Posts
Last Sunday, my nephew Matt graduated from DePaul University. It was a great moment for Matt and his family and friends.
Twenty four years ago, I graduated from DePaul. About a year later, Matt was born. Maybe it is just me waxing nostalgic, but I like the symmetry there.
Matt has grown up into a fine young adult. He's a fun nephew, but more important, I consider him a great friend. Like his parents, I wish great things for Matt. I hope he doesn't settle. I hope he finds happiness in everything he does. His future is bright and full of promise. It really is one of the most exciting times in life.
The rest of us have been lucky to have Matt in our lives. We are all proud of him and love him dearly.
Below is Matt's big moment. Congratulations, Big Money!
Showing posts with label Matt Parker. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Matt Parker. Show all posts
A Living Las Vegas Sign?
My nephew Matt and I were meandering along the strip in Las Vegas, when we encountered the Las Vegas sign. What exactly is this? I saw plenty of costumed characters, some real, some fictional. This was a human being, dressed as a sign...a famous sign, but a sign nonetheless.
I almost felt bad for the person, not as bad as I did for the guy dressed as a Ghirardelli Chocolate ice cream sundae. He had his face exposed (and he usually wasn't wearing a smile).
The sign was friendly enough (friendlier than any other sign I have ever met actually). I am not sure how happy he/she was though. Clearly, Matt and I were having fun, but tell me, does the sign look happy to you?
I almost felt bad for the person, not as bad as I did for the guy dressed as a Ghirardelli Chocolate ice cream sundae. He had his face exposed (and he usually wasn't wearing a smile).
The sign was friendly enough (friendlier than any other sign I have ever met actually). I am not sure how happy he/she was though. Clearly, Matt and I were having fun, but tell me, does the sign look happy to you?
Matt Parker, the Las Vegas Sign and me in Las Vegas, NV-March 2011.
Everyone Loves Big Money III
I have previously documented here how everyone loves Big Money (aka my nephew Matt). Family and friends always have been fond of Matt, but lately Big Money love is surfacing all over the media. Progressive spokesperson Flo started the ball rolling. Following Flo's lead, Family Guy Peter Griffin jumped on the Big Money bandwagon. Recently, I discovered video footage of another tv icon joining the Big Money brigade... Pat Sajak, a Chicago area native.
Sajak appeared in the NIE ad series I ran at Lerner Newspapers. I thought I was tight with Sajak, as he even signed a copy of the ad for me. That was all very kind of him and I appreciated it greatly.
Apparently though, he likes Big Money even more. He dedicated a whole week of Wheel of Fortune to Big Money. A whole week...and it was shot on location in Las Vegas! If you don't believe me, check out the video below.
My only consolation is that Matt is a huge fan of Johngy's Beat and is continually looking out for excellent content to add. While the Big Money train continues to pick up speed, maybe I can hop on for the ride. Maybe he'll even toss this old dog a bone sometime.
Sajak appeared in the NIE ad series I ran at Lerner Newspapers. I thought I was tight with Sajak, as he even signed a copy of the ad for me. That was all very kind of him and I appreciated it greatly.
Apparently though, he likes Big Money even more. He dedicated a whole week of Wheel of Fortune to Big Money. A whole week...and it was shot on location in Las Vegas! If you don't believe me, check out the video below.
My only consolation is that Matt is a huge fan of Johngy's Beat and is continually looking out for excellent content to add. While the Big Money train continues to pick up speed, maybe I can hop on for the ride. Maybe he'll even toss this old dog a bone sometime.
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly series featuring friends who have met celebs.
Matt Parker is my nephew and a frequent subject of Friendly Encounters. Matt is always looking for Friendly Encounters opportunities.
Recently Matt attended a WSCR broadcast as part of their "Who Needs Two?" promotion featuring Dan Bernstein and Terry Boers. The nearby Chicago bar was pretty crowded, so Matt didn't really get to interact with the broadcasters. He did manage to talk to show producer Herb Lawrence, a Score veteran.
