Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports!

Favorite Non-Athletes In Sports

FREE Series | Volume 10 Sports Comic Book

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and FIFA games showcase some of the greatest athletes on the planet.

But, sports entertainment is more than just watching phenomenal athletes ply their craft on the ice, field, diamond, hardwood or pitch.

What provide the extra sizzle in sports are countless non-athletes that make the games possible and entertaining. They enrich the overall fan experience.

A number of non-athletic performers and icons deliver invaluable appeal and bring the entertainment aspects of sports to greater levels.

I highlight them in this book.

Some picks are as obvious as the bowtie I’m wearing. And, others on this list may surprise you.

None are actual athletes. A few aren’t even real at all. But, all of them show up at NFL, MLB, NCAA and NHL games.

You will adore one of the most unlikely sportscasters on television.

You will envy the driver of the baddest maintenance vehicle in sports. You will wince at the thought of a big mouthed bloviator.

You will probably scowl at the refs I feature. But, you’ll immediately recognize that games don’t get played without them.

You’ll recite familiar lines from a series of iconic movies starring a fictional fighting sports character.

You might proudly don the ridiculous foam hats worn by the loyal fans of this historic NFL franchise.

You will certainly agree that this guy’s no athlete, but he was an incredible showman in a non-sport sport now seen regularly on ESPN.

You will smile at the awe inspiring godlike figure in an imposing mural, perhaps the most recognized image in NCAA college football.

You’ll cheer madly over packaged meat products racing awkwardly around a baseball field.

Finally, you’ll sing along with a likeable large lady who needs to belt out a few bars, so fans in the stands can finally go home.

Enjoy my FREE book Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports!

Email me at [email protected] if you have a few choices that you think should have made it into this book.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Why read this book?

Favorite #10: Minnesota Fats

Favorite #9: Racing Weenies

Favorite #8: The Heckler

Favorite #7: The Zamboni Driver

Favorite #6: The Italian Stallion

Favorite #5: Refs

Favorite #4: Touchdown Jesus

Favorite #3: ESPN’s Lou Holtz

Favorite #2: Cheese Heads

Favorite #1: The Fat Lady

Thank You & Affiliate Disclosure

FREE Books Podcast – MIKE on Sports!

Meet the MIKE Makers

Acknowledgements Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports is fun, witty and informative. Fans not only enjoy the humor, but also learn something new about sports.

Plus, the unique sports comics that accompany each chapter cleverly capture the essence of the featured player, team, coach, play, sports expression, or in this case, my favorite non-athletes in sports.

As an added bonus, I always offer something for FREE in each of my sports comic books. See the back of this book for details.

Check out my author profile on Amazon.com, follow me on Twitter, fan me on Facebook and subscribe to my podcast – MIKE on Sports!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

My classic comic of a chubby-cheeked and out-of-shape pool hustler may be the best choice to break the rack in the #10 slot among Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

Along with countless sports fans, I strongly believe that pool players, poker players and NASCAR drivers don’t qualify as real athletes.

However, the pudgy pool shark pictured in this chapter’s comic was a pioneer in a non-sport sport that ESPN now regularly affords coverage.

That’s why he deserves mention as one of my favorite non-athletes of all-time.

Reference the name Rudolf Walter Wanderone Jr. and you’ll be greeted by blank stares. However, mention the name Minnesota Fats and talk of a portly, self-promoting pool hall hustler will quickly follow. Without doubt, Fats was billiards’ biggest bloviator. He earned that inauspicious title for his non-stop blustering about his personal exploits with a pool cue. Yes, he was once one colorful guy.

Minnesota Fats called himself the world’s greatest pool shooter. Yet, surprisingly, there is no record of Fats ever winning an officially sanctioned tournament. Apparently, Minnesota Fats lived the legend he so masterfully manufactured.

Early in his career, Wanderone used an assortment of sassy nicknames. They included New York Fats, Fatty, Double Smart Fats and Bank Shot Bandit.

He finally landed on the name Minnesota Fats, a moniker made famous by the lead character in The Hustler, a 1961 Walter Tevis film. The clever Walderone exploited the borrowed nickname for the rest of his life, and it stuck.

While still a teen, Rudolf Wanderone hustled in pool halls across New York City. He became as much accomplished for making clever trick shots as he did for telling tall tales. His combination of trickery and pool cue mastery launched him on an improbable career.

