Friendly Encounters

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

Previous to his recent reports on Legends of the Ring, when we last saw Josh Watko, he was meeting the Icon Sting.  Today, Josh is going to tell us about meeting the King, Jerry Lawler.  Before we get to that though, I'll give a little update on Josh.
Josh's website is JW's Wrestling Memorabilia. and it is full of great wrestling stuff.  Josh covers autograph signings, live events and products (new and old).  He also writes wrestling opinion pieces and other interesting posts.  Josh is gaining exposure and is already widely known within the wrestling circle.
I have asked him to share some wrestling stories and he has contributed one about meeting Mike McGuirk, Mae Young and the previously mentioned meeting with Sting.  Finally, here are Josh's thoughts on Jerry Lawler.
Back in 2001, it was Jerry Lawler's name on the marquee that got me to attend my first independent wrestling show.  Ten years and many meetings with The King later, I once again encountered the WWE Hall of Famer at a show for the very same promotion.  Although many stars fill IWC's annual Night of Legends show, it was clear that Jerry was the draw of the night.
The King, despite his often rotten in-ring character from years past, is one of the most fan-friendly wrestlers of all time.  He always has time for a word, a handshake and of course, photos and autographs.  A friend of mine even asked why his legendary piledriver did not come into play at his recent match at WrestleMania.  (The answer:It was discussed but ultimately shot down by the WWE.)

Lawler also has one of the most beautiful signatures I've ever seen.  I've always felt that this may be due to The King being an accomplished artist.  If you have paid attention to the announcer segments on Raw in recent years, you may have seen Jerry's shirt which includes a large facsimile of his exquisite John Hancock!
As always, I appreciate Josh sharing his experiences.  I like his insight.  As a longtime autograph collector, I can appreciate his insight about Lawler's signature.  If you have any interest in wrestling or even if you just want to check out some interesting things, give a look to Josh's site.

John Watko and Jerry Lawler in Elizabeth, PA-May 2011.

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.

Friendly Encounters

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

In one of our first attempts to gain access to a pressbox, we failed (but just barely) to work our magic at the Metrodome in Minneapolis.  As we were walking away, we were already planning on how to make the next attempt a success (and we have achieved that goal).
Suddenly Chuck (ever the eagle eye) looked up and noticed Bert Blyleven walking towards the pressbox.  While we might not have been fully accredited press members, we were armed with our baseball knowledge and street smarts.
Translation...I called out to Mr. Blyleven and Chuck immediately threw out a few of his stats and Chuck's belief that Blyleven deserved Hall of Fame status (which he did gain this year).  Although rushed, Blyleven couldn't have been nicer, posing for pictures with both of us separately.
Three years later, we would meet Blyleven again, but this time actually as press members in the Twins pressbox.  We were talking to Jack Morris (a Twins broadcaster who also arguably belongs in the HOF).  We did greet Blyleven (we're all professionals here), but we stuck with the interview with Morris (press etiquette).
With Blyleven's HOF induction, the picture below features two Hall of Famers in my humble opinion).

Chuck Gekas and Bert Blyleven at the HHH Dome in Minneapolis, MN-June 2007.

Bruno Sammartino from Abruzzi

Bruno Leopoldo Francesco Sammartino was one of the most popular wrestlers of the 1960's and 70's. Sammartino held the WWWF (now WWE) championship for over 11 years during the course of his two reigns.
Sammartino relied on a mat-oriented style, but he was also a great brawler. He was very charismatic and was a huge favorite in the New York area. His "gimmick" was just himself, no frills, just Bruno.
Sammartino has been very critical of Vince McMahon, the WWE and wrestling in general. Despite this stance, he's one of those guys who still commands respect.
I first met Sammartino in the hallway at the hotel hosting a wrestlers reunion. We talked for a bit and I felt like I had just talked to one of the older Italian guys in the neighborhood of my youth. I basically walked in with him and we went to his area, where we talked a bit more.
Like I have written before about today's fans, most of the crowd was more interested in younger stars. Admittedly, Sammartino's own actions have pushed him away from the wrestling scene, but a man like this should still hold a place of honor on the wrestling scene. The man was wrestling's biggest draw for nearly 20 years. He almost was wrestling.
We discussed Italian food and Abruzzi (his birth place and that of my ancestors, too) and then I thanked him for his time. He grabbed my hand strongly and thanked me. The man was pure class.

