Bagwell was standing by the batting cage before batting practice. The Astros really hadn't started bp yet, therefore I took my shot and approached him.
My normally reliable video guy (my nephew Matt) missed the very beginning of my question, which was "how do you like being back in baseball?". Bags stated that he was really enjoying it.
Recently, I heard that he probably will not return as a coach because he wants to spend time with his family. While I am glad that I got to interview Bags (especially if he doesn't return), I can't help but think how cool it would have been if he gave us the possible scoop.
I know, I have to be dreaming to think Bags would give us the scoop. I'm just saying...wow that would have been cool. Oh well, at least I logged in another (probable) Hall of Famer.

On the Beat with Sergio Santos

This time, my friend Chuck Gekas got into the interview act. While on the field, Chachi donned the Global Traveler reporter's cap and talked to White Sox pitcher Sergio Santos.

Chachi has been a great friend for a long time. He has assisted me several times in interviews. That's one reason why it was especially cool to see him in front of the camera for this session with Santos.
Chachi handled it smoothly. I am sure he would say, "What's the big deal? We're all professionals." More importantly, I think he had a fun time doing it. With Chuck and my nephew now doing interviews, I am claiming Amway points. All are done under the GT/Johngy's Beat banner. Therefore all are mine.

On the Beat with Jerry Manuel

Jerry Manuel played brief parts of 5 seasons in the major leagues. He hit .150 in 127 career at bats. If he had been a catcher, I probably would have really liked him.
Manuel has received a lot of criticism during his 9 years of managing (6 with the White Sox and 3 with the New York Mets). Even as I write this, it is uncertain if he will return as manager for the Mets. Chalk up this interview as another timely one. I might not have had another chance to speak with Manuel.
Unfortunately, Manuel gave us the easy answer when asked about his favorite city for travel. He named his hometown, Atlanta. Next season, I hope to avoid that answer by refining my questions a bit. With 4 years under my belt, I should be progressing enough to get better answers from my subjects.

On the Beat with Rick Stelmaszek

As discussed many times before, I have known Minnesota Twins coach Rick Stelmaszek since his wife was my 3rd grade teacher. I have talked to him on many occasions, but earlier this summer, we officially interviewed him for the first time.

We asked Rick about the new stadium. Rick has praise for the new stadium. Of course, he liked it much better than the old Dome.
Then we asked him about being third on the all-time list of tenured coaches with one team. I thought he was behind Nick Altrock and Manny Mota. Rick's answer is pretty funny. I think it's cool that he knows where he ranks and talks about it a bit. He isn't bragging, just stating facts.
It was a bit surreal interviewing Rick in the Twins dugout, considering our history. Thirty some years ago, I was just hoping to get his card in the pack I bought at the corner store.

On the Beat with Jim Deshaies

In the "leaderboards" Section on the Baseball-Reference page for Jim Deshaies, you will see he got a Hall of Fame vote in 2001. That's a bit unusual for a pitcher with a career record of 84-95 over 12 seasons.
I am sure some reporter probably voted for Deshaies because he liked him and figured it would be cool for Deshaies to get a vote. No matter the reason, Deshaies logged in a vote to the HOF. (I would probably incorporate that onto my business card if I was Deshaies.)
He chuckled a bit when I asked him about it. I wasn't being sarcastic. I told him I thought it was pretty cool.
A special tip of my reporter's cap goes to my nephew Matt, who spotted and recognized Deshaies on the field. Once Matt pointed out the former pitcher, I wasn't going to let him escape without trying.

