Mayo Smith

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 157: Kenny Holland Looks Back and AHEAD!

Ken Holland

I live in the business.

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

  • How the HELL does a guy who oversaw THREE Cup champs become so controversial? We’ll ask guest KEN HOLLAND!
  • We don’t know what they WILL be yet, but the Washington “Redskins” are no more. Overreaction or about time?
  • Now if only they had a league to play in! One NFL player rep warns, “We do NOT have a deal.”
  • The Big 13 + Rutgers won’t play ANY non-conference football games this season. Bob explains why he doesn’t like it.
  • College basketball? The intra-Michigan WAR is ON between Tom Izzo and Juwan Howard — and it’s fun to see!
  • WHAT did you say, Eli? S.I. has a transgender swimsuit model?! Three old men try to wrap their heads around THAT!
  • WHAT did you say, Eli? The degenerates actually bet on — HUH?! And WHERE?!
  • Former No Filter guest John Smoltz talks big, then bets on HIMSELF. How did it work out for him?
  • Bob eulogizes one of his boyhood Tigers heroes while Denny tells tales of another great Tiger from Alabama.
  • Those stories, this day in NO FILTER SPORTS PODCAST history(?!) in YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 150:  The TWO Comebacks of Ratso!

John Hiller in Detroit Tigers uniform

You’re going to do what’s called upon you.

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

  • Average pitcher. Heart attack at age 27! Then lights-out reliever — ex-Tigers star JOHN HILLER’s got GREAT stories!
  • Eli says Colin Kaepernick has gone from kryptonite to Man of the Year! NFL owners only wanna know if he can still PLAY.
  • With no fans allowed, the PGA Colonial had its best TV ratings in 16 years. But were folks THAT interested — or just BORED?
  • We run down some of the NBA’s RIDICULOUS COVID-19 rules for resuming its season in a bubble. 
  • And if THAT’s not comedy enough for you, Kyrie Irving wants to start his own competing PLAYER-owned league.
  • MLB players/owners continue to make a mockery of what Denny claims IS “our national pastime.” He gets big pushback on THAT!
  • And now the two GREEDY sides may at some point institute soccer-like advertising on uniforms?!
  • The first leg of horse racing’s Triple Crown will finally be run Saturday. Denny has a hot tip! Bob: CAVEAT EMPTOR!
  • Meanwhile, the insanity continues in society. Statues are coming down or vandalized from BOTH political sides.
  • Long-time MLB hurler Lary Sorensen writes us in YOUR Mailbag about ONE HOFer he used to EAT UP. (Hint: believe it or not, it was our most recent guest!). 
  • Those stories and 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 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 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!

Episode 130: AL KALINE 1934-2020

Young Al Kaline in uniform

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

‘They’ve got their blankies, their pacifiers and they’re quivering under their beds in fear! NO! Not from COVID-19!

  • Fox Sports Detroit and owner Sinclair Broadcasting are afraid of the BOYS and what they MIGHT ask Dan Petry!
  • No Peaches? No prob. Who better to talk about the death of Al Kaline than great buddy and teammate Denny McLain?
  • Been watching those MLB rebroadcasts of the ’68 Series? WE have too. Denny relives some of it with us.
  • Oh, and the Tigers’ legendary pitching opponent in that long-ago Fall Classic has some good news.
  • So the MLB is secretly planning a May start-up? REALLY? Bob wants to know WHICH “May” that is: 2022?
  • The battle rages on about Noah Syndergaard’s Tommy John. NECESSARY surgery or not? Denny SEEMS to change his tune.
  • So Melo thinks he would have won MULTIPLE NBA titles if the Pistons had drafted him?! Eli’s got some thoughts on THAT. 
  • A big makeover continues for Michigan basketball. Wuzzup with all THIS, Juwan?
  • The newest sports P.C. contro won’t go away. African-Americans ‘n Mississippuh? ALWAYS combustible.
  • No Mailbag last week? OUTRAGEOUS! It was NOT the fault of Eli, on his best behavior for a LONG one today
  • Those stories and much more right here.

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

Detroit Tiger Jon Warden

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 98: The Boys Put Lou Whitaker in a TALKATIVE Mood!

Lou Whitaker in Detroit Tigers uniform holding a bat on his shoulder

He hasn’t done any radio or TV interviews in a long time.

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

  • Sweet Lou Whitaker joins us! On not being in the HOF: “THEY didn’t see me play every day, THEY don’t know!” 
  • The Ford family meets with Jeff Bezos on selling the FL’s and Eli’s scoop makes lotsa news! Ah, if only …
  • Surprisingly, Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia will be back next year! Who’s running this FL circus anyway? Bob clues us in.
  • We’ve ALL waited so long — and now the bowl season is here! YOU won’t wanna miss a thrilling moment (wink, wink).
  • The Dead Wings just keep on losin’ — on AND off the ice as the Pistons simply LOSE.
  • Cassius Winston bounces back to lead the Spartans while Michigan gets ready for — uh, WHOM?!
  • A happy 85th to the great Al Kaline! Quick: what’s the first name that comes to mind when you hear “Detroit Tigers?”
  • Excited about new Tigers catcher Austin Romine? Bob explains why you shouldn’t be.
  • Drew Brees broke a big record in spectacular fashion. Eli sez Brady’s still the “GOAT.” Denny sez he ain’t!
  • Those stories, the weekly mailbag and much more — right here

Episode 79: Comin’ Up ROSE-y as Charlie Hustle Joins the Boys!

The Hit King Joins No Filter Sports

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

  • PETE ROSE with us for a frank and wide-ranging interview — but one of his predictions sure was a stinker!
  • Bob’s in Detroit and went to see LCA, the Wings, Pistons AND to learn who’s listening to us — and who’s not YET.
  • Wild stuff in MLB’s Playoffs! WE bust it down and Denny busts it UP by slamming a NUMBER of participants!
  • More P.C. insanity in sports, from the Braves wussing out to SOME NBA-types following suit!
  • With another college football weekend here, MSU’s problems are more OFF the field than ON at Wisconsin.
  • Should Michigan revamp its offense for mere Illinois or WAIT for the Penn State game? We have a DISAGREEMENT here.
  • Meanwhile, a different kind of controversy’s going on in Happy Valley. The coach handles it; Eli and Bob are STILL pissed!
  • It’s the Mystics versus the Sun for all the marbles tonight! Uh, WHO? And for what “marbles?” 
  • And Denny was working WHERE? Doing WHAT?! Those stories and much more coming up right here.