Dan Petry

Episode 175: “Gee, Bill. How Come YOUR WS Ring Looks Different?”

Bill Scherrer

My finger is still green!

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

  • MLB’s version of Dickie V — WITHOUT the mic? THAT’S the equally “enthusiastic” BILL SCHERRER of the ’84 Tigers, our guest on the show!
  • Scherrer’s Chisox have destroyed any post-season hopes Detroit had. To make it worse, Denny continues to rip virtually everything about the Tigers!
  • By the way, Monday is the anniversary of Denny’s 30th victory of the 1968 season. Mr. McLain remembers — as WE remember too.
  • And that’s the only good news we have about the Detroit Tigers, tho one FAN thinks some COULD be on the way soon!
  • Is it September? Check. NFL season underway. Check. Is it Monday? Check. Then it must be time for the LATEST “Bob Page’s Lions Lament!”  
  • Brady bombs. Belichick blazes on — NOW with Cam Newton — in the same amazing way as ever: with OR without ANY player he’s had.  
  • A bigger story: Are all the BLM demonstrations and comments going to ruin PRO FOOTBALL as SOME feel they’ve ruined the NBA?
  • Bob is not the only one now DEMANDING to know why the wusses at The Big (14) Ten won’t allow football when almost everyone else IS!
  • How can this be? One “U.S. Open” ends. The other “U.S. Open” now BEGINS?! Just part of our Wacky World.
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment — and we’ve got much more right here!

Episode 172: Shep: LIVIN’ THE DREAM!

Matt Shepard

It’s a blast…every single day.

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

  • So how do you get to be an MLB play-by-play announcer? Guest MATT SHEPARD had a VERY unusual path to the Tigers!
  • The sports world mourns the death of one of the greatest pitchers ever. The boys reminisce on Tom Terrific.
  • The Tigers’ win streak ended at six. With five games against the Twins now on tap, is this the season’s telling point?
  • Looks like Eli’s suddenly started to watch the NBA playoffs. He did NOT like what he saw from one game in particular.
  • Bob on the NHL Playoffs: Is the great Zdeno Chara finally finished at 43 — or just finished in Boston?
  • Get ready, gamblers! Denny has his pick on Saturday’s Kentucky Derby for you — NOT! 
  • Legal sports gambling rages on. Denny updates us on what the Cubs are doing — and WHAT’S that about MJ?!
  • Big Ten(14!) football after all? President Trump will want to take credit IF that occurs — but would he deserve to?
  • MSU’s Kirk Cousins raked over the coals by the media for his ideas about COVID-19! Denny and Eli to the rescue.
  • How much would YOU pay for a presence at FL’s games? “ZERO?” Producer Brandon McAfee sez $100 but he does have limits.
  • Eli with “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 166: DICKIE V is BACK, Baybee: a TRUE “PTP-ah!”

Dick Vitale

Big fella, give us some hope!

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

  • DICK VITALE joins the boys again for A LOTTA laughs and memories. The REASON he’s back couldn’t be more serious.
  • As expected, The Big Ten (14!) has canceled its upcoming football season. Perhaps UNexpected? HUGE pushback!
  • U-M football star, NFL Pro Bowler, Hollywood actor! Now the amazing life of Dwight Hicks takes a different turn.
  • The Tigers are in playoff contention, or at least WERE before a spate of injuries. Is it time NOW to call up the kids?
  • Tigers pitcher Michael Fulmer has a strange match-up in the White Sox’ lineup. Think Denny versus Bill Freehan!
  • Astros hitting coach Alex Cintrón suspended twenty games(!) for his role in a big brawl. What did he say that was so BAD?
  • A SIX-HOUR NHL playoff game with a goalie making HOW MANY saves?! Tampa eventually beat Columbus.
  • But the NY Rangers had a much bigger win: the Alexis Lafrenière sweepstakes. OUTRAGE in hockey circles follows!
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag — and we’ve got much more right here!

Episode 145: The Remarkable Life of Trixie!

Dick Tracewski in a Tigers uniform

He wore the Tigers uniform fo 28 years…more than anyone in team history.

