Sports Innerview With Ann Liguori

On this special Memorial Day weekend show, Ann replays her classic ‘Sports Innerview’ cable series’ conversations with two of the most legendary icons in sports: Yogi Berra & Ted Williams. Both had decorated military careers that they didn’t talk much about. Yogi served in World War II and at 19 years of age, was on a rocket boat that stormed the shores of Normandy on D-Day. Two months later, he was bloodied by a bullet in Operation Dragoon and earned a Purple Heart. Ted Williams served in the US Navy and in the Marine Corps. He was a Naval Aviator during World War II and flew as a wingman for John Glenn (astronaut & US Senetor) in the Korean War. He flew 39 combat missions and earned several Gold Stars. True American heroes!

Ann previews the Skins match for charity featuring Rory McIlroy and Dustin Johnson vs Rickie Fowler and Matthew Wolff, taking place at Seminole Golf Club in Fla., on Sunday, on NBC, 2-6pm, the first ‘live’ golf event in months. Ann talks with Nathan Grube, Tournament Dir., Travelers Championship, about putting a PGA Tour event together in such uncertain times and to Carl Alexander, Pres., MET PGA, about how the coronavirus is affecting the golf industry in the NY Metro area.

Ann talks with Gary Player, one of the greatest golfers in history and one of the great golf Ambassadors. Gary has strong opinions on a variety of issues and at the age of 84, continues to inspire with his fitness, work ethic and love for America. Ann also catches up with former heavyweight champ Gerry Cooney.

Ann talks with the legendary Annika Sorenstam, one of the greatest golfers in history, about what she and her family have been doing during the corona virus quarantine, about her playing career, her brand ‘Annika,’ and her Foundation that supports girls around the world in pursuit of a better life, on and off the course. Ann also chats with renown sports psychologist, Dr. Bob Winters.

Ann recaps the 2021 World Golf Hall of Fame selections, the 1st Rd of the NFL Draft and other news in sports that week. Ann talks with Seth Waugh, the CEO of the PGA of America, about the state of the golf industry during COVID-19, whether they would move the PGA Championship beyond their rescheduled August date and what their plans are for the Ryder Cup in mid-September, with or without spectators. 

Ann talks about Tom Brady heading to Tampa Bay and replays Classic Sports Innerview shows, interviews she did with two of the greatest athletes in their perspective sports: Gordie Howe in hockey and Wilt Chamberlain in basketball. Whether you’re young or old, Ann’s conversations with these legends educate, entertain and enlighten. Take the trip back to a simpler, less chaotic time.

Ann talks about the impact of the coronavirus on sports, the cancellation of the Players Championship, the postponement of The Masters. Parts of PGA Tour Commissioner Jay Monahan’s presser from The Players Championship is replayed. Ann talks with top Sports Executive Pat Williams, author of 113 books, history buff and inspirational speaker, on the impact of coronavirus in the sports world and how sports fans can fill the void.

Ann broadcasts from the Arnold Palmer Invitational at BayHill, reminisces about the late great Arnold Palmer, chats with Robert Gamez who won at Bayhill in 1990 in spectacular fashion, continues to play in the Arnold Palmer Invitational & talks about the legacy of The King. Renown Sports Psychologist Dr. Bob Winters provides insight on the psychological issues that plague elite athletes and the nine most common mental mistakes.

Ann broadcasts from The Honda Classic at PGA National Resort & Spa and chats with Ken Kennerly, the Executive Director of the Honda Classic. High Falls Hemp NY was one of the exhibitors at The Honda Classic and Ann interviews Rick Weissman, Founder & President, about the CBD craze, what is CBD, why golfers benefit and the story behind the family-owned business.

Ann interviews golf photographer extraordinaire Paul Lester about his 50 years plus photographing the game’s stars and about his book, ‘Beyond the Fairway.’ Ann catches up with basketball legend,  Hall of Famer Nancy Lieberman, and she shares personal stories about her friendship with Kobe Bryant, who nicknamed her ‘Mama Mamba’ and how he wanted Nancy to help shape his daughter Gianna’s basketball abilities and dreams. Nancy shares how she was very close to being on that helicopter, as Kobe planned to have Nancy join them at the Mamba Sports Academy. 

Ann spoke to Rob DiGisi, Pres., Iron Horse Marketing & Professor, Sports Management, The Wharton School, about the issue of college athletes getting paid; and to Erik Sherman, Co-author with Art Shamsky of the best-seller, ‘After the Miracle: The Lasting Brotherhood of the ‘69 Mets,’ about the future of the NY Mets ownership and he shared anecdotes from the ‘69 Mets from his book.

