The Sports-casters

On the nineteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into the October 13, 1984 card at the Spectrum in Philadelphia. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about Steve's trip to New Jersey, hanging out with John D'Amato and give a few thoughts on the latest controversy surrounding Dark Side of the Ring. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Big John Studd. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the long relationship between the World Wrestling Federation and the legendary, Spectrum. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in October of 1984. Steve reads the news from October of 1984 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with baseball playoffs, the cold war, and a huge movie release. Steve and Dave break down the entire card from the Spectrum on 10-13-1984. The guys talk about the difference between the early matches on a card now versus then, Greg Valentine winning the Intercontinental belt, and an awesome tag match featuring Sarg

Steve interviews Nick Underhill(00:13:53) from New Orleans Dot Football to preview the New Orleans Saint's season. Nick is making his debut and talks with Steve about the Brees/Payton era before transitioning into the Winston/Payton era. Nick looks back at some of the best and worst moments and plays from the Brees years before jumping into what he thinks this year's version of the Saints will be like. Nick talks about what he had seen from the team on the fieId at that point and what he expects to see this season. We talk Jameis Winston, Marshon Lattimore, Michael Thomas, and Cam Jordan. Nick also tells us if he thinks the Saints will make the playoffs this year. (NOTE: This interview was recorded on August 13, 2021) Also, for the first time ever, Steve mashed together the best moments from the Andrew Marchand, Nicole Auerbach, and Vic Carucci interviews (01:05:51). We hear a snippet from each of their appearances on the podcast last month. Media talk from Marchand, college football from Auerbach and NFL fr

On the eighteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into SummerSlam 1991 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about The White Lotus, the return of CM Punk, and give a few thoughts on the latest SummerSlam. Also, Steve is coming to New Jersey. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Adnan Al-Kaissie. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the long relationship between the World Wrestling Federation and the legendary, Madison Square Garden. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in August of 1991. Steve reads the news from August of 1991 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with huge album releases, athletic achievements, and the 43rd Annual Emmy Awards. Steve and Dave break down the entire card from SummerSlam 1991. The guys rave about one of their favorite Intercontinental Championship matches, a cool six-man tag, and speculate as to why the wedding was just a wedding. Finally, Steve

Steve interviews Vic Carucci(00:07:37) from SIRIUSXM to preview the NFL season. Vic is making his debut and talks with Steve about the day Jim Kelly arrived in Buffalo, coining the phrase "bickering Bills" and covering the 1990's Buffalo Bills. Vic and Steve then transition to talking about the upcoming NFL season. Vic says there is a group of top dogs in the AFC, a bunch on interesting quarterbacks entering the league, and makes his Super Bowl pick. Vic also talks about how expectations could hurt the Bills, explains that Patrick Mahomes is the best, and speculates as to who will be the best in the NFC East. Also, Andrew Marchand (00:52:39) from the New York Post joins us to preview the NFL season from a media perspective. Briefly, Andrew talks about the news he broke regarding Max Kellerman's future on First Take and at ESPN. After that, Andrew and Steve break down the booths, the pre-game shows, and the new broadcast featuring Peyton and Eli Manning. The guys also talk about gambling, Tony Romo, and searc

Steve interviews Jeff Passan (00:05:29) from ESPN to talk about Major League Baseball. Jeff joins us from the highway in New Hampshire to wrap up the trade deadline, Also, Jeff talks about the Field of Dreams game, the great season that baseball is having, and lists a few of his ideal World Series matchups. Jeff and Steve also go through the contenders and look at their strengths and weaknesses going into the last 45 games of the season. Also, Nicole Auerbach (00:39:50) from The Athletic joins us to preview the college football season. Nicole talks about covering college football as a student at Michigan and also shares a story about covering the hockey team in Alaska. Also, Nicole talks about the best teams in college football and why she thinks we will see them in the playoffs in January. Nicole explains why she loves Georgia, throws out some names for the Heisman, and gives her National Championship prediction. Steve starts the show with a hey now and a hello before rushing into the first interview. T