Bruno Sammartino and me in St. Pete, FL-January 2005.

Ted DiBiase Did Not Put Me to Sleep

Ted DiBiase is the adopted son of Iron Mike DiBiase, a professional wrestler who died in the ring while Ted was a youngster.  His mother suffered from depression and Ted lived with his grandparents.  He earned a football scholarship to West Texas State University, but dropped out to become a professional wrestler.
DiBiase had a long and successful career, winning many tiles, including the Million Dollar Belt, a "title" made just for his character, the Million Dollar Man.  He never quite made it to the top, but he came pretty close for a number of years.  The WWE did recognize his achievements by putting him in the WWE Hall of Fame in 2010.
When I met DiBiase at Wizard World, he was sharing a booth with Virgil, who was partnered with DiBiase for lengthy stretches during their careers.  I asked DiBiase to put me in the Million Dollar Dream, his version of the sleeper hold.  He asked me how tight I wanted it.  He slapped it on pretty good and Virgil kept yelling to pull it tighter.  (I think Virgil was just upset that I really didn't include him in the picture.)
This is one of those holds that can be legit.  Of course, in the ring, I know it isn't really putting the opponent into dreamland, but it could.  DiBiase didn't even give me his best and I felt how deadly it could be.
This  opportunity allowed me tio make up for one of the few misses from my time at the Wrestle Reunion in 2005.  I took a picture with DiBiase, but it didn't come out.  I mentioned this to DiBiase and he commented on how much for that event was.
DiBiase was a fun guy.  I think he is a guy who deserved more than he got in wrestling.  Hopefully his son Ted Jr. will climb to even higher heights.

Ted DiBiase and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

The Iron Sheik Finds a New Friend

Hossein Vaziri was born in Tehran, Iran.  He competed in Greco-Roman wrestling for Iran in the 1968 Olympic games and was a bodyguard for the Shah.  He came to the United States and twice was an assistant coach for the US Olympic wrestling team.
Vaziri gained fame when he entered the world of pro wrestling adopting the ring name of The Iron Sheik.  As the Iron Sheik, he won the WWF World Heavyweight title and the WWF tag team tile once each.
I have met the Iron Sheik several times and he is part of the Jay Leno Club.  He always has something fun to say, but at Wizard World last year, I saw a whole new side o him.
I went with my buddy Hassan, who is Iranian.  Hass mentioned this fact to the Iron Sheik and talked to him a bit in his native tongue.  The Sheik's face lit up and enjoyed a several minute conversation with Hass.  It was a lot of fun to witness.
The next day when I saw the Sheik again, he asked about Hass and seemed disappointed that his new friend would not be there that day.  I told him that I would bring Hass to the next show when the Sheik was back in town.  Then I called Hass and told him he had to come the next time.  Maybe if the Sheik is at the Motor City Comic Con, I can persuade Hass to take that trek with me.

Hass, the Iron Sheik and me in Rosemont, IL-August 2010.

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.

Bear Down Sunday #1

It's Bears season again! Oh how I love Bears season. I don't like the impending cold weather, but that is still several weeks away. By then, the Bears will be having such a good season, the weather won't matter as much.
The Chicago Bears open their season by hosting the Detroit Lions. The Lions have come a long way from their woeful stretch of recent years. Still, the Bears should prevail in their opener.
In honor of the Lions, I am featuring Hall of Famer Charlie Sanders. During his ten year career, all with the Lions, Sanders was a 7 time Pro Bowler as a tight end. For most of those seasons, his quarterback was either Greg Landry or Bill Munson. While both QB's were solid, neither was a passing machine. This makes those 7 Pro Bowl appearances by Sanders even more impressive.
When I met Sanders, we talked about the great battles between the Bears and Lions during his career. Despite neither team being very good, their games were hard fought matches. They were part of the old 'black and blue' division. Sanders said it was a pleasure to play and I said it was really a pleasure to watch him. I honestly don't think the Bears have had a tight end anywhere near as good as Sanders during my 40 years of watching them (Mike Ditka had already left when I started watching).
Fortunately Sanders isn't there today to help Matthew Stafford, the Lions young star QB. Maybe Greg Olson will step up for the Bears.

