Tag: Bill Freehan | No Filter Sports

Episode 138: NOLAN and FRANK — Oh, MY!!!

May 7, 2020 01:25:26

The best 1-2 punch since Spahn and Sain and pray for rain.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

From booze and broads in L.A. to “rebirth” in his hometown, Detroit’s own FRANK TANANA is our guest!
As they used to say: VCR ALERT!!! A THREE-HOUR TV special JUST on the new NFL sked! (Yippee)
There ARE certain pro sports underway in the midst of the COVID pandemic. Desperate enough yet to watch them?
Michigan and Michigan State football: Who needs EITHER? — as one famous coach seems to be implying.
Eli has more on the sex abuse scandal at U-M. A listener asks, “How is a ‘retired’ sports reporter scooping the CURRENT media?!”
Pete Rose selfish and reckless for still signing at sport shows? Bob says “B.S.!” Pete corked his bats? DENNY says “BFD!”
Eli has a confession: he actually listens to local sports radio “guy-talk!” But he still makes fun of it.
NBA issues: WHEN it returns there may be a big drop-off in play AND is K.D. still paid $$$$ if his Nets are not ALLOWED to play?
Will ESPN’s “Last Dance” NEVER end?! NOW we go from EVERYONE hating on Isiah to Sir Charles and M.J. hating on each other.
Bob details how and why Giants quarterback Phil Simms said an emphatic “NO!” to playing golf with Michael.
Eli said “YES!” to HIS golf game with comedian Tim Allen. THOSE stories, YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 135: “Local Boy Makes GOOD?” Makes BIG STAR!

April 27, 2020 01:34:24

On his way up he did all kinds of things!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

Did you know that national play-by-play star Gus Johnson is from Detroit AND was a great athlete in his own right? Gus Guests!
Meanwhile, Denny suddenly reveals a STUNNER about one of the most beloved play-by-play men in HISTORY!
Larry Adderley has died. Bob’s ex-colleague at WXYZ-TV a victim of Alzheimer’s — as is ANOTHER top Detroit sportscaster.
Can’t ANYONE stop these bull-bleep NFL post-draft analyses? NOBODY KNOWS who had a good or bad draft! We’ll talk in FIVE YEARS!
The ESPN coverage itself is a BIG part of the problem. But we all watched, didn’t we? Did you like what YOU saw?
What does your high school kid need to gain entrance to prestigious Tulane? A damn good jump shot! We explain.
“The Last Dance” episodes 3 and 4 aired over the weekend featuring the Bulls vs Pistons 88′ – 91′. Had enough Rodman YET?
Denny tells of once facing the hardest-throwing pitcher who ever LIVED! RIP Steve Dalkowski.
Good news! He also says there may be hope for a legendary Tigers World Series opponent whom we’d THOUGHT to be dying.
Those stories, Eli — WHAT?! — uptight about YOUR Mailbag and much more right here.

Ron LeFlore with an X symbol over his face

Episode 121: Waiting for Godot? Waiting for Ronnie!

March 9, 2020 1:15:12

He’s SO unreliable!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

He PROMISED he was going to come on with us, but Ron LeFlore wouldn’t pick up his phone — even for three old pals!
That doesn’t stop the boys from telling some good Ronnie tales anyway, such as the time Jim Campbell …
Each week the sex scandal at Michigan seems to grow. But what can be done now with the principals all dead?
Now the Wolverines and Spartans ready for the annual bogus, made-only-for-TV/publicity Big 13+Rutgers tournament.
The NFL votes on its new contract Thursday. Eli wages a passionate argument on behalf of its young players.
Tony Romo last week, Al Michaels and Peyton Manning getting MILLIONS this week?! CRAZY — or NOT?
•Bob gives us a Tigers spring training update from just around the corner in West Palm Beach.
(Gulp!) Will the Coronavirus shut down all of sports?! How about some FACTS to quell the mindless panic going on.
A REAL shocker here, gang: Denny McLain wants to talk about the Wings and HOCKEY?! Bob does too. As usual, Eli does NOT.
But wait! He doesn’t want to talk about his beloved Pistons either. Or Tom Izzo either. What’s up with THIS?!
Uh, he’s in Florida this week and had a tee time to get to! Those stories, YOUR mailbag and more right here.

Episode 119: Ex-Tiger Makes Good on HIS “Plan B!”