On the seventeenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into SummerSlam 1988 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the loss of two more wrestling legends, promote a very important podcast that debuts this fall, and Dave gives us a review of the Guns N Roses concert he attended at Giants Stadium. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Ted DiBIase. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the history of the legendary Madison Square Garden. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in July and August 1988. Steve reads the news from August of 1988 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with political conventions, natural disasters, and the 40th Annual Emmy Awards. Steve and Dave break down the entire card from SummerSlam 1988. The guys rave about an opening tag match that goes the distance, explain why some of the matches were booked, and speculate as to why Brutus Beefcake got the X instead

Steve interviews Stewart Mandel (00:11:23) from The Athletic to talk about college football season. Stewart is joining Steve for the tenth consecutive August to preview the upcoming season but instead they burn almost all of the time talking about realignment. Why did OU and Texas bolt for the SEC? How will it effect the College Football Playoff? What happens to the Big 12? Does this benefit Texas or Oklahoma more? All of these questions and more are answered before Steve realizes he is out of time. Quickly, Stewart predicts the four playoff teams and a Heisman winner before bouncing out. Also, Michael Fabiano (00:40:24) joins us for for his annual visit to preview the fantasy football season. Micheal explains how he would set up the perfect fantasy league, chooses the best platform to play on, and gives a list of his favorites rules. Also, Michael gives us some players he is drafting a ton and a few more that he is staying away from. Finally, Fabiano gives us some tips on how to prepare for the draft and

Steve interviews Leigh Montville(00:16:38) the Hall of Fame sports writer and author of a new book that is part memoir and part recap of the 1969 NBA Finals. Leigh is a legend as is treated as such during the interview. He talks about working on teams loaded with other amazing sports writers at the Boston Globe and Sports Illustrated. Leigh also talks about being on the Howard Stern show after word got around that Gary was reading his Babe Ruth book. Leigh reveals the two athletes that he told his daughter she should marry. Also, Leigh goes over his new book, talks about travel and tech in 1969, and explains why he was on the job to change sports writing with a new style. Also, Aaron Schatz (00:54:29) joins us for for his annual visit to promote the Football Outsiders Almanac. Aaron talks about Josh Allen defying expectations and compares him to a QB from the NFC South. Aaron also talks about DVOA, the history of Football Outsiders going back to 1983, and reveals the best New Orleans Saints team to not w

On the sixteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's world title defense against Ravishing Rick Rude inside the Boston Garden on January 9, 1988. At the top, Steve and Dave give their thoughts on John Cena’s WWE return, CM Punk, and a brief rundown of the 24 Inch Podcast archives. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Ravishing Rick Rude. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the history of the legendary Boston Garden. Then, Dave tells us what the Hulkster was up to in January 1988. Steve reads the news from January of 1988 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with fumbles, a Beatle's solo success, and a fight between George H. W. Bush and Dan Rather Steve and Dave break down the entire card from January 9, 1998 at the Boston Garden. The guys break down all the matches, a surprise tag team match, explain why Hogan and Rude didn’t work together more, and end with a nugget about DiBiase being introduced as WWF cham

This episode of the 24 Inch Podcast is dedicated to the life and memory of Calvin Crowell. On the fifteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's heel turn at the 1996 Bash at the Beach in Daytona, Florida. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the tragic passing of Paul Orndorff and their friend Calvin Crowell. After paying tribute, Steve and Dave tell us what they did with their summer vacation, talk about being Italian, and prepare us for a jam packed show. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Scott Hall. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the history of the Bash at the Beach and the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach. Finally, Dave tells us about Hulk Hogan on tour during July of 1996 (sort of). Steve reads the news from July of 1996 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled Olympics, Cal Ripken milestones, and other historic moments in pop culture. Steve and Dave break down the entire card at the Bash at the Beach

