Nolan Ryan

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 164: The Amazing Baseball Odyssey of Jim Essian

Jim Essian wearing A's hat

Crisscrossing America for 17 years!

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

  • Just say “no” — to BO?! To ARA? To DUFFY?! How one of Detroit’s greatest all-around athletes, JIM ESSIAN, did it! 
  • The PGA Championship is underway! With NO fans —  AND with Eli asking a good question about two top stars.
  • While MLB is a mess, the NHL and NBA “bubbles” seem to be working. But hockey and basketball in AUGUST?  
  • And Bob sez, “C’mon, how much does ‘Black Lives Matter’ REALLY mean in the NHL?”
  • Imagine! College football players to coaches: “Here’s a list of demands or we’re not playin’!” THIS is happening NOW.
  • Why this CRAZY Big Ten schedule!? M v OSU in OCTOBER? Producers Brandon McAfee and Marc Fellhauer think THEY know. 
  • Kelly Stafford is furious at the NFL for Matt’s false-positive COVID test. Have OTHER testing mistakes been made?
  • Is our P.C. society SO nuts that a coach can’t even QUOTE someone dropping an “N-Bomb?” Black players USE it!
  • We MUST support local journalism in our free country. But Bob wonders how much we’re willing to PAY to do so.
  • Those stories, “This Day in Sports,” a tribute to Denny in YOUR Mailbag — and much more right here!

Episode 158: SUPER-Sub Johnny Grubb!

Johnny Grubb batting

Everybody understood what our roles were.

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

  • 1984 Tigers hero JOHNNY GRUBB joins the boys on his long MLB career, playing for Sparky AND Duke Snider — and more!
  • What’s NEXT in this wacko P.C. world? One of the great powers in college basketball forced to change ITS nickname too?!
  • Chase Elliott has won the NASCAR All-Star Race before 20,000 REAL fans! Bob asks why the major sports can’t have fans too?
  • Would it help your enjoyment if ALL sports teams used fake crowd noise and fan cut-out figures in the seats? You GOT it!  
  • Is playing on the PGA Tour without fans EASIER? Denny says NO. Everybody in golf seems to say YES!
  • Excited about phenom Casey Mize pitching for Detroit this year? Denny sees a BIG potential problem for him already!
  • The NBA’s “Bubble” apparently has a big hole in it now — but only if you’re a hot 20-something young woman.
  • Eli has This Day in Sports which includes one of the worst collisions ever seen in baseball.
  • Those stories, You-Know-Who on the Hammond Organ in YOUR mailbag segment 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 126: Will the REAL Scotty Please Stand Up?!

Ken Dryden and Scotty Bowman

We have so many questions.

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

  • One of the GREAT goalies ever, Ken Dryden, joins us to discuss his new book on Scotty Bowman and more!
  • It’s Opening Day in MLB — NOT! No baseball, no toilet paper and Bob says no cereal either!
  • IF we have baseball again, could it go into late DECEMBER? Would they REALLY play 7-inning doubleheaders?
  • As usual, it’s Bob vs Eli & Denny on Coronavirus as millions of Americans now face economic DISASTER!
  • Mets star pitcher Noah Syndergaard needs Tommy John surgery. But NOW? Is this “essential” surgery?
  • Quick, what do Dick Egan and Rod Allen have in common? Denny: Dick WHO?
  • Thank goodness for all the Brady/Belichick news to keep us entertained! Tom joins an ex-FLs star.
  • And now another legendary Patriot is ALSO out, proving again that Bill Belichick doesn’t care WHO you are!
  • A listener is claiming WHAT about Eli? That story’s among those in YOUR weekly mailbag.
  • And it’s all coming up right here!

Episode 123: Our Ron LeFlore Interview? All You THOUGHT It’d Be!

