Ray Horner Show

:19 - The late Jim Bouton was a former Yankee pitcher who had fallen on hard times with injuries, so he turned to becoming an author. His 1970 book, Ball Four, caused a stir because he told many tales out of school about his fellow players, and he was essentially blackballed by the league. Ray and Tony talked about the legacy of Ball Four, which related in a lot of ways 35 years later with Jose Canseco’s Juiced.

10:09 - The Bridgestone Senior Players tournament is going on at Firestone Country Club, and many spectators will look at the greens with jealousy, wishing their lawns looked that good. Our master gardener Jeanne Poremski talked about manicuring lawns in this warm summer, and she answered listener questions, as well.

17:27 - What films would be on your Mount Rushmore? A classic film? A gripping drama? A knee-slapping comedy? The panel shared their favorite flicks.

:19 - 1992 (and 1996) presidential candidate Ross Perot passed away Tuesday at the age of 89. Ray, Jeanne, and Tony talked about the legacy of Perot, mainly how his run in ’92 changed the course of politics.

8:29 - A Michigan-based company Beaumont Health has acquired Summa Health System, though Summa will keep its name. Dr. Cliff Deveny, president and CEO at Summa, talked to Ray about what will change and what will remain the same during and after this transition.

16:32 - Northeast Ohio has been abuzz of late, from the MLB All-Star Game to the Bridgestone Senior Players this week, which leads into next week’s All-American Soap Box Derby. President of the derby, Mark Gerberich, stopped by the studio to preview the events ahead of next week.

:19 - Though the Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit more than 90 home runs, the Mets’ Pete Alonso prevailed and won the Home Run Derby. While Tony watched and enjoyed it, he’s still on this diatribe about "juiced-up” baseballs hurting the regular season games.

5:34 - All eyes in the sports world these last few days have been on Northeast Ohio, and that continues tonight with the MLB All-Star Game. Bob DiBiasio from the Tribe gave us a preview of how busy he and his compadres at Progressive Field have been.

15:12 - Volunteers have been a huge part of any golf tournament at Firestone Country Club. Barb Dietrich has been a fixture there for sixty years, and she joined Ray to talk about her years at Firestone.

20:00 - We hear about box office blockbusters, but what about the worst box office bombs?

:19 - It’s been nine years since LeBron James first left the Cleveland Cavaliers in favor of Miami, Florida. A lot has happened since then, from a 2016 championship to yet another exodus, this time to the Lakers, and now LeBron has to compete with some studs on the other side of his home arena. Ray and Tony talked about LeBron’s legacy since 2010, and how he’ll compete with the likes of Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

9:41 - In addition to the MLB All-Star Game this week, it’s also time for the Bridgestone Senior Players tournament. John Anderson, executive vice chairman for Northeast Ohio Golf Charities, joined the show to talk about the impact the volunteers have each year to make sure the tournament goes off without a hitch.

16:58 - The July temperatures are heating up, and veterinarian Dr. Gary Riggs is here with tips for your pets. He talked about avoiding dehydration, and he spoke of the warning signs of limping.

:20 - While it’s not a WGC event anymore, the Firestone South Course will still be abuzz with the Bridgestone Senior Players all next week. Don Padgett, executive director of the tournament, stopped by the studio to talk about the field of golfers, the conditions of the course, and all the entertainment options surrounding the golf event.

14:26 - Rocco Domenico Colavito is the full name of a slugger who continues to be revered by Indians fans over 50 years since his playing days ended. Rocky and author Mark Sommer will be on stage at Playhouse Square tonight, and Mark previewed his new book with Ray.

:20 - Guest host Tony Mazur filled in for Ray on July 4th, and he opened the show talking about how Americans lack gratitude when it comes to celebrating a day like this. He brought up the recent demonstrations and attacks in Portland by the group Antifa on journalist Andy Ngo.

13:26 - Tony, like many other impressionable young men in the second half of the twentieth century, grew up on Mad Magazine. It was announced Wednesday night that Mad will soon be no more, after 67 years. Tony salutes the magazine and the great, iconic artists who’ve drawn for the publication since basically the beginning.

22:55 - Here’s just a couple of fun facts about July 4th to end today’s podcast.

:19 - Nike was ready to release a shoe with the original United States flag created by Betsy Ross, but their spokesman and former NFL quarterback, Colin Kaepernick, intervened, saying the flag represents racism and slavery. Ray, Tony, and Jeanne discussed this “controversy,” or lack thereof, and how it could be a publicity stunt in having folks talk about Nike again.

10:32 - There aren’t many Fourth of July movies out there, but Jaws was ranked the number one film for the holiday. That prompted Ray to bring up some fun facts about the summer blockbuster, which is celebrating its 44th anniversary.

:17 - A video on TMZ surfaced of Kareem Hunt being questioned by Cleveland police early Sunday morning. Witnesses have said not much occurred at the scene, but Ray and Tony still believe Hunt is a distraction and shouldn’t be out at bars when he’s suspended.

5:14 - Kevin Thomas from Akron AAA stopped by to share some July 4th weekend travel tips, as well as how the recent gas tax will play into summer trips.

12:21 - We’re one week away from the MLB All-Star Game at Progressive Field, and those involved are quite busy. Bob DiBiasio from the Indians joined the show to discuss how they’re preparing for the festivities.

19:25 - Tony is heading to Hershey, Pennsylvania next month to see the Backstreet Boys (not his choice), and Ray urges he and his fiancee to visit Hershey Park while they’re there.

:17 - It’s been 65 years since the Trial of the Century (part 1) with the death of Sam Sheppard’s wife in Bay Village, Ohio. Ray shared some information regarding the case, and the attempts by his son, Sam Reese, to clear his father’s name of wrongful imprisonment.

13:04 - July 4th week is a rough one for pets due to high heat and fireworks. Dr. Gary Riggs is our veterinarian, and he answered questions on how pets can cope with anxiety this time of year.

18:01 - And with it being the week of the Fourth, Ray relayed some tips on grilling out.

:17 - The average cost of a wedding in 2019 is now $34,000. Tony is getting married next year, and he knows for sure it won’t cost that much.

4:55 - A brawl in Colorado between parents during a little league game continues to make news, as the participants are now being charged. Ray is a parent and has coached for a long time, so he knows how protective parents can get with their kids, but this is an entirely new level of absurdity.

11:13 - Our movie guy, Scott Wynn, stopped by, and he talked about what’s new at the box office (Annabelle Comes Home, Yesterday) and what continues to trend (Toy Story 4).

13:54 - Ray opened the discussion about grocery shopping and where people are going. Who tops the list nationwide? Walmart. Half of the groceries purchased are from Walmart. And speaking of half, close to 50% of Millennials prefer eating at restaurants than making food at home.