Matt asked Herb for a picture (always looking for the FE photo-op...good job Big Money). Herb seemed somewhat surprised that Matt would want a picture with him. Herb is certainly no slouch. He's a beloved Score personality. Besides, there are no small stars as far as Johngy's Beat goes.
Matt Parker is my nephew and a frequent subject of Friendly Encounters. Matt is always looking for Friendly Encounters opportunities.
Recently Matt attended a WSCR broadcast as part of their "Who Needs Two?" promotion featuring Dan Bernstein and Terry Boers. The nearby Chicago bar was pretty crowded, so Matt didn't really get to interact with the broadcasters. He did manage to talk to show producer Herb Lawrence, a Score veteran.
Matt asked Herb for a picture (always looking for the FE photo-op...good job Big Money). Herb seemed somewhat surprised that Matt would want a picture with him. Herb is certainly no slouch. He's a beloved Score personality. Besides, there are no small stars as far as Johngy's Beat goes.
Herb Lawrence and Matt Parker in Chicago, IL-Spring 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.Big Money Beats Johngy
Yesterday, I wrote about beating my nephew in a game of Plinko at the Texans game. In all fairness, today I am presenting Matt beating me in a three game series on a bowling video game.
Scott, Matt and I spent the day hurting our necks following every football game on tv at Woodrow's in Houston (and hurt our brains by making a bunch of silly Coke bets on those games). As if that wasn't enough, Matt challenged me to a little video bowling. I should have smelled a trap!
Matt beat me cleanly in all three of the games, to win five Cokes total from me. While the games were fairly close, I don't think Matt ever really was worried.
Scott, Matt and I spent the day hurting our necks following every football game on tv at Woodrow's in Houston (and hurt our brains by making a bunch of silly Coke bets on those games). As if that wasn't enough, Matt challenged me to a little video bowling. I should have smelled a trap!
Matt beat me cleanly in all three of the games, to win five Cokes total from me. While the games were fairly close, I don't think Matt ever really was worried.
Matt Parker celebrates his bowling victory in Houston, TX-December 2010.
Johngy Beats Big Money
On our last trip to Houston, Matt and I did battle in a Plinko game at the Houston Texans game. The concept of Plinko is to drop a disk along the wall and hope that it bounces its' way into the big value slots at the bottom.
In this case, the game was scored like a football game. We each had 4 chances (quarters) and the points below were 7 for a touchdown, 3 for a field goal or 0.
The first short video shows one of my "touchdowns". The second video shows the end result. Aside from beating my nephew, I love how the end frame of each video looks, especially the second. The first showing me in a power move and the second showing my victory stance and Matt's sad expression. Oh that is priceless to me!
In this case, the game was scored like a football game. We each had 4 chances (quarters) and the points below were 7 for a touchdown, 3 for a field goal or 0.
The first short video shows one of my "touchdowns". The second video shows the end result. Aside from beating my nephew, I love how the end frame of each video looks, especially the second. The first showing me in a power move and the second showing my victory stance and Matt's sad expression. Oh that is priceless to me!
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.
My nephew Matt is probably the most ardent pursuer of Friendly Encounters opportunities. Some day, I will do a statistical breakdown of FE participants. Matt has even gotten his girlfriend Erin involved in this quest on several occasions.
Today, I am featuring a picture they sent from the Thanksgiving Day parade. I can't believe they met Johnny Depp. I have followed Depp since his days on 21 Jump Street (before Matt or Erin were even born).
Fortunately for the young couple, Depp was in his Pirates role and not his earlier role as Edward Scissorhands. That could have been a bit dicey.
My nephew Matt is probably the most ardent pursuer of Friendly Encounters opportunities. Some day, I will do a statistical breakdown of FE participants. Matt has even gotten his girlfriend Erin involved in this quest on several occasions.
