The Sports-casters

Steve interviews Andrew Marchand and Jon Meterparel (00:22:45) from AndrewMarchand.com. Andrew returns and Jon makes his debut despite being sick. The guys tell us about meeting at Ithaca College and how the new podcast partnership came to be. Meterparel explains how he developed his radio balls and talks about being critical of announcers despite being an announcer. Eventually Jon logs off to check into the nearest Immediate Care and Andrew and Steve talk about Tom Brady's future at Fox and a few other sports media topics. Steve starts the show with First Things First and discusses his lack of passion for the New Orleans Saints, the World Junior Championship, and the relatively quiet Braves offseason. The show ends with one last thing as Steve looks back at season 14 of the podcast. Note: for some reason I said over and over that this is the 19th episode of the year, it's not, it's the 20th. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the 56th episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 11), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the 1985 PPV event, The Wrestling Classic. On this night, Hulk Hogan defends the WWF Heavyweight Championship against Roddy Rowdy Piper. At the top, it's just Paula and Steve. Paula tells us that her Elf on the Shelf is currently training with Mr. T and Hulk Hogan to get revenge on three heel wrestlers that taped her to our kitchen cabinets. Paula also does a few blind rankings and sings a Christmas song. After the break, Steve catches up with Davey Caffeine or Hollywood (FL) Dave as some know him. After some jibber jabber, Steve and Dave play a few rounds of a game called, blind rankings. Following the fun we go over the bio of the Junk Yard Dog Last, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in November of 1985. Steve reads the news from November of 1985 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a slow month filled with news from the cold war, some baseball awards, and a telev

Steve interviews Joe Buck (00:08:16) from ESPN's Monday Night Football. Joe is back to talk about how his season is going and how working and traveling with his wife Michelle has impacted his routines and broadcasts. Joe also talks about how fast time moves as a father, tells us his favorite track on Pearl Jam's Dark Matter, and discusses Joe Davis' call of the Freddie Freeman home run in the World Series. Steve starts the show with a brief version of First Things First and talks about the Sabres having an opportunity over the holiday weekend to vanquish some of the demons of the playoff drought. The show ends with one last thing as Steve discusses everything he is thankful for this year. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the 55th episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 10), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Survivor Series 1991. On this night, Hulk Hogan wrestles the Undertaker for the WWF World Heavyweight Championship. At the top, Paula, Dave and Steve are together for the first time in ages. After exchanging pleasantries, Steve challenges Dave and Paula to complete blind rankings in a series of categories he created and some submitted by listeners. After the break, Steve and Dave break down the bio of the Joe Louis Arena in Detroit. Also, the guys look at the history of the Undertaker, Last, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in November of 1991. Steve reads the news from October of 1991 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with drama surrounding Clarence Thomas, the Atlanta Braves quest for a first World Series in Atlanta and Garth Brooks winning all of the country music awards. Steve and Dave break down the entire Survivor Series from Detroit on Nove

Steve interviews Joe Davis (00:17:40) from Fox Sports. Joe is fresh off calling another World Series for Fox. Steve and Joe talk about Joe's memorable call of the Freddie Freeman home run in game one against the New York Yankees. Joe also talks about being the voice of the LA Dodgers and then having to call their games for the entire Nation. Joe also explains how he handles the criticism and his reaction to the Yankees meltdown. Joe and Steve talk a little football including Joe working with Greg Olsen and being in the SuperDome for the first ever game of RIzziBalI. Also, Mike Kennan joins us (45:26) to talk about his new book, "Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench. Mike talks about his career as a coach, his experiences at the 1987 Canada Cup, the 1987 Stanley Cup run wit the Philadelphia Flyers, and the 1994 New York Rangers. Keenan also talks about coaching Pavel Bure and explains why he decided to write the book. Steve starts the show with First Things First and talks about the last two Azzurri games o