March 2, 2020 1:30:38

We welcome him as the professional comedian he is!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

You’re a young MLB pitcher but you hurt your arm and suddenly have to retire! Oh, no! What now?
Denny’s ’68 Tigers teammate JON WARDEN became a comedian/banquet speaker and leaves us laughing in the aisles.
What a weird basketball season it’s been for U-M and MSU. Now that it’s March, guess which one is peaking at the right time?
To make matters worse for Michigan, the Zavier Simpson police report is out — and it’s not pretty.
The Palace of Auburn Hills is coming down. Eli waxes sentimental, though DENNY didn’t when Tiger Stadium was razed.
Bob rips the “Keystone Cops” of spring training and says it looks like Miggy has lost his reflexes.
Denny broke what all-time MLB record? How much does he remember about that? Well, it WAS a long time ago.
What in Sam Hill is ol’ Garth doin’ in a Bernie Sanders shirt up there in DEE-troit?! It jes ain’t right!
Tony Romo makes his decision: NO to ESPN, YES to CBS — at $17 mill a year! Does that money for an announcer make sense?
Plus, Meeting Maria and more in YOUR mailbag segment. It’s all right here.

Episode 118: Haters Hate Mike Eruzione Now? WHY?

February 27, 2020 1:26:34

You can’t believe the calls I’ve had.

Welcome to No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

Team captain MIKE ERUZIONE joins us on the 40th anniversary of “The Miracle on Ice,” on the new MAGA controversy and more!
Trevor Bauer tells HBO “Real Sports” WHAT? MLB pitchers are using PINE TAR on balls? Make Denny and Bob LAUGH!
Tigers pitcher Alex Wilson has a bad case of the “Tim Tebow Blues.” The boys scoff at THAT too.
The Astros are feeling the heat for their sign-stealing scandal — literally. Pitchers ARE hitting them now, but on purpose?
And what Tigers legend was responsible for a different sign-stealing scandal 60 years ago?
Eli tells us the comical story of Deontay Wilder and the REAL reason he just lost that big fight (yeah, RIGHT!).
The Spartans stage an impressive second-half comeback to beat Iowa as Izzo is chastened by one of his players.
A nice gesture by Juwan in hiring one U-M staffer who may be the best Michigan HS player you’ve likely never heard of.
Mercy, mercy me! Detroit-Mercy losing ON the court AND off now. But does anybody really care about the Titans anymore?
Stevie Y FINALLY lets us all in on The Plan. To celebrate, Denny heads to a HOCKEY GAME(?) with sponsor Luke Nowacki.
Eli salutes a great champion in retiring Maria Sharapova, PED scandal and all.
Free agency in big-time college sports is coming soon. Bob explains what a wild story THIS is gonna be!
And in the Mailbag segment, you DON’T “Knock the Rock. It’s all right here.

Episode 115: Denny Deals — to KALINE and FREEHAN!

February 17, 2020 1:21:11

I had a lot a fun pitching against those guys.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

More on MSU’s Mel Mess! DENVER POST COLUMNIST SEAN KEELER joins the boys to discuss some hard feelings out west.
Two other top stories rage on as well: the Astros’ sign-stealing and Kobe’s tragic death.
MSU basketball’s problems continue and now Eli wonders how a certain Spartan star makes money for his young family.
He’s RICH, one HELLUVA college basketball coach and a really good guy. So why are many feeling sorry for John Beilein?
Michigan roundball’s going well again — but how ’bout them Wolverines on the DIAMOND!
Baseball’s Tony Fernandez is dead at 57. What a career he had, as older Tigers fans certainly remember.
Denny’s memory is indeed clear! Bob confirms his tales of trouble with Boog Powell. Whom did Denny OWN?
Minor League baseball players got a raise. Eli and Denny debate whether the bump is enough.
Bob calls out Jeff Blashill and the Wings — AGAIN. Simply put: no guts, no glory.
In YOUR Mailbag, producer Brandon McAfee is a HERO. He MUST be for putting up with US! Those stories and more right here

Episode 91: The Life of an NFL kicker? Jason Hanson Tells All!

November 21, 2019 01:24:17

It starts with the snap.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page.