Steve interviews Kenny Albert (00:12:23) from NBC Sports and FOX Sports. Steve and Kenny talk about Kenny's first ever Stanley Cup FInal as the voice of hockey for NBC Sports. Kenny also talks about being hired by TNT to continue to call hockey, working with Jonathan Vilma, and his upcoming assignment for the Olympics. Kenny also looks back on the legendary career of his dad, Marv Albert and shares a story about working with him at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona. Also, Brian Raftery (01:07:17) joins us for the first time to talk about his new podcast, Gene & Roger. Brian talks about why he decided to do a podcast on Siskel and Ebert, explains how COVID delayed the project, and tries to explain the deep impact on culture that Gene and Roger had. Brian also talks about his book about movies from 1999, Dana Carvey, and Rotten Tomatoes. Steve starts the show talking about the Buffalo Sabres falling off of his radar and why he enjoys the Azzurri so much. The book club is full with four new books and another a

Steve interviews Jimmy Traina (00:16:30) from Sports Illustrated and SI. com. Steve and Jimmy catch up on the latest sports media news. Jimmy explains he doesn't like soccer, the olympics, or much else on the sports calendar this summer. Steve and Jimmy talk about Howard Stern's vacation, the future of the Sunday Ticket, and the Maria Taylor/Rachel Nichols controversy. Jimmy also gives his thoughts on the upcoming Sopranos prequel. Also, Pete Coratto (01:04:02) joins us for the first time to talk about his new book, From Hang Time to Prime Time. Pete talks about the NBA's rise from tape-delay to prime time. Pete also talks about the review in the New York Times, the problems facing the NBA, and the legacy of David Stern. Steve starts the show talking about the New Orleans Saints, the Buffalo Sabres, and the Italian National team. The book club introduces four new books. The show ends with a tribute to Steve's friend Calvin Crowell. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Em

On the fourteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match against Boris Zhukov on Prime Time Wrestling in May of 1988. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the sad video of a dying Paul Orndorff, a book about the summer of 1984 called, Glory Days, and get ready for another jam packed show. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Boris Zhukov. Also, Steve and Dave talk about the history of Prime Time Wrestling and share their memories of watching it. Finally, Dave tells us about Hulk Hogan on tour during May of 1988 (sort of). Steve reads the news from May of 1988 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled hockey playoffs. Steve and Dave break down the entire episode of Prime Time Wrestling from May 16, 1988. The guys break down Bobby and Gorilla's antics, talk about the unique matches that the show would air, and talk about the Outlaw, Ron Bass. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown Hulk's match against Boris Zhukov.

Steve interviews L. Jon Wertheim (00:08:59) from Sports Illustrated and 60 Minutes to talk about his new book, Glory Days. First, Steve and Jon catch up talking about the reaction to the column that Jon wrote about The Sports-Casters. Next, Jon talks about writing Glory Days, the Karate Kid, Cyndi Lauper, Vince McMahon and more from the summer of 1984. Finally, Jon tries to explain the controversy at the French Open surrounding Naomi Osaka. Also, Brett Martin (01:01:24) joins us for the first time since 2017. Brett explains why it has been so long since he has appeared on the podcast. Brett also talks about The Sopranos, watching television and food. Steve starts the show with a very special guest. The book club has books by Pete Croatto. The show ends with a selection out of Frank Deford's NPR book about the difference between golf and tennis players. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

Steve interviews Jay Mariotti (00:10:11) to talk about his career, tell his side of the story, and to remember The National. Jay is on for the first time and Steve gets into his career at The National, at ESPN, and of course writing about sports in Chicago. Jay does most of the talking, explains why he left ESPN, and mentions that Roger Ebert once called him an impolite name. Jay also talks about the future of The Athletic, his own future, and Steve wonders if he was an early victim of cancel culture. It's one of the most surreal hours in the history of the podcast and I can't wait for you to listen to it. Also, Dave Jordan (01:14:21) joins us to talk about the book he wrote with Dave Parker. Jordan explains how he met Parker, how they worked together to write this book, and how he feels about how the book has been reviewed so far. Jordan also talks about the 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates, the 1989 Oakland Athletics, and Parker's love of the Cincinnati Bengals. Steve starts the show setting up the Jay Mariotti

