Shows
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMario Andretti on His Life as a Refugee, to WINNING the Indy 500 and Daytona 500
Mario Andretti was born in Italy during World War II. At 8 years old, he and his family spent time in a refugee camp in Italy before moving to the United States. The Andretti family settled in Nazareth, PA where Mario and twin brother Aldo discovered the nearby Nazareth Speedway. Lying about their age and experience, the brothers began racing at age 19 sharing one car and one helmet. Racing quickly became a passion and led to a career that prospered in the 1960s. He raced all discplines and won NASCAR's Daytona 500 in 1967 and the Indianapolis 500 in 1969. He raced Formula 1 in...2024-10-2248 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroNick Mangold on Playing for THEE Ohio State, his New York Jets Career, and 74 BBQ Sauce
Nick Mangold grew up in Ohio, the oldest of four kids with three sisters. He was all-state in football while also wrestling and competing in the shot put. A highly recruited offensive lineman, Mangold chose Ohio State over Notre Dame despite his mom's wishes that he'd play for the Fighting Irish. A three-year starter at center for Jim Tressel, Mangold was a member of the 2002 National Championship team for the Buckeyes and won three Fiesta Bowls including his senior season defeating Notre Dame. The Jets made him the 29th overall pick in 2006 and he played his entire 11-year career...2024-10-1142 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroACC Legend Julius Hodge on NC State, NBA, his 1st Head Coaching Job, and Altercation with Chris Paul
Julius Hodge grew up in Harlem and was named after NBA Hall of Famer Julius Erving. He fell in love with basketball after his dad took him to a New York Knicks game against Magic Johnson and the Los Angeles Lakers as a kid. Hodge's game flourished in high school where he was a McDonald's All-American and the New York State Mr. Basketball. He grew up a Syracuse fan but spurned the Orangemen for NC State where he played for Herb Sendek. In Raleigh, Hodge was a two-time All-American and the ACC Player of the Year as a junior...2024-10-0440 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJoe Theismann on being a Star Quarterback for Notre Dame and the Washington Redskins
Joe Theismann grew up in South River, NJ where he was often found outside playing basketball, baseball or football. After he convinced his mom to allow him to play organized football, he teamed up with future Hall of Famer Drew Pearson at South River High School and became a star. Highly recruited, Theismann initially committed to NC State before eventually signing with Notre Dame and head coach Ara Parseghian. An injury led to him becoming the starting QB his sophomore year and he became an All-American his senior season in 1970. Before that year, his last name was pronounced "Theesmann". But...2024-09-1044 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroTony Silvagni: World Champion Surfer, Surf School Owner, And Global Traveler
Tony Silvagni was born in Pennsylvania, but moved to Kure Beach, NC when he was 5. That move led to a love of the water and surfing. Silvagni gravitated to longboard surfing, idolizing surfing legend Kelly Slater. His professional career has taken Silvagni around the world where he has won numerous championships and placed 5th in the world in 2023. Back home in North Carolina, Silvagni owns and operates a surf school and puts his marketing degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) to good use. Silvagni also organized numerous charities to support his community and was recently inducted...2024-09-0336 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBob Kendrick on Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Willie Mays and the Negro League on MLB The Show
Bob Kendrick grew up in the small town of Crawfordville, Georgia. In 1980, he accepted a basketball scholarship to play at Park College in Parkville, Missouri making his way to the Midwest for the first time. Following a 10-year newspaper career, Kendrick began his tenure with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, MO in 1998 and was named President in 2011. Since then, Kendrick has had many roles and responsibilities including historian and fundraiser. In this episode, Kendrick tells us about the founding of the Museum in 1990 with the help of former Negro Leagues player Buck O’Neil and shares wha...2024-08-1140 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDick LeBeau on 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers LEGENDARY Defense, and his Hall of Fame Playing and Coaching CareerDick LeBeau on 2008 Pittsburgh Steelers, Hall of Fame Playing Career and 45-Year NFL Coaching Career
Dick Lebeau was born in London, Ohio just 25 miles from Columbus. He stayed close to home and played for legendary coach Woody Hayes at Ohio State and was a two-way player on the 1957 Buckeyes National Championship team. The Cleveland Browns drafted LeBeau in 1959 but cut him in training camp. He would sign with the Detroit Lions and spend 14 years in the Motor City where he was a three-time Pro Bowler and would be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010. Fo...2024-08-0546 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJosh Rawitch on the Baseball Hall of Fame, Vin Scully, Johnny Bench and the Dave Matthews Band
Josh Rawitch is a Los Angeles native who grew up playing baseball and idolizing the Los Angeles Dodgers. He attended Indiana University thinking he would be the next Vin Scully and instead became Scully's "boss" during his 15 years working for the Dodgers rising to Vice President of Communications. Rawitch also spent a decade working for the Arizona Diamondbacks ss Senior Vice President of Content and Communications before he was named President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in September of 2021. As just the 8th president in the 85 years of the Hall, Rawitch recently took part in h...2024-07-2838 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroLance Parrish on Detroit Tigers 1984 World Series and "Bodyguard" to Tina Turner
Lance Parrish was born in Pennsylvania and grew up in California where he was a three-sport star in high school. With an offer to play football at UCLA, Parrish was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Tigers in 1974 and decided to start his professional career. While making his way through the minor leagues, Parrish had a brief stint as a "bodyguard" for singer Tina Turner, a story that attracted much attention at the time. He made his MLB debut in September of 1977 and had a somewhat memorable first hit during his second game. He became the starting...2024-06-241h 00In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDre' Bly Reflects on his 11-year NFL Journey, from Winning a Super Bowl to CoachingDre' Bly Reflects on His 11-year NFL Journey, from Winning a Super Bowl to Coaching
Dre' Bly grew up in Chesapeake, VA raised by parents who were long-time educators. Bly played multiple sports as a kid highlighted by baseball and football. A fan of Michael Jordan and the Tar Heels, Bly chose to play at North Carolina over schools like Virginia, Virginia Tech and Syracuse. Playing for coaches Mack Brown and Carl Torbush, Bly was a three-time First Team All-American. As a freshman, he led the country with 13 interceptions and was named ACC Rookie of the Year. (In 2014, Bly...2024-04-1843 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDan “Nitro” Clark on being an American Gladiator and Netflix docuseries “Muscles & Mayhem”Dan “Nitro” Clark on being an American Gladiator and Netflix docuseries “Muscles & Mayhem”
Dan Clark was born in Japan. After trying boxing and baseball, he turned to football which would take him to San Jose State and a brief stint in the NFL with the Los Angeles Rams. When his football career ended, Clark moved to Hollywood with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone as his role models. He eventually auditioned for a sports game show and would get the call after one specific line he used during his audition. He became “Nitro” on American Gladiators which would become a hit show in...2024-03-2648 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJoe Kleine on winning a gold medal and NBA title with Michael Jordan plus battling with Shaq, Hakeem Olajuwan and David RobinsonJoe Kleine grew up in Slater, Missouri where he was a 2nd Team Parade All-American basketball player. Raised Catholic and a big Notre Dame fan, Kleine chose to play for the Fighting Irish and head coach Digger Phelps. After transferring to Arkansas where he played for another legendary coach in Eddie Sutton, Kleine saw his game flourish. From 1982-85, Kleine and the Razorbacks were a force in the Southwest Conference often battling with Houston’s “Phi Slama Jama” Cougars led by Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler. Before his senior season, Kleine helped lead the US Olympic team to a gold med...2024-02-1546 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJack "Goose" Givens on 1978 Kentucky National Championship and his NBA coach Hubie Brown
