(A quick note about this episode featuring Detroit Free Press columnist Neal Rubin: This Conversation was recorded in late April and then, for a variety of reasons, it's been on the shelf waiting to air. We apologize for the delay and any of the dated references that may be made.)
In addition to working at the Free Press, Neal has also written for the Detroit News, the Las Vegas Review-Journal, and the Las Vegas Sun.
And, much like his writing, listeners are about to discover what a gifted storyteller Neal is. During our time together he shares tales of becoming sports aware in southern California, his time in Las Vegas coinciding with the Jerry Tarkanian-coached UNLV teams, the generous niceness of Steve Garvey, covering the Thomas Hearns-Marvin Hagler fight, a special Thursday spent at The Masters in 2008 among them, and a Golden Ticket to the Daytona 500.
He even touches on one event that got away, spectating the Game 6 of the 2004 World Series in Fenway Park with then-Baseball Hall of Fame President Dale Petroskey. Alas, the Red Sox swept.
And we devote a bit of time on his tenure as the writer for the Gil Thorp comic strip for 14 years.
And, if you're a glutton for punishment, you're even able to read the column he wrote about host Doug Hill's Around the World in 80 Sporting Events project.
If you're enjoying Conversations with Sports Fans please consider supporting our work here. For as little as 99 cents a month, generous supporters such as you are able to keep these episodes coming commercial and sponsor free.
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com