Sports Stories with Denny Lennon: Recent Episodes
Sports Stories
Third and final part of a Docu-Series on two of the most influential figures in college basketball history, Dana and David Pump. Part 3 recalls the Pump brothers trek from basketball camp directors all the way to foundation philanthropists.
Second of a three part Docu-Series on two of the most influential figures in college basketball history, Dana and David Pump. Part 2 recounts the exodus of blue chip players in the 1980’s to “ESPN friendly”conferences in the East and the Pump brothers response that revitalized college basketball in the West.
First of a three part Docs-Series on two of the most influential figures in college basketball history, Dana and David Pump. Part 1 focuses on the twins beginnings in Northridge and the launching of their basketball camp and club.
The Jerry West Collection - SSDL partnered with Allport Productions and the Alpha Command Unit for the edited 40-minute documentary/interview “The Definitive Jerry West”, which takes a historical look at the impact of one of the all-time greats of basketball. The interview took place in November of 2020 at Buck Studio ( formerly 7428 Studio) in the Centinela Adobe Corridor.
In this special edition of SSDL - Host Denny Lennon has been 86'd. SSDL correspondent Alexandria Haro interviews Best selling author's including: Wesley King, who collaborated with Kobe Bryant to write the highly popular “Wizenard” series. Wayne Coffey, a New York Times best selling author of “The Boys of Winter”. Jean Hastings Ardell best selling author of Making My Pitch. Dan Coonan author of "Presidential Spirits." Jeff Pearlman, best-selling author of Three-Ring Circus. We hope you enjoy this Alexandria takeover.
ESPN anchor Neil Everett joins host Denny Lennon on this special episode of SSDL.
Neil joined ESPN in July 2000 as an anchor for ESPNEWS and SportsCenter after working with various affiliates in Honolulu for 15 years. He moved to the company’s Los Angeles production facility in 2009 to co-host the late-night edition of SportsCenter with Stan Verrett.
With his immense audience and connections he continues to make a large impact as a board member of Heroes Movement - a non profit organization supporting our veterans. To learn more visit www.heroesmovementusa.org
In the United States, the Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing, commonly known as the Triple Crown, is a title awarded to a three-year-old Thoroughbred horse who wins the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, and Belmont Stakes.
Our guest today, Doug O'Neill is a thoroughbred horse trainer. He trained the 2012 Kentucky Derby and Preakness Stakes winner, I'll Have Another, and 2016 Kentucky Derby winner Nyquist.
In this episode we sit down with Author Jean Hastings Ardell to discuss the Ila Borders story and her book, "Making My Pitch"
Making My Pitch tells the story of Ila Jane Borders, who despite formidable obstacles became a Little League prodigy, MVP of her otherwise all-male middle school and high school teams, the first woman awarded a baseball scholarship, and the first to pitch and win a complete men’s collegiate game.
We are celebrating the one year anniversary of the 90th AAU AAU James E. Sullivan Award - hosted virtually by SSDL
The AAU James E. Sullivan Award presented by Eastbay has been presented annually since 1930 to the most outstanding amateur athlete in the United States. Representatives from the AAU created the AAU Sullivan Award with the intent to recognize amateur contributions and achievements from non-professional athletes across the country
Is there anything a sports fan loves more than a good sports movie? Judging by the astronomical amount of them out there, it is safe to to say no.
Our Guest today- Dwier Brown had a small but significant role in Field of Dreams, playing the late, estranged father of Ray Kinsella (Kevin Costner) in that memorable final scene!
In this episode we sit down with Dwier Brown and discuss his book, “If You Build It…” a memoir about Fathers, Fate and Field of Dreams.
Royce Clayton He was drafted out of St. Bernard HS in Playa del Rey in the first round - 15th pick overall - of the 1988 Major League Baseball draft - and who was the man hitting him ground balls in practice in High School? Denny Lennon!
Join SSDL for our MLB All-Star Special
Where were YOU when Kirk Gibson hit the infamous home run in 1988?
