Puttin' Up Numbers

Jim Hart was undrafted out of Southern Illinois “The Harvard of the Midwest” but went on to play 19 years at QB in St. Louis and Washington.  Leading the “Cardiac Cards” of the 70s, he was a 4X Pro Bowler, NFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1974 and NFL Man of the Year in 1975.  When he retired, only Johnny Unitas and Fran Tarkenton had thrown for more yards and he was 10th all-time in touchdown passes.  His 23 career game winning drives is on par with Hall of Famers YA Tittle, Ken Stabler, Dan Fouts and Terry Bradshaw. After his playing days he was a successful restaurateur, broadcaster and was Athletic Director at his alma mater, SIU.  He was enshrined in the Cardinals Ring of Honor in 2017 2:47 – “My friend. My mentor. My Quarterback.”Tom's boyhood idol (and former boss) Jim Hart joins the final episode of Season 1 to talk about #17, acting in the movie Paper Lion, wearing Billy Kilmer's #17 in Washington, practicing on Thanksgiving Day and much more.17:47 – “Let's start with football in honor of Jim Hart.”We lead off with football which includes Braylon Edwards, Jake Delhomme and Dave Krieg along with Red Badgo, Charlie Ward, Billy Kilmer and Dandy Don Meredith. Contenders are Jim Hart, Doug Williams and Harold Carmichael.25:44 – “See if you can figure out which is one of my all-time favorite players.”Keith Hernandez, Dizzy Dean and Scott Rolen topline the list with nods to Mickey Rivers, Oscar Gamble, Dock Ellis, Mark Grace and others.33:34 – “Let's get to basketball.”Handsome SOB Rick Fox is a sentimental favorite while lesser-known players like Jim Pollard, Don Barksdale and Gene Conley take Honorable Mention. Mullin and Havlicek make strong cases as Contenders.40:48 – “First Wendel Clark.”Three hockey guys. Wendel Clark, Rod Brind'Amour and Jarri Kurri. David Pearson also gets a shout out in NASCAR (again).42:27 – “The great Hollywood icon.”Our last Screen Stars lines up thusly:Steve Carlson as Steve Hanson in Slap Shot (1977)Alan Alda as George Plimpton in Paper Lion (1968)Jim Hart as Jim Hart in Paper Lion (1968)Charlton Heston as Cat Catlan in Number One (1969)Matt Stone as Doug Remer in BASEketball (1998)Sylvester Stallone (car) as Joe Tanto in Driven (2001)44:33 – “A freak injury sustained during a coin toss.”Derrick Rose AwardDenny McLainHall of ShameBob OjedaTurk Edwards Plaxico "Cheddar Plax" Burress50:15 – “Why not just totally change our format completely?”Top current #17's (now by sport)Football – Philip RiversHockey – Ilya KovalchukBaseball – Kris BryantBasketball – Dennie Schroder53:16 – “Back and to the left.”The Hall of Fame list for #17:John HavlicekJarri KurriDizzy DeanChris MullinKeith HernandezOur sincere thanks to everyone who listened and supported season 1. We'll be back at a time and place of our choosing, but feel free to hit us up on the Interwebs anytime!

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson played 14 NFL seasons with Houston, Atlanta and Washington and 1 year in Canada. A wide receiver and return specialist, his famous “funky chicken” end zone dance made him an all-time favorite. He was also a 3X All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl 3X including winning the MVP of the game in 1975. He's also a member of the College Football HOF and the NFL's All-Decade teams of the 70s & 80s. He's also on the NFL's 75th & 100th Anniversary All-Time teams and is the only member of the 75th Anniversary team not (yet) in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.3:12 – “Wow. I was glad it did.”Billy “White Shoes” Johnson talks about #84 as well as his college number (#46), #81 with the Falcons and his love for #24 which he wore in Canada. And there's more. Much, much more.14:33 – “Let's dive into number 84.”Tom starts with the hockey list which consists of Guillaume Latendresse and Mikhail Grabovski. That's it.  That's the list! Rudy then hops in the Ron Baker and Chris Webber in basketball and we round it out (literally) with Prince Fielder and JT Snow.19:32 – “Let's get going with Bob Trumpy.”The football list for #84 is loaded with talent. Bob Trumpy, Webster Slaughter, TJ Houshmandzadeh (shout out to Michael Hoomanawanui), Jerry Robinson, Javon Walker, Jack Snow, Gene Washington, Brent Jones, Jay Novacek, Joey Galloway, Antonio Brown, Roddy White, Herman Moore, Billy “White Shoes” Johnson (again), Gary Clark (and Gary Clark, Jr.), Randy Moss and Shannon Sharpe.31:39 – “One is the aforementioned Jack Snow .”Screen Stars for #84:Mike Lookinland as Bobby Brady in The Brady Bunch (1 episode in 1973)Jack Snow as Cassidy in Heaven Can Wait (1978) 32:56 – “Let's do the Derrick Rose Award first.”Derrick Rose Award for #84:Darryl StingleySterling SharpeHall of Shame for #84:Zeke Mowatt36:20 – “Anybody who went to Harvard and is in the NFL . .  .”Heat Check list for #84:Jack Doyle Cordarrelle Patterson Irv Smith Jr.  John Curtiss Cameron Brate 39:10 – “Let's go to the Hall of Fame.” Hall of Famers for #84:Randy MossShannon SharpeSterling SharpeGary ClarkBilly "White Shoes" JohnsonThanks to David Fletcher from the Texas Bowl for helping us to get Billy “White Shoes” Johnson on the pod. Check out the Texas Bowl HERE.

Sports memorabilia guru and all-around good dude Tracy Hackler of Panini America joins the fun to talk about the explosion in popularity of sports trading cards and memorabilia, the effect of uniform numbers on card value, cutting up a perfectly good rare Babe Ruth jersey and watching Ryan Leaf's NFL career implode before it began.Our GuestTracy Hackler has spent the majority of his career talking about sports trading cards. You know those 2 ½ x 3 ½ pieces of cardboard gold that many of us collected as kids. So yes, he's got a better job than you do. For more than a decade now Tracy has been running point on all communications and marketing for Panini America, the collectibles giant based in Dallas-Fort Worth. Panini produces official trading cards for the NFL, NBA, college football and NASCAR as well as baseball and World Cup soccer cards. Over the past couple of years – and especially the past few months – Panini and the entire sports collectibles category has enjoyed a revival of sorts. Sports cards are super cool again and innovators like Tracy continue to push the envelope to make guys like us want to dig into our savings accounts to buy the next ultra-limited edition titanium-infused autograph jersey card of Zion Williamson. 3:35 – “I can retire now.”Sports memorabilia guru, and all-around great guy Tracy Hackler chops it up with Rudy and Tom. Rudy also takes a victory lap over his first-ever brilliant guest introduction.4:39 – “It's been a pretty surreal six months.”Tracy talks about the resurgence in popularity of sports trading cards and memorabilia.5:50 – “Anaheim '91 was kinda the Catalina Wine Mixer for card people.”The National as it's known is THE event if you're a collector. We're dropping knowledge all over the place in this podcast!6:55 – “From the late 90s to 2010 . . .”The proliferation of products and innovations beyond just cards has moved the entire industry forward. Jerseys, bats, cleats, socks . . . Panini destroys it all and puts it in your hands.8:40 – “The more peculiar the item . . .”Tracy discusses NASCAR tires and other hand-made items that have become cards and collectibles.9:28 – “I really don't die inside.”Tracy explains how players have become savvy to the value of their jerseys and memorabilia in general. He also relays the story of cutting up one of three known Babe Ruth jerseys which means he's certainly going to be haunted by The Babe either now or in the future.11:20 – “How do they matter?”Rudy asks about jersey numbers and cards and how the two intersect. For example, a John Elway card that is #7 of 50 in existence commands a premium price. Again, the more you know.12:56 – “An education at a small liberal arts institution in the northeast.”The value of cards and memorabilia has exploded with collectors and even investors getting into the act.14:43 – “That is a great question and I'm glad you asked that.”Naturally a great question to Tracy about how a change of uniform number or a change of teams/uniforms affects both the sentimental and monetary value of cards and memorabilia for collectors.16:12 – “The NBA has always been really forward thinking.”Tracy discusses the NBA's approach to appealing to an international audience and the effect of increased education from Players Associations.18:24 – “Tracy was at the crossroads of greatness and not greatness.”It is revealed that Tracy was the unnamed friend who had a front row seat to watch Ryan Leaf's NFL career implode before it ever began at the Quarterback Challenge in 1998.Thanks to Tracy Hackler. Check him out on the Interwebs at https://www.paniniamerica.net

