Tag: Joe Sparma | No Filter Sports

Episode 152: Ah, the Life of an MLB Reliever!

June 25, 2020 01:32:26

A closer is a really thankless job.

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

Guest TODD JONES pitched for EIGHT MLB teams, the Tigers TWICE! LOVED Detroit; doesn’t miss the pitching part.
So MLB IS coming back? Eli has a LONG list of all the changes that’ll be made. Fed-up Bob: Include ME out!
Denny says a change the TIGERS should make is to put Casey Mize & the other top kid pitchers in the rotation — right away.
The FL’s have a WHAT? A “new” owner? Roger Daltrey would say: “Meet the new boss — same as the old boss!” So would Bob.
As the boys duke it out over COVID-19 again, a “blame game” has now begun in sports: who gave it to whom?
Should you HAVE to wear a mask for protection now? According to ONE U.S. county — only if you’re WHITE!
Playing career over, he had two job offers: vacuum cleaner salesman or entry position in hockey. Ken Holland chose right!
Read all about it! P.C. Posse Pummels PAW PAW! Local legend Charlie Maxwell, MR. Sunday Home Run, has yet to comment.
Those stories, YOUR mailbag and much more — right here!

Episode 151: “SUDDEN Sam McDowell?” SCARY Sam!

June 22, 2020 01:31:05

Something of a terror on the mound.

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

SAM McDOWELL: I worried about killing a batter my entire career. Sam has an amazing life story and he joins the boys!
We have a winner from the Belmont Stakes — DENNY! Others say ANYBODY coulda picked Tiz the Law.
Eli (GULP!) went OUT to a restaurant Saturday night and almost NO ONE was wearing a mask! He’s still with us — so far.
Many athletes have tested positive for COVID-19, not that they’ll have symptoms. Should sports just go away at this point?
Controversy over the Confederate flag NOT going away for a while — but a NOOSE hung in the garage of a black NASCAR driver?!
Muhammad Ali Jr. says his late father – and Eli’s hero – would not have supported BLM. Eli pooh-poohs him.
The Pistons hired – WHO? – Troy Weaver as GM. Bob only wonders why there’s an extra executive ABOVE him.
The DH is FINALLY coming to the National League! When you hear Mr. McDowell talk about HIS HITTING, you’ll know why.
Two statues of well-known former team owners REMOVED. NYC even removes a statue of Teddy Roosevelt!
When the Tigers DO play again, don’t be surprised if THEY remove the statue of TY COBB from Comerica Park.
Those stories, YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!

Episode 141: Jimmy Carson: NHL Star to Business Star!

May 18, 2020 01:38:38

“I get to help a lot of families.”

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

“Sorry, we just traded you — for Wayne Gretzky!” JIMMY CARSON, the only OTHER teen to score 50 in one season, is our guest!
So Denny, tell us about, ya know, that OTHER time you were almost arrested — and you had your LIFE threatened?
It was a VERY busy weekend for Eli. His beloved golf is back — well, kinda — AND he broke a Michigan law!
But Eli’s on edge. So are a LOT of people in Michigan self-quarantining. Now the FAMILY DOG seems to be on edge too!
What’s MLB gonna do now? We’re all waiting, while a big college baseball program falls victim to COVID-19.
If MLB does play this year, we know who its highest-paid player will be. Trout? Max? JV? NO! Wait’ll you hear.
And whither college football? Bob has the SECOND-worst scenario next to NO game: U-M v MSU a controlled scrimmage!
The once-beautiful Phyllis George has passed away. Eli and Denny lament but BOB points a finger!
Denny STONED for the first time ever? He STILL thinks the Packers will trade Aaron Rodgers to his treasured Bears.
And what kind of show would this be if we didn’t run down the NFL’s weekend rap sheet for you?
Those stories, YOUR mailbag featuring a certain ex-organ player warbling plus much more right here!

Black and white image of Tim McCormick in U of M basketball uniform

Episode 120: A CANDID Tim McCormick Opens Up!

March 5, 2020 1:27:44

My real passion is broadcasting

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

Fed up with his LATEST sideline temper tantrum, MSU grad Bob rips Izzo a new one! Eli and Denny rip Bob right back.
Does every big college basketball team cheat? Eli and Denny actually believe that. Bob calls “B— s—!”
U-M’s OWN sex abuse scandal is growing larger — but c’mon, man! Can you actually compare it to MSU’s?
One of MLB’s top pitchers MIGHT be done at 30. Denny can relate — and says Chris Sale has nobody but himself to blame.
Are big league baseballs still messed up? Will Jacoby Jones EVER gain the stardom many predicted for him?
The Pistons coulda had Caris LeVert! Eli takes us through MANY bad decisions from the Pathetic Pistons’ recent past.
Legal sports gambling IS coming to Michigan — but as early as NEXT WEEK? One reporter claims it’s true.
Knicks Nut Spike Lee is feuding with Madison Square Garden boss, James Dolan. Bob knows something about THIS!
Those stories, YOUR weekly mailbag and much 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 100: Two Old MLB Pitchers Agree: “Why, in OUR day …!”

December 26, 2019 01:24:23

It’s the same thing. We just call it different stuff.

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

Ex-MLB star Lary Sorensen talks about MSU’s bowl game vs his Wake Forest team and WITH boyhood hero Denny about pitching.
Hey, dig this: it’s our 100th episode! Thanks to all our loyal listeners and sponsors who support us and help spread the word.
Eli ranks the top stories of 2019. Bob has to remind him of THE top one locally: all FOUR Detroit pro teams remain in the TOILET.
The “student-athletes” now have a new trick you may not know of: most of them don’t have to go to class anymore!
Wait’ll you hear why MSU’s Adam Gase is telling people that he doesn’t care about long-suffering fans of his New York Jets.
Can Marshawn Lynch really stage a comeback after being out a year? He should call ex-Spartan Le’Veon Bell and ask HIM.
Another humiliating FL’s season comes to a dismal end. We tell you how they have a chance to screw things up MORE.
Jeremy Roenick learns a hard lesson after (gasp!) calling a co-worker “beautiful:” Don’t EVER mess with the P.C. Posse!
Those stories, your weekly mailbag and much 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.

Black and white photo of Kirk Gibson in MSU uniform

Episode 59: If Ya Never Saw Him Play FOOTBALL, Ya Missed Something Special!

August 1, 2019 01:07:56

He Would Have Been A Superstar In The NFL.

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

Nick and Shane stage a get-outta-jail break at the eleventh hour!
MLB’s biggest trade was the Astros’ acquisition of ace Zack Greinke. Does this mean the WS is already over?
The “snaps” of Trevor Bauer AND ex-Tiger Rick Porcello: what was the biggest one Denny ever experienced?
The great “Killer Bee,” Nick Buoniconti, has died at 78. GUESS the main cause!
As MSU football struggles, the Walmart Wolverines and Spurious Spartans are back at it again.
Who was the greatest wide receiver NEVER to play in the NFL? Eli and Bob tell us about him.
A quality 7-1 pitcher?! Denny relates his sad story.
And a recent Esports tourney paid out $3 million to the winner! The boys (read: old men) ask what the hell “Esports” means.
Those stories and much more right here!