No Filter Sports Podcast

Episode 179: Will the REAL Detroit Lions Please Stand Up?!

Matt Prater

The broadcasters sounded very surprised they won.

It’s the latest No Filter Sports Podcast with Bob Page, Denny McLain, and Fred Heumann filling in for Eli!

  • Praise for the Lions — from BOB? Yes! GUTSY win Sunday at AZ, though Denny and Fred AREN’T as impressed.
  • At 65, actor JEFF DANIELS REMAINS a Lions fan, according to Fox’s pre-game show. Bob wonders why, Denny says he KNOWS why.
  • And, boy, was Denny in a good mood today! His beloved Bears have apparently dumped his favorite whipping boy — at last.
  • The Tigers ended the short season 25-35, JUST as bad as last year at the same point. So are things STILL pointing down or UP?
  • But who’s gonna be the next manager of the Tigers? BOTH Bob and Fred pound the table, “Get A.J. NOW!”
  • The MLB Playoffs are here. OBVIOUSLY, the Yankees and Dodgers are going to the Series, right? WRONG say the boys.
  • Detroit’s own DJ LeMahieu becomes the first player in baseball’s modern era to win a batting title in each league!
  • The Stanley Cup Finals are about to wrap up while the NBA Playoffs are about to BEGIN. Denny predicts — huh?!
  • The Wings’ Stevie Y made a trade over the weekend. Bob claims he actually made a STEAL!
  • Big news from the ring. With boxing expert Eli not here, our OTHER expert, producer Brandon McAfee tells us about it.
  • And did you hear about the Michigan girl who — on the first swing of the first match of her high school golf career …?!
  • Those stories, YOUR mailbag segment and MUCH more coming up right here.

Episode 178: Welcome, Lary! THIS is How We Roll!

Lary Sorensen

Good luck?!

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

  • Ex-MLB and U-M pitcher Lary Sorensen will have a role in many of our future shows. Did HE get an earful today as the boys fuss and FEUD! 
  • First — a fiery exchange over new Lions’ boss Sheila Ford Hamp. As usual, it’s Eli and Denny vs. Bob with “let’s give her a chance!” vs. “what a joke!” 
  • Then later, a REALLY “fiery exchange” between Denny and Bob over baseball!
  • Denny also continues to insist the FL’s will NOT fire Matt Patricia this year. Eli: hold the phone on that one with an 0-4 start looming.
  • The legendary Gale Sayers passed away this week at 77. Was he the first great BLACK halfback ever?
  • Sayers was arguably THE greatest running back PERIOD. So, who was MLB’s greatest starting pitcher? Bob says only that nobody’s ever been BETTER than de Grom.
  • With the Tigers’ season essentially over for some time, what to do about Miggy SUDDENLY looking like MIGGY again? 
  • A listener wonders where on EARTH Denny got his “scoop” that the Tigers would name Lance Parrish to replace Gardy?
  • Get ready for a whopping 16 teams in the MLB playoffs — permanently — or even more! Ya like that idea?
  • Since Denny has ZERO interest in hockey, that must mean none of YOU cares about hockey — right? Bob still pays tribute to two famous Michigan hockey products.
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History” then wages another battle with Bob over YOUR Mailbag. WHEW! What a DAY! Those stories and more right here. Be ready!

Episode 177: “Matt Patricia Looks Done Already”

Matt Patricia

Fans don’t even know what to say anymore.

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

  • Bob Page had some technical difficulties this morning, so he’s taking the day off.
  • The Detroit Lions have dropped their 11th straight game.
  • Eli rolls through every Lions coach since the 1970’s. How many more losses until Matt Patricia is FINALLY fired? Peter King says is look DONE.
  • The NFL ratings are way down and despite the reasons we laid out last week, Eli believes that the games have lost legitimacy.
  • Some MAJOR injuries in Week 2 include Saquon Barkley, Jimmy Garoppolo, Nick Bosa, Christian McCaffrey, Drew Lock and others.
  • Fred Heumann joins us mid-show to rip the Lions a little bit more.
  • The guys show some
  • Ron Gardenhire has stepped down as manager of the Tigers. Who will be the next coach? The boys argue that the team won’t go anywhere until Miguel Cabrera is gone.
  • Justin Verlander may be finished as he is to undergo Tommy John surgery. Denny sees some light at the end of the tunnel.
  • ANOTHER sports guy is in trouble for criticizing ESPN’s Maria Taylor. This time, because she left Anthony Davis off the 1st, 2nd and 3rd All-NBA Teams.
  • Bryson DeChambeau destroyed the competition at the U.S. Open. We debate his unconventional play.
  • Eli with “This Day in Sports History,” the mailbag gets praise… on the mailbag, and much more right here!

Episode 176: D Mac: Amazing Story, GREAT Interview!

Daren McCarty

I bleed red and white. 

