Sports With Friends

Elliott Kalb is a 13-time Sports Emmy winner as a writer/producer/researcher/editor. He is a noted sports historian and storyteller (known nationally as “Mr. Stats”). Kalb covered 16 Super Bowls, 18 World Series, 13 NBA Finals, and 7 Olympics games. Kalb was an Editorial Consultant for NBC Sports for first 12 years of Football Night in America, a writer for HBO's “Inside the NFL” from 1990-2008, and Senior Editorial Director for MLB Network from 2008-2020. He is the author of five books including “Who's Better, Who's Best in Baseball” and “Who's Better, Who's Best in Basketball.” In this episode, Kalb tells stories from his illustrious career. He tells extensive stories about covering Michael Jordan. He worked with Marv Albert, Bob Costas, Brent Musburger, Vin Scully, and tells stories about them and more. He also offers his unique insight on what coverage of the Olympics, baseball, basketball, and the NFL look like and what the future holds.

In late February, ESPN announced that after the 2025 season, it is forgoing the remaining three years of its current contract. MLB responded by ripping the network, saying it has covered baseball less and less over the years. ESPN paid $550 million per season, and baseball will attempt to replace the upcoming lost revenue by replacing it with other networks and digital app opportunities. Eric Fisher is making his second appearance on the show. He last appeared in Episode 421 to discuss various topics in sports business. This time, he focused on the MLB-ESPN break-up and the fallout from it. He also discussed the baseball impact of the recent shakeup in Regional Sports Networks and how some teams broadcasts are being produced by MLB. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code SPORTSWITHFRIENDS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/sportswithfriends.

The New York Sirens are a charter member of the 3-year-old Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). After two seasons in Connecticut, the Sirens play the majority of their home games at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Lauren Williams is an assistant coach for the Sirens. Prior to joining the staff of the Sirens, she coached at Stonehill College (2022–23) and Mount Royal University (2023–24). She previously played 3 years in the PWHPA (2019–22) after spending one year with the Worcester Blades of the CWHL (2018–19), having been drafted first overall. She is an alumna of the Wisconsin Badgers women's ice hockey program, where she made the Frozen Four all four seasons. In this episode, Williams explains the differences between women's hockey and men's and discusses the growth of the PWHL. She explains the daily life challenges that players may face and how the league has made it conducive for players to join. She comments on her transition from being a player to a coach. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code SPORTSWITHFRIENDS at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: http://incogni.com/sportswithfriends.

Super Bowl 59 features a rematch between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs. Miguel Gurwitz will be calling the Super Bowl on Telemundo. It's his first time calling a Super Bowl, but he has been a play-by-play for many sports over many years. Gurwitz was named Thursday Night Football en Español's play-by-play announcer in August 2022. He has been the play-by-play announcer for The Open Championship from 2017 to 2022, has covered the FIFA World Cup (1998, 2002, 2006, 2010, 2014, and 2018), Summer Olympics (2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, and 2020), the Winter Olympics (2002 and 2006), Super Bowl (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), MLB World Series (2018), Copa América (2004, 2007 and 2011), five Copa de Oro tournaments, the FIFA Confederations Cup, the Indy Light series, NASCAR, the Kentucky Derby, Belmont Stakes, pre-Olympic qualifying tournaments, and the Goodwill Games, among others. Before joining NBC Telemundo, Gurwitz spent more than 18 years at Televisa Deportes, where he served as host and analyst for a wide variety of programs and was the correspondent and commentator for coverage of the Mexican National Team for 15 years. In this episode, Gurwitz talks about his long journey in sports broadcasting and all the sports he calls. He tells his unique reason for starting his broadcasting career. He also previewed the Super Bowl matchup between Philadelphia and Kansas City.

The feature film Unstoppable is the true story of Anthony Robles, who became an NCAA Champion despite significant social challenges and having only one leg. A model of what determination and hard work can achieve, Anthony's story is an inspiration for everyone. The film is based on a book Robles wrote along with Austin Murphy. The film features an all-star ensemble cast including Jharrel Jerome, Bobby Cannavale, Michael Peña with Don Cheadle, and Jennifer Lopez. With the unwavering love and support of his devoted mother Judy (Jennifer Lopez) and the encouragement of his coaches, Anthony fights through adversity to earn a spot on the Arizona State Wrestling team. But it will demand everything he has, physically and mentally, to achieve his ultimate quest to become an NCAA Champion. In this episode, Robles explains his thoughts about seeing what he wrote in the book become a feature film. He discusses the issues his family faced, and how the film is about more than just his missing leg. He also revisits points in his life that were depicted in the film, and the challenges he faced while trying to pursue his collegiate wrestling career. He also spoke about his role in helping make the film and the reaction that he received from fans when he was wrestling, as well as the fan reaction he's received since the film was released.

This episode is a continuation from a conversation that took place on the Hall of Justice podcast episode 395. In that episode, Ken Levine detailed his illustrious TV writing career that included writing for MASH, Cheers, Frasier, the Simpsons, and countless others. In that episode, there was no discussion of what this episode is about. While he was writing Cheers and Frasier, Ken Levine was ALSO a Major League Baseball play-by-play announcer. Levine called games for the Baltimore Orioles, Seattle Mariners, and San Diego Padres. In this episode recounts in great detail how this successful television writer began calling games into a tape recorder at Dodgers Stadium. That activity morphed into a couple of minor league gigs, which in turn became opportunities in the big leagues. While the entire story is fascinating, this podcast also contains amazing stories about Ken Griffey Jr., Tony Gwynn, and Cal Ripken, Jr. Still, the best stories involve Tom Hanks and Ted Danson, who played former Red Sox pitcher Sam Malone on Cheers.

