Miami Dolphins

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 174: Doug English: a True LION on the Field

Doug English

One of the league’s true warriors.

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

  • He didn’t win a Super Bowl. No Detroit Lion ever has (or will?), but guest DOUG ENGLISH remains one of the most popular players in team history.
  • It’s opening week in the NFL. Coaches upset over no fans at their home games, the threat of BLM and National Anthem protests. What a kerfuffle already!
  • Oh, and Bob wonders what the league will do if/WHEN a player tests positive for COVID-19. Would they panic and cancel a game on a Sunday morning?!
  • Few teams have the long tradition of the Detroit Tigers. So when they set a new low for futility at Milwaukee THAT was really saying something!
  • Now what to do with struggling Matthew Boyd? Denny: TRADE HIM. But why wouldn’t the Tigers call Denny —  or Lolich or Tanana — to at least pick their brains?
  • Eli says the quality of the NBA Playoffs has been stellar, but Bob is among the pissed-off millions who haven’t watched a single game yet.
  • As if the NBA needed MORE controversy, the Stephen A. Smiths of the world cry (surprise!) “WHITE PRIVILEGE” over Steve Nash’s hiring.
  • The NHL Playoffs have been excellent too — for those few outside Dallas and Las Vegas who find the Stars vs the Knights in summertime compelling.
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment — and much more right here!

Episode 169: DEXTER BUSSEY in the Battle of His LIFE!

Dexter Bussey

Typical Dexter Bussey: No complaints

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

  • One of the most popular Lions in memory, DEXTER BUSSEY, joins the boys on his career, unusual POST-career — AND his health! 
  • You’ll hear the voice of legendary sportscaster Bob Reynolds on Dex. WHAT? Never heard of BOB REYNOLDS?! It’s NOT all pretty. 
  • Not only did the Tigers actually win a GAME against Cleveland, they won the weekend series!  
  • Now what? Does Al Avila go for broke or does he start trading guys for more “prospects” - SUSPECTS - at the deadline? 
  • The PC Posse continues its takeover of sports, UNLESS, as Bob points out, you’re a black NBA player making a racist comment. 
  • And to think of Mike Milbury being “canceled” for a totally innocuous statement — whether YOU like him as a commentator or not. 
  • Resident golf mavens Eli and Denny go NUTS over what Dustin Johnson did last weekend! Does Koepka eat humble pie? 
  • Did they just hold one of the greatest events of the sports world in veritable secrecy?! Almost seems that way! 
  • Denny may not like it, but one NFL team now says there WILL be fans at ITS home games this year. 
  • Those stories, Eli with “This Day in Sports,” Bob with YOUR mailbag and much more right here!

Episode 168: Tom Izzo: Coach of the PISTONS?!

Frank Izzo

I think he regrets not taking that job.

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

  • Eli’s on vacation so veteran sportscaster FRED HEUMANN joins us with some big opinions and stories!
  • Casey Mize makes his LONG-awaited MLB debut! MOST of us thought he did well. NOT Denny!
  • Al Avila says on a Friday that Mize and the other kids are NOT ready. By MONDAY they ARE?! Bob thinks he knows why.
  • Thom Brennaman commits the ultimate TV/radio sin: not so much WHAT he said, it’s the cardinal rule he FORGOT!
  • Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a grand slam on a 3-0 count with his team up by SEVEN in the 8th inning — and the feces hits the fan!
  • The NFL is now considering a postseason “bubble” which has worked for the NBA and NHL.
  • Most of COLLEGE football is not going to play at all. Players, parents and one prominent medical expert are VERY unhappy.
  • A potentially GREAT Michigan O-lineman has already seen enough. HE’S heading to the pros!
  • One of the legal world’s greatest truisms: how much “justice” can you afford? In Robert Kraft’s case, a LOT!
  • Those stories, “This Day in Sports” — just for Denny McLain, YOUR mailbag and much 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 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 137: The One and ONLY George Blaha!

George Blaha

An incredible career that started very modestly.
It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Eli Zaret, Denny McLain, and Bob Page!

He’s known all over Michigan and the NBA. For 44 years the voice of the Pistons. GEORGE BLAHA joins us today!

  • Will there BE an NBA season? The NFL says IT’S starting on time but, oh, the problems they’ll have!
  • Bob asks how owners will pay the MILLIONS they owe on guaranteed contracts with few fans and lower ticket prices.
  • ESPN’s latest episodes of “The Last Dance” expose more anger between MJ and Isiah.
  • Vegas has pitched a plan to finish the seasons for the major sports leagues. The response? Deafening silence!
  • But the odds ARE out for the FLs’ 2020 season. About as encouraging as news of their LATEST blown top draft pick.
  • MSU and U-M’s odds on winning a national championship this year? Understandable in East Lansing, HUMILIATING in Ann Arbor!
  • Meanwhile, what did Bo and Canham know — and when did they know it? Eli’s U-M sources have a LOT to say on the subject!
  • “So, Miss, I don’t know how to put this, but, uh, there’s something I’d like to ask you about your, um, physical endowments. May I?”
  • Those stories, a BIG thanks to all of you who are donating to the show, YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!