Our guest today, Tim Leary, will recall exactly where he was!
In Game 1, Leary rescued Belcher and pitched three shutout innings. Without those three impeccable innings, it is possible Kirk Gibson never gets off the bench?
Tune in to hear his incredible stories of being a part of that 1988 World Series Championship team.
Ever since the Dodgers’ Julio Urías put the finishing touch on the 2020 World Series last Oct. 27, we’ve been counting down to this day!
Five months later, MLB is ready to go, with the traditional 162-game marathon beginning in festive fashion. But this day has not always been this glorious.
On today's episode we sit down with Eric Nusbaum author of "Stealing Home", a book about how Dodger Stadium came to be situated at Chavez Ravine, and the lives of those affected by decades worth of decisions in Los Angeles. We also welcome SSDL correspondent Jake Downey to the show.
Join us for our March Madness Special!
In this episode we include interviews from:
1995 NCAA Champion Toby Bailey, John Wooden's grandson-in-law Craig Impelman as he discusses Arizona coach and legend Lute Olson. We also have our #nNverSceneLA which features street muralist Jonas Never and one of his first murals at Tower Pizza of Hank Gathers and Bo Kimble. This is an episode you don't want to miss!
Join us for our John Wooden Special - Part 2!
John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was an American basketball player and coach. Wooden won ten NCAA Championships in a 12-year period as head coach for UCLA including a record seven in a row.
Join us and we revisit some interviews with figures that have a special connection to Coach John Wooden.
Lynn Guerin - CEO of The John R. Wooden Course, and the President and “Head Coach” of his family-owned coaching, training, and performance development firm, Guerin Marketing Services in Temecula, California
Jerry West - Basketball Legend
Jimmy Lennon Jr - Hall of Fame Boxing Announcer
Join us for our John Wooden Special!
John Robert Wooden (October 14, 1910 – June 4, 2010) was an American basketball player and coach. Wooden won ten NCAA Championships in a 12-year period as head coach for UCLA including a record seven in a row.
Join us and we revisit some interviews with figures that have a special connection to Coach John Wooden.
Andre McCarter- In 1975, his junior year, he helped lead the Wooden-coached Bruins to their 10th straight NCAA Championship, and the last for Coach Wooden.
Randy Rosenbloom recalls his time calling basketball games with the great John Wooden.
Sam Lagana is currently the chairman of the John R. Wooden Award. The John R. Wooden Award is an award given annually to the most outstanding men's and women's college basketball players.
Join us for our Olympics Miracles Special - Part 3/3
In this episode, we revisit some of our previous guests that are associated with the Olympics including:
Chris McGee - In 2008 he was the MC for Volleyball at the Beijing Olympic Games announcing both of the U.S. gold medal matches.
Jerry West - West was part of the original Dream Team, the 1960 United States Olympic gold medalist basketball team coached by Pete Newell.
Karch Kiraly - Kiraly won gold medals at the 1984 and 1988 Olympic Games He went on to win the gold medal again at the 1996 Olympic Games for Beach Volleyball. He is the only player (man or woman) to have won Olympic gold medals in both the indoor and beach volleyball categories.
Bert Mandelbaum - Mandelbaum recalls a story of Cliff Meidl who competed in 1000 m kayak events at the 1996 and 2000 Summer Olympics. He was honored as the U.S. flag bearer at the 2000 Summer Olympics. Mandelbaum was part of his recovery team reconstructing Cliff's legs after a horrific work accident.
Join us for our Olympics Miracles Special - Part 2/3
In this episode, we revisit some of our previous guests that are associated with the Olympics including:
Rusty Buchanan - Buchanan has achieved his Olympic dream – though perhaps not the way he would have expected. Listen to hear how he finally received his Olympic Medal!
Rudy Tomjonovich - Tomjanovich Jr. is an American former professional basketball player and Hall of Fame coach. He coached Team USA to the gold medal in men's basketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics.