Today, I am featuring a picture they sent from the Thanksgiving Day parade. I can't believe they met Johnny Depp. I have followed Depp since his days on 21 Jump Street (before Matt or Erin were even born).
Fortunately for the young couple, Depp was in his Pirates role and not his earlier role as Edward Scissorhands. That could have been a bit dicey.
Erin Galligan, "Johnny Depp" and Matt Parker in IL-December 2010.
Everyone Loves Big Money
I know the family and friends love him. I know he is mildly famous within certain circles. I just never knew the overall impact my nephew Matt (aka Big Money) has.
There is no longer a doubt, however. It's right there on tape, featuring none other than Flo, the spokesperson for Progressive Insurance. Flo is one of the most popular spokespeople ever and there she is cheering for my nephew.
How does he do it? How did this happen? How can I use it all to benefit me? Oh I mean, how can I help Big Money gain more exposure?
The answer is simple. I will put the video of Flo cheering for my nephew right here, on Johngy's Beat! (Special note to Flo-If you read this, I would kill for you to do a video promo for my site).
There is no longer a doubt, however. It's right there on tape, featuring none other than Flo, the spokesperson for Progressive Insurance. Flo is one of the most popular spokespeople ever and there she is cheering for my nephew.
How does he do it? How did this happen? How can I use it all to benefit me? Oh I mean, how can I help Big Money gain more exposure?
The answer is simple. I will put the video of Flo cheering for my nephew right here, on Johngy's Beat! (Special note to Flo-If you read this, I would kill for you to do a video promo for my site).
Razor Shines Give Us Props
Yesterday, I posted our interview with Razor Shines, coach with the New York Mets. Today's video is a bit shorter and definitely not as steady, but for us it was hilarious.
When Scott, Matt and I attend Astros games (sitting close to the Astros dugout), we have made it a ritual to cheer the player who warms up the pitcher between innings when the regular catcher isn't ready. We have gotten acknowledgment from former Astros player Mike Lamb, as well as current Astros Geoff Blum and Humberto Quintero. It's all in good fun.
We have occasionally strayed and wildly cheered others, too. Sometimes it is the pitching coach. Sometimes it is an effective middle relief pitcher.
Last time in Houston (after the interview with Shines), we cheered wildly for Shines as he jogged to his coaching position near first base. Shines pointed to us and laughed. The laugh isn't audible and the point is a bit hard to see, but it was there, right about at the six second mark.
When Scott, Matt and I attend Astros games (sitting close to the Astros dugout), we have made it a ritual to cheer the player who warms up the pitcher between innings when the regular catcher isn't ready. We have gotten acknowledgment from former Astros player Mike Lamb, as well as current Astros Geoff Blum and Humberto Quintero. It's all in good fun.
We have occasionally strayed and wildly cheered others, too. Sometimes it is the pitching coach. Sometimes it is an effective middle relief pitcher.
Last time in Houston (after the interview with Shines), we cheered wildly for Shines as he jogged to his coaching position near first base. Shines pointed to us and laughed. The laugh isn't audible and the point is a bit hard to see, but it was there, right about at the six second mark.
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.
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.
Happy Birthday Big Money
Today is my nephew Matt Parker's birthday. I can't believe he is 22. I seems just like yesterday...
Big Money is a great guy. We have had a lot of fun watching Cash Cab, Mythbusters, wrestling, sports, Legends of the Hidden Temple and other silly things. Most of the time we have made Coke bets on the outcome of various parts of each. We probably have made 1,000 bets, but in the end, I believe he owes me about 3 Cokes.
One bet that I lost to him really cost me. I had to wear a White Sox jersey to Wrigley Field for a game between the Cubs and the Houston Astros. I forget if he had to wear the Astros jersey or if he just wanted to wear it. Either way, I caught more grief than he did. It's a screwed up world at times.
At least Matt isn't screwed up. Oh sure, he is a windsock at times when it comes to cheering for sports teams, but that just adds to the fun.