Jack "Goose" Givens on 1978 Kentucky National Championship and his NBA coach Hubie Brown
Jack Givens grew up in the housing projects of Lexington, KY playing baseball, but his sport of choice changed as his body changed and he started to grow. His growth spurt helped him excel at basketball and become Mr. Kentucky Basketball and a Prade All-American in 1974 while also earning his nickname "Goose". Kentucky head coach Joe B. Hall and Big Blue Nation convinced Givens to stay home. Playing for the Wildcats, Givens helped them to a national runner-up finish his freshman year followed by NIT appearances. Eve...2024-01-1255 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKevin Eastman on the 2008 Celtics Championship TEAM and Coaching KG, Ray Allen, And Paul PierceKevin Eastman on the 2008 Celtics Championship TEAM and Coaching KG, Ray Allen, And Paul Pierce
Kevin Eastman grew up in New Jersey playing basketball. After graduating high school, Eastman played at Richmond where he was a two-time captain and 1000-point scorer (he was inducted into the Richmond Athletics Hall of Fame in 2004). Eastman played one year of pro ball before he started his coaching career. Following several stops as an assistant coach, Eastman became a head coach at Belmont Abbey in 1986. Stints at UNCW (1990-94) and Washington State (1994-99) followed before Eastman served 4 years as Athletic Director at Randolph-Macon...2024-01-0449 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJosh Bonifay on Texas Rangers World Series, Baseball at UNCW and Memories of Barry Bonds and Ken Griffey Jr.Josh Bonifay grew up around baseball with a grandfather who was a minor league general manager and a dad who was the GM for the Pittsburgh Pirates. After excelling in high school, Bonifay attended UNCW where he played for legendary head coach Mark Scalf. Following his junior year, he was drafted by the Pirates receiving the phone call from his dad. Bonifay spent 8 years in minor league baseball before injuries eventually forced him to retire. Bonifay returned to UNCW to earn his degree before pursuing a coaching and managing career back in the minors. Josh eventually moved to MLB fr...2023-12-2140 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBrett Blizzard on UNCW Basketball, LESSONS learned from Coach Jerry Wainwright and playing in ItalyBrett Blizzard on UNCW Basketball, LESSONS learned from Coach Jerry Wainwright and playing in Italy
Brett Blizzard grew up in Tallahassee, FL playing football for his dad, Al, but focused on basketball when his dad coached the high school team. A prolific scorer and Player of the Year at Florida State University School, Blizzard chose to play for UNCW (University of North Carolina Wilmington) over walking on at Florida State or attending other schools. From 1999-2003, Blizzard helped lead the Seahawks to their first three CAA Championships while becoming the all-time leading scorer. He was also the...2023-12-1250 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroScoop Jackson on writing about Sports and Hip Hop, plus lessons learned from NBA Legend George GervinScoop Jackson on writing about Sports and Hip Hop, plus lessons learned from NBA Legend George Gervin
Robert “Scoop” Jackson was born and raised in Chicago and given his nickname by his Uncle. He attended Xavier University of Louisiana intending to be a lawyer. After earning a Master of Arts degree from Howard, Jackson went into writing following advice from a professor. That advice led to a career writing about sports with publications such as SLAM, Hoop and Inside Stuff, along with Hip Hop magazine XXL. Jackson recently co-authored the book Ice with NBA Legend George Gervin published b...2023-11-2846 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDr. Matt Provencher on working with the Navy Seals and Bill Belichick plus the Grass vs. Turf DEBATE
Dr. Matt Provencher on working with the Navy Seals and Bill Belichick plus the Grass vs. Turf debate
Dr. Matt Provencher attended the US Naval Academy where he was an All-American oarsman. That experience led him to a career as an orthopedic surgeon. His first job was developing a training program for the Navy Seal Teams followed by an opportunity working with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots as head team physician. One of the country's top shoulder and knee surgeons, Dr. Provencher has his own practice and is also the Fox Sports Athletic Injury and Performance Analyst...2023-11-0928 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroSteve Wright from the LA Raiders to SURVIVING 31 Days on "Survivor" #survivoroncbs #sportspodcast
Steve Wright from the LA Raiders to SURVIVING 31 Days on "Survivor"
Before a long career in the NFL and lasting 31 days on Survivor, Steve Wright was a four-sport athlete as a youth playing football, basketball, hockey as well as track & field. He played football for four years at Northern Iowa and was later inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame. An 11-year NFL career started in Dallas where he made the Cowboys as a free-agent and played for legendary head coach Tom Landry. After two years with the Balitmore/Indianapolis Colts and one year in the USFL, Wright...2023-11-0252 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroSteve Largent on Hall of Fame career with Seattle Seahawks and Gridiron Greats Assistance FundSteve Largent on Hall of Fame career with Seattle Seahawks and Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund
Steve Largent was born in Tulsa, OK before moving to Oklahoma City at a young age. At Putnam City High School, Largent was a running back on the football team before a coach convinced him to move to wide receiver. That change in positions led to a record-setting career at the University of Tulsa and selection in the 1976 NFL draft. Picked in the 4th Round by the Houston Oilers, Largent was about to be cut after four preseason games when the Oilers decided to tr...2023-10-2934 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroChristian Okoye on growing up in Nigeria, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and his Top 5 Big Running BacksChristian Okoye on growing up in Nigeria, playing for the Kansas City Chiefs and his Top 5 Big Running Backs
Christian Okoye was born in Enugu, Nigeria and grew up playing soccer and running track despite his dad not wanting him to play sports. Okoye excelled in track and field but when the Nigerian government declined to put him on the 1984 Olympic team, he focused on football which he saw for the first time when he moved to United States in his early 20s. Okoye combined speed with his 6'1" and 260-pound frame to become a force in hi...2023-10-1032 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroAlonzo Highsmith on playing football at Miami, his boxing career and his Top 5 players from the “U”
Alonzo Highsmith on playing football at Miami, his boxing career and his Top 5 players from the “U”
Alonzo Highsmith grew up in Florida influenced to play football by his dad, Walter, who played and coached football including a stint at Texas Southern where he coached future Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee Michael Strahan. The younger Highsmith was a defensive end in high school and was the Florida high school Defensive Player of the Year. With offers from Notre Dame and Michigan, Highsmith elected to stay in state and played for the University of Miami. His...2023-10-0434 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDevon Harris: From the Original Jamaican Bobsled Team to Disney's "Cool Runnings"
Devon Harris: From the Original Jamaican Bobsled Team to Disney's "Cool Runnings"
Devon Harris was born in the ghetto of Olympic Gardens in Kingston, Jamaica. He played soccer and ran track while dreaming of representing his country in the 1984 Olympics. When that didn't happen, Harris attended the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in England. While a member of the Jamaica Defense Force, a colonel convinced him to try out for the newly formed Jamaican bobsled team. Making the team in late 1987, he was a member of the four-man team in the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics. That story became the Disney...2023-09-2638 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJoe Maddon On World Series Win with Cubs, Managing Shohei Ohtani and Mike TroutJoe Maddon On World Series Win with Cubs, Managing Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout
Joe Maddon was born in Hazleton, PA and grew up playing baseball along with football and basketball. After playing baseball and one season of football at Lafayette College in Easton, PA, Maddon signed a free agent contract with the California Angels as a catcher. Following four seasons in minor league baseball, he was convinced to go into coaching. He spent over 30 years within the Angels organization which included three stints as interim manager and a World Series championship as a coach in 2002. In 2006, Maddon got...2023-09-0444 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKenny Albert On His Broadcasting Career, The Late Tony Siragusa, And His Upcoming BookKenny Albert grew up in New York in a broadcast family with dad Marv Albert and uncles Al and Steve Albert. He did mock broadcasts into his tape recorder at age 5 and was broadcasting games for real by the age of 15. After graduating from New York University, Albert began his career in 1990 and has been on the mic for more than 3000 broadcasts calling games in all four major US sports leagues (NFL, NHL, MLB and NBA). In this episode, Albert shares stories from his new book "A Mic for All Seasons" available October 10 via Triumph Books. He tells us...2023-08-2341 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJohn Swofford on his Career in Athletics from UNC Athletic Director to Commissioner of the ACC