Black and white stylized photo of Ron LeFlore

I’ll believe it when I hear it…

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

  • Whaddya know? He DID finally make it on the show! And YOU won’t wanna miss the boys’ chat with RON LeFLORE!.
  • Life without sports is BORING! Or is it? Eli, Denny and Bob haven’t missed it much — so far.
  • As the Coronavirus pandemic (PANIC!) reaches new lows we highlight news from the sports world:
  • The NFL’s CBA has been approved  — but do we really need even MORE football?!
  • Another day, another Tom Brady story. The latest claims Bill Belichick MAY be cutting off his nose to spite his face.
  • Rick Pitino is the new head coach WHERE?! IONA?! Bob explains what that is and WHY Pitino probably did this. 
  • Ex-Tiger Ruppert Jones and many others want to know what we’ll be talking about with no sports going on.
  • Well, Rupe, when the going gets tough, the tough …! Eli and Denny have the, uh, latest from women’s soccer and gymnastics.
  • As always, we hear from our listeners in YOUR mailbag segment. 
  • Oh, and what else was it that we wanted to mention? Hmmm … oh, yeah! Happy 70th birthday to Eli Zaret!
  • Those stories and much more right here.

Episode 122: “Panic at the DISCO?” Panic EVERYWHERE!!!

Group of medical face masks

It’s not panic. It’s called precaution.

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

  • The most famous AND controversial ump in MLB, COWBOY JOE WEST, joins us today with LOTSA great stories!
  • Stand by, ladies and gents, cuz ELI ZARET has a special announcement to make! Whether you’ll believe him is …
  • Help! Help! We’re ALL gonna DIE of Coronavirus! At least Eli and Denny seem to think so. BOB calls “bulls—!”
  • Sports betting is now legal and open for business in Michigan! Only problem is, there may not be any sports to bet on.  
  • First tennis, then college basketball tournaments, then the NBA and MORE! OMG, what will we DO without SPORTS?!
  • Um, spend more time with our loved ones and friends? (Gasp!) read BOOKS? Get off the couch and go work out?
  • The TPC is still on — as of THIS writing. Can slumping Brooks Koepka win? HE sez he’s gotten some VERY special help.
  • Tom Brady is launching a production company. Make Eli LAUGH! HE knows what a daunting thing that is to do.
  • Ex-MSU football assistant Curtis Blackwell is back with ANOTHER lawsuit, now alleging Mark Dantonio is a RACIST! Yeah, right.
  • Gronk to become WHAT? A pro wrestler for the WWE? Our resident expert, producer Brandon McAfee, is all over it! 
  • Those stories, YOUR mailbag segment and much more right here.

Episode 116: Leave It To — BEEZER!

John Vanbiesbrouck's Florida Panther jersey

That’s the way he rolls.

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

  • One of the greatest hockey names in Michigan history, long-time NHL goalie John Vanbiesbrouck, is our guest!
  • There’s WHAT Saturday night? Eli laments that a World Heavyweight Boxing Championship is just not a big deal anymore. 
  • U-M basketball comes up with an impressive and important win at Rutgers — without Isaiah Livers.
  • It’s official. Ex-Michigan coach John Beilein is out as head coach of the Cadaverliers. Eli’s seen THIS movie before.
  • Denny comes up with a GREAT suggestion on how MLB should punish the Astros!
  • Could Giancarlo Stanton really have hit 80 homers in 2017 if HE had cheated too? Denny says NO WAY! Bob says WAY! .
  • Aubrey Huff’s idiotic Tweets have cost him an invite to the reunion of the Giants’ 2010 World Series champions. But is it right?
  • And the hits just keep on comin’! STILL more trouble for MSU football and its former head coach Mark Dantonio.
  • Meanwhile, Michigan football now has its OWN scandal going on and Eli knew the creep who was responsible for it all.
  • NASCAR’s Ryan Newman almost DIES at Daytona, Alan Trammell COULD have in a snowmobile crash! Bob doesn’t get the “need for speed.”
  • What Piston just hit the NBA Lottery? That story, “Piggy” comes to YOUR mailbag and much more right here.

Episode 75: Tigers Great Lance Parrish Has a Whole LOT on His Mind!

Lance Parrish in Detroit Tigers uniform

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.