Jake "The Snake" Plummer drops in to talk about #16, comparisons to Joe Montana, a near-miss National Championship, his friendship with Pat Tillman and life after football for a 45-year old retiree.  Plus, strong contenders in all sports, a Hall of Shame you can probably see coming down Main St. and a loaded Hall of Fame class.Our GuestJake Plummer came within 100 seconds of winning a National Championship at Arizona State in 1996. That year he was named All-American, Pac-10 Offensive Player of the year and finished 3rd in Heisman Trophy voting. He played 10 seasons in the NFL with Arizona and Denver. In 1998 he led the Cardinals to an upset win over the Cowboys to notch the team's first playoff win in 51 years. And with Denver he broke John Elway's franchise records and led the Broncos to the 2005 AFC Championship game. Since he retired in 2006 he's been active in a variety of causes including Alzheimer's and CBD research and he's the Co-Founder of ReadyList Sports, an interactive playbook learning and testing technology. He's a member of the College Football Hall of Fame and can beat you at any game you can come up with . . .2:50 – “Even if I might be greater at the sport, I might not care.”Jake “The Snake” Plummer shares the story behind #16, his 10 year NFL career, the life and legacy of Pat Tillman and his new business venture, ReadyList Sports.13:28 – “So Rudy, here we go.”We lead off with football and college greats Chuck Long, Chris Weinke, Gary Beban, Johnny U., Norm Snead, some Bears guys, Snake Stabler, Snake Plummer and Peyton Manning. Contenders are Jim Plunkett, Frank Gifford, George Blanda, Len Dawson and Joe Montana.21:03 – “Our lone contender.”Whitey Ford is the only contender in baseball, but that doesn't stop us from talking about Hal Newhouser, Bo Jackson, Frank Viola, Rick Monday and Hideo Nomo among others.25:00 – “Wang Zhizhi.”Basketball sentimental favorites Wang Zhizhi, Al and Allie McGuire. Honorable Mention for Satch Sanders and Red Holtzman and Contender status for Tom Burleson, Cliff Hagan, Jerry Lucas, Peja Stojakovic, Al Attles and Bob Lanier.30:00 – “One of the greatest mustaches.”Hockey players of note are Brett Hull, Marcel Dionne, Bobby Clarke, Henri Richard, Pat Lafontaine and Michel Goulet.32:49 – “I'm watching soccer shows . . . and I'm liking ‘em.”Roy Keane, Greg Biffle and Jack Brabham get some love as do soccer and racing documentaries on Netflix.35:14 – “Screen stars, baby.”Screen Stars sporting #16 on the silver screen:Keanu Reeves as Shane Falco in The Replacements (2000)Warren Beatty as Joe Pendleton in Heaven Can Wait (1978)Vince Vaughn as Peter LaFleur n Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story (2004)Mac Davis as Seth Maxwell in North Dallas Forty (1979)Anthony Michael Hall as Whitey Ford in 61” (2001) 44:48 – “If you don't see this one coming . . .”Derrick Rose AwardDwight GoodenJose FernandezHall of ShameRyan Leaf43:37 – “Which brings us to the Heat Check.”Top current #16's:Pau GasolTrevor LawrenceJared GoffTyler LockettAlexsander BarkovShout out to Kolten Wong and Will Smith. Also, bite me Andre Ethier.48:12 – “It's the old man of the sea.”The Hall of Fame list for #16:Joe Montana Whitey FordBob Lanier Brett HullGeorge BlandaOur thanks to our friends Jamey Crimmins and Jake “The Snake” Plummer for supporting the podcast. Learn more about Jake's latest venture here: http://readylistsports.com

Mark Hilinski discusses the life & legacy of his son Tyler, a former Washington St. QB who died by suicide in 2018 and the work of the Hilinski's Hope Foundation. Plus, Screen Stars, Heat Check and the Hall of Fame is not to be missed.Our GuestMark and Kym Hilinski have three sons, their middle-child's name was Tyler. He wore #3 as a  starter at Washington State where he engineered one of the greatest comebacks in the history in program history against Boise State in 2017. Just 4 months after that memorable win, Tyler took his own life  - though he never showed signs of depression or struggle. That same year Mark & Kym founded The Hilinski's Hope Foundation, a non-profit organization formed to promote mental health awareness and education for student-athletes. Last week, was Hilinski's Hope's inaugural College Football Mental Health Week, which culminated in the first 3DAY, where players raised three fingers in the third quarter in tribute to Tyler and to bring awareness to The Foundation's mission to educate, advocate, and eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness. 4:05 – “Thanks for having me, you guys.”Mark Hilinski shares his thoughts on the life and legacy of his son Tyler, the work of the Hilinski's Hope Foundation and what more can be done to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health. 14:39 – “Rudy, we've got a packed number 3 show.”Football Honorable Mentions go to Joe Montana, Carson Palmer and Daryle Lamonica. The Contenders are Jan Stenerud, Bronko Nagurski, Mark Moseley and Tony Canadeo.20:10 – “Basketball's loaded with really, really good #3's.”Basketball Sentimental Favorites include John Starks, Damon Stoudamire, Mahmoud Abdul-Rauf, Steve Francis and Tracy McGrady. Honorable Mentions are Ben Wallace, Stephon Marbury, Shareef Abdur-Rahim and Rex Chapman and Contenders are Dennis Johnson, Dwyane Wade and Allen Iverson.28:16 – “It is a Who's Who.”Baseball jumps next with Sentimental Favorite Ken Griffey, Jr. Honorable Mentions go to Dale Murphy, Alan Trammell, Harold Baines, Bill Terry, Earl Averill and Alex Rodriguez. Contenders are Harmon Killebrew, Jimmie Foxx and Babe Ruth.36:43 – “Let's dive into hockey just real quick .”Hockey players of note are Pierre Pilote, Butch Bouchard, Marcel Pronovost & Harry Howell. Also, a NASCAR shout out to Dale Earnhardt “All I wanna do is race, Daddy.”38:27 – “We got 15 dudes . . .”Screen Stars wearing #3 on the silver screen:Jackie Earle Haley as Kelly Leak in Bad News Bears (1976)Michael Caine as Capt. John Colby in Victory (1981)Stan Shaw as Esquire Joe Callaway in Bingo Long (1976) Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey in It's A Wonderful Life (1946)Mike Vitar as Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez in The Sandlot (1993)Rhys Ifans as Nigel Gruff in The Replacements (2000)John Goodman as Babe Ruth in The Babe (1992)Liev Schreiber as Ross Rhea in Goon (2011)Paul Newman (car) as Frank Capua in Winning (1969)Barry Pepper (car) as Dale Earnhardt in 3 (2004) John Candy as Spike Nolan in Brewster's Millions (1985)Joe Massingill as Bo Gentry in Trouble with the Curve (2012) – Scott Baio as Buff Saunders in The Boy Who Drank Too Much (1980)Shad Moss as Calvin Cambridge in Like Mike (2002)Robert Downey, Jr as Leo Wiggins in Johnny Be Good (1988)44:48 – “From the sublime to the ridiculous.”Derrick Rose AwardDale EarnhardtDrazen PetrovicBob GassoffHall of ShameSebastian Telfair35:33 – “Number ten is home cookin'.”Awesome Heat Check list for #3:Russell WilsonChris PaulBryce HarperAnthony DavisStephen Gostows

