My good friend Nick Tagliaferri and I were somewhat celebrities back in the day. OK. It was a long time ago. In a galaxy far, far away. We simply took advantage of our impressive coaching resumes. SPENCE TAG RADIO was well before its time, and this weekly part-time gig had listeners from all over the globe. Now, this is just an opinion, but I truly believe that we had the very first PODCAST. We were hilarious as both of us love to banter and chat. Our chemistry was fantastic, and it was a great show. We sometimes invited guests, but it was mostly a conversation between old hoops friends. Coach Tagliaferri definitely has the gift of gab.
The program was based around sports, but we would occasionally discuss trends and current events. We refrained from politics because our opinions often made our listeners mad. Basketball dominated mostly. Tag didn’t like to talk about soccer. One of my personal favorites was when we reached out to the audience in naming the greatest sports movies of all time.
That show aired ten years ago, and my list has not changed. I own all these movies on BLU RAY, and I have every line memorized. I don’t have one particular favorite. I love them all. Here is my personal breakdown. I did it by sport. You are more than welcome to disagree. It is my list. Cheers.
BASKETBALL. “Hoosiers.” Gene Hackman. Barbara Hershey. Dennis Hopper. A basketball coach with a checkered past and a local drunk train a small-town team to become a top contender for the Indiana State Championship. Based on a true story. Fantastic movie. So many great lines. WHAT’S WRONG WITH YOU GUYS? I WILL MAKE IT.
BOXING. “Rocky IV.” Sylvester Stallone. Talia Shire. Burt Young. Rocky Balboa is the world heavyweight champ, but a new challenger has stepped up. A 6’5″ 270-pound fighter named Ivan Drago who is backed by the Soviet Union. Goosebumps. Love the difference in training venues. Splendid. IF HE DIES. HE DIES.
BASEBALL. “Field of Dreams.” Kevin Costner. James Earl Jones. Ray Liotta. Iowa farmer Ray Kinsella is inspired by the voice he cannot ignore to pursue a dream. Supported by his wife, Ray begins the quest by turning an ordinary cornfield into a place where dreams can come true. Unbelievable movie. IF YOU BUILD IT- THEY WILL COME.
FOOTBALL. “Rudy.” Sean Astin. Jon Favreau. Ned Betty. Rudy has always been told that he was too small to play college football. But he is determined to overcome all odds and fulfill his dream of playing for the University of Notre Dame. Holy motivation. Love Rudy. ARE YOU READY, CHAMP? I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS MOMENT MY ENTIRE LIFE.
HOCKEY. “Miracle.” Kurt Russell. Pat Clarkson. Nathan West. True story of Herb Brooks, who led the US Olympic hockey team to an incredible victory over the seemingly invincible Soviet Union. Well done. Bravo. I like it when Russia loses. GREAT MOMENTS ARE BORN FROM GREAT OPPORTUNITY. AND THAT’S WHAT YOU HAVE HERE TONIGHT.
GOLF. “Caddyshack.” Chevy Chase. Bill Murray. Rodney Dangerfield. A very exclusive golf course has to deal with a brash new member and a destructive gopher. Classic. I can’t tell you how many times I have watched this great movie. WHAT AN INCREDIBLE CINDERELLA STORY. THIS UNKNOWN COMING OUT OF NOWHERE TO LEAD THE MASTERS.