Happy Birthday, Big Money!
Matt Parker and me in the Cubby Bear in Chicago, IL-Summer 2006.
Big Money is a great guy. We have had a lot of fun watching Cash Cab, Mythbusters, wrestling, sports, Legends of the Hidden Temple and other silly things. Most of the time we have made Coke bets on the outcome of various parts of each. We probably have made 1,000 bets, but in the end, I believe he owes me about 3 Cokes.
One bet that I lost to him really cost me. I had to wear a White Sox jersey to Wrigley Field for a game between the Cubs and the Houston Astros. I forget if he had to wear the Astros jersey or if he just wanted to wear it. Either way, I caught more grief than he did. It's a screwed up world at times.
At least Matt isn't screwed up. Oh sure, he is a windsock at times when it comes to cheering for sports teams, but that just adds to the fun.
Happy Birthday, Big Money!
Matt Parker and me in the Cubby Bear in Chicago, IL-Summer 2006.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.
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.
Friendly Encounters
This is a weekly feature highlighting friends who have met celebs.
Back when I was a wee little Johngy, my favorite tv shows were Bozo's Circus and The Ray Rayner Show. These were the days before computerized cartoons beyond my then-imagination.
It was every kid's dream to play the Grand Prize Game on Bozo's Circus. Heck, it was every kid's dream just to be in the studio audience for the show. I never did either, by the way.
My nephew Matt did meet the clown himself though. This Friendly Encounter of the clown kind occurred at an event held by the Chicago Tribune.
Shortly after this meeting, Bozo saw his show moved, altered and eventually ended. It was a sad day in Chicago.
Matt, however, has gone on to bigger and better things. He is a part-time Production Manager for Johngy's Beat as well as General Manager for my Boone League fantasy baseball team.
Bozo and Matt Parker in Chicago, IL-Early 1990's.
Back when I was a wee little Johngy, my favorite tv shows were Bozo's Circus and The Ray Rayner Show. These were the days before computerized cartoons beyond my then-imagination.
It was every kid's dream to play the Grand Prize Game on Bozo's Circus. Heck, it was every kid's dream just to be in the studio audience for the show. I never did either, by the way.
My nephew Matt did meet the clown himself though. This Friendly Encounter of the clown kind occurred at an event held by the Chicago Tribune.
Shortly after this meeting, Bozo saw his show moved, altered and eventually ended. It was a sad day in Chicago.
Matt, however, has gone on to bigger and better things. He is a part-time Production Manager for Johngy's Beat as well as General Manager for my Boone League fantasy baseball team.
Bozo and Matt Parker in Chicago, IL-Early 1990's.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.
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.
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.
Ernie Banks, Not Mike Fontenot!
My nephew Matt snapped the photo below at a signing appearance by Mike Fontenot. What's wrong here? Well, for one thing, Fontenot wears #17. He also wore #29 during his first stint with the Cubs in 2005.
Why would someone get a Fontenot jersey with a wrong number? I know, people make mistakes. Still, when going thorough the trouble of getting a personalized jersey (even one like this tshirt jersey), you should be thorough enough to get it right!
I am not sure if Fontenot saw the jersey at the signing. I wonder what his reaction would have been? I know what Matt and my reactions were...laughter.
Oh, by the way, #14 is retired. It was worn by a pretty good player named Ernie Banks!
Why would someone get a Fontenot jersey with a wrong number? I know, people make mistakes. Still, when going thorough the trouble of getting a personalized jersey (even one like this tshirt jersey), you should be thorough enough to get it right!
I am not sure if Fontenot saw the jersey at the signing. I wonder what his reaction would have been? I know what Matt and my reactions were...laughter.
Oh, by the way, #14 is retired. It was worn by a pretty good player named Ernie Banks!
Mark Cuban, Matt Parker and Most of Johngy
When my sister's family lived in Houston, my nephew Matt and I went to a Houston Rockets game. Their opponent was the Dallas Mavericks.