Denver Broncos legend Karl Mecklenburg joins the pod to talk about #77, his 6 Keys to Success and  being on the doorstep of the Hall of Fame. We've also got a heated Derrick Rose Award field and an impressive Heat Check list that could be Hall of Fame contenders soon.Our GuestKarl Mecklenburg went from being a college walk-on and 12th round pick to a spectacular NFL career highlighted by 3 Super Bowl appearances. He played 12 seasons for the Denver Broncos and was a 3X All-Pro and 6X Pro Bowler. He also sometimes played all 7 positions on the defensive front in the same game. Since retiring in 1994, he's become a popular public speaker and is the only former NFL player to earn the designation of Certified Speaking Professional. He's a member of the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame, The Broncos Ring of Honor and is an 10-time semifinalist for the Hall of Fame.2:52 – “Number 77 was the third number I got from the Broncos.”Broncos great Karl “The Snow Goose” Mecklenburg joins the podcast to talk about #77, his 6 Keys to success, bring a 10-time semi-finalist for the Hall of Fame and more.13:21 – “Rudy, let's dive right into number 77.”We start with football, tipping our caps to Honorable Mention players Orlando Brown, Sr., Stan Mauldin, Dick Schafrath, Jim Jeffcoat and AJ Duhe.  The Contenders are Karl Mecklenburg, Jim Parker, Willie Roaf and Red Grange, “The Galloping Ghost' (he could do a 95 going coast to coast.)20:14 – “We have hockey guys aplenty.”For the first time in PUN history we have a bevy of hockey greats associated with our number du jour. Pierre Turgeon, Adam Oates, Phil Esposito, Paul Coffey and Ray Borque are all lauded here for their contributions.23:58 – “I think the great Georghe Muresan.”Rudy hits our basketball Honorable Mention list with 7'7” legend Georghe Muresan, first pick bust Andrea Bargnani and Vladimir Radmanovic, the NBA player with the longest tenure in #77.25:35 – “So, the Hall of Famer is Ducky Medwick . . .”Baseball has two stars, Ducky Medwick, who wore 9 different numbers and obvious steroid user Ivan “Pudge” Rodriguez.27:12 – “We are going so deep it's unbelievable.”Screen Stars wearing #77 on the silver screen:Jsu Garcia as Cerulo in Wildcats (1986)Abraham Benrubi as Bud-Lite Kaminski in The Program (1993)Christopher Severio as Brandon Burlsworth in Greater (2016) Romany Malco as Darren Roanoke in The Love Guru (2008)28:55 – “Let me have a couple moments here.”Rudy leads a discussion of how The Program could've been a better movie and then Tom steers the conversation back to Wildcats.30:44 – “Let's move on to the Hall of Shame and the Derrick Rose Award.”These categories for #77 are a real bummer, but here's the list:Derrick Rose AwardKorey StringerLyle AlzadoJim TyrerBrandon BurlsworthHall of ShameTony Mandarich35:33 – “We're gonna disinfect this podcast.”Awesome Heat Check list for #77:Luka DoncicTyron SmithVictor HedmanAndrew WhitworthTJ Oshie (USA! USA! USA!)Clint FrazierTaylor LewanTrent BrownMekhi Becton 41:39 – “Drumroll, please . . .”The definitive Hall of Fame list for #77:Red GrangeRay BorqueLuka DoncicPaul CoffeyWillie RoafOur thanks to Karl Mecklenburg. Check him out here: https://karlmecklenburg.comDon't forget to vote . . . also like, subscribe and rate while you're at it. You can do that as much as you want (not so much with the voting, however.)     

Steve Garvey joins the podcast to talk about #6, his time as a Dodgers batboy, his guest shot on Fantasy Island and more. We've also got our fathers' favorite players, plus Screen Stars, the Hall of Shame, the Heat Check and more. It's the joy of six!Our GuestSteve Garvey played 19-years in the big leagues for the Dodgers and Padres in the 70s & 80s. He's a 10X All-Star, 4X Gold Glove winner, was National League MVP in 1974 and won a World Series in 1981. His number 6 is retired in San Diego where his dramatic home run in the 1984 NLCS propelled the Padres to their first World Series appearance (take that, Cubbies!) Since he retired in 1987 he's become a highly sought-after speaker and marketing executive as well as serving on the board of the Baseball Assistance Team, a non-profit that helps former players through medical and financial hardships.0:55 – “Actually it broke in 1916.”Rudy tests the limits of the term “late breaking number news” with a treatise on the history of both uniform numbers and names on the back of jerseys.5:32 – “Oh, you kids grow up. I'm tellin' you . . .”We absolutely geek out on meeting Steve Garvey, a boyhood hero.19:06 – “Let's get into the contenders.”Name checks of the baseball also-rans for the #6. Guys like Sal Bando, Roy White, Paul Blair and more make the list.21:04 – “Appropriately we have six.”Rudy runs through our six baseball contenders for the Hall of Fame. Joe Torre, Stan Musial, Al Kaline, Steve Garvey, Ryan Howard and Tony Oliva.27:05 – “Since we don't have really any contenders . . . ”Football #6's is a rogues gallery. Jay Cutler, Bubby Brister, Marc Wilson, Robbie Bosco, Mark Sanchez, Rolf Benirschke, etc. etc.29:44 – “Let's do it.”Sentimental favorites and honorable mentions in baseball include a host of Hall of Famers who played forever ago as well as Patrick Ewing, Alfrederick “The Great” Hughes and Bonzi Wells. 30:49 – “I'm gonna tip off with Bill Russell.”The basketball contenders list is stacked. Walter Davis, Tyson Chandler, Walter Berry, Eddie Jones, LeBron James (in Miami), Julius Erving and Bill Russell.34:24 – “We'll do hockey real quick.”We also hit hockey – Toe Blake and Phil Housley and Mark Martin in NASCAR.35:56 – “It's time for Screen Stars."Screen Stars wearing #6 on the silver screen:James Caan as Jonathan E in Rollerball (1975)Pete Vuckovich as Clu Haywood in Major League (1989)Elvis Presley (car) as Steve Grayson in Speedway (1968)Scott Porter as Jason Street in Friday Night Lights (TV Series 2006-11)Mario Lopez as AC Slater in Saved By The Bell (TV Series 1989-92)Arian Foster as Ray Jennings in Draft Day (2014)40:24 – “And his name is Luis Pujols.”The Hall of Shame includes Luis “-5.14 WAR” Pujols. An all-field, no-hit catcher with the Astros among others.41:34 – “We've got Ace Bailey. Great name.”The Derrick Rose Award for #6 includes the sad story of Ace Bailey, the first NHL player to have his number retired and Bill Buckner, who had a great career tarnished by an error.43:32 – “We've got some Heat Check guys.”Listen to the pod for the honorable mentions, but here's the Heat Check list for #6:Baker MayfieldKristaps PorzingisDeAndre JordanAnthony RendonJohnny HekkerEric Bledsoe47:30 – “But what is even more awesome is we have our Hall of Fame.”Hall of Fame list for #6:Bill RussellStan MusialDr. JAl KalinePhil HousleySteve GarveyHat tip to Jorge Martin for helping us land Steve Garvey. Listen to Jorge's podcast here: http://familiaffb.com

