Yesterday; Recognizable names
What do Archie Bunker, Tony Soprano, and the “Field of Dreams” have in common?
All of them are easily recognizable and have their place among the television and sports worlds.
When you hear their or its name and many others, you form an immediate impression and are filled with memories.
Bunker (“All in the Family”) and Soprano (“The Sopranos”) are unforgettable characters who are synonymous with their TV shows, and it is hard to see anyone else trying to replace Carroll O’Connor and James Gandolfini respectively.
The Phillies will meet the Twins in the sixth annual “Field of Dreams” game in Dyersville, Iowa tonight. Baseball has created the cornfield backdrop from the 1989 movie classic. (By the way, the game will be broadcast on Netflix).
Aside from the All-Star Game, it has developed into one of the game’s seasonal classics.
Twenty-eight Hall of Famers are expected to be in attendance, and the Phillies will be officially represented by Mike Schmidt, Steve Carlton and Scott Rolen, while the Twins will be represented by Joe Mauer, Rod Carew, Bert Blyleven and Paul Molitor. Dual representation will be from Jim Thome and Jim Kaat.
In the version of my Yesterday column — reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, 70s, 80s — and sometimes before and beyond, I’ll take a look at some players who are easily identified with their Philly teams and others as well as pop culture candidates from television and music, who totally personified their role.
Philly Phavorites ... Who are the Philly players who are viewed as the “faces of their franchises?”
With the Phillies, you normally think either Schmidt or Carlton would be the most identifiable player in pinstripes. Maybe Bryce Harper, Zack Wheeler or Cristopher Sanchez someday may unseat either one, but that would be down the road.
Speaking of the Sixers, it is Dr. J, Charles Barkley, Allen Iverson, Moses Malone, or if you’re an old school guy like me, is it Wilt Chamberlain? How about Billy Cunningham or Hal Greer.
Erving and Chamberlain guided the team to their championship (Malone also was a big part in 1983), while Barkley and Iverson may get the nod due to popularity.
To me, you have to go with either Erving or Chamberlain. The latter should be considered the GOAT because of how the game was changed for him. Yet, Erving had a longer stay than Chamberlain.
On the ice, it likely comes down to Bobby Clarke or Bernie Parent, both who blazed their trails to help the franchise to their lone Stanley Cups. The late Barry Ashbee is a sentimental favorite.
In terms of popularity, you can look to Eric Lindros, Bill Barber, Brian Propp and Mark Howe, but none of them are worthy of replacing Clarke and/or Parent on the pedestal.
As far as the Eagles, this is a tough one. Old-timers will lean toward Chuck Bednarik, Steve Van Buren, or Al Wistert with Bednarik likely taking the lead.
Looking past the 1960s, one would pick from a pool of Reggie White, Randall Cunningham, Brian Dawkins or Harold Carmichael.
I Got A Name ... Along with some Philly nicknames that we easily associate with, here are others that are easily acknowledged:
Lefty: From Wilkes-Barre to Wilmington, everyone knew Carlton epitomized his label, especially during his vintage Philly years.
The Bull: Like Carlton, Greg Luzinski lived up to his billing, providing a steady power force.
Jellybean Joe: Did you get this one? It’s the late Joe Bryant, a Sixers reserve forward/center during the 1970s glory days and father of the late Kobe Bryant.
Jaws: Eagles quarterback Ron Jaworski gained the title when he began to have success with the Birds. The classic film also helped.
Pistol: If you grew up in the late 1960 and early 70s, you knew “Pistol” was the legendary late scoring machine Pete Maravich.
Shaq: It’s spelled differently, but Shaquille O’Neal earned it when he made his mark as a dominant big man. Nearly everyone knows who he is today thanks to his commercials.
Dutch: In the 1990s, Darren “Dutch” Dalton was a Phillies’ mainstay. His blue-collar work ethic typified his moniker.
Broadway Joe: In the 1960s and 70s, Joe Namath ruled the New York nightlife and was as flamboyant on the field.
Kiner’s Korner: This was a Mets’ post-game hosted by aloof Hall of Famer Ralph Kiner on WOR Channel 9 that many Phillies’ fans watched.
The Name Game ... Over the years, there have been actors who have aligned with their shows. Here are a few:
George Jefferson: Thanks to “All in the Family’s” fame, Sherman Helmsley made George Jefferson become a household name, and he made his “move on up.”
Batman: Adam West was typecast as the 1966 Caped Crusader, and forever will be the most renowned. Michael Keaton did a good job in the movie version, but his successors didn’t stack up.
Superman: George Reeves should get the nod over Christopher Reeve, but it can be close. Reeves actually took it to heart, and probably cost him his life.
Wonder Woman: This was a typical superhero series that was underappreciated. Linda Carter was perfect for the part.
Maxwell Smart: Like West of some of peers mentioned, Don Adams played the role of Agent 86 to perfection. “Get Smart” was a masterpiece.
Fonzie: He became a true icon of the late 70s. Henry Winkler had the look of a 50s hood with an appreciative manner, and how many of us tried to play his part in one way or another.
Kreskin: Remember the mentalist who we rushed to watch when he was on TV? His real name was George Kresge from New Jersey, and he appeared with Johnny Carson 88 times. “The Amazing World of Kreskin,” was a TV show from 1972-75.
Gilligan: Bob Denver would have been hard to top as the absent-minded yet innocent first mate of the skipper on the desert isle. I preferred Mary Ann over Ginger.
Barnabas Collins: Every weekday after school, many of us tuned into the horror soap opera that featured a vampire with a conscience. Many of you may have forgotten that Jonathan Frid made Barnabas famous.
Sing A Song: Through the years, there have been a plethora of songs that are immediately associated with its artist. Here’s a sampling:
Surfin’ USA: In the opening minute, you have the ocean sounds of the Beach Boys and picture your days at the Jersey Shore.
The Rain, The Park, and Other Things: Many of you may have thought the title was “The Flower Girl.” It’s the Cowsills, who symbolize the “Flower Power” time. They also sang “Hair” and the introductory song to “Love American Style.”
Hound Dog: I’m sure you can hear the song in your head. It will belong to Elvis Presley for eternity.
I’m Your Boogie Man: Turn up the volume, and imagine K.C. and his Sunshine Band getting into full disco gear.
The Long and Winding Road: With the orchestra in the background, it symbolizes the end of the Beatles’ run (also probably with “Let It Be”) and makes you reflect on your life.
By the way, the novelty song, “The Name Game” was performed by Shirley Ellis and reached No. 3 on the Billboard 100 chart in 1965.
WWWF/WWF/WWE Wrap: In keeping with the theme of the column, Gorilla Monsoon is a quite recognizable name in the world of pro wrestling.
Born Robert Marsella in Rochester, New York, Monsoon began his career in 1958 until 1983 compiling an overall record of 683-475-194. He also was called the “Manchurian Giant” and his signature moves were the Manchurian Splash, the Gorilla Press, and the Giant Swing.
Monsoon held the WWWF United States Heavyweight Tag-Team championship on three different occasions with Killer Kowalski and Bill Watts in the 60s. He also held the WWA tag-team title with Luke Graham.
In addition, Monsoon was the two-time WWC heavyweight champion and the AWA San Francisco US heavyweight champion. After his retirement, Monsoon was a WWWF/WWE commentator as well as a referee.
His son, Joey, joined the WWF as a referee in 1983, but he was tragically killed in a car crash at the age of 31 on the New Jersey Turnpike in 1994.
Monsoon passed away at age 62 in 1999 as a result of complications from diabetes.
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