Fats bounced around pool halls in Illinois, Virginia and Washington, D.C. and rose to popularity as an entertainer during the early 1970s. He fully capitalized on his borrowed nickname, while displaying amazing pool talent and effortlessly conning willing audiences.

This self-styled celebrity appeared years ago on late night talk shows hosted by Johnny Carson, Joey Bishop and David Frost.

In addition, Wanderone starred in his own short lived show called Celebrity Billiards with Minnesota Fats. It was on this show that he sparred with the era’s A-list celebrities that included comedians Sid Ceasar and Milton Berle as well as Hungarian diva Zsa Zsa Gabor.

Fats’ career reached a high point on Valentine’s Day in 1978. That day, he faced Willie Mosconi, his long time rival and a real 15-time world champ. The match was watched by 11 million viewers on ABC’s Wide World of Sports. Fats lost badly to the superior skilled Mosconi, but his boastful antics and colorful personality caused his popularity to soar.

With a physical size eclipsed by an even larger ego, Fats has been credited in the American National Biography for outlandish quotes. Two of his crazy claims include, “I’ve been hustlin’ since Moby Dick was a guppy,” and “I outdrew the Pope in Rome and that ain’t even good pool country.”

In 1984 the Billiard Congress Hall of Fame inducted Wanderone into its elite club and officially acknowledged him for popularizing the game of pool. Fun, boastful and overweight, Minnesota Fats was one mighty memorable, chubby and skilled billiards player.

Never an athlete, he demonstrated to the public that he could hustle in more ways than one.

Minnesota Fats excelled as the consummate showman in the non-sport sport of pool. He’s certainly not an athlete. But, he’s definitely one qualified entertainer.

That’s why Rudolf Walter Wanderone, Jr., otherwise known as Minnesota Fats, is an easy bank shot at #10 in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

In-game entertainment varies by venue and sport.

The amazingly creative and inventive ways that sports fans and team mascots support their teams are worthy of the #9 spot in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

They’re represented here by my favorite packaged meat pick.

Referring to these performers as non-athletes does not mean they are not athletic. Instead, the fact that they don’t compete in actual games gives them the non-athlete distinction.

Before I feature my #9 choice among non-athletes, let’s first look at the multitude of excellent entertainers in sports.

In-game entertainers can be especially creative to support the home team. They range from perky cheerleaders to talented jugglers. They include dancers, twirlers and tuba players. From Frisbee catching dogs on a baseball field to dunking gorillas on a basketball court, in-game entertainment absolutely enriches the sports fans’ experience at the park, stadium or arena.

Sports fans can also provide big time entertainment even when they’re not the main event. They include fans with streaming shakers, those who design and display giant cardboard signs and shirtless guys with painted faces sitting in bleachers during frigid weather.

In-game promotions involving team mascots are always fun, and they bring out the best in local sentiment.

For example, if you haven’t been to Nationals Park in Washington, DC, you’ve never witnessed the patriotic thrills of cheering on Tom (Jefferson), Abe (Lincoln), Teddy (Roosevelt) and George (Washington) in the famed Presidential Races. Perhaps, my all-time favorite in-game promotion involving local mascots is the Sausage Race held at Miller Park in Milwaukee.

This creative and fun 7th inning race involves a German Bratwurst, a Polish Kielbasa, an Italian Sausage and the All American Hot Dog. What an event, and at a Major League Baseball game no less!

What fans can resist rooting on their favorite racing weenies! This one- of-a-kind foot race gets 45,000 frenetic fans cheering wildly for their favorite packaged meat mascot racing around the baseball field.

Kudos to Miller Park. Way to think outside the bun! The Sausage Race at Milwaukee’s Miller Park is a real weener!

That’s why its participating packaged meat sausages rank as my #9 pick in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Because I enjoy his antics, one big mouthed sports fan is an easy choice for me at #8 in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

This big babbler is the guy who plays the role of the annoying fan at games. He’s seen and heard at every pro game in every sport.

The colorful and, at times, irritating big mouth sits courtside at NBA games or behind home plate at Major League Baseball games and creatively maligns the opposing team’s players. His duty is to toss barbs at the other team and their fans.

Universally known as the Heckler, this super fan ironically may not boast too many fans of his own.