Jim "The Rookie" Morris joins the show to talk about #63, what it's like to have Dennis Quaid play you in the story of your life and details on his new book Dream Makers. Plus, we've got a carload of NFL linemen and nearly forgotten baseball players to discuss and a mighty unusual Hall of Shame and Derrick Rose Award you won't want to miss.Our GuestOur guest has lived his very own Disney movie. Jim Morris was a high school baseball coach and science teacher who incredibly made the major leagues in 1999 at the ripe old age of 35. The story of his life and his rise to the majors became the blockbuster movie The Rookie, starring Dennis Quaid – A film that won the ESPY for Best Sports Movie in 2002. Since his playing days he's become a highly sought-after motivational speaker and in 2015 he launched the Jim “The Rookie” Morris Foundation which assists underprivileged children in and around San Antonio, Texas. His new book Dream Makers picks up where The Rookie left off – telling the story of his contentious relationship with his father, his struggles with pain and addiction and the transformative power of surrounding yourself with the best people possible.1:08 – “I do have some breaking Number News.”Rudy runs down the delay in Eli Manning's #10 retirement at Ole Miss and Christian Pulisic donning the coveted #10 with Chelsea.3:38 – “Glad to be here on Puttin' Up Numbers. Thank you.”Jim “The Rookie” Morris drops in to talk about #63, the movie of his life, his new book, Dream Makers and more.18:48 – “We do go deep."Rudy quickly rounds up the baseball, basketball and hockey #63's of note on our way to an extensive discussion of football players with the number of the day.29:49 – “We've got some good ones here.”An extensive discussion of football players wearing #63 including Hall of Famers Gene Upshaw, Willie Lanier, Dermontti Dawson, Dick Stanfel, Mike Munchak not to mention Ernie Holmes and Mike Singletary, “the college tackling machine” and more.30:19 – “What time is it, Rudy?.”Screen Stars returns with three actors wearing #63 on the silver screen:Dennis Quaid as Jim Morris in The Rookie (2002)Marcus Toji as Marcus “The Toe” in Little Giants (1994)Bud Spencer as Bulldozer in Uppercut (1978)32:02 – “Jocko Maggiacomo . . . a super fun name to say.”Jocko earns Hall of Shame honors for a crash with NASCAR legend Bobby Allison at Pocono in 1988 that left Allison dead . . . for a while.33:25 – “We like to make everything about ourselves of course.”Rudy relates the troubled past of former Raiders center Barret Robbins, our Derrick Rose Award winner. You may recall Robbins turned up missing the day before the 2002 Super Bowl which was only the beginning for him. Rudy and Tom flex about attending the 2002 Super Bowl and a scandalous Playboy party the night before where Hef used human plates.37:16 – “You could put these guys in a bag.”The Heat Check List:Brad Marchand Corey Linsley Sean Doolittle Tyler Ennis Ben Garland Michael Deiter 40:29 – “Four of them are NFL Players.”The Hall of Fame List for #63:Gene UpshawWillie LanierLee Roy SelmonDermontti Dawson Jim MorrisOur thanks to Jim Morris for joining us. Get his new book, Dream Makers here: https://www.jimtherookiemorris.com.

NFL great Steve Smith Sr. joins the show to talk about how he turned a negative into a positive with the number 89. He also shares how he was able to add “Sr.” to his jersey (it's more complicated than you think), what's he's had to learn as an NFL analyst, how he's helping his community in Charlotte and, like the rest of us, he wonders what's going on in Jacksonville.  All that and late-breaking number news, Screen Stars, the Hall of Shame, the Hall of Fame and more. Our GuestSteve Smith Sr. is one of the most prolific NFL receivers of the past 20 years. He played 16 seasons for the Panthers & Ravens and was a 5X Pro Bowl selection and 3X All-Pro. He practically owns the Panthers' record books as their all-time leader in TDs, receptions and receiving yards and is a member of the team's Hall of Honor. He's also in the NFL's Top 10 for career All-Purpose Yards and Receiving Yards. Since he retired after the 2016 season he's moved to the NFL Network where you can see him on Thursday Night Football coverage as well as NFL Total Access. Steve remains active in his community as well through the Steve Smith Family Foundation.1:18 – “It's baseball number news, regarding the number 89.”As luck would have it our Number News segment fits our number in question. Rudy details the exploits of the first player to wear #89 in MLB history.3:47 – “It's interesting. In college I wore 7, so I wanted 87."Future Hall of Famer Steve Smith Sr. joins us to talk about the number he never wanted, #89. 19:05 – “Well, let's dive into it.”Having already discussed baseball, Tom and Rudy talk about all-time great #89's in football, hockey, basketball and a NASCAR entry.27:03 – “We've got some good guys in here, man!”Screen Stars. Actors wearing #89 in movies and TV:Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid (1984) Fred Dryer as Rick Hunter in Hunter (1984-1991) Terry Crews in The Longest Yard remake that never happened. 30:15 – “We have a guy who checks all of those boxes.”The Derrick Rose Award (great careers ruined by circumstance) retells the sad story of NFL WR David Boston. We also discuss Hall of Shamer's Rae Carruth, Brian Blades and his lawyer (who we can only assume is Perry Mason) and the forgettable career of JK McKay and his connection to the Ol' Ball Coach.34:30 – “Let's jump into the Heat Check.”These are people who are still playing and vying for a spot someday on the Hall of Fame list.Marcedes Lewis Pavel Buchnevich Tyler Higbee Mark Andrews Mikkel Boedker Vance McDonald Sam Gagner Alex Tuch 37:10  – “Let's go for it.”The Hall of Fame List:1.      Gino Marchetti 2a.    Mike Ditka 2b.    Steve Smith, Sr. 4.      Alexander Mogilny 5.      Dave Robinson Our thanks to Baltimore Ravens SVP Chad Steele for helping us with Steve Smith Sr. You can see Chad during the Super Bowl usually towering over the MVP.  

Anyone can give you predictions, but only Puttin' Up Numbers gets you ready for the 2020 NFL season with all the number news you'll need.  The Puttin' Up Numbers NFL SPECIAL brings you news and notes on every team including top rookies, new faces in new places and more. It's everything you need and it's all right here, right now.NFC WEST2:00 – San Francisco 49ers2:42 – Seattle Seahawks3:54 – Los Angeles Rams5:40 – Arizona CardinalsNFC NORTH6:54 – Green Bay Packers7:14 – Minnesota Vikings8:36 – Chicago Bears10:05 – Detroit LionsNFC EAST10:51 – Philadelphia Eagles11:55 – Dallas Cowboys12:38 – New York Giants13:38 – Washington Football ClubNFC SOUTH14:59 – New Orleans Saints16;26 – Atlanta Falcons17:00 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers18:14– Carolina PanthersAFC NORTH18:45 – Baltimore Ravens19:21 – Pittsburgh Steelers19:56 – Cleveland Browns20:44 – Cincinnati BengalsAFC WEST21:07 – Kansas City Chiefs21:35 – Denver Broncos22:46 – Las Vegas Raiders23:42 – Los Angeles ChargersAFC EAST24:08 – New England Patriots24:49 – Buffalo Bills25:41 – New York Jets27:56 – Miami DolphinsAFC SOUTH29:16 – Houston Texans29:53 – Tennessee Titans30:20 – Indianapolis Colts31:35 – Jacksonville JaguarsCheck our social media accounts for late breaking uni number updates.