Former MLB Outfielder Johnny Damon played in the big leagues from 1995-2012. He came up with the Kansas City Royals and after a short stint with the Oakland A's, Damon signed a four-year contract with the Boston Red Sox. During his Red Sox tenure, he participated in the iconic ALCS between the Red Sox and the New York Yankees in 2003 and 2004. He also was a part of the '04 World Series championship, erasing the team's 86-year-old “Curse of the Bambino.” In 2006, he signed a free-agent contract with the archrival Yankees, ultimately winning his second World Series championship in 2009. In this episode, Damon discusses a new venture he's involved in with a new sports drink entitled “A-Game.” He also explains the process of leaving Boston for New York and how the Red Sox didn't offer him a contract. He also explains in detail the impact of former teammate Cory Lidle's untimely death from a plane crash in 2006 had on his life and career. He also talked about the 2005 movie “Fever Pitch,” and the impact that had on the 2004 team, and the fandom that followed it. Finally, he discusses the changes he sees in baseball since his playing career, including the recent mega-contract that Juan Soto signed with the Mets. For more information about A-Game: https://drinkagame.com/

Claire Smith is a pioneer in sports writing. She was the first ever female Major League Baseball beat writer, covering the New York Yankees for five seasons starting in 1982. She became a national columnist and worked at the New York Times, Philadelphia Inquirer, and later ESPN. In 2017, she was the first female to win the Baseball Hall of Fame's BBWAA Career Excellence Award, formerly the J. G. Taylor Spink Award. She is currently a professor at Temple University. In this episode, Smith tells stories from her illustrious career. She tells stories of both racism and sexism, including a 1984 incident where she was asked to leave the San Diego Padres clubhouse during the NLCS because she was a woman. She told stories about dear friends and allies Steve Garvey, Dave Winfield, Don Baylor, Dusty Baker, and countless others. She is an icon in her profession.

In November 2024, longtime baseball announcer Dave Sims was named the new radio play-by-play voice of the New York Yankees. Sims replaces John Sterling who held the position since 1989. Sims has been the TV/Radio voice of the Seattle Mariners from 2007-2024. Sims has an extensive career and is one of the first voices on WFAN radio, the flagship station of Yankee games. In this episode, Sims tells the story of leaving Seattle for New York, and how this is all full circle for him. He discusses all of his stops along the way, having grown up in Philadelphia, and worked primarily in New York. Dave has called NFL football and NCAA college basketball in addition to baseball. He's also one of the original voices of MLB Radio in 2000/2001 and was instrumental in helping Seth leave Seattle ironically, and head to MLB.

The southeast United States was impacted heavily by two hurricanes in October 2024. Hurricane Helene and Milton affected lives and property in many states, including Florida. On October 9th, Hurricane Milton destroyed the fiberglass roof of the ballpark this month, leaving it open to the elements. With the Rays set to open the season at home on March 27, there's unlikely time to put on a new roof. Adding to the issue is a plan for a new ballpark, tentatively scheduled to open in 2028. That begs the question, why repair the Trop just to tear it down? If the Rays cannot play there in 2025, where could they play? Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin joined the podcast to discuss the facts of the situation and present all the options for the baseball team. Topkin has covered the Rays for the Tampa Bay Times (formerly St. Petersburg Times) and http://tampabay.com since the very beginning. He offers a unique perspective on the problem facing the ballclub and has insight as to what options the team actually has and why. Disclaimer: This conversation is about a sports topic and it is not intended to put the needs of a baseball team ahead of the numerous people who have been impacted by both hurricanes. Donate to the American Red Cross here: https://www.redcross.org/

Former NBA Center Etan Thomas makes his second appearance on the show. At the time of this episode's release, the NBA season will commence in six days. This is the final season of the NBA on TNT, as there is a new television contract starting next season. Thomas played in the NBA from 2000 to 2011, mostly with the Washington Wizards. In college, he was a star at Syracuse. Now, he is a television commentator, blogger, author, and political and social activist. In this episode, Thomas discussed the unique situation in Los Angeles where LeBron James is playing with his son Bronny. He commented on the importance of the New York Knicks being competitive and if the Boston Celtics are primed for a repeat championship. He also discussed the emergence of the WNBA in popularity and ratings.

In 2024, longtime New York Yankees radio announcer John Sterling announced his abrupt retirement, effective immediately. With three-quarters of the season left, the Yankees decided to split the play-by-play duties among three broadcasters. Emmanuel Berbari is one of the three and called dozens of games this season. Sterling announced that he was returning to the booth for the final week of the regular season and playoffs through the potential World Series. Berbari is the youngest of the three broadcasters. In this episode, he explains his background calling games for Siena and filling it on WFAN radio. He was assigned Yankee post-game shows, and last season was given the opportunity to call three Yankees games in Pittsburgh. He explained how he was chosen, and offered insight as to the future for himself and the Yankees booth.