Some fans may find him insulting, but I like him and think he’s an expected, entertaining part of attending a professional sports event. He’s pretty funny, especially if he’s rooting for the same team.

Plus, I can handle his non-stop heckling. That’s if he’s seated far enough away and doesn’t make the little hairs on the back of my neck stand at full attention with his non-stop jibber-jabbering.

And, I get a kick out of watching rival fans deal with the Heckler during a game. The guy’s entertainment factor wears off quickly, especially when he’s not cheering for their squad.

Soon, opposing fans within earshot realize this guy has a bullhorn for a voice box and no off switch for his grating trash talk.

During the rest of the game, these same rival fans are constantly on edge, much to my delight and that of all of my fellow fans.

For the rest of the game, I’m entertained by watching these rival fans try to keep themselves in check.

In a fight to the end, they struggle to restrain themselves from dumping their beer on this loud mouthed guy who’s universally known as the Heckler.

That’s why the Heckler - when he’s rooting for my team - secures the #8 spot in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Driving this clunky ice resurfacing vehicle would satisfy nearly every hockey fan’s fantasy.

Hoards of hockey fans have yearned to climb behind the wheel of this tractor and take charge of the ice.

Chugging down the ice at a top speed of just 9 miles-per-hour, the Zamboni driver operates the baddest maintenance vehicle in all of sports. He cruises in at #7 in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

Who doesn’t envy the guy sitting in the best seat atop the rink?

The driver of the boxy Zamboni expertly scrapes, collects, washes, resurfaces and smooths the ice for hockey games and skating competitions.

The Zamboni driver deftly manages his manly machine as it sprays and then squeegees 140 degree water onto the ice. Miraculously, once rutted and scarred ice transforms into a shimmering surface that looks like polished glass.

Developed by Frank J. Zamboni in Southern California in 1949, the iconic Zamboni ice resurfacing machine has become the standard in arenas around the world.

At a price of $75,000 each, approximately 200 custom-made Zamboni machines are manufactured and distributed each year.

The Zamboni’s fame extends beyond the boards of the hockey rinks it resurfaces. It was once featured in the classic sitcom Cheers when Carla’s husband Eddie supposedly got run over by a Zamboni.

In a Peanuts comic strip, a miniature Zamboni once cleaned the ice in a birdbath for Snoopi’s bird pal Woodstock.

This heavy duty “bad to the boni” machine is dear to all hockey fans. Expertly restoring chunks and grooves in previously pock-marked ice, countless fans secretly dream of being behind the wheel.

To hockey purists, it doesn’t matter that the Zamboni driver moves along at a glacier like speed. It’s still a blast to drive.

The Zamboni is loved by hockey fans across the globe.

And, it’s easy to understand how the Zamboni driver chugs his way into the #7 spot in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

An ultimate underdog boxes his way into the #6 spot in Favorite Non- Athletes in Sports!

This non-athlete makes his way into my book because he’s neither a real athlete nor an actual person.

Instead, the Italian Stallion is a fictional fighter who ranks among most sports fans’ favorite movie characters.

Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone played the struggling, uneducated boxer Rocky Balboa in a series of feel good movies that began in 1976.

In these movies, Balboa adopted the Italian Stallion nickname to glamorize his less-than-glamorous boxing career. Stallone’s original Rocky movie became an overnight sensation. He emerged as an American pop culture icon with an entire country suddenly in his corner.

The movie’s improbable story line featured an average, unpolished club fighter getting a one-in-a-million shot to fight for the World Heavyweight title. The flick enraptured the American public and had them cheering on Balboa’s fictional boxing success.

Proof of the underdog appeal, Stallone’s Rocky I was written by the actor and produced on a meager $1 million budget. The movie yielded a staggering $225 million at the box office and picked up five Academy Awards.

Americans fell in love with the Italian Stallion’s awkward social skills and barely understandable mumbling. By the late 1970s, Americans even adopted Rocky’s familiar “yo” into a popular expression.

Just as their beloved Rocky character performed in the movies, scores of the boxer’s fans would run up long flights of stairs, pumping their arms in the air when they reached the top.

The Italian Stallion character became a sensation. Numerous moves and remarks from the Rocky series captivated adoring fans.