Legendary #10 Nancy Lieberman stops in to critique our Hall of Fame list. We also talk about her friendships with  Ali, Kobe, LeBron and Clyde, when a woman will finally become an NBA head coach, her thoughts on Zion's future and we cast an all-female version of Space Jam with Nancy leading the charge. Our GuestIt's hard to understate the impact Nancy Lieberman has had on the game of basketball. A true pioneer as a player, coach and broadcaster, she's a 2X National Champion in college, an Olympic medalist and WNBA veteran as both a player and a coach. She was the first female in history to be a head coach in a men's professional league, she's also been an assistant with the Sacramento Kings and won a championship as a head coach in the Big 3. She's now a broadcaster with the New Orleans Pelicans. And if there's a Hall of Fame, she's in it. That includes the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame and the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame among many others.She earned the nickname “Lady Magic” by honing her game at New York's legendary Rucker Park and wore #10 in honor of Knicks legend Walt Frazier.0:24 – “Rudy, we have something special today. What is it?”Although we hit the #10 with Ron Cey, we couldn't pass up the opportunity to talk with a basketball legend – Nancy Lieberman joins us for our #10 Extra Episode!1:37 – “There were two guys not mentioned who probably should've been.”Tom and Rudy kick off a bit of a Numbers News roundtable, finally giving props to Ron Santo and Chris Chambliss as well as exploring #0 in college football and previewing our upcoming NFL Special.9:01 – “It's good to be on the show.”Nancy Lieberman joins us and immediately takes issue with our selection of Fran Tarkenton as the all-time #10. She mentions how she demanded #10 from Jerry West when signing to play on the Lakers' Summer League team (coached by Pat Riley). Meeting her hero Walt Frazier14:50 – “That's what I did to my son, TJ. That's why he won't talk to me today.”Nancy shares the secret to becoming a baller. Her friendships with the likes of Kobe, LeBron, Muhammad Ali. Being fearless and women ultimately getting opportunities to be head coaches in the NBA.22:07 – “With the future of mankind in the balance . . .”Nancy picks her starting 5 for an all-female version of Space Jam where she is the head coach. Look out Monstars, you're facing Lisa Leslie, Cheryl Miller, Diana Taurasi, Chamique Holdsclaw and Anne Meyers.23:55 – “You have seen just a little snippet of what he can do.”As a Pelicans broadcaster Nancy sees superstar Zion Williamson up close and personal. She gives us her take on his very bright future in the NBA. She also shares her thoughts on the Suns, Mavericks, Luka and more.27:13 – “You know what, I really need to be a nicer person.” Nancy talks about Nancy Lieberman Charities and the importance of giving back, her time with Muhammad Ali and her thoughts on the future.Please rate and review Puttin' Up Numbers and tell your friends to listen. We do appreciate it.

Bailey, Barnes, Barry, Bonds, Bryant, Chelios, Gordon, Griffey, Henderson, Malone, Mays . . . the competition for the greatest #24 of all-time is absolutely STACKED.  Bill Cartwright, the catalyst of the great Bulls teams of the early 90s joins us to talk about the Bulls, The Last Dance, his love of the Say Hey Kid and more! It's an action-packed show featuring a brand-new segment from Mr. Rudy Klancnik himself.Our GuestBill Cartwright was a  key part of the one of the greatest dynasties in NBA history. He played 16 seasons for the Knicks, Bulls and Sonics and was co-captain of the Bulls teams that won three-straight NBA titles in the early 90s.  After his playing days he became a successful assistant coach with the Bulls, Nets and Suns and a part of 3 more championship teams. He was a two-time All-American at University of San Francisco and is still the Dons all-time leading scorer. His #24 is retired at USF alongside legends like Bill Russell and KC Jones where he is now Director of University Initiatives.1:31 – “This is the inaugural edition, ladies and gentlemen, of Number News.”Rudy debuts a sparkly new segment, Number News (which will eventually be called Rudy's Roundup). As the name states, it's news and notes of import in the uniform number world. 5:00 – “It's 16 years . . .”6-time NBA champ Bill Cartwright joins us and immediately corrects Tom on the number of years he played in the NBA. We also talk #24, the Bulls dynasty, The Last Dance, Willie Mays and why the Knicks still suck.11:08 – “I'm gonna kick it off, focusing on baseball.”Rudy talks great baseball #24's including Willie Mays, Ken Griffey Jr., Rickey Henderson and more. Football at 16:37. Basketball at 22:28. Hockey/NASCAR/Soccer at 31:23 35:07 – “You excited? You feelin' it?”Screen stars. Actors wearing #24 in movies and TV:Corbin Bernsen as Roger Dorn in Major League (1989)Fred “The Hammer” Williamson as Dr. Oliver Jones in MASH (1970)Toheeb Jimoh as Sam Obisanya in Ted Lasso (2020)Kadeem Hardison as Antoine Tyler in The Sixth Man (1997)Dylan O'Brien as Stiles Stilinski in Teen Wolf (2011-2017) 37:33 – “Now it's time for the Hall of Shame.”The Derrick Rose Award (great careers ruined by circumstance) goes to Nile Kinnick and Marvin “Bad News” Barnes. The Hall of Shame recipient is Brazilian Soccer as an institution for the taboo it has associated with #24.40:30 – “Let's focus on some Heat Check guys.”These are people who are still playing and vying for a spot someday on the Hall of Fame list.Miguel Cabrera Stephon Gilmore Robinson Cano Nick Chubb Devonta Freeman Josh NormanBuddy Hield Lauri Markkanen.Kaapo Kakko Johnathan Abram 45:13 – “Let's go for it.”The Hall of Fame List:Willie MaysKobe BryantRickey Henderson Jeff GordonKen Griffey, Jr. Our thanks to Frank Allocco at USF for helping us secure the interview with Bill Cartwright.Please tell your friends to download, listen, like, subscribe and rate us.  We do appreciate it.

