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Thom Loverro's Cigars and Curveballs

In the podcast, "Cigars and Curveballs," veteran sports analyst Thom Loverro selects subjects from his extensive career in print, online and broadcast journalism to deliver engaging conversations each week.
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Thom Loverro's Cigars and Curveballs
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Now displaying: 2017
Jul 5, 2017

From Wednesday, July 5, 2017: Thom is joined by Rob Nelson, inventor of Big League Chew (the favorite bubble gum of every little leaguer). They talk about his time playing independent professional baseball in Portland, his friendship with Jim Bouton, knowing actor Kurt Russell and what led to his million dollar idea.

Jun 28, 2017

From Wednesday, June 28, 2017: Thom is joined by the last Major League pitcher to win 30 games in a season, Denny McLain. Their conversation includes his thoughts on changes to the pitching mound, his less than stellar time with the Washington Senators, what Ted Williams was like as a manager and more.

Jun 21, 2017

From Wednesday, June 21, 2017: Thom talks to Ultimate Fighting Championship's Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Marc Ratner about what makes mixed martial arts so popular. Plus, they discuss his time as executive director of the Nevada State Athletic Commission where he oversaw some crazy moments in boxing history including Fan Man and Mike Tyson biting Evander Holyfield. Finally, Thom, of course, asks him about the upcoming Floyd Mayweather versus Conor McGregor bout.

Jun 14, 2017

From Wednesday, June 14, 2017: Thom interviews Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred. They discuss the World Baseball Classic, the Olympics and connecting with younger fans. At the 21 minute mark, Mr. Manfred responds to Thom's question about resolution to the Orioles and Nationals' MASN dispute — "Somebody's gonna win, somebody's gonna lose."

Jun 7, 2017

From Wednesday, June 7, 2017: Thom talks to former heavyweight boxer Gerry Cooney. They discuss his career, his famous bout against champion Larry Holmes, the perils and joys of the sport, and what he thinks of a potential bout between MMA star Connor McGregor and boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr.

May 31, 2017

From Wednesday, May 31, 2017: Thom talks to his co-professor and long-time sports executive Marty Conway. They cover a slew of issues surrounding sports and business including Mr. Conway's time at AOL, working for the Orioles at the beginning of Camden Yards, knowing George W. Bush (before he became president), his latest take on the MASN situation and much more.

May 24, 2017

From Wednesday, May 24, 2017: Thom catches up with old friend and former Nationals Manager Manny Acta who is in DC this week with the visiting Seattle Mariners. They discuss what it's like coaching Robinson Cano, his time managing the Nats and what he thinks of the team now.

May 17, 2017

From Wednesday, May 17, 2017: Thom interviews former Terp, MLB pitcher and longtime Hollywood film producer Mark Ciardi this week. They talk about his time with the Milwaukee Brewers, working on movies such "The Rookie" and "Miracle," and preparing to speak at University of Maryland graduation.

May 10, 2017

From Wednesday, May 10, 2017: Thom is pleased to interview John Schulian, a man who has traveled from the press box to Hollywood. They discuss his career stops along the way and the television shows he worked on including being the co-creator of "Xena: Warrior Princess" and a story editor on "Miami Vice."

May 3, 2017

From Wednesday, May 3, 2017: Thom is joined by the man who has called more boxing matches than any other broadcaster, the legendary Jim Lampley. They talk about his illustrious career that included working at ABC while still attending the University of North Carolina and being one of the few broadcasters in the arena when the Americans upset the Russians in the 1980 Winter Olympics. They also discuss some of the memorable bouts he called, and Mr. Lampley offers a preview of the Canelo vs. Chavez fight.

Apr 26, 2017

From Wednesday, April 26, 2017: Former Oriole and current MLB Network analyst Billy Ripken joins Thom to talk about playing alongside brother Cal, his memories in the minors and if he wants to get into managing? Plus, what does Mr. Ripken think about current baseball stars Bryce Harper and Manny Machado?

Apr 18, 2017

From April, 18, 2017: Thom is joined for a second time on the podcast by the now former Redskins defensive lineman Ricky Jean Francois. The pair discuss whether his critical comments of the Washington franchise led to his release, how he feels about playing in Green Bay and his thoughts on Kirk Cousins.

Apr 12, 2017

From April, 12, 2017: Thom brings on Michael Graham, member of the 1984 NCAA National Champion Georgetown basketball team and teammate of Patrick Ewing, the new Hoya's head coach. Graham offers thoughts on Ewing as a coach, his time in college when he almost went to Maryland instead of Georgetown, playing for Phil Jackson in the CBA, and more.

Apr 5, 2017

From April, 5, 2017: Remembering the 30 year anniversary of the Super Fight between Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard, Thom chats with boxing advisor Ollie Dunlap about his career and working with Mr. Leonard over the years. Mr. Dunlap also offers his perspective on Mr. Leonard's loss to Roberto Duran, and his experiences at Fight Night D.C. as well as being on Redskins practice squad.

Mar 29, 2017

From Wednesday, March 29, 2017: Thom is joined by local broadcasting legend Andy Ockershausen as he talks about the transformation of DC over the decades, the old media landscape, seeing Joe Namath play in Alexandria and more.

Mar 22, 2017

From Wednesday, March 22, 2017: As Major League Baseball's opening day approaches, Thom chats with Nationals manager Dusty Baker about what he learned from Tommy Lasorda as well as if the Nats moved on from last year's playoff loss, managing in the final year of his contract, and if Mr. Baker believes he should be in the Hall of Fame?

Mar 15, 2017

From Wednesday, March 15, 2017: Thom chats with former Redskins quarterback Gus Frerotte on his time in Washington, going from a 7th round pick to a starter, playing for numerous NFL teams, and of course, the infamous head-butt.

Mar 8, 2017

From Wednesday, March 8, 2017: With the NCAA Tournament beginning in March, there is no better time for Thom to catch up with National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame coach Gary Williams. They discuss his career, including taking Maryland to the 2002 NCAA National Championship, how he got his start in coaching, and his thoughts on the 3-point shot.

Mar 1, 2017

From Wednesday, March 1, 2017: Thom brings on DC native and long time actor Jonathan Banks for the latest episode. Jonathan is best known for his instant classic role as Mike Ehrmantraut on "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."

Feb 22, 2017

From Wednesday, February 22, 2017: Thom is joined by longtime Newark sports columnist and author Jerry Izenberg to talk about the release of his new book on heavyweight boxers "Once There Were Giants." And, don't miss Mr. Izenberg's Mike Tyson story!

Feb 15, 2017

From Wednesday, February 15, 2017: Thom is joined by legendary sports broadcaster Warner Wolf to talk about highlights of his illustrious career in radio and television that includes the trademark catch phrase, "Let's go to the videotape!"

Feb 8, 2017

From Wednesday, February 8, 2017: Thom chats with former Washington Nationals and now Los Angeles Angels infielder Danny Espinosa about his time in Washington, the division titles, and even his thoughts on Jonathan Papelbon.

Feb 2, 2017

From Wednesday, February 1, 2017: As we approach a possible NFL Hall of Fame announcement, Thom replays his conversation with three time Redskins' Super Bowl champ Joe Jacoby about his time as a Hog and more.

Jan 26, 2017

From Wednesday, January 25, 2017: Thom is joined by boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard.

Jan 18, 2017

From Wednesday, January 18, 2017: Thom is joined by DeMaurice Smith, Executive Director Smith of the NFL Players Association, for a wide ranging discussion on negotiations he's had with league owners and what's important for Union members moving forward.

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