Norm Bass - Norm Bass was the first Black American Post WWII to play professional baseball and football. After Rheumatoid Arthritis took him out of the game, he overcame all odds and made his Olympic Dreams a reality!
Join us for our Olympics Miracles Special - Part 1/3
In this episode we discuss a book by Wayne Coffey, The Boys of Winter which is about the he Miracle on Ice. The "Miracle on Ice" was an ice hockey game during the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY. It was played between the hosting US and the Soviet Union on February 22, 1980, Though the Soviet Union was a four-time defending gold medalist and heavily favored, the United States upset them and won 4–3.
We also sit down with Randy Rosenbloom. Randy is a long time Southern California sportscaster who has worked as a play by play voice for NBC on three Olympic games. Randy has been a play by play sports announcer for Time Warner in Los Angeles, calling hundreds of local events every year. He is perhaps best known for his dramatic call at the 2004 Olympics when he declared "The Drought is over!" when the USA Men's rowing team finally earned a long awaited gold medal.
Join SSDL with our Super FootBowl Specula! We have compiled all our best interviews with our guests that fit our Theme this week - The Super Bowl!
Including Norm Bass, Bob Klein, Peter Boulware, Brendon Ayanbadejo, and Garry Gilliam!
Join us with a look back on all our interviews with previous guests and their stories on the legend himself, Kobe Bryant.
Jeff Pearlman - Author of Three Ring Circus
Wesley King - Author of The Wizenard Series
Jerry West - NBA Legend
We are 68 episodes in! We have told some incredible stories and can't wait to share new ones with you in 2021.
Tables are turned for this interview - Our director Chris M. Allport sits in the interviewer chair to interview Denny on some of his favorite moments this past year and give us an update on what's on the horizon for SSDL!
Join us for the full Jerry West Interview! We have compiled all 4 Jerry West Episodes into one long collection for your viewing pleasure.
Jerry West - Episode 4
West's NBA career was highly successful. Playing he was elected to the NBA all star Team 14 times, and was chosen as the All-Star MVP in 1972, the same year that he won the only title of his career. Having played in nine NBA Finals, he is also the only player in NBA history to be named Finals MVP despite being on the losing team (1969). West was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame. Join us for the final episode with Jerry West as he discusses all this and more.
Episode 3 with NBA Legend Jerry West - The Lakers era!
In this episode we dive into West's playing career with the Lakers- a highly successful one. Having played in nine NBA Finals, he is also the only player in NBA history to be named finals MVP despite being on the losing team (1969). West was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1980! Join us for the final episode Thursday January 4!
Join us for Part 2 of Jerry West- the Olympic Era!
West was a standout at West Virginia University, where he led the Mountaineers to the 1959 NCAA championship game. He earned the NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player honor despite the loss. The following year, he was the co-captain of the 1960 U.S. Olympic gold medal team, a squad that was inducted as a unit into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2010. Join us for part 3 next Thursday January 31!
Join SSDL for a Very Jerry Christmas
A 4 part podcast series that delves into the life of Jerry West that we think you will find amazing. New episode every Thursday.
Part 4/4 of Bob Klein.
Klein, born and raised in the Pacific Palisades in California, was an athletic standout at Corpus Christie Elementary School, then St. Monica High School. After High school, Klein attended the University of Southern California, where he was the starting tight end for the Trojans' 1967 national championship team. Following his senior season, he was drafted 21st overall in the 1969 NFL draft by his hometown Los Angeles Rams where he played from 1969-1976. Klein finished his pro career at the San Diego Chargers from 1977–1979.
When Klein is not busy with his incredible family legacy, he serves as the President and CEO of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation and oversees the management of all philanthropic development efforts.
Part 3/4 of Bob Klein.
Klein, born and raised in the Pacific Palisades in California, was an athletic standout at Corpus Christie Elementary School, then St. Monica High School. After High school, Klein attended the University of Southern California, where he was the starting tight end for the Trojans' 1967 national championship team. Following his senior season, he was drafted 21st overall in the 1969 NFL draft by his hometown Los Angeles Rams where he played from 1969-1976. Klein finished his pro career at the San Diego Chargers from 1977–1979.