Rocky fans could recite memorable movie lines like, “You gotta be a moron to wanna box.” One of their favorite lines included, “because I don’t sing or dance,” the line the Italian Stallion responded when asked why he fought.

To demonstrate just how much clout this imaginary character commanded, crazed fans adopted the names of the boxer’s pet turtles Cuff and Link.

The success of this non-athlete and ultimate underdog showed up in the public’s appetite to support five Rocky sequels.

The Rocky movie series eventually matured from current sensation to classic cinema.

He might be a totally fictitious character, but to more than one generation of Rocky fans, he’s a perennial hit. The endearing character of Rocky Balboa as the Italian Stallion will always remain one of the most beloved fictional sports figures ever - even if he never really threw a punch.

That’s why he playfully punches his way into the #6 spot in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

Yo!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

You can see them at every game in every sport at every level.

They never actually play in a game, but they’re most deserving of a spot in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

Why? Their presence is absolutely essential.

At #5, my choice is none other than the guys and gals who preside over games, blow the whistles, make the calls, enforce the rules and enact all the penalties.

They work tirelessly both indoors and out, in both good weather and bad, and during all hours of the day.

They never get to rest, but remain on their feet or skates for the entire length of their respective assignments.

In the blink of an eye, these non-athletes make critical decisions that can be carefully reviewed and callously criticized countless times on national television - often with the benefit of super slow motion and high definition cameras.

Acting as both judge and jury, they make crucial calls that can effect legacies, decide championships and even determine the future worth of player contracts.

Plus, their hazardous professions go completely unnoticed by the average sports fan. When working behind the plate, these non-players take fastballs off their shins. Also, they occasionally get steamrolled on the football field by 300 lb. linemen.

Too often, they find themselves checked into the boards by overly aggressive defensemen and struggle to keep up with gazelles on both the basketball court and soccer pitch.

Few ever know their names. They’re mocked, yelled at, glared upon, ridiculed and cursed.

Only referenced at sports events when their judgment is brought into question, these non-athletes never receive the credit they deserve.

Yes, they’re the zebras, the blind mice and the dastardly devils that may - or may not - blow their whistles in your team’s favor.

These officials, umpires or refs, maintain order on the hardwood, the ice, the pitch, the gridiron and the baseball diamond.

Without them, there would be no games at all.

That’s why refs are #5 in my book Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

My #4 pick in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports should come as no surprise to spiritually minded sports fans.

He may have never stepped onto the football field, but his daunting presence hovers over it in heavenly fashion.

This non-playing spiritual royal leaves his indelible mark on the world of NCAA college football.

A half-God, half-man selection, he goes by an assortment of lofty labels; including Prince of Peace, Mighty One, Lord of Lords and King of Kings. Now that’s some resume!

Known universally throughout the college football world as Touchdown Jesus, this Word of Life mosaic doesn’t need a Hail Mary Pass or an Immaculate Reception to ascend into this book.

Touchdown Jesus is memorialized in a gorgeous mosaic named the Word of Life. It adorns the south side of the entire Hesburgh Library and towers over the north end zone scoreboard of the University of Notre Dame’s 80,795 seat football stadium in South Bend, Indiana. This famous mosaic showcases Christ the Teacher. With raised arms appearing to reach out to others, it’s obvious that he’s presiding over the action from on high.

The spectacular mural was formally unveiled on May 7, 1964 during the dedication of the school’s Hesburgh Library.

Though unintentional, Touchdown Jesus originally found its way into football lore when fans recognized Jesus’ innocent, but obvious, pose on the monstrous mural.

Announcers have both joked, or intimated, that the Fighting Irish’s rich football tradition (comprising 11 national championships and 7 Heisman Trophy winners) owes its heavenly edge to Touchdown Jesus who hovers protectively over its campus stadium.

Legendary Notre Dame Coaches Knute Rockne, Frank Leahy, Ara Parseghian, Dan Devine and Lou Holtz could never have envisioned the popularity or influence Touchdown Jesus has wielded over the years.

With the Son of God peering confidently into the Notre Dame’s stadium, no instant replay or further review is ever necessary.

Whenever Notre Dame scores a touchdown, the ruling on the field will always stand because Touchdown Jesus has already made the call.

When it comes to naming Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports, it’s hard to argue against this Lord of Lords and King of Kings.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Though now retired, Lou Holtz and his sterling studio schtick earns a spot here in this book as one of my favorite non-athletes in sports.