Steve interviews Jon Champion (00:05:16) from ESPN and the Euro2020. Jon joins the show to preview the Euro 2020 that he will be calling from Bristol with Taylor Twellman. Steve and Jon talk about the Italy side and why it will look different this year. Also, a preview of the favorites to win, Jon picks a dark-horse, and Steve keeps asking him about Italy. Jon also talks about how Covid will effect the tournament, how the delay of the tournament will effect the players, and how he hopes to call the last few games live from inside the stadium. Also, Jon recalls his memories from Italy's dramatic victory over Germany at the 2006 World Cup. Also, Page Hamilton (00:43:54) from the rock band, Helmet makes his debut on the podcast. Page and Steve recorded this a few months back and Steve held it for the perfect moment. Page talks about his career with Helmet, being a music during the pandemic, and the wackiness of Fleetwood Mac. Steve asks Page about writing Unsung, working with his old bandmates, the future of

On the thirteenth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match at the Survivor Series in November of 1987. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about wrestling in the mainstream, the Mare of Easttown, and get ready for another jam packed show. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Slick. Also, Steve and Dave look back at the many times that Thanksgiving and wrestling have overlapped. Finally, Dave tells us about Hulk Hogan on tour during November of 1987. Steve reads the news from November of 1987 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled baseball awards. Steve and Dave break down the entire Survivor Series card from November 26, 1987. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about an amazing tag team match featuring 20 superstars, and an opening match filled with superstars. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown Hulk's match against Andre the Giant and the rest of his team. Also on this episode, we share listen

Steve interviews Pete Weber (00:09:22) from the Nashville Predators radio network. Pete joins the show to talk about calling 20 periods in five games, fans being back in the stands, and the Predators solid play against the Hurricanes so far. Pete talks about MLB returning to Buffalo, calling Buffalo Bisons games, and has a lovely story about Ted Darling. Also, Mike Schopp (00:48:05) from WGR 550 joins me to talk about sports radio after the pandemic. Steve and Mike talk about fixing baseball (does it need to be fixed?), the future of his radio show, and the Sabres Jack Eichel dilemma. Steve starts the show with news about television ratings for some of the biggest sporting events since April 1. The book club has a new book by Jon Wertheim and two others. OLT ends the show with Steve telling the story of how Jon Wertheim ended up writing a profile about him for Sports Illustrated. For more information follow the podcast on twitter @sports_casters Email: thesportscasters@gmail.com

On the twelfth episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match against Macho Man Randy Savage at Madison Square Garden in December of 1985. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about an article about Steve that appeared on SI.com and the world seemingly opening up overnight. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Randy Savage. Also, Steve and Dave look back at the many times that Christmas and wrestling have overlapped. Finally, Dave tells us about Hulk Hogan on tour during December of 1985. Steve reads the news from December of 1985 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with curious reporting by the website that populates the stories for us. Steve and Dave break down the entire MSG card from December 30, 1985. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a fantastic match between Bret Hart and Jumping Jim Brunzell and a rare singles match for the smallest performers on the card. Finally, Steve and Dave b

On the eleventh episode of the 24 Inch Podcast, Steve Bennett and Dave Rowlands take a deep dive into Hulk Hogan's match against Mr. Perfect on Saturday Night's Main Event in April of 1990. At the top, Steve and Dave talk about the most recent lapsed fan wrestling content on cable television and discuss what they did during the show's spring break. After the break, the guys give a brief bio of Curt Hennig. Also, Steve and Dave look back at the many second generation wrestlers during the 80's and 90's. Finally, Dave tells us about Hulk Hogan on tour during April of 1990. Steve reads the news from April of 1990 while Dave cracks wise and adds his thoughts on a month filled with curious reporting by the website that populates the stories for us. Steve and Dave break down the entire SNME card from April 28, 1990. The guys break down each match on the undercard, talk about a fantastic match between The Hart Foundation and The Rockers and a strange match in the 12:55 slot. Finally, Steve and Dave breakdown Hu