We got to the game early and were enjoying the shoot around when Matt spotted Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, sitting courtside. Nobody was really approaching him and he seemed into the warmups. We waited until he started to leave the court area, presumably to the Mavericks dressing room.
We asked him for a photo and he eagerly agreed to pose with us. The problem started with the usher, whom we asked to take the picture. First, he had the camera pointed at himself. Cuban pointed that out to him and he flipped it around.
The usher managed to take the picture on his second try. Unfortunately, he didn't take a great picture, as part of my face is cut off and his finger is included lower left.
We didn't have time to check the picture and ask for a better one with Cuban. He had already been extremely patient while the chucklehead usher fumbled with the camera (point and push, pretty easy). Cuban even laughed off the first backward attempt. He couldn't have been nicer.
Oh well, at least we met Cuban and have a funny story to tell. I also have a picture orf half of me to prove it!
Matt Parker, Mark Cuban and (most of) me in Houston, TX-mid 2000's.
We got to the game early and were enjoying the shoot around when Matt spotted Mark Cuban, owner of the Mavericks, sitting courtside. Nobody was really approaching him and he seemed into the warmups. We waited until he started to leave the court area, presumably to the Mavericks dressing room.
We asked him for a photo and he eagerly agreed to pose with us. The problem started with the usher, whom we asked to take the picture. First, he had the camera pointed at himself. Cuban pointed that out to him and he flipped it around.
The usher managed to take the picture on his second try. Unfortunately, he didn't take a great picture, as part of my face is cut off and his finger is included lower left.
We didn't have time to check the picture and ask for a better one with Cuban. He had already been extremely patient while the chucklehead usher fumbled with the camera (point and push, pretty easy). Cuban even laughed off the first backward attempt. He couldn't have been nicer.
Oh well, at least we met Cuban and have a funny story to tell. I also have a picture orf half of me to prove it!
Matt Parker, Mark Cuban and (most of) me in Houston, TX-mid 2000's.Friendly Encounters
This is another in a series of meetings of my friends and celebs.
My nephew Matt Parker is a loyal reader and contributor to Johngy's Beat. He is always alert for a Friendly Encounter.
We have previously seen his girlfriend Erin Galligan on Friendly Encounters with her family and Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox. It has taken a while, but we finally got Erin to make another appearance here.
Matt and Erin recently attended a performance of the Blue Man Group. They enjoyed the show and thankfully did not don the blue face paint themselves (although maybe Matt might want to consider it...oh just kidding, Big Money).
Anyway, after the performance, Matt and Erin made sure to grab a photo with one of the Blue Men. Which one, I wonder? I am sure their goal was a 'couple' appearance on Friendly Encounters (as opposed to a nice memento of a wonderful evening). Hey, they have their priorities right!
I hope they enjoy this piece. If not, I guess I'd be left to feel blue (sorry I just couldn't stop myself).
Erin Galligan, Blue Man and Matt Parker in IL-January 2010.
My nephew Matt Parker is a loyal reader and contributor to Johngy's Beat. He is always alert for a Friendly Encounter.
We have previously seen his girlfriend Erin Galligan on Friendly Encounters with her family and Ozzie Guillen of the Chicago White Sox. It has taken a while, but we finally got Erin to make another appearance here.
Matt and Erin recently attended a performance of the Blue Man Group. They enjoyed the show and thankfully did not don the blue face paint themselves (although maybe Matt might want to consider it...oh just kidding, Big Money).
Anyway, after the performance, Matt and Erin made sure to grab a photo with one of the Blue Men. Which one, I wonder? I am sure their goal was a 'couple' appearance on Friendly Encounters (as opposed to a nice memento of a wonderful evening). Hey, they have their priorities right!
I hope they enjoy this piece. If not, I guess I'd be left to feel blue (sorry I just couldn't stop myself).
