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Posts Tagged ‘Sports Booking Agent’

Joe Mauer catcher for MLB Minnesota Twins

Each year there seems to be one or two baseball players who catch the attention of the sports world and stir conversation about the hallowed .400 batting mark.

This year, that talk has centered around Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer, who is currently hitting .363. History tells us that he’ll likely fall short – it’s arguably the most difficult record in sports to break.

The last player to hit .400 was the  great Ted Williams, who achieved the feat in 1941. Williams entered the last day of the season with a batting average of .39955, which would have been rounded up to .400, making him the first man to hit .400 since Bill Terry in 1930.

Manager Joe Cronin gave Williams the option of not playing, but Williams opted to play in both of the day’s doubleheaders. Said Williams, “If I can’t hit .400 all the way, I don’t deserve it.” Williams went 6-8 and finished the season with a .406 average.

Players have flirted with .400 over the years but have always fallen short. Hall of Famer George Brett was hitting .394 on September 21, 1980, but ended the season with a .390 average. Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn was batting .394 in 1994 when the season ended because of a labor dispute, wiping out the World Series and a chance for history. This decade, Todd Helton and Chipper Jones got people talking about the .400 mark before both cooled off.

Below is a list of the batting champions since 2000…

It will be interesting to see how Mauer fares over the next couple of weeks, but one thing is for certain – he has all the tools to go down in history as one of the greatest catchers ever. Not only is he a strong defensive catcher, but his hitting ability is unusual for a catcher. He’s won two of the last three American League batting titles. When Mauer won the title in 2006, he became the first American League catcher ever  to win it and the first catcher since the National League’s Ernie Lombardi won it in 1947. Mike Piazza had the best offensive season for a catcher ever in 1997 with a .362 average and Mauer may very well eclipse that.

It’s amazing to think that the best players in the game are only hitting safely in a little over 3 out of every 10 trips to the plate. That says a lot about just how difficult it is to hit a baseball.

If you would like to find out how to hire Joe Mauer for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Joe Mauer booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is speakers bureau and top celebrity booking agent for sports speakers, athletes appearances, entertainers and celebrities.

Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders

I’m always amazed at the popularity of the Dallas Cowboys and their players. I book sports celebrities across the country and no team except maybe baseball’s New York Yankees even come close to matching the popularity of the Cowboys.

The Cowboys popularity isn’t just confined to Texas. It’s true they are the most popular team in every corner of the state, but their popularity extends across the country. They earned the nickname “America’s Team” for good reason. Ask football fans in Richmond, VA who their favorite team is and they’re just as likely to say the Cowboys as the Redskins.

I recently spoke with Hall of Famer Randy White, who’s success with the Cowboys has translated into a nice post-football career making appearances, endorsements, etc. I joked with Randy how fortunate he should feel that he was drafted by the Cowboys and not a less popular team like the Lions. He agreed.

I book more former Cowboys for events than any other football team. Want to drive traffic and create excitement around your event? You can’t go wrong with a Cowboys player. A few examples of recently bookings…

• Drew Pearson made an appearance at a casino in Arizona
• Ed “Too Tall” Jones made an appearance at a Super Bowl party in New Mexico
• Tony Dorsett appeared at a corporate event in Las Vegas
• Roger Staubach spoke an annual meeting in Arkansas
• Jay Novacek appeared at a store grand opening in Virginia

So why the popularity? It began in the 1970’s with Roger Staubach, Tom Landry and the cheerleaders. Everything in Texas is big and the Cowboys attained a larger-than-life status. They always seemed to be on tv and the team’s success with a victory in Super Bowl XII helped them gain legions of new fans .

The Cowboys struggled a bit in the 1980’s but its three Super Bowl victories in the 1990’s helped reclaim its status as America’s Team . They were their own reality show – a good-looking quarterback in Troy Aikman, the NFL’s all-time leading rusher in Emmitt Smith, a character in Michael Irvin and an ego maniac in Jerry Jones.

No NFL team receives the same amount of attention as the Cowboys. The media loves controversy and sensationalism and the Cowboys are full of both. Last year, ESPN jumped on the bandwagon by assigning one its reporters to cover the Cowboys full-time. With Terrell Owens running his mouth off, Tony Romo dating Jessica Simpson and Jerry Jones still prowling the sidelines, the team was must-see tv.

This season may be a bit more boring with T.O. gone and Jessica Simpson out of the picture, but there’s no doubt the team will continue to be popular and make front-page headlines.

Of course I shouldn’t fail to mention that the visually appealing Dallas Cowboy Cheerleaders may be a contributing factor as well.