Sure, little Lou looks like he never played a lick and probably couldn’t bench press a broom.

But, I always thought that Holtz’s broadcast booth analysis was brilliantly entertaining during his 11 year stint with ESPN that ended awkwardly in 2015.

For cryin' out loud - as this charismatic old coaching codger liked to say - I absolutely loved Lou Holtz as a talking head and co-anchor with Mark May during ESPN College Game Day broadcasts.

Lou Holtz's candid college football coverage carried clout!

Viewers like me were smitten by the outspoken purity of this grandfatherly pigskin pundit and television's a-typical talking head.

Who cared if this retired coach sported a face for radio rather than network television? His colorful commentating was welcome in my living room any day of the week. The former Notre Dame, South Carolina and Minnesota head football coach may have mis-pronunciated, inarticulated and mis-syllabicated whenever he opened his mouth.

But, what fan really cared?

The immensely loveable Lou emanated total trust.

He prognosticated with passion and purpose.

Most importantly, he generated unbridled enthusiasm from the ESPN College Game Day studio.

Football fans looked quickly past his saucer shaped spectacles and learned to live with his lovable lisp.

They humored him for his histrionics and hair-brained hunches.

Why? Because college football fans, too, absolutely loved Lou Holtz!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Originally designed as an insult, the Cheese Head nickname may now rank as one of the highest forms of pro football flattery.

Because of their corny yellow foam hats and amazing loyalty to their home town team, the famous football fans known as Cheese Heads are an easy #2 choice in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

The genesis of the Cheese Head name goes back to 1987. Chicago Bears fans mocked rival Green Bay Packer fans from the dairy state of Wisconsin. They referred to them as Cheese Heads.

However, the derogatory jab only worked to churn the seeds of loyalty. Bears’ fans failed to realize that the people from Wisconsin loved their state and loved their Green Bay Packers even more.

Wisconsinites take pride in their cheese producing ability, and they quickly and proudly adopted the Cheese Head label.

Strengthened by the mocking of Bears fans, loyal Packer backers happily jumped on the Cheese Head movement. They started wearing yellow foam cheese hats to home games played at the Packers’ legendary Lambeau Field.

As the only community-owned franchise in American professional sports, supporters of the Green Bay Packers are arguably the NFL’s best fans. They also represent one of the league’s most successful franchises.

Since 1960, this small market team has consistently sold out Lambeau Field. Packer faithful, coupled with the state’s bitter cold climate during the winter months, create one of the greatest home-field advantages in the NFL.

Obtaining Green Bay Packers season tickets is a nearly impossible feat. Rabid fans register their newborn children on a waiting list that exceeds 90,000 applicants.

Since the creation of the Cheese Head in 1987, the Packers have continued their success on the field. The Pack won Super Bowl XXXI in 1996 with legendary QB Brett Favre. And, in 2011 they won Super Bowl XLV with star QB Aaron Rodgers.

Cheese production, championship seasons and famous Lambeau leap touchdown celebrations continue in America’s dairy land.

And, much to the disappointment of mocking Chicago Bears fans, so does Wisconsin’s pride in being called a Green Bay Packer fan.

Or, better yet, a Cheese Head, #2 in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports!

Definitely not an athlete and seemingly out of shape, a popular chubby chick sings her way into the #1 spot of Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports.

This likeable large gal is the famous Fat Lady of sports lore. She’s the elusive woman who is talked about, but never seen, at American sporting events that take longer than expected to finish.

How did she make this list among favorite non-athletes?

Few sports fans know the genesis of how a pleasantly plump German opera singer became part of American sports culture.

Way back in 1876, the darling diva now known as the Fat Lady debuted on the German stage. She starred as Brunnhilde in Richard Wagner's Gotterdammerung opera. Brunnhilde's momentous 10 minute solo marked the close of Wagner's seemingly endless 14 hour, four-part opera.

The American sports scene resurrected this singing sensation during a tirelessly long 1978 NBA game between the San Antonio Spurs and then Washington Bullets. The crowd was frustrated by delays in the long game. Comparing the extended play to the famed opera, American sportscaster Dan Cook remarked, "This game ain't over 'til the fat lady sings."