John Swofford was born and raised in North Wilkesboro, NC where his dad owned a tire store that catered to NASCAR legends like Junior Johnson. Swofford was an All-State quarterback at Wilkes Central High School and attended the University of North Carolina on a Morehead Scholarship. He was part of coach Bill Dooley’s first recruiting class for the Tar Heels and played both quarterback and safety. After earning his master’s degree at Ohio University, Swofford began his athletic administration career at Virginia before returning to North Carolina where he would take over as Athletic Director in 1980 at the...2023-08-1552 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroEddie George: Heisman Trophy Winner, Tennessee Titan, And Tennessee State CoachEddie George: Heisman Trophy Winner, Tennessee Titan, And Tennessee State Coach
Eddie George was born in Philadelphia and played multiple sports at Abington Senior High School before his mom made him attend Fork Union Military Academy in Virginia. It was at Fork Union where George grew on and off the field. After spending a post-graduate year at Fork Union, college football coaches came calling and a visit to Ohio State convinced George that being a Buckeye was a great fit. During his senior season in 1995, George set school records and won the Heisman Trophy. The Houston Oilers drafted him 14...2023-08-0843 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBrandon Phillips on MLB Career, Winning a World Series and Owning a Pro Softball TeamBrandon Phillips on MLB Career, Winning a World Series and Owning a Pro Softball Team
Brandon Phillips was born in Raleigh, NC and grew up in Stone Mountain, GA in an athletic family. He played multiple sports and wanted to focu on football before his mom suggested he concentrate on baseball. That advice led to a 17-year MLB career including 11 with the Cincinnati Reds where he was a 3-time All-Star, 4-time Gold Glove Award winner and a Silver Slugger Award winner. Phillips also spent time with his hometown Atlanta Braves and won a World Series with the Boston Red...2023-08-0142 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDavid Glenn on The David Glenn Show, Interviewing Presidents and Philly Sports FandomDavid Glenn on The David Glenn Show, Interviewing Presidents and Philly Sports Fandom
David Glenn was raised in Philadelphia during a successful time for Philly sports teams. A fan of Phillies pitcher Steve Carlton, Glenn was also a lefthanded pitcher growing up and played baseball from age 5 years old into his 20s. Realizing that playing sports would not be his profession, Glenn decided on sports journalism. After moving to North Carolina, Glenn started as a print journalist with the Durham Herald Sun and eventually worked and owned the ACC Sports Journal and ACCsports.com. During a time when he...2023-07-241h 01In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKerri Walsh Jennings on WINNING Olympic Gold and being a Hall of Famer, a role model and a MOMKerri Walsh Jennings on WINNING Olympic Gold and being a Hall of Famer, a role model and a MOM
Kerri Walsh Jennings grew up in California in an active family. As a somewhat shy kid, she used sports as her outlet playing both basketball and volleyball. As the #1 volleyball recruit her senior year, Walsh Jennings chose nearby Stanford where she helped lead the Cardinal to 2 NCAA Titles (1996 and 1997). Her first Olympic experience came in the Sydney games as a member of the Indoor Volleyball team in 2000. She soon switched to Beach Volleyball and partnered with Misty May-Treanor in 2001 to...2023-07-1746 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Candrea on Winning NCAA Softball Championships, Olympic Gold and Growing the game of SoftballMike Candrea on winning NCAA Softball Championships, Olympic Gold and growing the game of Softball
Mike Candrea was born in New Orleans and loved playing pick-up baseball with his friends. After moving to Phoenix at age 7, Candrea’s passion for the sport continued to grow. He played second base at Central Arizona College and became an assistant coach at the school before being asked to take over the softball program. After leading Central Arizona College to several championships, Candrea was hired as softball head coach at Arizona in 1986 and he stayed until he retired in 2021. During that tim...2023-06-2649 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKarl Mecklenburg on Broncos career, playing with John Elway and being called "the Albino Rhino"
Karl Mecklenburg was born in Seattle but grew up in Minnesota where he started playing football when he was 9 years old. He wanted to attend the University of Minnesota, but at 6-foot and just 200 pounds he had to settle for Augustana College in Sioux Falls, SD. After having his scholarship removed at Augustana, Mecklenburg walked on at Minnesota and in 1982 he was the Gophers' top defensive player, All-Big Ten 2nd team and All-Academic. The Denver Broncos drafted Karl in the 12th round (310 overall) in the 1983 NFL draft. Playing for Dan Reeves, Mecklenburg flourished playing on the defensive line and at...2023-06-1954 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroRon Cey on the BEST Infield Ever, Winning World Series with Dodgers, and "The Penguin" Nickname
Ron Cey was born and raised in Tacoma, WA where he played multiple sports up until graduating high school and attended Washington State to play baseball. After playing for the WSU freshman team, Cey played for Coach Chuck Brayton and the varsity team where he became the Cougar's top hitter and also earned his nickname "The Penguin". In 1968, the Dodgers drafted Cey in the 3rd round and he spent three years in the minors before making his MLB debut in 1971. He became a full-time Dodger in 1973 and teamed with Steve Garvey (1B), Davey Lopes (2B) and Bill Russell (SS...2023-06-121h 03In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJeremy Roenick on NHL career, Playing for US Hockey Team, RESPECT for Fans, and Whiskey in the Wild
Jeremy Roenick was born in Boston and moved around as a youth. He played hockey for the first time at age 4 and fell in love with the game. When he was 7 years old, Roenick had a memorable encounter with hockey legend Gordie Howe, something that would shape how he treated fans during his career. As a 10-year-old, he and his friends idolized Mike Eruzione and the US Olympic team that won gold in Lake Placid, NY (Ep. 49 featured Mike Eruzione: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s6Wmnarax8g&t=1068s). Roenick moved back to Massachusetts and played hockey...2023-06-051h 08In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroClyde Simmons on Philadelphia Eagles Defense, his career at WCU, and Playing with Concussions
Clyde Simmons was born in Lane, SC. His family moved to Wilmington, NC when he was young and sports highlighted his childhood. Playing multiple sports at New Hanover High School (alongside Ep. 55 guest Kenny Gattison), Simmons found his calling in football. Encouraged by Wildcats head coach Joe Miller, Simmons attended Western Carolina in the North Carolina mountains. During his four years, he helped lead the Catamounts to the 1983 NCAA I-AA National Championship game and was First Team All-America in 1985 He was inducted into the WCU Athletics Hall of Fame in 2002. Scouts noticed his play and in 1986 the Philadelphia Eagles...2023-05-281h 13In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroB.J. Surhoff on Brewers, Orioles and Braves career, plus raising a child with Autism
B.J. Surhoff grew up in Rye, NY. His dad, Dick, played 2 years in the NBA but his time playing professional fastpitch softball had the most impact on young B.J. who played multiple sports growing up. A standout in baseball, Surhoff was drafted by the Yankees out of high school but decided to play at North Carolina instead. Playing for the Tar Heels from 1983-85, Surhoff was a back-to-back 1st Team All-American, the National Player of the Year, the ACC Male Athlete of the Year and had his jersey retired. During that time, Surhoff also played for the U...2023-05-201h 19
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroTyrone Wheatley on the Wolverines, Playing for Jon Gruden and Al Davis, and Inkster, Michigan