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

  • “The game’s too fast. I don’t think I could’ve played now.” One of the most popular players in Wings’ history, guest DARREN McCARTY, has a LOT to say with us!
  • Guest HOST Fred Heumann has covered The Big Ten(14) for many years so HE has a lot to say about conference football suddenly — huh? — being back ON now?
  • Michigan QB Dylan McCaffrey is just the latest college player to opt out of the season. But the boys agree: this AIN’T about COVID-19.
  • With a near-certain loss at Green Bay Sunday, Bob takes a peek at the FLs’ schedule and MAY yet get Denny to flip-flop on a coaching change.
  • Yep, Mr. Heumann should fit right in with THIS show. Wait’ll you hear him utterly DESTROY Matt Patricia!
  • So, are we watching football games on TV — or oh-so-hot young women hosting a fashion show?! Shame on gals like Maria Taylor? No. Shame on The Empty Suits.
  • Eek! Oh, NO! It’s (gulp) those big bullies, the Cleveland Indians, licking their chops over the Tigers series this weekend — but all is NOT lost for the future.
  • Ever researched why those famous figures are on the front of “Sgt Peppers?” How about also researching why DIFFERENT famous figures are now “seated” at Comerica?
  • Bob gets us up to speed on the NBA and NHL playoffs. Denny responds to him, “Who cares?! NOBODY’S gonna watch!”
  • The U.S. Open is underway — right after the U.S. Open just ENDED Sunday! This time it’s GOLF. Denny, ahem, claims to have nearly tamed fabled Winged Foot.
  • With Eli off, we’ll save his “This Day in Sports” for Monday’s show, but Bob’s got YOUR mailbag and WE’VE got much more — right here.

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 173: Detroit’s own Ernie Whitt: CANADIAN Sports God!

Ernie Whitt

I tricked them for a lot of years!

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

  • “I might be the best manager who was never hired.” Yet ERNIE WHITT had one helluva playing career with the Blue Jays. The Detroit native joins us!
  • One of the toughest opponents Denny’s Detroit Tigers ever faced has left us. Our thoughts on the passing of Lou Brock.
  • The Tigers lost their critical series at Minnesota, but the boys are still impressed by what they’ve seen from many of the youngsters.
  • College football is BACK! Well, ya know, KIND OF “back.” Is it getting too late for the Big Ten(14!) to try to play?
  • The NFL WILL play starting Thursday night! Bob wonders how much of a BLM demonstration there might be, on and off the field.
  • The Lions signed one of the most famous names in football: running back Adrian Peterson. But will it really help this sad-sack franchise?
  • Eli LOVES his playing but is underwhelmed by his apparent I.Q.! Dustin Johnson vying for (gulp!) $15 million at the PGA Tour Championship. 
  • Part of a wild Labor Day sports weekend: Novak Djokovic DQs himself from the US Open? Kirk Herbstreit weeping on TV?
  • Those stories, Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment and 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 171: “I BLEED Green and White!”

Lorenzo White in Spartans uniform

Lorenzo White…the former Spartan great.

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

  • Bo Jackson stole HIS Heisman! And so did Tim Brown! Ex-MSU superstar running back LORENZO WHITE is our guest!
  • Eli starts the show by admitting he’s depressed these days with the world SO messed up. Bob: Join the club.
  • The Tigers have found life again! They’re challenging for the playoffs. Denny is NOT impressed. Ditto with Casey Mize.
  • Is there life still left in the old man? Miggy smacks his 2,000th career hit as a Tiger and is having FUN again!
  • COVID-19 on the wane? The NBA now says it’s going to open its bubble to friends and family of the players.
  • Dustin Johnson really impresses Denny and Eli despite falling in a playoff Sunday to a miraculous putt.
  • One of the legends of college basketball has died. Bob’s not the only guy who had issues with John Thompson.
  • Excuse me, WHAT was that amazing pitching line on Denny McLain again?! Even HE can’t believe it.
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment — and much more right here!

Episode 170: Oh, NO! The Grim Reaper COMETH!

Stu Grimson

Who was that man gone mad?!

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

  • A “reluctant warrior?” You’d never have known it from watching STU GRIMSON fight! “The Grim Reaper” is our guest!
  • Rioting across the country, violence, looting and SO many sports events canceled over a police shooting of a black man.
  • Famous black sportswriter Jason Whitlock has had enough, though. He calls LeBron a “bigot;” claims he’s promoting racism!
  • How to protest racial injustice, make a strong point —  but do it in a much better way? Bob says check out the NHL.
  • Casey Mize — so FAR? Meh. Denny has some advice for the Tigers’ rookie: you’ve got a fastball, kid. USE IT!
  • In this bastardized MLB season the ALL-STAR BREAK is now upon us! Well, at least its the mid-way point of the schedule.
  • Ex-MLB pitcher Lary Sorensen out of the University of Michigan tells Bob he too was “examined” by Dr. Robert Anderson.
  • So ya thought a TEN-PART series on Jordan was waaayy too long? Denny’s got a role in a new 20-part series on Mantle!
  • Eli has “This Day in Sports History,” Bob’s got YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here!