Episode 101: The Boys Go Back on Their Word — and WON’T Apologize!

Trevor Lawrence about to throw football from right hand.

Let me tell you, it’s not true.

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

  • We made a pact never to discuss politics or religion on our show. Thanks to CLEMSON, Eli, Denny and Bob BREAK it!  
  • The NFL wildcard games are set, so is college football’s national title game. Is Denny LOSING it? He damns LSU with faint praise!
  • Were you rooting, as ALL Big Ten fans SHOULD be, for Ohio State against Clemson? Many jealous M types weren’t!
  • How about the scintillating MSU/Wake Forest game? Following THAT snoozer, Mark Dantonio questions persist.
  • The FL’s humiliated, snatching defeat from the jaws of victory in the finale. Incredibly, one Lion is HAPPY. You won’t believe WHY!
  • New Year, Schmoo Year! Expect more of the same in 2020 from the Pathetic Pistons AND The Detroit Dead Wings.
  • Columbus coach John Tortorella has another meltdown, this time over ANOTHER bad official’s call. Had enough yet?
  • Michigan and Michigan State basketball clash this Sunday. Why on EARTH should M be without its best player?!
  • 2020 — the year of sports gambling? Noted expert, attorney Dan Wallach, is on our next show. If YOU gamble, don’t miss it!
  • Those stories, YOUR weekly mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 95: DIRECT from Hamtramck AND MLB — It’s “WIMPY!”

Tom Paciorek (Hawk and Wimpy)

You never lose a nickname! 

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

  • FUNNY guy, GREAT personality! Tom Paciorek shoulda been a media star after his MLB career! Wait. He WAS! And he’s our GUEST!
  • A special thanks from Denny to YOU and to so many others for the condolences pouring in over Sharon’s passing.
  • Sweet Lou failed again with HOF Vets Committee voters. An injustice? Did his personality cost him? 
  • Ted Simmons and Marvin Miller DID get in but Bob attacks Miller for MLB’s money INSANITY. Eli and Denny attack Bob BACK!
  • And those two big bullies ALSO air it out with poor Bob on Ken Harrelson, who MAY be about to go in!
  • The boys are NOT getting along! Eli gets BIG pushback from Bob: won’t he PLEASE stop talking so much about the FL’s?!
  • And Mr. Z recaps, uh, some kind of heavyweight title fight this weekend. Quick now! Name ANY current champ you can!
  • It’s U-M (gulp!) vs Alabama in ONE bowl game and MSU (gulp!) vs Wake Forest and its hi-powered offense in another.
  • Eli takes us on a (comical) tour of some of the VERY BIG bowl games on the slate for lucky US.
  • PLUS, a WOMAN head coach in the NBA(?!), M and MSU basketball, YOUR comments in the mailbag and more right here!

Episode 86: Bobby Hull: It Was the Biggest Disappointment of My Life

Bobby Hull in Blackhawks uniform

Something happened that those of us who saw it will never, ever forget.

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

  • The Golden Jet himself, Bobby Hull, joins the boys to discuss his amazing life in hockey, rivalries with Howe and other all-time greats and much MORE!
  • If it’s Monday it must be time for “Bob Page’s Lions Lament!” Bob sez, “Ya know, the FL’s coulda won that game at Oakland and they SHOULDA … and they WOULDA …!”
  • Now that woeful Maryland’s been disposed of, the FUN starts for Michigan: Michigan State and Ohio State are in clear view up the road.
  • NO fun for MSU these days, though. What ELSE can go wrong, you ask? Spartan fans already KNOW the answer.
  • So, from now on it’s all about Michigan State BASKETBALL as the top-ranked team in America readies for #2 Kentucky!
  • Does Tom Izzo’s 5-8 son Steven (1.5 points per game in high school) really deserve a spot on the Spartans’ roster? Eli and Denny say “NO!”.
  • Stephen Strasburg decides to opt out of his contract with a World Championship team — to make even HUGER bucks.
  • “What does a guy have to do to get fired around here?!” Will Red Wings’ coach Jeff Blashill soon learn the painful answer?
  • The Pistons are holding their own — thanks to the great play of Andre Drummond. But what happens when he LEAVES after this season?
  • Those stories, RIP Al Bianchi, we feature YOU on our weekly mailbag and look ahead at our next show with Tiger great Alan Trammell — right here!