When Klein is not busy with his incredible family legacy, he serves as the President and CEO of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation and oversees the management of all philanthropic development efforts.
Part 2/4 of Bob Klein.
Klein, born and raised in the Pacific Palisades in California, was an athletic standout at Corpus Christie Elementary School, then St. Monica High School. After High school, Klein attended the University of Southern California, where he was the starting tight end for the Trojans' 1967 national championship team. Following his senior season, he was drafted 21st overall in the 1969 NFL draft by his hometown Los Angeles Rams where he played from 1969-1976. Klein finished his pro career at the San Diego Chargers from 1977–1979.
When Klein is not busy with his incredible family legacy, he serves as the President and CEO of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation and oversees the management of all philanthropic development efforts.
Part 1/4 of Bob Klein.
Klein, born and raised in the Pacific Palisades in California, was an athletic standout at Corpus Christie Elementary School, then St. Monica High School. After High school, Klein attended the University of Southern California, where he was the starting tight end for the Trojans' 1967 national championship team. Following his senior season, he was drafted 21st overall in the 1969 NFL draft by his hometown Los Angeles Rams where he played from 1969-1976. Klein finished his pro career at the San Diego Chargers from 1977–1979.
When Klein is not busy with his incredible family legacy, he serves as the President and CEO of the Saint John’s Health Center Foundation and oversees the management of all philanthropic development efforts.
Part 4/4 on Sam Lagana
Sam Lagana has been the stadium voice of the NFL Los Angeles Rams in the Coliseum for the past two years, since the team returned to the L.A. area. He has been a Rams fan since childhood, when he attended games with his father. Lagana has spent 20 years announcing sports, including Davis Cup tennis tournaments and beach volleyball competitions. “My greatest satisfaction,” he says, “is seeing a family in the stands enjoying the game.” During the week, Lagana is associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University.
Part 3/4 on Sam Lagana
Sam Lagana has been the stadium voice of the NFL Los Angeles Rams in the Coliseum for the past two years, since the team returned to the L.A. area. He has been a Rams fan since childhood, when he attended games with his father. Lagana has spent 20 years announcing sports, including Davis Cup tennis tournaments and beach volleyball competitions. “My greatest satisfaction,” he says, “is seeing a family in the stands enjoying the game.” During the week, Lagana is associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University.
Part 2/4 on Sam Lagana
Sam Lagana has been the stadium voice of the NFL Los Angeles Rams in the Coliseum for the past two years, since the team returned to the L.A. area. He has been a Rams fan since childhood, when he attended games with his father. Lagana has spent 20 years announcing sports, including Davis Cup tennis tournaments and beach volleyball competitions. “My greatest satisfaction,” he says, “is seeing a family in the stands enjoying the game.” During the week, Lagana is associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University.
Sam Lagana has been the stadium voice of the NFL Los Angeles Rams in the Coliseum for the past two years, since the team returned to the L.A. area. He has been a Rams fan since childhood, when he attended games with his father. Lagana has spent 20 years announcing sports, including Davis Cup tennis tournaments and beach volleyball competitions. “My greatest satisfaction,” he says, “is seeing a family in the stands enjoying the game.” During the week, Lagana is associate vice chancellor at Pepperdine University.
Dave and Bernice Epperson created the Volleyball Festival in 1984 when their two daughters started playing volleyball in junior high school. Only eight years after the enactment of Title IX, there were still very few resources available to support female sports in most schools. They took it upon themselves to create an experience for their daughters and many other young female volleyball players, and now the small event in 1984 has grown into one of the largest competitions in the country today.