Tyrone Wheatley grew up in Inkster, Michigan in the 1970s playing outside in “Olympic Games” with family members. Looking for direction and discipline, Wheatley found football and coaches who helped change his life. He was the 1990 Michigan Football Player of the Year and also named 1991 Michigan High School Track Athlete of the Year (after a disappointing loss the year before). Wheatley grew up a huge Michigan State fan and targeted the Spartans for his football career. Even though he wasn’t a fan of Michigan, Wheatley says the Wolverines were ultimately the better fit for him. He had an outsta...2023-05-1354 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroRobert Smith on Playing for "THE" Ohio State Buckeyes, NFL Career with Minnesota Vikings, and his Top 10 Running Backs of All Time
Robert Smith grew up just outside of Cleveland in Euclid, OH. He excelled in track and carried that speed over to football rushing for more than 5000 yards in his high school career. After he narrowed his college destination to four schools, Smith chose Ohio State. He played football for the Buckeyes as a freshman, ran track at OSU as a sophomore and returned to football his junior season. Despite playing just two years of football, Smith was drafted in 1993 by the Minnesota with the 21st pick of the first round by head coach Dennis Green. Smith spent 8 years with th...2023-04-281h 03In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroSidney Moncrief on Hall of Fame NBA career, playing for Eddie Sutton and NBA Rivals
Sidney Moncrief grew up in Little Rock, Arkansas, playing pick-up football with family and friends. Eventually basketball would become his sport. Recruited by several southeastern schools, Moncrief decided to stay in the state and play for Arkansas and coach Eddie Sutton from 1975-79. Playing alongside fellow Arkansas natives Marvin Delph and Ron Brewer (they were known as "The Triplets"), Moncrief helped lead the Razorbacks to the 1978 Final Four. He ended his career as the school's all-time leading scorer and rebounder and was named the 1979 Southwest Conference Player of the Year. The Milwaukee Bucks drafted Moncrief 5th overall in 1979. He pl...2023-04-221h 02In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroLarry Farmer on playing at UCLA for John Wooden and coaching UCLA
Larry Farmer grew up in Denver but didn't play basketball until his teenage years. Self-described as "coachable", Farmer learned the game and started to excel at it. First-Team All-State his senior season in high school, he was recruited by many schools before a meeting with UCLA's John Wooden started his path to UCLA. In his three years playing for Wooden (NCAA rules prohibited freshmen from playing varsity sports at that time), Farmer helped lead the Bruins to 3-straight National Championships and finished his career 89-1. Despite being drafted by both NBA and ABA teams, Farmer decided to work for...2023-04-1452 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroCarlester Crumpler Sr. talks about School Integration, his ECU Football Career and who's the best Crumpler Athlete
Carlester Crumpler Sr. grew up in eastern North Carolina where, as a student and an athlete, he helped integrate the schools he attended. The only black player on his high school team in Wilson, NC, Crumpler was an outstanding running back who rushed for more than 4000 yards. His play earned him a scholarship to nearby East Carolina University - a scholarship signing that was attended by ECU coaches, board of trustees and the chancellor. Playing in Greenville from 1971-73 (NCAA rules prohibited freshmen to play sports), he garnered nearly 3000 yards and was twice the Southern Conference Athlete of the...2023-04-0753 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDan "The Beast" Severn on Surviving the UFC and time in the NWA/WWF
Dan "The Beast" Severn grew up on the family farm in Michigan and didn't start wrestling until he was a teenager. He soon came to love the sport competing in both Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling. His talent led him to Arizona State where he was a two-time All American and competed internationally. Severn just missed out on making the US Olympic team times in the 1980s but would eventually put his wrestling skills to use in the octagon fighting in the early days of Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). In a time with few rules, Severn excelled in UFC winning 101...2023-03-3158 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDave Bing on NBA Hall of Fame career and being Detroit's Mayor
Dave Bing grew up in Washington, DC and became an All-American basketball player in high school. He received plenty of college scholarship offers, but football standouts Ernie Davis and John Mackey convinced him to go to Syracuse. Bing would help turn the Syracuse basketball program into a winner as the team's leading scorer playing alongside Jim Boeheim. In three years, Bing scored nearly 2000 points and was a consensus All-American which led to the Detroit Pistons to draft him second overall in 1966. He was the Rookie of the Year and would play 9 of his 12 seasons in Detroit. He was also a...2023-03-2437 minIn The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro"The Mayor" Sean Casey on his MLB career, working for MLB Network, and his advocacy for Mental Health"The Mayor" Sean Casey was born in New Jersey and grew up just outside Pittsburgh playing football, basketball and baseball. Following a football injury, Casey turned his attention to baseball. Despite becoming a high-level hitter, college offers never came. On his dad’s advice, Casey wrote letters to schools to play college baseball and it was the 31st letter that caught the eye of the University of Richmond coaching staff and led Casey on a path that would take him to Major League Baseball. During his 3 years playing for the Spiders, Casey worked on his craft and lead the na...2023-03-1653 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroAnthony Muñoz on playing for USC and Hall of Fame career with the BengalsAnthony Muñoz grew up in Ontario, California around a loving family led by his mom. While never knowing his dad, Muñoz learned about work ethic from his mom and sports from his older brothers. Baseball was his first passion until high school when a coach saw the potential in him on the football field. That potential turned into talent as an offensive lineman and attracted college coaches from across the country. Growing up about 40 minutes from the University of Southern California, Muñoz knew USC was the only place he wanted to attend. Muñoz was a memb...2023-02-2448 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKenny Gattison on playing with and against Michael Jordan as a kid, why he chose ODU, and his NBA career with the HornetsKenny Gattison was born and raised in Wilmington, NC during the Civil Rights Movement in the 1960s. Sports became his outlet and he excelled in football at New Hanover High School dreaming of being an NFL tight end. When he started growing, basketball soon became his sport and one that he dominated on the streets of Wilmington playing with, and against childhood friend Michael Jordan (known then as Mike Jordan). After attending the Five-Star Camps in Pennsylvania, college coaches started recruiting Gattison. Old Dominion in Norfolk, VA would be the perfect fit for him to remain close to home...2023-02-121h 09In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroGreg Ellis on playing at UNC, NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and his Mental Health missionBefore his illustrious NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys and helping to conquer Mental Health issues, Greg Ellis was a standout basketball and football player in eastern North Carolina. At East Wake High School, he was named 1993 Male High School Athlete of the Year by the Raleigh News and Observer. Though he was recruited to play basketball by some smaller schools, he chose to play football at North Carolina (while also playing for a time on the UNC JV basketball team). Playing for Mack Brown from 1994-97, Ellis got stronger and better each year. By the end of his c...2023-02-041h 04In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDon Beebe on his NFL career with the Buffalo Bills, Winning a Super Bowl with Green Bay, and the Leon Lett FUMBLEBeebe grew up in Kaneville, IL playing baseball, basketball and football. In fact, he didn't like football until his senior year in high school after a coach convinced him football would be his sport. After graduating high school in 1983, Beebe spent the next six years in and out of several colleges before getting his break at Chadron State in Nebraska. Invited to the 1989 NFL Scouting combine in Indianapolis, Beebe (along with Deion Sanders) set a record running the 40-yard dash in 4.25 (it was a record that stood for 17 years). His speed helped him get drafted by the Buffalo Bills...2023-01-2959 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroOliver Luck on NFL career, Running the XFL and his Relationship with the ManningsOliver Luck grew up in Cleveland playing basketball, baseball and football. After a standout career as quarterback at St. Ignatius High School, Luck attended West Virginia playing for Hall of Fame coaches Frank Cignetti Sr. and Don Nehlen. A three-year starter for the Mountaineers, Luck set several school records before the Houston Oilers drafted him 44th overall in 1982. Luck played alongside Archie Manning, Earl Campbell and Warren Moon on the Houston Astrodome’s