Charlie Sanders and me in Oaks, PA-October 2009.

Bob Uecker is in the Hall of Fame

This past weekend, Bob Uecker was inducted into the Hall of Fame...for the WWE. Still, I can add him to my list of interviews with Hall of Famers.
My chat with Uecker was unplanned, but there is a bit of history behind it. In 2007, on a baseball trip to Milwaukee, Chuck T. Gekas, JayHawk Evans and I almost talked to him in the pressbox. That was a bit of a spontaneous thing, too. Because it was unplanned, we didn't have our usual press credentials and we were a bit late getting to the pressbox. Uecker was about to go on the air.
Early in 2009, my friend and GT big cheese Fran Gallagher golfed with Uecker near Philadelphia (PA). I featured Fran and Uecker in a Friendly Encounters.
In July of 2009, my nephew (and videographer) Matt and I were on the field in Milwaukee when we saw Uecker enter the dugout and sit on the bench. I approached him and mentioned the Gallagher golf adventure. Uecker gave me a short, funny rant on Fran and asked us a few questions. I posted the Uecker interview on YouTube (with all of my interviews).

The interview slowly gained viewers and ratings. Then suddenly, it seemed to gain a new life. When I checked the 'stats and data', I saw that it was reposted on the Howard Stern Fan Network message board. I am not sure about the connection, but I am grateful for the bump in attention.

Bob Uecker at WWE HOF induction in Phoenix, AZ-March 2010.
(Photo courtesy of WWE.com)

Chicken at Wrigley Field

The San Diego Chicken started as an animated tv commercial. Soon after, Ted Giannoulas, a student at San Diego State University, was hired to play the Chicken for an Easter promotional event.

The San Diego Chicken gained popularity quickly. It became a regular feature at San Diego Padres games. Unfortunately, legal conflicts developed, Giannoulas was fired, lawsuits arose and someone else donned the costume for a while. In the end, things were settled and Giannoulas was allowed to become the Chicken (or the Famous Chicken).
Since then, the Chicken gained a ridiculous amount of exposure and success. The Sporting News named it as one of the 100 most powerful people in sports in the 20th century. It was inducted into the Mascot Hall of Fame. It even had three baseball cards (which you could send in for autographs)!
One of those Chicago Cubs games I attended in September of 1983 featured an appearance by The Chicken. I never got close to it for a photo with it, but I did capture his strut on the Pirates dugout.

The San Diego Chicken in Wrigley Field in Chicago, IL-September 1983.

(Greg) Valentine's Day

Greg 'the Hammer' Valentine has been a wrestler for over 35 years. His father Johnny was also a wrestler.
Valentine has enjoyed a lot of success in the ring over the years. He has held many titles (as a solo and as part of a tagteam) in many organizations like WWE, NWA, AWA and WCW.
Valentine is a throwback. He's like an old-school wrestler. While he has wrestled through the cartoon era of the 80's and the attitude era of the 90's, I think Valentine would have been more comfortable with traditional wrestling of the 60's and 70's. He could work great, long matches with men like Ric Flair, Dusty Rhodes and Roddy Piper.
He wasn't great on the mic and he wasn't hugely marketable. That's unfortunate, because he has the mat skills and the knowledge advantage over most wrestlers.
That's not to diminish his accomplishments. Valentine is in the WWE Hall of Fame and deservedly so. I just think in an earlier era, he would have been even more successful.
Whenever I meet him, I am always amazed at how thick and solid Valentine is. He's not ripped and cut like others, but I bet Valentine is one of the strongest men in the business.

Greg Valentine and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

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.

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.