Erin Galligan, Blue Man and Matt Parker in IL-January 2010.They Called Him Stosh
For 22 seasons, Stan Mikita gave Chicago Blackhawks fans plenty of excitement. In his second season, the Hawks won the Stanley Cup. While the Hawks haven't won the Cup since, Mikita racked up quite a few honors during his career.
When he retired he was #2 on the all-time scoring list (Gordie Howe was #1). Mikita won the Hart Trophy (player most valuable to his team), the Ross Trophy (scoring leader) twice and the Lady Byng trophy (sportsmanship). Mikita is the only player in NHL history to win all three awards during the same season. He has also won the Patrick trophy (contribution to hockey). He had his #21 retired by the Hawks and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Mikita did all of this and was often overshadowed on his own team by Bobby Hull. Yet, Mikita never complained. He simply went out every game and produced.
It was exciting to meet him with my nephew Matt. Matt never saw Mikita play, but he understands and appreciates the older stars. I always get a special thrill out of Hawks from my youth, but meeting Mikita was like meeting hockey royalty.
I'll close with some random trivial notes about Mikita. He is #3 (behind Alex Delvecchio and Steve Yzerman) on the list of longest career with only 1 team. the infamous Mikita's Donuts from Wayne's World, existed only in the film.
Stan Mikita, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-Fall 2008.
When he retired he was #2 on the all-time scoring list (Gordie Howe was #1). Mikita won the Hart Trophy (player most valuable to his team), the Ross Trophy (scoring leader) twice and the Lady Byng trophy (sportsmanship). Mikita is the only player in NHL history to win all three awards during the same season. He has also won the Patrick trophy (contribution to hockey). He had his #21 retired by the Hawks and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983.
Mikita did all of this and was often overshadowed on his own team by Bobby Hull. Yet, Mikita never complained. He simply went out every game and produced.
It was exciting to meet him with my nephew Matt. Matt never saw Mikita play, but he understands and appreciates the older stars. I always get a special thrill out of Hawks from my youth, but meeting Mikita was like meeting hockey royalty.
I'll close with some random trivial notes about Mikita. He is #3 (behind Alex Delvecchio and Steve Yzerman) on the list of longest career with only 1 team. the infamous Mikita's Donuts from Wayne's World, existed only in the film.
Stan Mikita, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-Fall 2008.Bear Down Sunday #14
The Chicago Bears are now 5-8 after losing to the Packers last week. This week, the Bears face the Baltimore Ravens who are 7-6 and still alive in the playoff hunt. The Ravens are always known for their fierce defense. Today I am featuring Tom Zbikowski one of their defensive backs.
I had followed Zbikowski's career for a while. He is a local Chicago area guy who had a lot of success at the University of Notre Dame. He is in his third season with the Baltimore Ravens and made his first start just 2 weeks ago.
Matt and I met Zbikowski at Triple Threat Sports last year. Zbikowski was pretty quiet, amost seeming uncomfortable doing the appearance. Still it was fun meeting him. Usually I meet athletes years after their career have ended. It's rather unusual to meet one this early in his career.
Maybe the Bears will do something unusual this week and play good on both sides of the ball and actually win a game. I am not counting on that however.
Tom Zbikowski, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-Fall 2008.
I had followed Zbikowski's career for a while. He is a local Chicago area guy who had a lot of success at the University of Notre Dame. He is in his third season with the Baltimore Ravens and made his first start just 2 weeks ago.
Matt and I met Zbikowski at Triple Threat Sports last year. Zbikowski was pretty quiet, amost seeming uncomfortable doing the appearance. Still it was fun meeting him. Usually I meet athletes years after their career have ended. It's rather unusual to meet one this early in his career.
Maybe the Bears will do something unusual this week and play good on both sides of the ball and actually win a game. I am not counting on that however.
Tom Zbikowski, Matt Parker and me in Mokena, IL-Fall 2008.