Tag: Mickey Lolich | 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 150: The TWO Comebacks of Ratso!

June 18, 2020 01:28:36

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 149: The GREAT Rod Carew

June 15, 2020 01:35:43

No easy out.

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

Baseball Hall of Famer ROD CAREW joins the boys to talk about his amazing career, amazing new HEART & more!
So Jim Nantz began Saturday’s PGA telecast with a tribute to George Floyd? Bob asks where the Tour’s BEEN all these years!
Is Rob Manfred going to save MLB’s season by FORCING the players and owners to (finally) get started?
The NBA has a plan to come back, but Kyrie Irving says it SHOULDN’T until “Black Lives Matter” is accomplished!
No word from the NHL on its restart as one star coach asks how an NFL comeback’s possible with “social distancing.”
What if Gibby’s World Series homers had been played in EMPTY STADIUMS?! Eli on board with Bob: there MUST be fans!
ESPN’s doc on the steroid-laden 1998 home-run race premieres. Why are McGuire & Bonds welcome in MLB but not Sosa?
Mr. Z always has terrific stories about Allen Iverson who just turned 45. You won’t believe what happens when he turns 55!
What happened 55 YEARS ago? Denny: ROD CAREW broke in? Uh, NO, Denny! He finally got the answer.
Those stories, YOUR Mailbag segment and much more right here!

Dennis Polonich playing hockey for Detroit Red Wings

Episode 148: How on EARTH Did Polo Do It?!

June 11, 2020 01:28:14

He had a huge heart.

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

Was he, pound for pound, the best fighter in NHL history? Ex-Red Wings fan fave DENNIS POLONICH joins the boys!
Eli fesses up: as a New Yawk guy, he LIKES hockey but just didn’t grow up with it. He likes most hockey players even more.
The Tigers take slugger Spencer Torkelson #1 overall in the MLB draft. Bob cautions about getting TOO geeked.
Commissioner Rob Manfred: baseball WILL be back in 2020. Where he got THAT info, who knows? But Denny agrees.
NBA players are beginning to balk about resuming their season in Orlando with no family, no friends allowed to visit.
NASCAR has made the decision to ban Confederate flags at race events. But how will they enforce it?!
Allen Iverson just turned 45 this week and you can always count on Eli for some GREAT stories about A.I.
The PGA Tour is BACK! No fans, of course — and already some of golf’s biggest names are complaining about that.
Those stories, YOUR weekly Mailbag 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!

Episode 140: The Greatest Legend in MLB HISTORY?!

May 14, 2020 01:37:36

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!

May 11, 2020 01:32:30

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!!!

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

April 16, 2020 1:23:14

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!

A person's finger touching a button on a screen

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

April 13, 2020 1:07:39

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!