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

  • The man who wore a Tigers uni longer than any? DICK TRACEWSKI — also Koufax’s roommate in L.A. — is our guest!
  • What NOW for MLB? Well, the post-season’s probably gonna be FRIGID! IF they DO play.
  • Minor League Baseball in a HEAP of trouble but one Florida club has a unique way of making money now anyway!
  • The NBA and NHL resuming? Eli asks how many even care about sports anymore, especially with all the trouble in the U.S.  
  • COVID-19 talk is everywhere and one of the NHL’s top young star’s career may be in jeopardy due to the pandemic.
  • No caddies allowed on the LPGA? MLS at war over when and if it can start playing soccer again? Yet the coast MAY be nearly clear.
  • For instance, Korean MLB could serve as a model for baseball to return. It’s had no outbreaks since resuming play.
  • LOOK! Denny is now ready for 1967 to begin — JUST in time for 2020 as he asks Eli for advice about (GASP!) marijuana!  
  • Detroiter Brad Keselowski has won his second straight NASCAR race. Denny recalls interviewing him when Brad was THREE!
  • How do you go through $44 million and wind up broke? Ask baseball’s Esteban Loaiza AND Mike Tyson among others!
  • Watching the Lance Armstrong doc on ESPN these days? Bob: He’s a lying SOB. NO! Eli to Bob: Aren’t you being a hypocrite?
  • A silly fan’s suggestion in YOUR Mailbag to (GULP!) get rid of BOB and hire — SERIOUSLY?!  Those stories and more right here!

Episode 140: The Greatest Legend in MLB HISTORY?!

Jim Abbott

The No-Hitter in Yankee Stadium was really special.

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

  • How did JIM ABBOTT do it?! Born without a right hand - yet became a star pitcher at U-M AND in MLB?! Jim joins the boys!
  • Sports are slowly coming back — but maybe not MLB. WAAYYY too many money issues, as we’ve reported previously.
  • So that begs the question: do people NEED sports or do MORE people HATE sports? Eli has some passionate thoughts on that.
  • But there’s plenty to do and watch without sports — as Denny found out during an impromptu stroll down Memory Lane!  
  • What about the NFL? Bob details a LOT of issues that may keep IT from opening too. No more TAILGATING?!
  • Not guilty! A judge has dismissed the charges from the Nassar Nightmare against former MSU President Lou Anna Simon.
  • Meanwhile, there’s surprising news about former Spartan star linebacker, the late Mike Labinjo.
  • Ohio State and Michigan SCARED of a football rival? MSU, Penn St and Wisconsin too? Not YET, at least, but maybe soon?
  • Joe Tessitore and Booger McFarland (mercifully?) blown out of the Monday Night Football broadcast booth. NOW what?
  • Our producer Brand McAfee makes a SHOCKING confession about his childhood — and STILL can’t let go of it! 
  • YOUR Mailbag may now have a theme song! You, uh, might NOT want to hear it as warbled by DENNY McLAIN, though. 
  • Those stories and much more right here!

Episode 139: The “Spaceman” — on EVERYTHING!

Bill Lee in Astronaut uniform

One of the great characters in sports.

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

  • You wanted to WHAT? BULLDOZE the Rocky Mountains?! It’s the one and only “SPACEMAN,” BILL LEE, on with us today!
  • What’s going on in sports? Almost NOTHING! But Eli, Denny and Bob still make the proverbial chicken SOUP outta chicken BLEEP.
  • Sports leagues planning to start again? Rumors abound every day. But HOW — and WHEN?
  • Human cockfighting had a big weekend anyway, though Eli calls it (and maybe YOU do too) “Ultimate Fighting Championship.”
  • At 53 (and apparently in need of money), Mike Tyson says he’s thinking about a comeback! How would HE do in UFC?
  • Whenever baseball announces it’s ready, is it possible ANOTHER issue could keep its doors closed? 
  • MLB has now cut its draft rounds back due to COVID-19, but will that only help the rich (THE YANKEES!) get richer?
  • Baseball has changed SO much — and maybe not for the better. Denny rants on NOW versus THEN.
  • Cheating in college basketball? Biz as usual. Coach K even cheating?! Bob: “NEVER!” Eli: “Shut up, you Dukie!”
  • Those stories, we check in on Denny’s busy, uh, “social life,” YOUR Mailbag and much more right here! 