Ann broadcasts from Oxford, Mississippi before the LSU - Ole Miss football game and chats with singer, songwriter Steve Azar, about his career, being the Cultural and Music Ambassador for Mississippi and previews the Ole Miss and LSU match-up. Ann also chats with the Mayor of Cleveland, Miss., BIlly Nowell, about ‘The Grove,’ the tailgating experience at Ole Miss and about the personalities who have visited Oxford, Miss.

Ann talks with Bodo Sieber, CEO/Founder, TAGMARSHAL International, about their tool that optimizes play experience and pace of play management. The system is in use at Pebble Beach, Erin Hills, Pinehurst, Quaker Ridge, National Golf Links of America, to name a few, in addition to daily fee and municipal courses.  Ann talks to Jane Geddes, the CEO of the Legends Tour, about the Legends Tour which showcases the talents of LPGA Tour professionals age 45 and over. Jane talks about her LPGA playing career and the transition to her business career.

Ann plays the classic Sports Innerview cable interview she did with the late Jim Bouton during the baseball strike in 1995. The former Yankee’s pitcher talks about issues affecting baseball then, why his book, ‘Ball Four,’ caused such controversy, his feelings about Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, what his average salary was and stories about Yogi Berra, Phil Linz and others. In the second half of the show, Ann replays her Sports Innerview cable show with guest, former Pittsburgh Steelers Rocky Bleier, who overcame tremendous odds after getting injured in the Vietnam War, to rejoin the Steelers and help lead them to four Super Bowl titles. 

Ann talks to two individuals with films premiering in the Hamptons International Film Festival: Mark Landsman, Director of ‘Scandalous: The Untold Story of the National Enquirer’ and to Gabe Polsky, the Producer/Director of ‘Red Penguins’ and ‘In Search of Greatness,’ revealing the true nature of the greatest athletes of all time.

Ann talks with Mark Beech, author of ‘THE PEOPLE’S TEAM: An Illustrated History of the Green Bay Packers,’ commemorating the team’s 100-year anniversary; and to award-winning film maker, Gabe Polsky, who wrote, produced and directed ‘Red Penguins,’ about the bazaar journey of the joint venture between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the famed Red Army hockey team that redefined what was possible in the new Russia during a lawless era when oligarchs made their fortunes and multiple murders went unsolved.

Ann talks with former heavyweight contender Gerry Cooney who co-wrote ‘Gentlemen Gerry: A Contender in the Ring, a Champion in Recovery’ which chronicles his career, the challenges and triumphs of a trauma survivor and an alcoholic’s journey to recovery. Ann chats with Diana DeLucia, CEO, Golf Kitchen, Editor in Chief, Golf Kitchen Magazine & Founder, Golf Kitchen Culinary Excellence Awards, about golf and food.

Ann takes you on a breath-taking adventure playing five courses in NW Ireland and shares conversations with members and spokespeople of each club: members of Cruit Island Golf Club, Larry Foley, Partner of Narin & Portnoo, Conor McKenna, Dir. of Golf, Concrawood Golf Club, closer to Dublin. Ann talks about the spectacular Donegal Golf Club and County Sligo Golf Club and you'll learn why all five courses should be on your 'must-play' list.

Ann talks about the men’s and women’s U.S.Open Tennis Finals from last weekend, Rafael Nadal’s 5-set epic win over Danill Medvedev and Bianca Andresscu’s straight set win over Serena Williams and about the Big Three’s race for most Grand Slam singles titles. She chats with Doug Jansen, Head Professional/Director of Golf, Brentwood Country Club and Class A PGA Professional about the historic Devereux Emmet design built in 1925; about growing the game and a variety of other topics in golf. Ann replays an interview she did with NBA Hall of Fame Executive Pat Williams, author, motivational speaker, cancer survivor,  about the many projects he’s working on.

Ann broadcasts from the USTA BIllie Jean King National Tennis Center and updates everyone on the US Open and chats with Hall of Fame Coach Nick Bollettieri about his success story, his advice for young people playing tennis, and stories about coaching ten, No. 1- ranked players in the world. Ann also catches up with former Wimbledon finalist Mal Washington as they talk about the Big 3 in men’s tennis, Serena William’s quest for a record-tying 24th Grand Slam Major Title and teenage sensation Coco Gauff.