(Please note, the original audio was compromised, so we did the best we could with the camera audio to bring you the story of how the Volleyball Festival began)
Dave and Bernice Epperson created the Volleyball Festival in 1984 when their two daughters started playing volleyball in junior high schooll. Only eight years after the enactment of Title IX, there were still very few resources available to support female sports in most schools. They took it upon themselves to create an experience for their daughters and many other young female volleyball players, and now the small event in 1984 has grown into one of the largest competitions in the country today.
(Please note, the original audio was compromised, so we did the best we could with the camera audio to bring you the story of how the Volleyball Festival began)
Michael Boehle is the Head Boys Volleyball Coach at Loyola High School in Los Angeles. He also is the Director of Business Operations and Financial Aid at Loyola High School. Prior to Loyola, Mike played in the AVP 1988-1994.
But his call to fame was winning the legendary Venice Backyard Championship twice, earning the title - The GOAT of the VBC.
Join host Denny Lennon as we give you the entire 120 minutes of the interview with Lawyer Wayne Boehle.
Wayne, lead attorney in the Hank Gathers case comes to the studio to discuss his athletic success in College as well as the lawsuit.
Join us as we sit down with the Laker's Broadcaster- Chris "Geeter" McGee for his entire interview, uninterrupted.
Join us as we discuss his time at Crespi High School, Cal State Northridge, Winning a car on The Price is Right, his ascension through the announcing world of the AVP and ending up at his dream job with the Los Angeles Lakers! This is a story you do not want to miss.
Join us for the full episode of Craig Impelman - the Grandson-in-law of the legendary Coach John Wooden. Listen to the incredible once in a lifetime stories of John Wooden.
Dr. Bert Mandelbaum - uninterrupted!
135 minutes of everything Bert Mandelbaum. Listen as we discuss the postponement of the 2020 Olympic Games, MLB soccer and everything in between.
Norm Bass- 1st African American post WWII to play 2 professional sports! Join us for the entire 5 parts - uninterrupted!
Listen to the full 100 minute interview with the greatest volleyball player ever: Karch Kiraly - uninterrupted!
Part 5/5 on Karch Kiraly, an American athlete who was the first volleyball player to win three Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the sport’s greatest players, excelling at both indoor and beach volleyball.
Part 4/5 on Karch Kiraly, an American athlete who was the first volleyball player to win three Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the sport’s greatest players, excelling at both indoor and beach volleyball.
Part 3/5 on Karch Kiraly, an American athlete who was the first volleyball player to win three Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the sport’s greatest players, excelling at both indoor and beach volleyball.
Part 2/5 part series on Karch Kiraly, an American athlete who was the first volleyball player to win three Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the sport’s greatest players, excelling at both indoor and beach volleyball.
Join SSDL for our Kiraly July - A 5 part series on Karch Kiraly, an American athlete who was the first volleyball player to win three Olympic gold medals and is considered one of the sport’s greatest players, excelling at both indoor and beach volleyball.
We finish up our Series on Norm Bass - in this final episode we dive into how his 2-sport athlete status came to an abrupt end because arthritis forced him to retire from baseball. Luckily, Norm found table tennis, and the rest is history...
Make sure you listen to part 1-3 for the full Norm Bass story! You can also catch these on Youtube with pictures and archives
Episode 3/4 with Norm Bass - The 1st African-American athlete since WWII to play 2 professional sports. You will follow all of the personal and professional setbacks and triumphs that make Norm Bass such an interesting figure!
In this episode, we discuss the Hank Gather's Case.
Eric "Hank" Gathers who became a household name playing basketball for the Loyola Marymount Lions for the 1989-1990 Season. Gathers died on the basketball court after collapsing from a heart condition on March 4th, 1990. Wayne Boehle was the lead attorney in the case.
Hey Wayne Boehle, what is the eight wonder of the world?