artificial surface. After retiring and earning his law degree, Luck entered the world of professional and college sports as an executive. He spent 10 years overseas as pa...2023-01-2358 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Quick on Eagles playing and broadcast career, plus "Philly Special"Mike Quick grew up in the small town on Hamlet, NC as the youngest of 9 kids raised by his mom, Mary. Quick played multiple sports at Richmond Senor HS before attending Fork Union Academy in Virginia. He would go on to play football at NC State from 1978-81 before the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him 20th overall in 1982. During his 9 years with the Eagles, Quick became the favorite target of quarterback Ron Jaworski and is credited with setting an NFL record with a 99-yard touchdown reception in 1985. Quick later became the favorite target of a young Randall Cunningham before injuries fo...2022-12-2054 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroTom House on MLB career and working with Nolan Ryan, Drew BreesTom House was born in Seattle, spent time in Portland, OR and went to high school in California. From there, the lefty would play for USC and legendary head coach Rod Dedeaux. The Cubs drafted House in 1965, but following his mom’s wishes he remained in school and did not sign. House was drafted again in 1967 and this time signed with the Atlanta Braves where he would debut in 1971 and be a key reliever for the Braves 1974-1975. He was traded to the Boston Red Sox before the 1976 season and would be traded again in 1977 to the expansion Seattle Marin...2022-12-0959 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Eruzione on win vs Soviets and Al Michaels' "Miracle" callEruzione grew up in Winthrop, MA surrounded by his Italian American family playing baseball, football and hockey. After excelling in high school and prep school, Eruzione wanted to play all three sports at the University of New Hampshire and enrolled at Merrimack College before fate intervened and sent him to Boston University. Playing most of his career for Jack Parker, Eruzione would become the 3rd-leading scorer in BU history and play for Team USA at the 1975 and 1976 World Championships. Following a two-year stint in the IHL with the Toledo Goaldiggers, Mike was named to the 1980 US Olympic team. Playing i...2022-12-0152 min
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroWalter Jones on NFL career in Seattle and Hall of Fame inductionWalter Jones grew up in Aliceville, AL raised by his mom and seven siblings. He was introduced to football as a child and started to excel in high school. Grades forced Jones to spend two years at Holmes Community College in Mississippi before he transferred to Florida State. Playing for the legendary Bobby Bowden, Jones would be an All-ACC performer despite not being a regular starter. Forgoing his senior season, Big Walt was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks 6th overall in 1997 and would play his entire career in the Pacific Northwest. Playing and starting 180 games from 1997-2009, Jones was a 9...2022-11-1259 min
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroCedric Maxwell on 1977 NCAA Final Four and Celtics NBA TitlesCedric Maxwell was born in Kinston, NC and spent his early years there before moving to Hawaii for a time. He eventually returned to Kinston where he would become a standout basketball player in high school. Staying in NC, Maxwell attended the University North Carolina at Charlotte and in 1976 led the 49ers to the NIT finals where he was named MVP despite losing in the championship. In 1977, Maxwell and the 49ers would advance to the Final Four losing to eventual champion Marquette in Atlanta. The Boston Celtics made Maxwell the 12th pick in 1977. He and the Celtics would endure so...2022-11-0554 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJesse Cole on creating the Savannah Bananas and Banana BallJesse Cole grew up in Massachusetts and fell in love with baseball thanks to his dad. Recruited by Boston College and Northeastern to play baseball, Cole went south to Wofford College in South Carolina where he had an opportunity to be a two-way player. An injury his senior season, would deny Cole a chance at pro ball, but it would change his path forever. A short stint as a coach in the Cape Cod League led Cole to work behind the scenes in baseball when he became the General Manager of the Gastonia Grizzlies of the Coastal Plain League...2022-10-2831 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroEd Marinaro on NFL career and starring on "Hill Street Blues"Marinaro was born in New York City before moving to New Jersey where he was a high school standout in both basketball and football. Basketball coaches "Lefty" Driesell and Bob Knight recruited Marinaro, but football is what took him to Cornell. A three-time All-American with the Big Red in the Ivy League, Marinaro rushed for almost 5000 career yards and finished second to Auburn's Pat Sullivan for the 1971 Heisman Trophy. A 1972 second round draft pick by Minnesota, Marinaro would play 4 years for the Vikings and was part of two Super Bowl teams playing alongside Fran Tarkenton and the "Purple People...2022-10-221h 10In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroEric Montross on playing for Dean Smith and Carolina/Duke rivalryGrowing up in Indiana, Montross quickly fell in love with basketball, the sport synonymous with the state. He led Lawrence North High School to the state championship in the tournament made famous by the movie "Hoosiers". A 1990 McDonald's All American, Montross was highly recruited by many Big 10 coaches including Bob Knight at Indiana, Gene Keady at Purdue and Bill Frieder at Michigan where Eric's dad and grandfather both played. Montross says it was a gut feeling that led him to North Carolina where he played for Hall of Fame coach Dean Smith. While in Chapel Hill, Montross helped lead...2022-10-1553 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroLarry Csonka on perfect season in Miami and hanging out with ElvisCsonka was raised on a farm outside Akron, OH. He joined the football team in the 7th grade, but soon quit because he didn’t like getting hit. A coach re-introduced Larry to the sport when he got in trouble and Larry eventually learned how to play the game. Csonka began playing on the defensive side of the ball at Stow High School in the early 1960s before a chance encounter set him on his path as a running back. After high school, he played at Syracuse University for WWII hero Ben Schwartzwalder. Playing alongside Floyd Little and Tom Coughl...2022-10-011h 07In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDwight Freeney on playing for Dungy & Colts and golf with JordanGrowing up in Connecticut, Freeney excelled in all sports he played including basketball and baseball. At 6-1, his size led him to football where he set records as a defensive end at Bloomfield High School. It was in high school where he developed his spin move which helped him collect 37 sacks in his career and got him noticed by college coaches. After a visit to Syracuse, it was obvious Freeney wanted to be an Orangeman. From 1998-2001, he became a force in Central New York and set a school record with 17.5 sacks his senior season. A two-time All-Big East se...2022-09-2351 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroTrot Nixon on playing for Red Sox and winning a World SeriesNixon was born in Durham, NC, but moved to Wilmington, NC at a very early age. It was in the Port City that Nixon played multiple sports but concentrated on football and baseball when he attended New Hanover High School. In football, Nixon played for the late Joe Miller and broke several records held at the time by NFL greats Sonny Jurgensen and Roman Gabriel. In baseball, he helped lead the Wildcats to a state title and was named the North Carolina Player of the Year in both sports. After accepting an offer to play both sports at NC...2022-09-061h 17In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKenny Anderson on Final Four at Georgia Tech and NBA careerKenny Anderson grew up in LeFrak City in Queens, NY raised by his mom and motivated by his older sister. Basketball was his sport at an early age which took him to Archbishop Molloy High School where he played for legendary head coach Jack Curran. Following in the footsteps of friend and mentor Kenny Smith, Anderson would win many trophies and receive plenty of accolades. After scoring over 2600 points in his career, Anderson was the top recruit in the country with Georgia Tech and Syracuse emerging as his choice to go to college. On his mom’s orders, Georgia Tech...2022-08-1944 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKarch Kiraly on UCLA Championships and Olympic gold medalsKiraly was born in Michigan and trained at an early age with his dad, a member of the Hungarian Junior National Team, who fled his native country during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. At age 11, Karch entered his first beach volleyball event with his dad and would eventually spend four decades playing beach volleyball. After his family moved to California, Kiraly excelled