Now that he's finally back at the helm, the genius behind America's greatest Twitter feed, Super 70s Sports, joins a Very Special Episode of Puttin' Up Numbers to talk (what else?) all things 70s. Ricky Cobb might not be a household name like Joe Namath, Howard Cosell or Evel Knievel but if your birthday falls anywhere from around 1960 to the mid-1970s, Ricky has established himself as a legend. Thanks to his super popular and super funny Twitter account, Super 70's Sports is a must follow for anyone who appreciates great humor, Oscar Gamble's Afro and cigarette ads that appear to spotlight serial killers. Oh, and if you're easily offended by some off-color language, follow someone else. Ricky talks as if you're sitting with him at a bar and you're already a couple of pitchers in. Our GuestRicky Cobb is a college professor by day and a Tweeting machine by night (and mornings, afternoons or basically whenever he can). When you're the father of five daughters plus two stepdaughters it's important to find some quiet time for yourself. Ricky has turned that quiet time into a fledgling media empire that now has him positioned to do everything from stand-up comedy to big-time production deals. With more than 375,000 followers and counting, Super ‘70s Sports captures an era of sports – and plenty of other stuff – that guys like us just can't get enough of. 1:30 – “Introductions are in order.”Ricky tells us that unlike our childhood heroes, he's got the athletic talent of a neighborhood dad. Hey, just like us!2:15 – “Looking for an outlet.”Describing the origin story behind one of the most popular Twitter feeds this side of Elon Musk, Ricky says that his love for comedy merged perfectly with his love of sports and the era of sports he grew up cheering for. And he says he's actually amazed to be talking to us clowns, which is the nicest thing any guest has ever said to us. Hand me a tissue.4:09 -“The balancing act.”Ricky's Twitter magic takes a ton of blood, sweat and tears. “I created a beast and that beast must be fed to the tune of a couple of dozen posts a day.” That type of pace makes the balancing act with family and the day job a world-class chore.7:06 - “The guys who produced the Evel Knievel commercial took all sort of liberties with physics.” Yes. Yes they did. Although this toy never landed on its wheels, the promotional spot on our TVs every Saturday morning showed him pulling off the perfect jump each and every time. Pathetic to play with the emotions of a 9-year-old.10:44 – “Wow. Rob and Chad Lowe retweeted me.”Ricky's “Welcome to the NFL” moment came first when Dale Murphy – yes, that Dale Murphy – followed him and then the brothers Lowe retweeted him. That's big time indeed.21:11 – “I just purchased the 1976 Topps football card set.”Affording the set that includes the vaunted Walter Payton Rookie Card really proves you've got game. Ricky grew up studying baseball and football cards like he was studying for a final exam. And if you spend more than 10 minutes following Super ‘70s Sports you're highly likely to see some of those sports cards. And why so many of those football cards included station wagons parked in the background is anyone's guess.32:51 – “Kelly Leak is the greatest Little League slugger in the history of our national pastime.”Ricky settles it. Kelly Leak, the chain-smoking, motorcycle riding and baseball smashing center fielder of Chico Bail Bonds' Bears sits atop Mount Olympus among other 1970s era sports comedy superstardom. Leak's #3 edged the likes of Reggie Dunlap, Paul Crewe, Nick Nolte and the legendary Bingo Long.Our thanks to the inimitable Ricky Cobb. Pick up some sweet 70s gear at the Super 70s Sports Store: https://www.super70ssportsstore.com

It's a YUGE show! ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas joins us to talk about legendary #21's, his appearance on The White Shadow, Young Jeezy, the state of college sports in a COVID-19 world, taking Barney the Dinosaur to court and more! It's an absolutely jam-packed show!Our GuestJay Bilas is one of the foremost analysts in college basketball today. A 4-year starter at Duke where he played on the first of Mike Krzyzewski's 12 Final Four teams. He also won back-to-back National Championships as a Duke assistant and got a law degree.  He's a 5X Emmy nominee, actor, author, likes Young Jeezy and has a first-rate Twitter account.2:08 – “Well, thank you for having me.”ESPN Analyst Jay Bilas joins us to dive right in on a jam-packed show. He reveals that he liked #21 because of Roberto Clemente. Plus he talks about The White Shadow, I Come In Peace, the state of college sports, taking Barney the Dinosaur to court, Young Jeezy and more.18:50 – “There are so many great number 21's . . .”Tom starts with the baseball list of notables which includes Carlos Delgado, Jeff Kent, Mike Hargrove, Ruben Sierra and Terry Puhl. The Greatest Generation gets some love with an accounting of the accomplishments of Hall of Famers Warren Spahn and Bob Lemon. Finally, we hit the contenders, Sammy Sosa (barely), Roger Clemens (begrudgingly) and Roberto Clemente.22:40 – “It's a great number for basketball.”Rudy hits the basketball contenders starting with Tim Duncan. Then Dominique Wilkins, Kevin Garnett and Bill Sharman.26:27 – “I almost named my son World B. Free.”Sentimental favorites include scorer supreme World B. Free, former Detroit Mayor Dave Bing and Vlade Divac – the first guy who could get you 20 pts., 12 rebounds and smoke 4 cigarettes in a game. Notables include Michael Cooper, Sleepy Floyd and Alvin Robertson.28:23 – “Cam Neely. Who is really known more for #8.”Hockey notables include Neely, Guy Carbonneau and Brent Sutter. Sentimental favorites are Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming and all-everything female Cammi Granato. Contenders are Stan Mikita, Peter Forsberg and Mike Eruzione.31:15 – “Wow! I love it. You're teasing Screen Stars.”Rudy really comes around on Screen Stars, tipping his hand on who this week's honoree will be. Go to 39:24 to hear Screen Stars which includes big-time actors Jesse Plemons, Matt Damon and Patrick “Don't Call Me McDreamy” Dempsey.31:34 – “One legendary #21 that drove a car for a living.”Rudy shouts out NASCAR legend David Pearson before hopping into football, where the notables are Charles Woodson, Tiki Barber, Eric Allen and James Brooks. Sentimental favorites are Barry Sanders, Desmond Howard, Jim Kiick, John Hadl and Cliff Branch. Contenders are LaDainian Tomlinson and Neon Deion Prime Time Sanders.44:19 – “An official unit of measure, the buttload.”We segue into the Derrick Rose Award:Curt FloodSean TaylorKen CaminitiAnd the Hall of Shame:Rumeal RobinsonJay Johnstone50:04 – “I'll attack this list with vigor.”Heat Check for #21:Joel EmbiidWalker BuehlerZeke ElliottTodd GurleyFrank GorePatrick PetersonZach Grienke Todd FrazierHassan WhitesideBrayden Point54:35 – “Remind us of the order that Jay put it in.”Our first disagreement as a married couple on the Hall of Fame List:Roberto Clemente (Rudy would have Tim Duncan here)Tim DuncanRoger ClemensDeion Sanders Stan Mikita Buy Jay Bilas' book Toughness HERE. You can see him on TV just by turning it on.

Future Hall of Famer Nick Mangold stops by to talk about #74, BBQ, his work with the Answer the Call Foundation and how he's dealing with 4 kids under 9-years of age.  We talk about the bumper crop of #74's in the Hall of Fame, Rudy's favorite Fast and Furious movie and our distaste for The Blind Side and Rudy. Plus a Hall of Shame that puts all other Hall of Shamer's to shame and, of course, our #74 Hall of Fame.Our GuestNick Mangold played 11 years at center for the New York Jets.  He was the 29th pick overall in the 2006 NFL Draft and went on to become a 7-time Pro Bowl selection and 3-time All-Pro.  He was a three-year starter and All-American at Ohio State and won a National Championship with the Buckeyes in 2002. Since retiring in 2018, he's started a line of craft-style BBQ sauces under the Mangold's 74 BBQ label. A portion of the proceeds benefit the families of New York's fallen first responders.0:54 – “It is amazing.”Tom and Rudy are both stunned at the rich history of #74.2:21 – “Thank you for having me.”Nick Mangold gives us the inside story of how he became #74 and talks BBQ and about a career that may make him the 9th #74 in the Pro Football HOF.10:22 – “Spoiler alert – this is really going to be a lot about football.”  Tom and Rudy discuss the amazing 8 (count ‘em 8!) #74's in the HOF including Bob Lilly, Bruce Matthews, Merlin Olsen, Fred Dean, Jimbo Covert, Henry Jordan and Mike McCormack as well as Joe Staley, Paul Gruber (not to be confused with Hans Gruber), Steve Wallace, John Hicks (who finished 2nd in Heisman Trophy voting in 1973) and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson (with additional commentary on Rudy's favorite Fast and Furious movie)23:54 – “There's a couple of folks of note in baseball.”Tom mentions Joe Nathan's brief flirtation with #74, the fact there are no ABA or NBA players who've worn #74 and finally TJ Oshie's 4-for-6 performance in a shootout with the Russians in the 2014 Olympics (USA! USA! USA!) 25:16 – “It's time!”Screen Stars focuses the spotlight on Quinton Aaron as Michael Oher in 2009's The Blind Side. Tom and Rudy also discuss their distaste for the movie (and preference for Michael Lewis' book) before veering into a brief assault on the all-time abomination that is Rudy (the movie, not the co-host).30:06 – “The Derrick Rose Award goes to Hall of Famer Ron Mix.”Despite having a super cool nickname, “The Intelligent Assassin”, Ron Mix had his #74 un-retired by the Chargers for coming out of retirement to play for the Raiders and was also disbarred in 2019 for his part in a scheme with former NBA player Kermit Washington.32:02 – “I think we have a must.”Rudy issues the call to have Rudy Tomjanovich as a guest so we can talk about Kermit Washington and the movie Rudy.32:33 – “Ugueth Urbina.”When you do 7+ years for threatening workers with a machete, the Hall of Shame is your destiny no matter how many games you saved in the big leagues.33:52 – “One of ‘em I hope never chases anybody with a machete . . .”The official Heat Check for #74:Kenley JansenEloy Jimenez (look him up) John Carlson/Madison Bowey Anthony Costanzo38:01 – “It's harder than it appears.”Here's your all-time greatest #74's:Bob LillyBruce MatthewsMerlin Olsen Kenley JansenTJ Oshie (USA! USA! USA!)Order Nick Mangold's SeventyFourBBQ sauces HERE.