Kevin Von Erich and the Iron Claw

Kevin Von Erich has faced a lot of adversity in his life. Kevin has lost all five of his brothers (four as adults and one as an infant) to varying causes. The successes and tragedies of the Von Erich family is legendary.
When I met Kevin, I found him to be such a nice guy. I approached him in the lobby and asked for a picture with him. He misunderstood and thought I was asking for his autograph. He started to politely decline, because he did not want to upset the ticket-holders who had paid to meet him the next day. I explained that I was going to be at the show, but I was just hoping for a picture. After I explained this, he seemed to relax and gladly posed for my picture.
Imagine that. It wasn't that he didn't want to sign or pose, he just didn't want to upset the paying fans.
The next day, during a panel discussion, he talked about how he felt lucky in life. Imagine that #2. This guy has seen 4 of his adult brothers die and he remains a positive guy. It wasn't a sugary fake positive either.
Earlier this year, Kevin represented the Von Erich family as they were inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. That is very fitting, as Kevin is a Hall of Fame guy, a true gentleman.

Kevin Von Erich and me in St. Petersburg, FL-January 2005.

The Iron Sheik, Jay Leno and Johngy

The Iron Sheik had a lengthy and successful career in pro wrestling. He was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2005.
This past June, he joined a growing group of celebs who mentioned my alleged resemblance to Jay Leno. Previously, I have written about the Honky Tonk Man, Terri Runnels and Patrick Warburton making the same observation.
Actually, at this show in NY, Runnels was sitting next to the Iron Sheik. The 3 of us had a little conversation about it. Later, the Sheik and I talked about Leno's new show and how I should do conventions as a Leno look-alike.
I don't really see it, but who am I to argue with the Iron Sheik?

The Iron Sheik and me in New York, NY-June 2009.

Hall of Famer David Clyde

Congratulations to David Clyde on being inducted into the Hall of Fame. No, the former major league phenom wasn't immortalized in bronze at Cooperstown. Instead, he was enshrined into the National High School Hall of Fame.
Last year, while working on an online piece for Global Traveler magazine, I interviewed Clyde at the Miracles Baseball Academy. I have since uploaded parts of that interview here and the GT piece ran Wednesday, on Clyde's induction day.
Clyde was one of my childhood baseball favorites. The Texas Rangers brought him to the big leagues almost right out of high school. He endured some injuries and some questionable management decisions. He retired at the young age of 26, but he didn't leave baseball or success behind. After some time in the lumber business, Clyde became a coach at the Miracles Baseball Academy.
I called Clyde last summer and asked for an interview. He graciously accepted and we met in December. I was fascinated by this man. What would have crushed many (or at least embittered them), didn't dim Clyde's spirit. He was funny, introspective, serious, warm and a lot more, but never negative or vengeful.
Meeting and talking to Clyde was one of the best experiences I have had. I really appreciate Clyde's time, willingness and openness.
I also appreciate my brother-in-law Scott and my nephew Matt for their time and patience on the trip. Thanks, too, to Laurie for helping me sort my thoughts and put together a solid interview.

David Clyde and me in Houston, TX-December 2008.

Koko B. Ware and Johngy Be There

James 'Koko B.' Ware started wrestling professionally in 1979 and was named Rookie of the Year by Pro Wrestling Illustrated. Over the next several years, Ware wrestled in singles and tag-teams, as a heel and as a fan favorite, but never captured any major titles.
In 1986, Ware entered the WWF (now WWE) as the Birdman Koko B. Ware. Appropriately, he was accompanied to the ring by his pet Macaw Frankie. Ware never won any title in the WWF, but was one of the most popular wrestlers, especially with the younger fans.
The WWE inducted Ware into the WWE Hall of Fame at Wrestlemania 25 a couple weeks ago. This was a bit of a surprising move. Although a nice guy and a popular wrestler, Ware never achieved major success anywhere. Most fans would be hard-pressed to even name any major angles that involved Ware. One bit of trivia is that he was the first person in the WWF to get tombstoned by the Undertaker.