Steve interviews John Feinstein (00:16:59) author and columnist from the Washington Post. John joins us to promote not one but two new books. First, The Ancient Eight, is a look at football played in the Ivy League. Next, Five Banners, is a deep dive into the five National Championship victories by Coach K and Duke basketball. Steve and John talk about things unique to sports in the Ivy League, Christian Laettner, Butler's near miss, and Mike Lupica. John also tells us where he was when Laettner his his famous shot against Kentucky and tells us how he felt watching Butler's half court heave headed towards the basket. Steve starts the show with First Things First and discusses the Saints finally firing Dennis Allen, the end of the World Series and start of the MLB off-season. Also, thoughts on Italy and Mike Tyson. The show ends with one last thing about trying to slow down and take in all the magic of the Christmas season. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesports

Steve interviews Sean McDonough (00:32:03) from ESPN. Sean joins us to talk about his difficult journey through last year's Stanley Cup Playoffs. Sean also talks about criticism of announcers on twitter, the problem baseball has with its broadcasts, and the low energy vs. high energy debate. Sean also talks about his call during of the Atlanta Braves walk-off hit to win game seven of the 1992 NLCS, the NHL's upcoming 4 Nations Face-off, and calling Boston Red Sox games. Steve starts the show with First Things First and discusses the upcoming World Series, MLB payrolls, and the interest Ohtani has created in Japan. Also, some thoughts on Francesco Camarda, the Deshaun Watson injury, and LeBron and Bronny playing together in an NBA game. The show ends with one last thing celebrating 34 years of Pearl Jam. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the 54th episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 9), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the house show from Madison Square Garden on 02-23-1992. On this night, Hulk Hogan wrestles in a 20-man over the top battle royal against 19 of the biggest wrestlers in the world. At the top, it's just Paula and Steve. We learned Paula has many boyfriends, won a cheerleading competition, and has a very unusaul Halloween costume. After the break, Steve catches up with Davey Caffeine or Hollywood (FL) Dave as some know him. After some jibber jabber, Steve and Dave play a few rounds of a game called. blind rankings. Following the fun we go over the bio of Sid Justice. Last, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in February of 1992. Steve reads the news from February of 1992 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with news from some of he biggest trials of the decade, a major movie debuts in theaters the day before a huge announcement from Motley Crue, and the Wi

Steve interviews Chad Finn (00:17:29) from the Boston Globe. Chad makes his debut and kicks it off by telling stories about covering the 1992-93 Maine hockey team that featured Paul Kariya and ended with a National Championship. Chad talks about his journey to achieving his dream of becoming a columnist for the Boston Globe. Chad also discusses announcers during the baseball playoffs, the 2004 Boston Red Sox, and the book he helped put together that features hundreds of columns about the Celtics from the Globe. Also, author Daniel Bukszpan makes his debut on the podcast (01:15:25) to chat about his new book, Rush 50. Daniel talks about how he became a Rush fan, discusses his favorite deep tracks, and gives his personal hot takes about Rush. Daniel also explains how the book came together and what goes into creating a beautiful coffee table book. Steve starts the show with First Things First and tears into the New Orleans Saints and their coach, Dennis Allen. Also, Italy's triumphs during the Nations League

Steve interviews Joe Posnanski (00:14:54) from joeblogs.joeposnanski.com. Joe is back to promote his sixth book to be featured in The Sports-Casters book club. Why We Love Football is the next in a line of books Joe has written dating back to the Baseball 100. Joe talks about making the list, leaving out Tracy Porter's pick-six, Steve Gleason's punt block, and Joe Theismann's leg running into Lawrence Taylor. Joe also gives his thoughts on the 2024 Braves, Max Fried, and the Greg Maddux documentary. Also, Marco Messina from IFTV and Paramount+ makes his debut on the podcast (00:54:52) to chat about Italian football (calcio). Steve and Marco talk about young talent in Italy, the future of the Italian National team, and Serie A's place in European football. Marco also explains what Italy needs to do to win the 2026 World Cup, discusses the future of IFTV, and goes over his role at Paramount+. Steve starts the show with First Things First and gives a eulogy to the 2024 Braves. Also, some thoughts on Dennis Al

Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:16:12) from jaymariotti.substack.com. Jay is back on the podcast and of fire after having just returned from a trip to Chicago to watch the pathetic White Sox. Jay goes off on poor ownership in baseball, the Chicago Bears, and the first few weeks of the NFL season. After Steve is fooled by a pinned article, Jay does speak on a column he wrote two years ago about life after ESPN. Also, Christopher "Bulldog" Parker returns (01:08:48) to chat about being on the radio in 2024, his relationship with Mike Schopp, and the upcoming Sabres season. The guys spent a lot of time talking about The Tragically Hip's new documentary on Amazon, "No Dress Rehearsal." Chris also talks about the Bills hot start, looks back at being on location for big Sabres games. Steve starts the show with First Things First and covers the latest disaster facing the 2024 Braves, the incredible Italia victory over France, and the 2-1 start by the New Orleans Saints. The book club has a new baseball book about

On the 53rd episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 8), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the season premier of Saturday Night's Main Event on 10-29-1988. On this night, Hulk Hogan wrestles Haku with the lovely Miss Elizabeth at his side. At the top, it's just Paula and Steve. We learned Paula has started third grade, a new season of cheerleading, and went to see the new Beetlejuice movie. After the break, Steve catches up with Davey Caffeine or Hollywood (FL) Dave as some know him. After some jibber jabber, Steve and Dave go over the bio of Haku and the Baltimore Arena. Last, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in October of 1988. Steve reads the news from October of 1988 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with news from the upcoming presidential election, a major debut on television, and one of the biggest moments in the history of Major League Baseball (yes, Dave had no clue). Steve and Dave break down the entire card from SNME on Octob

Steve interviews Carson Breber and Logan Camden (00:15:02) from Nerd Sesh. The boys join us to talk about meeting at Arizona St, creating content for YouTube, and sports in the 21st century. The guys also explain their love for sports history, appreciating players from all eras, and Carson explains how he became a Bills fan. There is some sports trivia, talk about chicken wings, and Steve even worked in some Pearl Jam. Steve starts the show with First Things First and covers Spalletti's first Italy call ups since the Euros. Also, have the 2024 Braves become the best underdog story in sports? Dennis Allen is an idiot. College football in September is boring and the NFL starts in two days. The show ends with one last thing about birthdays after 40. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Stewart Mandel (00:13:10) from The Athletic. Stewart joins us to preview the 2024 College Football season. Stewart explains what teams are in what conferences, how the new playoff is going to work, and other changes new to college football this season. Mandel also talks about that snake Lincoln Riley and tells us if USC will (they should) fire him if they have another bad season. Stewart also tells us who might make the playoffs, gives us his final four, and picks a Heisman winner. Also, Aaron Schatz returns (00:50:27) to chat about the upcoming NFL football season. Schatz has done one million simulations of the NFL season using DVOA and joins us to discuss the results. Why is he high on the Saints? Why is he low on the Giants? Who might be a surprise team? Who is going to be in the Super Bowl? Steve starts the show with First Things First and covers the unbelievable amount of injuries the Braves have suffered this year, the start of calcio season in Europe, and the pathetic product that

Steve interviews Kostya Kennedy (00:22:32) former senior writer for Sports Illustrated. Kostya joins us to talk about his book, 56: Joe DiMaggio and the Last Magic Number in Sports. Kostya makes his debut to talk about Joe DiMaggio, the Italian-American experience, DiMaggio's 56 game hitting streak and his life after baseball. Kostya explains his attitude later in his like and the impact his divorce with Marilyn Monroe had on it. Also, the pressure of the hit streak, hoe close it was to being 73 not 56, and the alleged abandoned trade of DiMaggio to the Red Sox for Ted Williams. Kennedy also previews his upcoming book on Paul Revere, talks about his favorite work from his time at SI, and discusses what SI means to him. Also, Giles Richards debuts (01:12:57) to discuss his new book about Formula One racing. Giles explains his love for Formula One, the reason he chose to focus his book on the people behind the scenes that make F1 go, and other insights and stories fro the F1 beat. Steve and Giles also have s