Talented actor and college football legend Ed Marinaro joins the proceedings to talk about #49 (and #44 at Cornell), plus playing basketball with Jim Brown at the Playboy Mansion, screen testing for the Six Million Dollar Man, Hill Street Blues, playing for Lou Holtz, the famous Hail Mary game in 1975, living with Joe Namath and his role in the forthcoming Soprano's prequel, The Many Saints of Newark. Also catch the Hall of Shame, Hall of Fame and a discussion of the three worst days in Tom Niedenfuer's life.Our GuestEd Marinaro is a talented actor and one of the greatest players in college football history. As a running back at Cornell, he set 16 NCAA records on his way to becoming a three-time All-American and the first player in history to rush for more than 4,000 yards. In 1971 he won the Maxwell Award and the AP and UPI Player of the Year Awards and finished 2nd to Pat Sullivan in the race for the Heisman Trophy. In a 6-year pro career with the Vikings, Jets and Seahawks, he played in 2 Super Bowls before turning his attention to acting – where he appeared on hit shows like Laverne & Shirley, Sisters and Hill Street Blues. And next year you can see him in The Soprano's prequel, The Many Saints of Newark. He's our first guest with an Ivy League education and our first College Football Hall of Famer. 2:14 – “Oh, thank you! It's great to be here.”Ed Marinaro comes loaded with stories!18:11 – “Number one on the contender list for me is Bobby Mitchell.”Tom and Rudy discuss great football #49s including Bobby Mitchell, Dennis Smith, Tom Landry (and his connection to Erich Barnes), Tony Richardson, the hated Mike Siani, Dwayne Woodruff and Michgan QB Bob Chappius.22:00 – “They get a history lesson with this, too.”Rudy shifts to baseball with “Louisiana Lightning”, Ron Guidry and the time-honored tradition of knuckleballers wearing #49. Yovani Gallardo, Teddy Higuera, Warren Cromartie, Larry Dierker, Armando Benitez and Rob Dibble.27:10– “Forty-nine is wide open.”In discussing the dearth of #49's in basketball and hockey, Tom issues a challenge to the youth, to consider the number.27:20 – “There's only two.”Screen Stars returns with the shortest list ever. Jonathan Silverman in Little Big League and Kenny Rogers in Six Pack. That's it.  That's the list!28:19 – “You know exactly where we're going.”The #49 Hall of Shame:1.      Tom Niedenfuer blowing up twice in the 1985 NLCS.2.     The legendary Jose Mesa/Omar Vuzquel beef.3.    Chris Sale's hatred of sweet White Sox throwbacks4.    Byung-Hyun Kim blowing saves in Game 4 & 5 vs. Yankees in 2001 World Series.35:54 – “These are #49's of current import.”The official Heat Check for #491. Shaquem Griffin2. Jordan Hicks (even though he's not pitching in 2020)3. Jake Arrieta4. Julio Teheran5. Chris Sale38:24 – “That only leaves us with the Hall of Fame.”Here's your all-time greatest #49's:1. Bobby Mitchell2. Ron Guidry     3. Tim Wakefield4. Charlie Hough5. Dennis SmithOur thanks to Friend of PUN Scott Malaga for helping us secure Ed Marinaro. Check out Scott's business interests HERE.You can also get more details on Ed Marinaro's upcoming film, The Many Saints of Newark HERE.MLB audio clips are property of Major League Baseball.

Jim Abbott joins the podcast to talk about the #25 and his connection to Angels great Don Baylor.  We break down the Contenders with a discussion of polarizing #25s, Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire, Fred Biletnikoff and are still amazed that Jim Thome hit 612 HRs.   Talk about Richard Sherman and Ben Simmons in Heat Check. Award the inaugural Derrick Rose Award to none other than Derrick Rose, plus the Hall of Shame and the Hall of Fame. If you're looking for a lively discussion of players and teams we hate, this is the episode for you!Our GuestJim Abbott is one of the most inspirational players in sports history. Born without a right hand he went on to have his #31 retired at the University of Michigan where he also won the Sullivan Award in as the nation's best amateur athlete. In 1988 he won the gold medal game in the Olympics and was a 1st round selection of the California Angels. Abbott played 10 years in the big leagues including a no-hitter in 1993, which is detailed in his excellent autobiography, Imperfect. 2:05 – “Jim, welcome to Puttin' Up Numbers.”We dive right into it with a conversation with Jim Abbott.12:50 – “Yeah, that's a good word for it.”Tom and Rudy discuss the most polarizing #25 of all-time, Barry Bonds. The conversation then moves to Mark McGwire and a shared (ruined) memory of a day spent with the slugger.15:03 – “Who couldn't see that coming?"A discussion of Tommy John who, with 288 wins and 188 no-decisions, should be famous for more than just the surgery that bears his name.17:02 – “He's Astro royalty.”Some lesser known, but still relevant #25s enter the conversation with Jim Abbott, Jose Cruz, Don Baylor and the Great Train Robbery that is Bobby Bonilla Day.21:28 – “Appeared in Season 3 of our favorite old-time show, The White Shadow.”Basketball gets a turn with a discussion of Gail Goodrich, Chet “The Jet” Walker, KC Jones, Danny Manning, Penny Hardaway, Nick Anderson, Mark Price, Steve Kerr, Robert Horry, Doc Rivers and Vince Carter.24:32 – “25 is not really a huge hockey number.”Dave Andreychuk, Joe Niewendyk and Jacques Lemaire . . . that's it.  That's the list25:38 – “You overlook NASCAR everytime we do this.”Rudy takes Tom to task for forgetting about great NASCAR drivers, kicking a shout out to the late, great Tim Richmond in the Folgers #25.26:49 - “As a kid, that guy was evil.”The football discussion begins with Fred Biletnikoff, followed by mentions of Tommy McDonald, Shady McCoy, Rocket Ismail, Jim Bakken and Haven Moses. 31:53 - “It's time for Screen Stars!”Short list for #251. Mark Arnold as Mick McAlister in Teen Wolf (1985)2. Wesley Snipes as Trumaine in Wildcats (1986)3. Harold Sylvester as DC Dacey in Fast Break (1979)35:19 – “Branding matters.”Rudy explains “The Derrick Rose Award” for players who had their careers cut short by injury or circumstance seconds before turning around the giving Derrick Rose the Derrick Rose Award.  Tom also explains the Ben Wilson Effect.38:13 – “Missed the Super Bowl, missed The Fridge, missed the stupid song.”Hall of Shame returns with Chicago Bears DB Todd Bell, Big White Stiffs Chandler Parsons and George Zidek and Juicers (Bonds, Palmiero, McGwire, Giambi).40:48 – “Heat Check.”Guys making it happen on the field currently in the #251. Richard Sherman2. Ben Simmons3. Byron Buxton4. Clyde Edwards-Helaire43:28 – “It's that time again."These guys wore it best1. Barry Bonds2. Gail Goodrich3. Fred Biletnikoff4. Joe Nieuwendyk5. KC JonesOrder Jim Abbott's book, Imperfect HERE.