Brett Favre Minneota Vikings QB

Brett Favre has apologized for the illegal block he committed against Safety Eugene Wilson during last Sunday’s preseason game against the Houston Texans.

Favre, Minnesota Viking’s newly acquired QB, blamed the penalty on being rusty.

Favre drew an illegal crackback block on Houston Safety Eugene Wilson, who is now unable to play. Wilson is now listed as day-to-day.

Favre complained earlier today of pain when he takes deep breaths and said he thinks he might have a cracked rib.

Favre said, “My intentions were not to hurt anyone including myself… I hope he’s ok… I’m sorry if he was injured, but that was not my intention.”

Watch video.

Brett Favre  illegal crackback block against defender Eugene Wilson.  Watch video.

PFP is a top booking agent for athlete appearances, sports stars, entertainers and celebrities.

It’s always interesting for me to hear what athletes are up to after their playing careers have ended. Today I’ll take a look at four quarterback greats.

Bart Starr

Bart Starr

Then…Bart Starr was quarterback for the Green Bay Packers from 1956-71, winning five NFL Championships and named MVP of the first two Super Bowls. He earned four Pro Bowl selections and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977. After his playing career, Starr was the head coach of the Packers for nine seasons from 1975–83 and compiled a 52–76–3 record.

Now…Today, Starr resides in Alabama and runs Healthcare Realty Management. He is co-founder of the Rawhide Boys Ranch, a place which assists boys in trouble. He’s also a popular sports motivational speaker.

Archie Manning

Archie Manning

Then…Archie Manning played for the New Orleans Saints from  1971 – 82. In 1972 he led the league in pass attempts and completions, and in 1978, he was named the NFC Player Of The Year by UPI. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1978 and 1979. He went on to conclude his career with the Houston Oilers (1982-1983). He ended his 13-year career having completed 2,011 of 3,642 passes for 23,911 yards and 125 touchdowns. His 2,011 completions ranked 17th in NFL history upon his retirement.

Now…Today, Manning is best known as the father of NFL stars Payton and Eli. He resides in New Orleans and travels around the country as a sports motivational speaker. He’s also served as a spokesperson for numerous companies, including UPS and Mastercard.

Dan Fouts agent

Dan  Fouts

Then…One of the most prolific passers in NFL history, Dan Fouts led the NFL in passing yards four times and ended his career with 40,000 yards, the third player to surpass that mark. He led the Chargers to the playoffs from 1979 – 82 and twice to the AFC Championship. His career high of 4,802 passing yards during the 1981 season was an NFL record at the time. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993.

Now…Fouts lives in Oregon and has enjoyed a successful college and NFL broadcasting career with CBS, ABC and ESPN. He was an analyst on Monday Night Football alongside Al Michaels and Dennis Miller for two seasons beginning in 2000.

Roger Staubach

Roger Staubach

Then…After an illustrious career at Navy in which he won the 1963 Heisman Trophy, Roger Staubach helped the Cowboys become “America’s Team”. He led the Cowboys to four Super Bowl appearances, its first title in 1972 and a second one in 1978. He was named MVP of the 1972 Super Bowl and became the first of four players to win both the Heisman Trophy and Super Bowl MVP. When he retired in 1980, Staubach was the highest rated passer of all time at 83.4. The six-time Pro Bowler was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Now…Staubach has enjoyed as much success off the field as he did on it. Residing in Dallas, he started The Staubach Company, one of the largest commercial real estate companies in the country. He served as CEO of the multi-billion dollar company until he stepped down in 2007. The next year, the company was sold to Jones Lang LaSalle for $613 million.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top booking agent for football speakers, athlete appearances and endorsements.

When newly-inducted Hall of Famer Jim Rice stated last week at the Little League World Series that today’s players aren’t role models, he created front page news.

Said Rice, “”You see a Manny Ramirez, you see an A-Rod, you see Jeter….Guys that I played against and with, these guys you’re talking about cannot compare.”

Rice later claimed that he was misquoted, but the truth is that many former players don’t relate to today’s players. Why is that?

If you polled players who played in earlier decades (1950’s – 1970’s) and asked them what they think of today’s players, I know many of them would respond…

1. Players don’t play hard
2. Players don’t respect the game
3. Players make too much money
4. Players are ruining the game by using performance-enhancing drugs

Let’s take a look at each response…

1. Players Don’t Play Hard

There’s no denying that today’s players are in much better shape than they were in the past. The equipment and technology available to them  today is light years better than what it used to be. As a result, today’s players have a big advantage. I don’t necessarily believe they don’t work or play as hard – I just think the advantages they have today make it look easier. The one argument I can understand is when former pitchers talk about today’s pitchers. Do you think Bob Gibson respects today’s pitchers? In 1968, Gibson threw 28 complete games. Roy Halladay led the majors last year with 9 complete games.