On the 52nd episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 7), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the WWF house show at the Boston Garden from 08-09-1986. On this night, Hulk Hogan tags with George "the Animal" Steele to take on the Macho Man Randy Savage and Adrian Adonis. At the top, Dave, Paula and Steve are all together for the first time in a while. The gang talks about Dave being in love and upgrading from RC Cola to Pepsi, the 4th of July, and the retirement of John Cena. After the break, the gang give the bio of Buffalo native, Adrian Adonis. Next, a brief (very) recap of the history of the Boston Garden. Last, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in August of 1986. Steve reads the news from August of 1986 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with news from the MLB hall of fame, big releases in music and movies, and a play that opens on Broadway and then closes one news story later. Steve and Dave break down the entire card from the Boston Gar

Steve interviews Andy Martino (00:12:40) from SNY. Andy joins us to talk about his new book, The Yankee Way. Andy explains why he wrote the book, answers if he thinks it's a Brian Cashman book, and discusses the long history of Yankee superstars. Andy also talks about the future for Aaron Boone and Cashman, explains why he thinks they haven't won since 2009, and discusses the Juan Soto contract situation. Also, Andy McCullough debuts (00:59:05) to discuss his new book about Clayton Kershaw. Andy explains why he wrote the book, how he got Kershaw on board, and how he balanced writing a book while having a full-time job. Andy also explains why he thinks Kershaw is the last of his kind, how he perceives Kershaw as a playoff performer, and his unique relationship with his wife. Steve starts the show with First Things First and covers the NHL and NBA Finals, the struggling Atlanta Braves, Marshon Lattimore, and the decison to leave Caitlin Clark off of the olympic team. The book club has four books and is keep

On the 51st episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 6), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the WWF house show at the Spectrum in Philadelphia from 08-04-1984. On this night, Hulk Hogan defends the WWF title against Greg "The Hammer" Valentine. At the top, Paula joins us to get the show moving. Paula discusses her upcoming birthday, the end of school and he upcoming dance recital. Before she goes, her and I play a round of blind rankings. After the break, Steve brings on Dave and welcomes him to the show. Dave, like usual, has mayhem to report. After our update on all things Hollywood, the guys give the bio of Greg Valentine. Next, a brief recap of the history of the Philadelphia Spectrum. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in July/August of 1984. Steve reads the news from August of 1984 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with news from the 1984 Olympics, the Republican National Convention, and of course, a play ends its run on Broadway

On the 50th episode of the 24 Inch Podcast (Season 4 Episode 5), Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Saturday Night's Main Event from 11-28-1986. On this night, Hulk Hogan defends the WWF title against Hercules. At the top, Paula is back. Paula explains why she missed the last show, talks about her dance recital, and has a few emails she would like to read (one is just her trying to say she fell off a zip-line without saying it). After the break, Steve brings on Dave and welcomes him to the show. Dave, like usual, has mayhem to report. After our update on all things Hollywood, the guys give the bio of Hercules. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in November of 1986. Steve reads the news from November of 1986 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled sports news, awards shows, and a song neither of us had ever heard of. Steve and Dave break down the entire card from SNME VIII, including a heel vs. heel match, the Killer Bees vs. The Hart Foundation, an

Steve interviews Field Yates (00:11:52) from ESPN. Field is fresh off covering the draft in Detroit and has opinions on the Atlanta Falcons strange pick, the Buffalo Bills trading with the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New Orleans Saints pick of Spencer Rattler. Also, Field talks about how the first round of the draft was chalky and void of surprises and how the first round of rookie drafts might play out. Also, Jay Mariotti returns (00:34:14) to chat about some of the things going on in the world of sports. Jay has strong opinions on Lebron James and the Los Angelas Lakers, the future of the NBA, and the rise of basketball's new stars. Jay also dishes opinions on the NFL draft, Roger Goodell being a clown, and the struggles Major League Baseball is having. Jay and Steve also debate if Ohtani is the biggest heel in sports. Steve starts the show with First Things First and covers the first Atlanta Braves vs. Dodgers series of the season. Steve also talks about Max Fried, the NHL playoffs, and a potential new