NUMBER #1The podcast about uniform numbers continues a streak of huge guests when Pro Football Hall of Famer Warren Moon stops in to talk about his famous number 1. Warren talks about the significance of #1 and its resurgence with the current crop of young signal callers including the recently signed Cam Newton. We also break down Contenders, hit the Heat Check and court controversy with the Hall of Shame. If you like discussions about Garo Yepremian, this is an episode you won't want to miss!  Our GuestAfter a Rose Bowl at Washington in 1978, Warren Moon was undrafted by the NFL and took his talents to Canada. After winning 5 Grey Cups in 6 years, he signed with Houston in the NFL and managed to rack up nearly 50,000 yards passing in a 17-year career. Moon was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006, becoming the first African American quarterback and the first undrafted quarterback to receive the honor. Show Notes00:44 – “Numero Uno”Rudy gets things going by talking about the number 1 and announcing our interview with the great Warren Moon.  2:16 – “My favorite number 1 as a kid was Garo Yepremian.”The first (but not last) Garo Yepremian/Super Bowl VII name check plus the young bucks, Kyler Murray, Justin Fields and newly-minted #1 Tua Tagovailoa3:25 – “The greatest shortstop in the history of the game.”Tom immediately alienates all Yankee fans listening by naming Ozzie Smith the greatest shortstop in the history of the game. 4:51 – “Probably 135 pounds soaking wet . . . or maybe beer soaking wet.Rudy and Tom give props to longtime Yankee player and manager Billy Martin.5:40– “With respect to Gus Williams and Muggsy Bogues and Tiny Archibald . . .”Tom makes his case for just one name on the basketball list should be The Big O, Oscar Robertson.6:58 – “Number 1 is the number for hockey goalies.”Tom shares the long history of great netminders and adds his sentimental pick of light-hitting Royals infielder Buddy Biancalana, followed by a discussion of the storied history of Michigan receivers who have worn the #1.11:17 – “This is big, man.”Rudy and Tom share their excitement over Warren Moon appearing on Puttin' Up Numbers.12:24 – “I always wanted to have a number that was different.”Warren Moon stops by to share why he chose to wear #1. Cam Newton and more.20:18 – “Here are the people who are not on the list.”Screen Stars returns! The #1 Screen Stars are:1A - Billy Dee Williams as Bingo Long in Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings (1976)1B - Sylvester Stallone as Capt. Robert Hatch in Victory (1981)1C - Kathy Ireland as Lucy Draper in Necessary Roughness (1991)25:01 – “Number one's kinda having a moment right now, right?”Heat Check is full of great #1's:1.      Cam Newton2.     Kyler Murray3.    Justin Fields4.    Zion Williamson5.    Carlos Correa6.    Tua Taglovailoa7.     Alyssa Naeher33:15 – “Speaking of things we might be ashamed of.”Controversy rears its ugly head during the discussion of the Hall of Shame. 39:07 – “The top 5 players of distinction wearing the number 1.”The Hall of Fame list is quite strong. 1.      Ozzie Smith 2.     Oscar Robertson3.    Warren Moon 4.    Pee Wee Reese5.    Terry Sawchuk Hit us up on our website and find us on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.Hat tip to Friend of PUN Wendy Steele for helping us secure the Warren Moon Interview. Find more about Wendy HERE.

The podcast about uniform numbers breaks down the greatest athletes ever to wear uniform number 10. Baseball great Ron Cey joins Tom and Rudy to talk about how he got #10 with the Dodgers, what it was like to wear #11 in stops in Chicago and Oakland, the nickname, “The Penguin” and how it feels to have another Dodger third baseman wearing the number he made famous. We also have our Contenders, Heat Check, Screen Stars, the Hall of Shame, a non-soccer Hall of Fame and more!Today's GuestRon Cey played third base for the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1971 to 1987. He was a key member of the powerhouse Dodger teams of the 1970s that won four National League pennants and won the 1981 World Series in which Cey was named MVP.  He was a six-time All-Star and is still the highest-rated Dodger infielder of all-time by WAR. He finished his career playing for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland A's while wearing #11.Show Notes00:39 – “A very special number indeed for me” Rudy kicks things off with a heartwarming story of how a youngster growing up in Florida wore #10 in honor of Dodgers third baseman, Ron Cey and his super-cool nickname, “The Penguin”.2:45 – “Number 10 in soccer is . . . it's everything” Rudy explains the special meaning the #10 uniform has for soccer players at all levels, from Pele and Messi to Carli Lloyd and Michelle Akers. He likens #10 in soccer to #23 in the NBA. 3:48 – “He's bald as a billiard ball in Britain. He comes over here to America to play in the MLS and he's got a full head of hair.” Tom wonders exactly what the deal is with Wayne Rooney's hair. 5:13 – “Ron, thanks so much for being here . . .” Ron Cey joins the podcast to talk about his time wearing the number 10!14:14 – “I love Chipper Jones.” Rudy and Tom discuss the Contenders for the all-time list of top #10s. The conversation includes Lefty Grove,  Sir Francis Tarkenton (and whether or not he's the predecessor of Lamar Jackson),  Eli Manning (and whether or not he's a modern-day Henry Winkler),  Walt Frazier (of Southern Illinois University fame),  whether or not Dennis Rodman belongs on the list of Contenders, Bob Love, why BJ Armstrong still looks like a child and Guy LaFleur.  Sentimental picks include Ron Cey, Brad Van Pelt, Manute Bol (and his run-in with Tim Hardaway), Bol Bol, Pavel Bure, Candace Cameron Bure, Mookie Blaylock (and the story of the early days of Pearl Jam) and Nancy Lieberman.27:22 – “So now it's time for Heat Check.” Tom and Rudy discuss current players wearing #10 who may be Contenders for the all-time list down the road. 31:00 – “You can disagree with me, but you'll be wrong.” Tom lays out the top 5 actors to wear the #10 in the first edition of Screen Stars. 33:29 – “I'm gonna combo platter Heat Check and Hall of Shame . . .” The Hall of Shame, bad players or bad moments with players wearing #10 debuts. with discussions of Mitch Trubisky, Leon Durham, Art Schlichter, Rusty Staub having his number retired by the Expos after only 3 ½ seasons in Montreal, RG III and Vince Young.38:14 – “Which brings us to the Hall of Fame . . .” Here's the list (minus soccer players):1.     Fran Tarkenton2.     Chipper Jones3.     Walt Frazier & Nancy Lieberman4.     Eli Manning5.     Guy LaFleurHit us up on our website and find us on Twitter, Instagram & Facebook. Hat tip to Friend of PUN Jorge Martin for hooking up the Ron Cey Interview. Check out his podcast HERE.

Join Tom Davis and Rudy Klancnik for Puttin' Up Numbers - The podcast about uniform numbers. Get the inside stories behind the numbers. Hear our picks for the Hall of Fame, Hall of Shame and more and hear directly from the athletes who made each number so iconic.Don't miss it!