Cook's innocent comment caught the attention of other announcers and fans. They quickly adopted this wonderful woman into America’s sports culture, employing her during lengthy games in all sports.

Despite the fact that nobody’s ever seen her, sports fans know this beloved beefy woman’s role. The Fat Lady must belt out a few bars before the game, match or meet can officially end.

Until this glorious gal exercises her vocal chords and marks the completion of endlessly long competitions, fans are obligated to remain in their seats.

Calling her the Fat Lady might sound insensitive. But, this super-sized soprano, who carries a spear and wears a metal breastplate with a horned Viking helmet, is actually very secure in her generous frame.

Thanks to Mr. Cook’s now legendary remark, knowledgeable sports fans understand that every overtime match, extra inning contest or ridiculously long game will only end - when the Fat Lady sings!

She’s #1 in Favorite Non-Athletes in Sports!

MIKE – thee ultimate talking head on sports! Thank you for downloading this FREE MIKE sports comic book.

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FREE sports comic books can be safely downloaded at no charge by clicking on the cover images of books on the following pages.

You will be directed to the www.theemike.com web site where you can safely download PDFs of the FREE books. Click on yellow cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site. Click on purple cover above to safely download FREE MIKE Sports Comic Books from the www.theemike.com web site. MIKE on Sports! Podcast

Click on the yellow cover to listen and subscribe to MIKE on Sports!

The podcast is for every American sports fan - especially those who like to laugh or learn something unique about sports. It's loaded with clever quips and fun sports stuff you should know that ESPN and other sports networks fail to report.

MIKE on Sports! offers great sports humor, short sports stories and interesting sports history that never really grab the headlines. Meet the MIKE Makers, Jim and Maura Sweeney, as well as the other contributors to this unique sports property. Jim Sweeney – Author

Born and raised in Trenton, New Jersey, Jim grew up with a passion for sports and fun. Participating in baseball, basketball, swimming, soccer and street hockey as a kid, Jim wound up playing basketball at Boston College where he captained the Eagles from 1977 – 1980 and received the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award as the nation’s top NCAA basketball under six feet tall.

After a 20-year-career in sales, Jim closed the computer agency he founded to pursue a fun career in sports entertainment. Jim developed MIKE as an alter-ego sports personality and has penned dozens of sports comic books under the MIKE name.

Jim also blogs regularly on national sports sites under the MIKE name and has launched the popular podcast - MIKE on Sports!

Now in his fifties and living on the West Coast of Florida, Jim continues to play basketball regularly and always finds time for fun. Jim is a three time World Masters Basketball Champion and a six time USA Masters Basketball Champion in the 45+, 50+ and 55+ age groups. http://www.linkedin.com/in/jamesdsweeney Maura Sweeney – Publisher

A successful podcaster, Huffington Post contributor and public speaker, Maura became the driving force in encouraging her husband out of a highly successful business and into the pursuit of his dream – to create MIKE into the sports world’s ultimate talking head.

Maura is MIKE’s co-creator and publisher.

For more on Maura – http://www.maura4u.com Alex Salsberg - Illustrator

Cartoonist Alex Salsberg is the man behind Poke Gravy Studios in Boston. An ardent New England Patriots fan, Alex has created animation and illustration for many clients including Nickelodeon and National Lampoon.

Alex has drawn the cover and most of the artwork in the book. His work can be seen at www.PokeGravy.com. Kaley Sweeney - Editor

As editor, Kaley infuses youthful enthusiasm and insight into the MIKE project. At 24 years old, Kaley holds a Bachelor’s in Journalism from Boston University and is finalizing her Master’s at Harvard University.

Currently a free lance journalist living in Brooklyn, Kaley acquired extensive writing and editing experience as Content Manager for the World Photography Organization in London.

Also, Kaley co-founded Empowered Voices, a non-profit that works to catalyze economic and social development in Mubenge, Uganda. http://www.linkedin.com/in/kaleysweeney In addition to blogs, books and a popular podcast, MIKE is expected to be seen and heard on television, the web, radio and Jumbotrons.

MIKE is a registered Trademark. MIKE and all the artwork in this book are the property of New Vision Entertainment, LLC.

Special thanks to these MIKE contributors:

Kevin Riley – Animator Greg Stauffer – Studio Production Dave Rittenhouse – Studio Production Amy O’Hara-Cusick – Legal