On the Beat with Jamie Quirk

While on the field conducting interviews for my weekly online Global Traveler piece, I occasionally get to talk to my favorite players from my youth. Such was the case last year with Jose Cruz.
This time at Minute Maid Park, I really targeted Astros Coach Jamie Quirk. Quirk had an interesting 18 year major league career. Originally, he was an outfielder, but he started catching a bit several years into his career. At this point, he was converting into a solid utility player.
In 1984, Quirk joined the coaching staff of the St. Louis Cardinals, apparently ending his playing career. By the end of the season, he joined the White Sox as a player and then finished the season with the Cleveland Indians. He went on to play 8 more seasons, mostly as a backup catcher (and you all know how I love backup catchers).
Another bit of Quirky trivia (sorry) is that he is #2 on the all-time list of HR's by a player with a last name starting with 'Q' (having recently been passed by Mark Quinn). How odd is that, he isn't even the #1 Q in Royals history?
If all of that wasn't enough, I had to recoup my lost interview with Quirk in Wrigley Field earlier this year. Among the other problems that day, my videocam died right as I got Quirk. I told him I'd see him in Houston later and he became one of our main targets.
As always, it really is cool to talk to these men, whose images appeared on the baseball cards of my youth. I never would have imagined this.

On the Beat with Michael Cuddyer

Michael Cuddyer of the Minnesota Twins is one of those players I really like. Cuddyer will never be a Hall of Famer, but he is nearing 1,000 hits for his 10 year career, all spent with the Twins.
When we saw Cuddyer, he was signing a few autographs before heading into the dugout to get ready for the game. Chuck managed to get his attention and squeeze in one question.

Cuddyer definitively named Chicago as his favorite city. I don't think he said it just because the Twins were playing the Sox. He had no way of knowing we were Chicago guys (nor would that matter in the least). Cuddyer was simply another player among the many who put Chicago at the top of their favorite cities to visit.

On the Beat with Jeff Francoeur

Once again, I am featuring an 'On the Beat' video with my nephew Matt as the interviewer. Matt completed his interview trifecta by nabbing Jeff Francoeur of the New York Mets.
Francoeur made the 2005 Topps All-Star Rookie team and won a Gold Glove in 2007. Frenchy's stats dipped a bit after the 2007 season, but have remained steady since and at only 26, he still is young and improving.
Batting practice was ending and it was time for us to leave the field, but Matt logged in this last one. It is short, but effective as Francoeur gave us his thoughts on his favorite baseball city to visit.

On the Beat with Matt Guerrier

On a recent trip to Target Field, we were able to get a few interviews for my online feature for Global Traveler magazine. We were just about to leave the field, when relief pitcher Matt Guerrier walked right up to us.
Guerrier was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in 1999, but has only pitched for the Minnesota Twins during his seven seasons in the majors. He has a 16-25 career record with 5 saves. He lead the AL in games in 2008 and 2009 and is among the leaders this season.
Guerrier mentioned Boston as his favorite city to visit and Gibson's in Chicago as one of his favorite restaurants. It's hard to argue with either of those choices.
I had to split the video for it to be uploaded here. I also wish the music at Target Field wasn't quite as loud. Once again though, I was on a major league field, interviewing a player and I really can't complain about anything!

On the Beat with Mike Hessman

Last week, I proudly featured my nephew Matt Parker's first celebrity interview. Once Matt got the first one out of the way, he wanted to grab a couple more to add to his resume. We crossed over to the Mets side of the field, where Matt encountered Mike Hessman, a corner infielder.
Hessman was the International League MVP in 2007 and was on the 2008 Olympic baseball team which won a bronze medal. This success hasn't yet translated to major league success, primarily due to his high strike out rate.
As usual for Global Traveler magazine, Matt asked Hessman about travel. Hessman's answer was a bit different than the usual cities mentioned.

On the Beat with Ron Gardenhire

Sometimes the rain works against us. Sometimes the rain works for us. At Target Field in Minneapolis a few weeks ago, it poured before the game, which caused batting practice to be canceled.
Ordinarily, this would put a major crimp into our interviews. However, this time, it presented an opportunity to talk to Manager Ron Gardenhire in the dugout before his pre-game press conference.
I have always liked Gardy. Even White Sox fans would have to admit that Gardenhire is an excellent manager. He's also a funny guy. As usual, in our interviews for Global Traveler magazine, we talked to Gardenhire about travel. His answers were interesting and amusing.