at indoor volleyball and helped lead his high school team to an undefeated season in 1978. During the recruiting process, Kiraly chose UCLA over USC and would have a memorable four years playing for legendary coach Al Scates who l...2022-08-1240 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBob Socci on being Voice of the Patriots and Super Bowl callsGrowing up in Auburn, NY, Socci became a big baseball fan and fell in love with Tom Seaver and the NY Mets. He soon started playing baseball while also announcing it as the Public Address announcer of his little league. After high school, Socci attended the University of Dayton to pursue his broadcasting career. An internship with the Cincinnati Reds gave Bob the outlet to do mock broadcasts of Reds games. His broadcasting career would include plenty of stops in minor league baseball where he reached the AAA level several times including stops with the Albuquerque Isotopes, the Norfolk Ti...2022-08-071h 12In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBill Curry on playing for Lombardi and learning race from teammatesGrowing up in Georgia, Curry did not like football. In fact, it was a sport he never wanted to play. But it was the sport he knew could attract the attention of girls in high school (and one in particular Carolyn Newton who he would eventually marry). Even though his dad was a big Georgia fan, Curry would play at Georgia Tech for Hall of Fame coach Bobby Dodd. With the Yellow Jackets, Curry would captain the team in 1964 and become a George Tech Hall of Famer. Later that year, he would be drafted by the NFL’s Green Bay...2022-08-0555 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJay BIlas on playing for Coach K and Young Jeezy tweetsBorn in California, Blias was all about water sports and basketball growing up. As he got taller, basketball took center stage and college coaches took notice. Among those coaches was Duke's Mike Krzyzewski who just finished his second season in Durham. Bilas was part of a talented recruiting class that would help elevate Duke basketball and lead them to the 1986 National Championship game (Duke lost to Louisville 72-69). After that stinging setback, Bilas would be drafted by the Dallas Mavericks before spending the next three years playing overseas. Asked to join Coach K's staff, Bilas returned to Duke and fr...2022-07-151h 07In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroConnor Barth on game-winner vs. Miami and records in Tampa BayBarth was born in Virginia and spent time in Tennessee before growing up in Wilmington, NC when his dad became a professor at UNCW. It was in this coastal community that Barth played baseball and soccer with younger brother Casey. Soccer would eventually give way to football when Barth found out he had the talent to be a kicker and punter. Playing at Hoggard High School for legendary coach Scott Braswell, Barth became the top kicker in the country and had a number of college scholarship offers. In the end, he decided to stay close to home and play fo...2022-07-081h 03
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJohn Brebbia on pitching in MLB and Bill Murray "Caddyshack" momentThe Massachusetts native grew up just outside Boston and realized at an early age baseball was his sport. He played 3 years at Sharon High School, before moving to Florida his senior season. Pitching for Wellington High School in Florida, Brebbia was 10-1 with a 0.83 ERA and an 18 strikeout game. Those numbers caught the attention of college coaches including Mike Kennedy at Elon University in North Carolina where Brebbia would pitch from 2009-2011. During the summers of 2010 and 2011, Brebbia would also return to Massachusetts to play in the historic Cape Cod League. In 2011, the New York Yankees drafted Brebbia which was a...2022-07-011h 11In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroVince Papale on making the Eagles roster and "Invincible"Papale grew up just outside of Philadelphia with a mom who played baseball and a dad who loved sports. In high school, Vince lettered in multiple sports although he played just one year of football. Track & Field would be the sport that Papale would excel in and get him to St. Joseph’s in Philadelphia on a scholarship. After graduation, Papale became a teacher and coach at his alma mater, Interboro High School. During this time, he would play in various football leagues including the Seaboard Football League for the Aston Green Knights and the World Football League where he pl...2022-06-251h 09In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Golic Sr. on his time at ESPN and the end of "Mike & Mike"Golic grew up just outside Cleveland with his brothers Bob and Greg. Like most kids at the time, Golic and his brothers were playing all sports, but eventually focused on football and wrestling. A standout in both sports in high school, Golic would follow older brother Bob and compete in both at Notre Dame. On the Fighting Irish football team, Mike played for Gerry Faust and helped lead the Irish to a pair of bowl games including the Aloha Bowl when he captained the team his senior year in 1984 despite an injury. That injury would drop his draft status an...2022-06-171h 07In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJim “The Rookie” Morris his MLB debut and "The Rookie"Born in San Diego and on the move often with his Navy dad, Morris found sports as the way to fit in. It was also his outlet to avoid an abusive father who he eventually moved away from and settled in Texas where he lived with his grandparents. With no baseball at Brownwood High School, Morris starred on the football team as a wingback, punter and kicker playing for legendary Gordon Wood. Playing baseball in the summers got Morris drafted 466th overall by the New York Yankees in 1982. Instead of signing, Morris went to Ranger College where he would be d...2022-06-101h 06In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBob Ryan & Bill Chuck on careers and book "In Scoring Position"Veteran sportswriter, and ESPN reporter, Bob Ryan grew up in New Jersey before he went to Boston College where he majored in history. Sports reporting became his calling after covering a football game between the Eagles and Syracuse Orangemen featuring running back Floyd Little. Ryan would go on to be the Boston Celtics beat reporter for The Boston Globe. Fellow writer Bill Chuck was born and raised in Manhattan before graduating from American University with a degree in psychology. After a stint as an English teacher, Chuck would become a baseball writer and researcher. These two came together recently to...2022-06-0452 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Minter on playing for Carolina and memories of Sam MillsMinter was born in Cleveland, Ohio but moved to Oklahoma soon after his dad’s passing before Mike turned one. It was in Lawton, Oklahoma where Minter grew up playing with his siblings and developed into a two-sport athlete. On the football field, Minter was a running back and free safety who led the state in rushing in 1991 with almost 1600 yards and 21 touchdowns. On the basketball court, Minter averaged 21.0 points for the Lawton High School. Growing up watching Nebraska football on TV, Minter’s goal was to play for the Cornhuskers. When Hall of Fame coach Tom Osborne came calling...2022-05-281h 08
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroTyrone "Muggsy" Bogues on playing in the NBA and "Space Jam"Growing up in the housing projects of Baltimore, Bogues was toughened by his environment. As a 5-year-old, he was hit by a stray bullet and was hospitalized. Sports became his outlet excelling in basketball and wrestling. Basketball would soon take priority and be his way out of the projects. At Dunbar High School, Bogues teamed with David Wingate, Reggie Williams, Reggie Lewis and others who helped lead the Poets to undefeated seasons in 1981-82 (29-0) and 1982-83 (31-0). From Dunbar, Bogues went to Wake Forest and thrived in the talent-rich Atlantic Coast Conference. With Wake Forest, he was team M...2022-05-2053 min