Koko B. Ware and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

Arriba...Tito Santana

When Merced Solis was a star tight end at West Texas A&M University, his quarterback was Tully Blanchard. This was certainly a sign of things to come.
Cut by the Kansas City Chiefs during training camp, Solis went on to play a season with the B.C. Lions in the CFL. After his season in Canada, Solis entered the world of pro wrestling and became Tito Santana.
Santana entered the WWF (now WWE) in 1979 and stayed there for over 14 years. During his lengthy stay, Santana carved out a career as a solid performer and a definite fan-favorite. Santana is one of just a few wrestlers who stayed on one side of the good-evil fence throughout his entire career in the WWF. Santana never turned to the dark side.
Santana won the WWF Intercontinental Championship twice, the WWF Tag-team Championship twice and the King of the Ring Tournament once. Santana had several big feuds and wrestled near the top of the card on many occasions, but he was never seriously in the WWF Championship picture. After his retirement from the WWF, Santana did win several Heavyweight Championships with smaller, independent organizations and was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2004.
Santana is now a teacher at a middle school in New Jersey, while his wife owns Santana's Hair Salon. By all accounts, he seems to be living a perfectly normal life. Santana may have never risen to the very top of his profession, but he has avoided the depths that so many have experienced.
It was nice to meet Santana. He was pleasant, talkative and relaxed. My friend looked at the picture and joked that we could have been a tag-team. Well, I certainly could have had worse partners in the ring. Arriba!

Tito Santana and me in Kokomo, IN-October 2007.

Friendly Encounters

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

Jim Gekas (Jimmy G) has been a great friend of mine for over 10 years. Jim is one of the most knowledgeable and passionate sports fans I know. Jim and I share a passion for hockey, especially from the 70's.
This is one reason why Jim was very excited to meet Denis Potvin, an NHL Hall of Famer who played 18 seasons with the New York Islanders. A 3 time winner of the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman, Potvin became the first Islander to have his number (#5) retired by the team.
Jim is an award winner in his own right. His latest piece of hardware is the prestigious 'Best Week' Award for his performance in the 2008 Best Damn Football Pool Period (BDFPP).
Jim met Potvin at a charity golf event at the Nordic Resort in Itasca (IL). There is no truth to the rumor that Potvin checked Jim into the wall after this photo was taken.

Denis Potvin and Jim Gekas in Itasca, IL-late 1990's.

Bobby Hull, Tony Esposito and Some Wine

My mom was a big hockey fan in the 60's. Of course, most of Chicago loved the Blackhawks in the 60's. The Hawks were exciting and loaded with talent. Unfortunately, the 70's (and 80's and 90's) were not so good for the Blackhawks or their fans. I grew up watching some mediocre teams (or not watching them, as they were not on regular tv).

Lately, the Hawks have started to regain the attention of Chicago. Along with the new attitude, marketing philosophy, televised games and young stars, the Hawks have also been embracing their past. For a team with such a rich history, this would seem to be natural, but it took a while to get here.
Tony Esposito and Bobby Hull are 2 Hall of Famers who wore the great Blackhawks crest. Esposito came over from Montreal and earned the nickname 'Tony O' (as in 0 goals allowed) over the next 15 years. After 14 fantastic years in Chicago, Hull left to play in the new WHA (after the Hawks would not offer him the money he deserved).
Esposito and Hull are 2 of the legends in the NHL Legends Signature Wine Series. I had the pleasure of meeting these legends at a wine signing event at Binny's Beverages in the south loop. This was a real thrill.
I heard that the previous night, they had stayed several hours later at another wine signing. They wanted to accomodate every last fan there. Despite the overtime, they both arrived on time and raring to go. Hull immediately started joking with the staff and fans. Esposito was his usual dapper self, but just as friendly as Hull. I have met a lot of stars (and my star-struck days are finally mostly over), but meeting and talking to these 2 was awesome. It would be hard to meet 2 bigger stars together.

When I went to take the picture with them, Espo stood up, while Hull remained seated. As I started to sort of pose halfway between each, Esposito lightly slapped me on the back of my head and told me to stand up. It was hilarious. It was simply just an old-school Italian fatherly gesture.
Esposito's wine is a Cabernet Sauvignon. Hull's wine is a Chardonnay (or Golden Chardonnay, as Hull liked to say). Like both former players, both wines are also Hall of Famers.

Bobby Hull, me and Tony Esposito in Chicago, IL-December 2008.