Denny McLain

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!

Episode 169: DEXTER BUSSEY in the Battle of His LIFE!

Dexter Bussey

Typical Dexter Bussey: No complaints

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

  • One of the most popular Lions in memory, DEXTER BUSSEY, joins the boys on his career, unusual POST-career — AND his health! 
  • You’ll hear the voice of legendary sportscaster Bob Reynolds on Dex. WHAT? Never heard of BOB REYNOLDS?! It’s NOT all pretty. 
  • Not only did the Tigers actually win a GAME against Cleveland, they won the weekend series!  
  • Now what? Does Al Avila go for broke or does he start trading guys for more “prospects” - SUSPECTS - at the deadline? 
  • The PC Posse continues its takeover of sports, UNLESS, as Bob points out, you’re a black NBA player making a racist comment. 
  • And to think of Mike Milbury being “canceled” for a totally innocuous statement — whether YOU like him as a commentator or not. 
  • Resident golf mavens Eli and Denny go NUTS over what Dustin Johnson did last weekend! Does Koepka eat humble pie? 
  • Did they just hold one of the greatest events of the sports world in veritable secrecy?! Almost seems that way! 
  • Denny may not like it, but one NFL team now says there WILL be fans at ITS home games this year. 
  • Those stories, Eli with “This Day in Sports,” Bob with YOUR mailbag and much more right here!