In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJim Kaat on Hall of Fame career and pitching against KoufaxJim Kaat grew up in Zeeland, MI, a small Dutch community in Western Michigan. It was there that Jim’s dad instilled a hard work ethic and a love for baseball in him. Known as “Little Jimmy” for his small stature, Kaat played high school baseball but received no athletic scholarships. Instead he enrolled in nearby Hope College where he paid his own way doing odd jobs. In 1957, Kaat would sign a free-agent contract with the Washington Senators and work his way through the minor leagues before making his MLB debut in 1959. He would become a permanent member of the pitch...2022-05-051h 01In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroRusty LaRue on winning NBA title with the Bulls and coachingThe Kernersville, NC native grew up playing against, and with, his older brother in all sports. In high school, LaRue became an All-State performer in baseball, basketball and football. When being recruited, he made it known he wanted to be a multi-sport athlete in college and eventually chose Wake Forest where he would play football for coaches Bill Dooley and Jim Caldwell, basketball for Dave Odom and also baseball for George Greer. In fact, LaRue is just the second ACC student-athlete to play all three sports in the same year when he did so in his junior year (1994-95). Whi...2022-04-281h 01In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDoug Williams on winning a Super Bowl and breaking barriersWilliams grew up in Zachary, LA with a house full of family and sports. Baseball was the sport of choice until he tried football in the 9th grade. He would be a multi-sport athlete in high school, but football would eventually win out and become the sport that got Williams to the next level. That next level took Williams to Grambling State where he played for legendary coach Eddie Robinson. Williams and the Tigers would win 36 games and three Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC) titles in his four seasons. He would also win the Black College Player of the Year twice...2022-04-161h 08In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMark Zuckerman on covering Baltimore/DC sports and Mark ZuckerbergBorn in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Scottsdale, AZ when he was two, Zuckerman grew up playing and watching sports. Baseball was his love and he followed the sport by reading the newspaper. Writing soon became a passion and led Zuckerman to Northwestern where he covered the football team’s run to the Rose Bowl in 1996 while also interning at a number of newspaper outlets. Interning for the now defunct Chicago Daily Southtown, Zuckerman had a chance to cover the Chicago Cubs and spend plenty of hours at historic Wrigley Field. After graduation, Zuckerman moved to Texas where he cov...2022-04-071h 02In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDereck Whittenburg on winning 1983 NCAA title and Jimmy VPlaying multiple sports growing up in Maryland, Whittenburg eventually turned to basketball. He played for legendary coach Morgan Wootten at DeMatha Catholic High School where he paired with future college teammate Sidney Lowe to win the 1978 High School National Championship. When it was time to go to college, Whittenburg knew NC State was the place for him after watching his cousin, David Thompson, win an NCAA National Championship for the Wolfpack in 1974. After playing for Norm Sloan as a freshman, Whittenburg would be introduced to a new coach in 1980 when Jim Valvano took over. With the goal of winning a...2022-04-011h 04In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDanny Wuerffel on playing for Steve Spurrier and winning HeismanWuerffel was born in Florida the son of a Lutheran minister who was a chaplain in the US Air Force. That job led to several moves for the family and Danny spending time in South Carolina, Nebraska, Colorado and Spain. Wuerffel approached each stop as a learning lesson and also used sports to help make friends. Danny played basketball and football in high school. He helped lead his high school football team to a state championship in 1991 and was named the top high school recruit in Florida. Following visits to Alabama, Florida State and Florida, Wuerffel chose to play for t...2022-03-1733 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBrian Rowsom on guarding David Robinson and playing for HornetsBrian Rowsom was born in Newark, NJ and raised in Columbia, NC near the Outer Banks. While he played several sports when he was young, Rowsom concentrated on Basketball once he started to grow into his 6’10” frame in high school. That’s when he was noticed by UNCW head coach Mel Gibson who offered him a chance to play for the Seahawks. From 1983-87 Rowsom not only played, but excelled at UNCW. Playing in the early days of the Colonial Athletic Association (CAA) and battling with Navy big man David Robinson, Rowsom became a star for the Seahawks where he would...2022-02-2558 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBobby Valentine on playing for Lasorda and working for George BushBobby Valentine grew up in Stamford, CT in the 1950s playing multiple sports including ballroom dancing (yes, he says it’s a sport). Recruited to play both football and baseball, Valentine committed to the University of Southern California (USC) where he was to play for legendary coaches John McKay (football) and Rod Dedeaux (baseball). However, he was drafted 5th overall by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1968 thus taking away his opportunity to play college ball. Instead, he spent time in the Dodgers minor league system where he first met Tommy Lasorda who would be his manager at a number of st...2022-02-1858 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroQadry Ismail on playing at Syracuse and winning a Super BowlQadry Ismail grew up playing sports in Newark, NJ along with his brothers Raghib and Sulaiman. At age 15, he moved to Wilkes-Barre, PA where he and his brother Raghib excelled for the football team at E.L. Meyers HS. Qadry was also a State Champion in Track & Field and was named the 1988 Athlete of the Year by several local publications. With that success came recruitment by a number of universities in the Northeast including Penn State, West Virginia and Virginia Tech. Ismail eventually chose Syracuse University in New York to play both football and run track. In 1991, Ismail was named...2022-02-111h 12In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDaniel Hargrave on baseball career and being Marvel stuntmanWe talk sports and cinema in Episode 18 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro”. Our guest is former college and professional baseball player turned Hollywood stuntman Daniel Hargrave. Growing up in Hurdle Mills, N.C., Hargrave played various sports, but fell in love with baseball thanks to his father and grandfather, who paid him for hitting homeruns. His play was eventually noticed by college scouts and was offered a scholarship to play at UNCW in Wilmington, N.C. where he excelled on the diamond. He and the Seahawks won a conference title and made two NCAA Regional appearances. Hargrave...2022-02-041h 05In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJames “Bonecrusher” Smith on heavyweight title and fighting TysonIn Episode 17 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we go a few rounds with former heavyweight boxing champ James “Bonecrusher” Smith. Smith grew up in rural North Carolina where he learned the lesson of working hard and being tough. He was the first family member to earn a college degree and would be the only heavyweight champ with a college degree. It was in the Army that Smith started boxing. Following a successful amateur career, he turned pro at the age of 28. Despite losing his first fight, Smith made a name for himself with a big fight in England ag...2022-01-3032 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMartin Jarmond on leading UCLA Athletics and meeting Bill WaltonEpisode 16 of "In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro" features UCLA Director of Athletics Martin Jarmond. Growing up in Fayetteville, NC in the 1980s, Jarmond was playing multiple sports which eventually led him to UNCW in Wilmington, NC where he was a two-time captain on the Seahawks basketball team. During his time playing for Jerry Wainwright, Jarmond helped bring UNCW their first conference title and trip to the NCAA Tournament. After graduating in 2001, Jarmond got his master's degree at Ohio University and soon after started his career in athletic administration. After stops at Michigan State and The Ohio State U...2022-01-2126 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroArtis Gilmore on leading Jacksonville to Final Four and ABA careerNaismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame center Artis Gilmore is our guest in Episode 15 of "In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro". Gilmore grew up in Chipley, FL one of 10 kids in his family. Struggling for the resources to play sports, he started playing basketball in high school but grew to love the sport while also growing to 6'10" by the time he graduated in 1967. Gilmore play two years at Gardner-Webb, a junior college in Boiling Springs, NC, before a teammate convinced him to attend Jacksonville University back in his home state. It was with the Dolphins that Gilmore's gam...2022-01-141h 05In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJohn Bunting on coaching UNC football and winning Super BowlIn Episode 14 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we once again talk football and are joined by John Bunting. Born in Maine and raised outside of Washington, DC, Bunting was a three-sport athlete in high school. But when he was recruited, it was football that won out over basketball and baseball. Bunting would play for Bill Dooley at North Carolina and eventually became the defensive captain for the Tar Heels playing linebacker from 1969-71. He was named All-ACC in 1971 when he helped lead UNC to their first outright ACC title. From Chapel Hill, Bunting went north when he was dr...2022-01-061h 06In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDerek Brunson on fighting for UFC and plans to fight Jake PaulIn Episode 13 