On the Beat with Beth Horn

I interviewed Beth Horn (actress, fitness model, American Gladiator) a couple years ago at Wizard World in Chicago (IL). That was one of my first unplanned interviews and I did it without any video or photographic coverage. Horn was very nice as I bumbled through it. I have met Horn a couple times since and she always remembers and cheerfully greets me.
Recently at Wizard World 2010, I asked Horn if she would do a short video interview to update us on what she has been doing. This time I was set with a videographer.
We talked about doing a convention in her home town. She also told us that her movie Fancy Pants (which also features Roddy Piper) will be out later this year. The big news is a Johngy's Beat scoop! There will be an American Gladiators movie filming next year and Horn is hopeful for a role in it. She has her fingers crossed and we wish her good luck.

On the Beat with DDP

I have met Diamond Dallas Page a few times over the last ten years. Page is a unique guy. He broke into pro wrestling at the age of 32. Just a few days after turning 43, Page won his first heavyweight championship. He went on to win the WCW Heavyweight title twice more. He also won several lesser titles and a few tag-team titles.
Page worked very hard to attain his success, especially considering how late he started. His story is a real success story.
Now retired, Page is concentrating on his acting career and YRG Fitness System. YRG stands for Yoga for Regular Guys.
When I recently met him at Wizard World, he showed me a few videos about YRG, which were amazing. Page did a short, but effective demonstration of YRG and how it raises your heart rate through concentrated stretching and yoga.
This isn't low-impact. It's no impact. It is great for the body with no ill effects. This isn't a fad diet, nor a quick weight loss scheme. This is a real body transformation plan.
Don't just take my word for it. Listen to Page and then go to DDP's website to find out more about DDP and YRG.

On the Beat with Andrew Cashner

A few weeks ago, while at Wrigley Field covering the Chicago Cubs for Global Traveler magazine, I managed to squeeze in one quick question to young Cubs pitcher Andrew Cashner. Cashner was down the left field line signing autographs for dozens of fans. When he finished, he quickly headed to the dugout, but I intercepted him and managed to corral him for one quick answer.
Cashner was drafted by the Cubs in the first round in 2008 and is 1-4 in 27 games in this, his first season in the majors. Although a starter by trade (and used as such in the minors), Cashner has been used exclusively in relief in the majors.
With a limited window of opportunity, I went to the old reliable question of his favorite city to visit. Cashner, said Houston, because that is his hometown.
I need to refine this question however, as too many players are giving their hometown as the answer. It's not their fault. I would say probably say Chicago if I was a ballplayer. I probably need to add "excluding your hometown", but sometimes time and logistics require the question to be asked quickly and smoothly.
On the other hand, it could be interesting to see if any player ever changes the answer over the years. Maybe after visiting certain cities more often, his choice might change.
These are all small gripes (much like my gripe about my stupid camera which stuck in the "zoom" position). I'm still happy just to be out on the field and asking these questions for Global Traveler.

On the Beat with Michael Bourn

Last week while in Houston for some work for Global Traveler and for some fun, I got my nephew Matt (aka Big Money) into the act. Matt has proven himself to be a top notch assistant to me in these endeavors and deserved some airtime himself.
I got a couple interviews to start the evening. Then it was Matt's time to shine. Matt picked Michael Bourn as his first target. Picking Bourn, a Gold Glove winner in 2009 and an All-Star in 2010, was setting the bar high for a first attempt.
As Bourn made his way to the batting cage, Matt confidently approached him. Bourn politely declined, although said he would do it after batting practice.

Was this a shun? Would it turn out to be a false promise by Bourn? Would Bourn be too busy after batting?

Of course not! Besides, if Matt got shunned, the title would have been Shunned By Michael Bourn.
Matt was not to be denied. As Bourn headed for the dugout following his swings, Matt approached him again and snagged a quick interview about travel.
The first one is always the toughest and Matt handled it like a pro (or at least better than I did my first time). Matt went on to get a couple more interviews, which will be posted here in the near future.