2. Players Don’t Respect The History Of The Game

I believe there is some truth to this. One of the things that makes baseball so special is its ties to the past. However, I bet that if you quizzed current players about baseball history, many of them would fail. This point was brought home recently when Ryan Howard surpassed Ralph Kiner as the fastest player to hit 200 home runs. When asked about Kiner, Howard responded “Uh, he’s the guy whose record I broke. Not to be disrespectful or anything, but he was before my time.”

3. Players Make Too Much Money

It’s true that today’s players make more in a day than many old timers made in a season. Case in point…the highest paid player in 1972 was Hank Aaron with a salary of $200,000. The highest paid player in 2007 was Alex Rodriguez at $26 million.

4. The Use Of Performance-enhancing Drugs Is Ruining The Game

I do believe that baseball’s reputation has taken a hit with the steroid scandal. This era will always be known as the “Steroid Era”. If you look at the players who joined the 500 Home Run Club this decade – Barry Bonds, Ken Griffey Jr., Sammy Sosa, Mark McGwire, Alex Rodriguez, Rafael Palmeiro, Jim Thome, Frank Thomas, Manny Ramirez and Gary Sheffield– all but Griffey Jr., Thome, Thomas and Sheffield have been accused of taking performance enhancing drugs. Could you blame members of the 500 Club like Mike Schmidt, Reggie Jackson and Ernie Banks if they feel a bit of resentment? The Club used to be the most exclusive club in baseball. Not anymore.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a speakers bureau and top sports booking agent for MLB speakers, sports speakers, athlete appearances and endorsements. If you would like to find out how to hire MLB players for a speaking engagement, athlete appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, call 800.966.1380

Is Eric Bruntlett’s unassisted triple play Sunday night the most amazing play ever?

Bruntlett’s game-ender may likely be just that.  Bruntlett’s play ended the game last night securing the Philadelphia Phillies’ 9-7 win over the New York Mets.

Bruntlett’s play became the 15th unassisted triple play in baseball history and the second game ender. Johnny Neun, the Detroit 1B, pulled off the last game-ender in 1927.

“I didn’t know how to react. I didn’t know what to do,” Bruntlett said. “The ninth inning was wild. The whole game it seemed was strange.”

Eric Bruntlett unassisted triple play ends game against the Mets. Watch video

Out 1: He catches the ball, which eliminates the hitter.

Out 2: He steps on second base, which gets the guy running to third base out because he has to run back to second.

Out 3: He tags the runner coming from first base.

PFP Sports and celebrity Talent Agency is the leading booking agent when it comes to booking professional athletes and celebrities for speaking engagements, endorsements and appearances. For more information call 800.966.1380.

Bobby Knight inducted into Hall of Fame

Despite his firing in 2000, Bob Knight, former Indiana University basketball coach, will be inducted into Indiana’s Hall of Fame.

Knight will be inducted into the university’s athletics Hall of Fame nearly a decade after he was fired for violating a zero-tolerance policy imposed by then-IU President Myles Brand.

New athletic director Fred Glass said in a statement:

“I am honored to have been a part of selecting this outstanding class of tremendous coaches and student-athletes”. “For my first Hall of Fame class to include heroes from my childhood as well as my student days is a dream come true.”

Knight could not be reached Saturday, but should be available for comment on Monday.

If you would like to find out how to hire Bobby Knight for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Bobby Knight booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for athlete appearances, entertainers, sports stars and celebrities.

Brett Favre signs with Minnesota Vikings according to ESPN

Looks like Brett Favre is heading back to the Minnesota Vikings according to FoxSports. Although Favre turned the Vikings down several weeks ago, that didn’t stop Favre and Childress from continuing to talk.

One player had previously told FOXSports.com: “I’m telling you it’s already done … I don’t think anyone here doesn’t think that.” It now seems that the player could be right on the money.

Minnesota Vikings head coach Brad Childress began informing the team of Favre’s imminent arrival on Tuesday morning, saying, “It’s a done deal,” one source told FOXSports.com’s Alex Marvez.

Asked if the plan was to sign Favre on Tuesday, Childress replied: “In a perfect world.”

Despite Favre’s decision to retire in July — Vikings players told FOXSports.com that Favre is in fact on his way to Minnesota and they believe a deal could be done as early as Tuesday night.