Kickers are ALWAYS the best — interviews! You’ll hear that for yourself as ex-Lions’ star Jason Hanson joins the boys.
The FL’s play the Crummy Game of the Week vs. the PUTRID Redskins featuring TWO bungling owners, a man and WOMAN each.
LA and Baltimore have a key MNF matchup but a former Raven ain’t gonna help his new team! Eli and Denny are surprised.
College football: Bob repeats his prediction for the Michigan-Michigan State game: Michigan will ALSO “kill” Indiana!
And are you ready for The Big One? It’s MSU at mighty Rutgers! As usual, Mark Dantonio himself overshadows all.
DEATH threats to college players! Do a few nut-jobs take these games, played by mere kids, too seriously? DUH.
The winningest coach in Wings’ history, Mike Babcock, FIRED in Toronto! A case of history repeating itself?
The Pistons’ Don Casey embattled as well! Is HE to blame for the team’s pathetic lack of effort?
Kalamazoo’s own Derek Jeter and 18 others debut on the Hall of Fame ballot. Is it finally Sweet Lou’s time?
On YOUR Mailbag segment: “Dammit, take a chill pill, Eli!” Those stories and much more right here

Episode 75: Tigers Great Lance Parrish Has a Whole LOT on His Mind!

September 26, 2019 01:25:50

45 years, on and off, he has been with the Tigers.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page.

Ex-Tigers star Lance Parrish speaks out on his STILL-bitter exit from Detroit, the ’84 Tigers, his relationship with Jack and SO much more!
This, on the heels of our Wayne Fontes interview which is already “smashing box office records” thanks to YOU!
The FL’s’ game is — WHAT? One of the three biggest games of the week in the NFL?!
President Carter had his black-sheep brother Billy. Looks like Shea Patterson’s got one too as Michigan faces off with lowly Rutgers.
Is Indiana trying to play mind games with Michigan State’s vaunted defense for homecoming in East Lansing?
The Toothless Tigers so richly deserve the #1 overall pick in next year’s draft! Now will they blow it? And should they pick for need or best available?
Tom Izzo: “Haters gonna hate.” And Bob hates the fact that some numbskulls are picking on Tom’s son! Eli and Denny? They’re undecided.
Those stories, the “bullying of Bryce,” our weekly mailbag and much more coming up right here.

Episode 73: That’s the Problem, Mr. Gibson — YOU’VE Got the Money!

September 19, 2019 01:18:28

He’s Entitled!

Welcome to No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page!

Michigan at Wisconsin: if the Wolverines lose, is the season over for all intents and purposes? Denny thinks so.
And could Harbaugh’s stay in Ann Arbor soon be over too? Whatever, Eli talks about what Jim has REALLY meant to the U-M!
Wanna see that game AND MSU’s game? You CAN’T — thanks to some idiots at The Big 13 + Rutgers office!
Antonio Brown steals a page from “The Book of Gibby:” creditors are pissed at AB cuz HE’S got the money!
The Eli Manning Era looks like it’s coming to a close as rookie QB Daniel Jones takes the Giants’ helm. Is Eli a TRUE Hall of Famer?
RIP long-time Tigers’ coach Alex Grammas. The boys reminisce about Sparky and all his bo-bos.
Denny McLain a BS artist?! No way — uh, right, gang? With a little help, Bob catches him in the act!
Eli with Wings’ defenseman Mike Green: the Wings COULD make the playoffs.
Those stories, how to win (maybe!) at NFL gambling, “Big Brother” Saban, VENMO(?) and much more right here.

Episode 67: Who’s the Handsome Young Man and What Kind of Car is THAT?!

August 29, 2019 01:09:02

It’s a Ford Thunderbird, and I still had my fastball then!

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain and Bob Page.

Are the Tigers planning to name one of their biggest ex-stars manager? SHOULD Gardy go?
Could be worse. After Derek’s Jeter’s destruction of the Marlins, the Tigers still draw much better than THEY do!
Football is back and Denny alleges that Michigan and Michigan State are playing “all-girls teams” to start the year!
Bob says you can’t talk about MSU any more without including its latest embarrassing news.
Et tu, DUKE?! Zion Williamson will begin his NBA career with lawsuit after lawsuit.
Wesley Walker is one of the latest ex-NFL stars who’s in big trouble over what the game did to his body.
Eli and Denny equate this whole sordid injury situation to the #MeToo movement.
And our mailbag segment includes a great pic of a young Denny and his “mystery car.”
Those stories and much more coming up right here!