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

Collage of Frank Tanana baseball cards

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 133: As Ernie Said: TWO for the Price of ONE!

Horizontal split screen with Arnie Kander on top, NHL player Craig Wolanin on bottom

All the leagues are trying to figure out how to get going again.

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

  • The Boys bring you TWO guests starting with longtime Pistons medical man Arnie Kander on COVID-19 and the NBA.
  • Then it’s Detroit’s own Craig Wolanin on coronavirus in the NHL AND his long career playing with/against some of the best ever!
  • Eli and Denny remain in self-quarantine. Others have had enough! Out and about now, demanding, “Why can’t we play GOLF?!” 
  • College sports may be changing forever. Bob explains and tells of a bizarre suggestion by one of basketball’s top coaches.
  • Catch Episode 1 of ESPN’s “The Last Dance?” One thing the boys DO agree on: TEN episodes on the life of Michael Jordan?!
  • Everybody - but US - is filling space on TV/radio and the net with “best of” lists (yawn). We make this exception, though:
  • •DENNY is on CBS Sports’ list of the four greatest Tigers pitchers who ever lived! What if they’d had WHIP when HE pitched?
  • The Astros took their beating in the sign stealing scandal. Now the Sawx are front and center facing the same charges.
  • The state of the Red Wings? Awful - but maybe NOT as awful as you’d think based upon a big survey of Wings fans.
  • Those stories, YOUR weekly mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 132: YOU asked for him! You GOT Dan Petry!

Dan Petry pitching

The perfect gentlemen.

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

  • Great guy! Great guest! Ex-Tiger Dan Petry joins us to talk about HIS career, son Jeff’s NHL career and more!
  • What day is it? Who knows? Temper-temper! The boys get nasty again over their opposite thoughts on COVID-19.
  • Bob asks, “Is this woman a NUT?!” over Michigan Governor Whitmer’s shut-down of almost the entire state!
  • Why no GOLF?! In FLORIDA, pro wrestling has now been deemed an “essential business!”
  • Think it has to do with a Dem running Michigan and a Republican running Florida? Denny says NO. Bob says YES.
  • The NFL has it’s first Covid-19 diagnosis as MSU alum Brian Allen tests positive. He’s just fine, thank you.
  • What’s that, Mr. NFL player? You DON’T wanna play for the FL’S? Golly, why NOT?  
  • The moment we’ve all been waiting for: BASEBALL is underway again! Uh, in Taiwan AND with fake fans!
  • Long-time pilot Denny gives us his take on the disturbing new report re Roy Halladay’s plane-crash death.
  • Can U-M athletic director Warde Manuel survive his gaffe in the Wolverines’ own sex scandal? MSU redux?!
  • Eli tells us there’s trouble for Michigan basketball too. Juwan suddenly loses his top two recruits!  
  • Those stories, a rising NASCAR driver turns into a pariah, YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 131: SELL! No, BUY! Whither YOUR Dough?

A person's finger touching a button on a screen

I don’t think we’ll ever have an opportunity like this again.

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

  • Stand by for our big Masters recap! NOT. It WOULD have concluded Sunday but the sports world remains on hold.
  • Are the NBA and NHL playoffs about to be played soon anyway? Is the start to the MLB season?
  • Sports-starved Eli and Denny say THEY’LL watch! Bob says he WON’T; not in empty arenas and stadiums.
  • So what are SOME watching NOW? TV shows for Eli and Denny.  H-O-R-S-E with famous basketball players on national TV?!
  • Seems like Tom Brady and his agents are looking to trademark half of Tampa! Distasteful? Greedy?
  • Drew Brees has just been recruited again — but not by Purdue. Are TV sports execs crazy? WAIT. Don’t answer that.
  • RIP Doug Sanders, Glenn Beckert, Colby Cave, Tarvaris Jackson, Tom Webster, Pat Stapleton and Stirling Moss.
  • MONEY talk — YOUR money! Sponsor Luke Nowacki offers some suggestions on what you might want to do now.
  • Meanwhile, many of you have graciously offered to donate to our show in the past. We have an announcement to make.
  • In YOUR mailbag this week: ANGER at “leftist” Eli, other media people POACHING us(?!), an Al Kaline controversy
  • And it’s all coming up for you right here!