Brett Favre Signs with Minnesota Vikings

A source close to Brett Favre said the quarterback, pending a physical, will sign a contract with the Minnesota Vikings for between $10 million to $12 million, according to ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Favre’s mother, Bonita, told the Biloxi Sun Herald that her son would be working out with the Vikings on Wednesday. ESPN analyst Cris Carter reported Tuesday that Childress already has told the Vikings that Favre will be starting in Friday night’s preseason game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

“I have mixed emotions, but I have always loved to watch him play,” she told the Sun Herald. “This time, however, I thought he would stay retired and stay home. I guess he could not do it.

“They [Minnesota] seem to have a good team in place, and he liked that. I guess I need to get a Vikings jersey now.”

Green Bay Packers Respond to Favre Deal

Packers coach Mike McCarthy said after practice Tuesday he was not surprised by Favre’s return.

“I don’t think anybody should be surprised by it,” McCarthy told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Aaron Rodgers, who inherited the starting quarterback position after Favre retired — then unretired — said, “I don’t have a reaction,” the Journal Sentinel reported. “It doesn’t pertain to me. It has absolutely nothing to do with me. It doesn’t change anything. It has nothing to do with the Green Bay Packers.”

If you would like to find out how to hire Brett Favre for a speaking engagement, appearance, endorsement, autograph signing or special event, request Brett Favre booking agent information from PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency. PFP is a top celebrity booking agent for sports speakers,  athlete appearances,  entertainers and celebrities.

Ron Jaworski NFL Broadcaster

In the past for many football players, once their playing careers ended, they no longer had a way to stay involved with the game. Sure, some would go onto coaching or front-office positions, but the majority would have to get a “real” job and start a new career.

With the explosion of the NFL’s popularity and the continued growth of cable tv, many players are starting to pursuit broadcasting careers. There have always been broadcasting opportunities for a small number of former players such as Don Meredith and Frank Gifford, but the number of opportunities today is what makes a second career in broadcasting a viable option. ... Read Full Story

Tim Tebow Florida Gators

With the college football season right around the corner, one thing is guaranteed – people are once again talking about Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Florida Gators. If you listen to the media, Tebow is too good to be true. Not only is he a talented football player, he’s also incredibly humble, very philanthropic and just an all-around good guy.

I was watching tv a couple of weeks ago and heard a journalist jokingly report that Tebow had just counted to infinity twice. That’s the superman-like persona he’s acquired.

On the football field, it’s hard to argue with his greatness. In his three years at Florida, he’s won two NCAA National Championships, won the Heisman Trophy in 2007 and is a two-time All-American. He’s also won the Maxwell Award as the nation’s top collegiate player twice, one of only two players to achieve that feat.

So is Tebow the greatest college player ever? If he wins a second Heisman or leads the Gators to a third national title in four years, it will be hard to dispute. In the meantime, below are a few more greats to consider…

Archie Griffin….He was a running back at Ohio State from 1972-75 and was a three-time All-American. He is the only player to win the Heisman Trophy twice and the only player to start in four Rose Bowls. He rushed for one thousand yards three times -  1,428 yards as a sophomore, 1,620 yards as a junior and 1,357 yards as a senior. He set an NCAA rushing record of 31 consecutive 100-yard games rushing. His career rushing total of 5,177 yards was an NCAA record at the time.

Herschel Walker…A running back at Georgia from 1980-83, Walker set an NCAA freshman rushing record and led Georgia to the NCAA National Championship in 1980. He was a consensus All-American for three consecutive years and set 10 NCAA records, 15 SEC records and 30 Georgia all-time records. He won the Heisman Trophy in 1982.

Dick Butkus…Considered among the greatest linebackers in college football history, Butkus played linebacker at Illinois from 1962-64. He was named the Big 10 MVP in 1963 and the AFCA Player of the Year in 1964. Butkus also finished sixth in Heisman Trophy balloting in 1963 and third in 1964, a remarkable achievement given his position. He is one of only two players to have his number retired by Illinois and is the namesake for the award given annually to the nation’s top collegiate linebacker.

Tony Dorsett…He was a running back at Pittsburgh from 1973-76 and led the Panthers to a NCAA National Championship in 1976, a year in which he also won the Heisman Trophy, the Maxwell Award, the Walter Camp Award  and the UPI Player of the Year. Dorsett was a three-time All-American and finished his college career with 6,082 total rushing yards, a NCAA record at the time. In 2007, he was ranked #7 on ESPN’s Top 25 Players In College Football History list.

PFP Sports and Celebrity Talent Agency is a sports booking agent for football speakers,  sports motivational speakers, athlete appearances, endorsements and celebrities. For more information call 800.966.1380