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we’re joined by UFC Middleweight Contender Derek Brunson. Growing up in Wilmington, NC, Brunson played a number of sports and also cheered competitively. After wrestling in high school, he received a scholarship from UNC Pembroke where he was a three-time Division II All-American. After college, Brunson eventually made his way to mixed martial arts debuting in 2010 with the first of his 23 wins. His hard work and dedication took him to UFC where he debuted in 2012 at UFC 155 and has fought ever since. Having won his last 5 fights, Brunson is preparin...2021-12-3043 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroCurt Warner on playing for Joe Paterno and career with SeahawksIn Episode 12 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we’re joined by former college and NFL running back Curt Warner. Growing up in rural West Virginia, Warner excelled at football and would play collegiately at Penn State, choosing the Nittany Lions over schools such as Pitt and West Virginia. While at Penn State, Warner played for Joe Paterno and worked to stay out of Paterno’s office. He led the Nittany Lions in rushing three seasons, helped lead Penn State to the 1982 National Championship (the first for the school) and left Happy Valley with 42 records. From there, Warner was d...2021-12-231h 03In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJohn Feinstein on writing about Bob Knight and the PalestraWe’re joined by bestselling author John Feinstein in Episode 11 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro”. A native New Yorker who grew up playing and watching sports, Feinstein went south for college where he attended Duke University. In Durham is where Feinstein started writing for the school newspaper and found his career path. While working at the Washington Post, Feinstein had the idea to write his first book. At 28 years old, that book, “A Season On the Brink”, would become a best-seller. Based on his time inside the 1985-86 Indiana University basketball team and head coach Bob Knight, that bo...2021-12-1656 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroKim Crabbe on making US Women's roster and coaching kidsIn Episode 10 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we’re joined by soccer trailblazer Kim Crabbe. Growing up in Reston, Virginia Kim knew at an early age that athletics, and soccer in particular, would be a way to have a journey that would take her to places she could never have imagined. After excelling in the sport in high school, Crabbe attended George Mason and was a member of it’s upstart women’s soccer program. While there, she helped lead the Patriots to the 1985 NCAA National Championship over the dominant North Carolina Tar Heels (in fact, it would be t...2021-12-021h 01In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroAntoan Richardson on being from Bahamas and playing with JeterIn Episode 9 of "In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro" we're joined by San Franscisco Giants first base coach Antoan Richardson. A native of the Bahamas, Richardson recounts his early days raised by his mom and grandmother in Nassau. He tells us about his journey to the states and the culture shock he felt while attending high school in Florida where he excelled as an athlete and student. After turning down an offer to attend Brown University, Richardson would go on to play baseball at Palm Beach Community College and Vanderbilt where he would graduate with an engineering science deg...2021-11-221h 01In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroSteve Raible on playing for the Seahawks and his Rudy momentIn Episode 8 of "In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro" we catch-up with Voice of the Seattle Seahawks, Steve Raible. Growing up in Louisville, KY in the 1960's, Steve gravitated to football at an early age and carried that passion with him onto Georgia Tech where he was a wide receiver in a wishbone offense. His speed on the football field and the track caught the eyes of NFL scouts, and he was drafted by the expansion Seattle Seahawks in 1976 (instead of his boyhood team the Green Bay Packers). Raible would eventually be known as "the other Steve" playing alo...2021-11-121h 19In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBrandon Beane on leading the Bills and his love for Pearl JamIn episode 7 of "In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro", we're joined by Buffalo Bills GM Brandon Beane. Beane tells us what life was like growing up in rural Norwood, North Carolina with football the central sport he played. An injury in high school changed his career path and sent him to UNCW where he planned to major in education to become a teacher and coach. After a few years, working in pro sports became his goal and that eventually materialized with an internship with the Carolina Panthers. From intern to Assistant GM, Beane spent 19 years with the Panthers befo...2021-11-0457 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Waddell on life in sports and working with Steve SpurrierIn Episode 7 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” Mike Waddell shares tales of his extraordinary life in and around sports. He tells us how being a talker led to a career in broadcasting which included a number of National Championships with stops at North Carolina, Virginia, Appalachian State and Army. Waddell also recounts his transition to college administration that would take him to a number of NCAA Division I institutions such as Towson University where he spent 3 years as Athletic Director. From college athletics, Mike transitioned once again making the move to several front office positions including Preside...2021-10-291h 15In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJoe Lunardi on the start of bracketology and working for ESPNIn Episode 5 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” we sit down with the original Bracketologist, Joe Lunardi from ESPN. Growing up in Philadelphia, Joe’s love for basketball started while following his favorite player Wilt Chamberlain. That love would grow with time spent at the historic Palestra watching Big 5 Basketball games and working with Hall of Fame coaches. Previewing college teams for the Blue Ribbon College Basketball Yearbook would eventually turn into predicting the brackets for the NCAA Men’s Basketball Championship and a movement that would become known as Bracketology. Hear about the fan bases and the coaches who...2021-10-2158 minIn The Front Row with Mike VaccaroDave Raymond on being original Phillie Phanatic and creating GrittyEpisode 4 of “In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro” features Dave Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic who pioneered the field of sports mascots. The Newark, DE native tells us about growing up the son of Hall of Fame football coach Tubby Raymond who won 300 games and 3 National titles as head coach at the University of Delaware. After playing for his dad, Dave had an internship with the Phillies that would turn into 16 years performing as the Phanatic. Dave recalls his relationship with legendary Los Angeles Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda and how he helped the Phanatic become a world-wide phenomenon. Dave ma...2021-10-142h 08In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroBuzz Peterson on playing for Dean Smith and rooming with JordanOn Episode 3 of In the Front Row with Mike Vaccaro, we spend time with current Charlotte Hornets Assistant GM Buzz Peterson. Peterson tells us about growing up in western North Carolina with a goal of being named a McDonald's All-American. He recounts being named NC Player of the Year twice beating out his future roommate Michael Jordan both times. We also talk about the influence of Dean Smith on his life and coaching career. Also find out the origins of his name and how Cal Ripken may have helped push him toward basketball.2021-10-121h 02In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroJoe Rosen on being a sports agent and Hip Hop iconsBased in Boston, Joe Rosen talks about his journey from a broadcast journalism major at Syracuse to law school and sports agent. He represents MLB players including Josiah Gray who was part of the Max Scherzer/Trae Turner trade between the Dodgers and Nationals. Joe also talks about the business of being a sports agent, as well as his time practicing corporate law including the time he represented and met several iconic hip hop groups. All that and more on Episode 2 of In The Front Row with Mike Vaccaro.2021-09-301h 05In The Front Row with Mike VaccaroMike Vaccaro on being a sportswriter and the first "Woj Bomb"In our first episode we sit down with NY Post Sportswriter and Columnist Mike Vaccaro. He recounts growing up on Long Island, attending St. Bonaventure and his career with stops in Arkansas and Kansas City before making his way back to New York. Vaccaro also talks about the very first “Woj Bomb” that he and St. Bonaventure classmate NBA Insider Adrian Wojnarowski dropped. The baseball hall of fame voter discusses his recent picks for the hall and which, if any, players from the "Steroids Era" belong.
2021-09-231h 00