In Episode 2/3 of Wayne Boehle, we discuss his time on the Newlywed Game, being a athlete and family man and his quote "Understand your priorities, but always make time for your family"
Wayne Boehle, who was a star basketball and volleyball student-athlete at what was then Loyola University, sat down for the interview at the beginning of March, days after the statue of Hank Gathers was dedicated on the LMU campus. Watch the episode with video archives on the Sports Stories with Denny Lennon YouTube channel
Jimmy Lennon, Jr, an International Boxing Hall of Fame announcer, is known for his work on Fox Sports and Showtime. Lennon has been at the forefront of historic moments in the fight game, including the Buster Douglas upset of Mike Tyson. Lennon talks about his father’s legendary career
Jimmy Lennon, Jr, an International Boxing Hall of Fame announcer, is known for his work on Fox Sports and Showtime. Lennon has been at the forefront of historic moments in the fight game, including the Buster Douglas upset of Mike Tyson. Lennon talks about his father’s legendary career among other items in part three of a four part interview.
Part 2 of a 4 part series on Jimmy Lennon, Jr, an International Boxing Hall of Fame announcer, is known for his work on Fox Sports and Showtime. Lennon has been at the forefront of historic moments in the fight game, including the Buster Douglas upset of Mike Tyson. Lennon talks about his father’s legendary career
Jimmy Lennon, Jr, an International Boxing Hall of Fame announcer, is known for his work on Fox Sports and Showtime. Lennon has been at the forefront of historic moments in the fight game, including the Buster Douglass upset of Mike Tyson. Lennon talks about his father’s legendary career among other items in part one of a four part interview.
Retired Navy Rear Admiral and sports diplomat Hal Pittman. Pittman spent more that 20 years in military communication leadership roles around the world while concurrently launching sport diplomatic missions. Rear Admiral Pittman, serves today as the director of military and veteran engagement for Arizona Public Service.
USOC/FIFA Medical Advisor Bert Mandelbaum, MD discusses swimming with sharks, writing a book, sports diplomacy and takes the rapid fire quiz.
Medical Advisor to USOC/FIFA discusses Olympics and COVID-19, along with his life path and mentors.
Bert Mandelbaum discusses COVID-19 and the effect it is having on sports, including the 2020 Olympic Games
Rock Pillsbury, Athletic Director that oversees the top sports program in the country, is our guest. Listen/watch to his journey form Texas to California to lead a school that is now noted as the most Instagrammed school ever.
On 2/24/20, Host Denny Lennon and lead researcher Theresa Dahlin were fortunate enough to attend the Celebration of Life for Kobe and Gianna Bryant.
Watch the youtube video podcast for original footage shot at the event.
Chris "Geeter" McGee" The legendary MC of pro beach volleyball, who always says “yes” to the next opportunity in broadcasting, is now an Emmy award winner and studio host for one of the greatest franchises in the world, the Los Angeles Lakers
Please note, this episode was recorded and produced on January 23, 2019, 3 days prior to the tragedy of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and 7 other people.
In the wake of the recent tragedy of Kobe Bryant, his daughter Gianna and 7 others, ESPN's Elle Duncan's tribute of #girldad went viral. This episode includes a retrospect of Kobe Bryant's transformation from a young Laker to a Girl Dad and an interview with #girldad x 5!
Heather Olmstead is an American volleyball head coach for the BYU Cougars women's volleyball team. In 2018, she was named the American Volleyball Coaches Association Coach of the Year. She also served as head coach of the U.S. Collegiate National Team in Japan and as the assistant coach at the 2015 Pan American Games.
Evan Pittman, the worlds strongest violinist! Evan is the true definition of an elite student athlete. He is an Ivy League Student at Brown, an AAU Strength Sports Academic All-American and he has earned more than 100 World Records at the AAU Junior Olympic Games.
Episode 14- Randy Rosenbloom (1/2)
Randy is a long time Southern California sportscaster who has worked as a play by play voice for NBC on three Olympic games. Randy has been a play by play sports announcer for Time Warner in Los Angeles, calling hundreds of local events every year. He is perhaps best known for his dramatic call at the 2004 Olympics when he declared "The Drought is over!" when the USA Men's rowing team finally earned a long awaited gold medal