2008 MARIS TOURNAMENT BIOS
Bernie Allen
Logged rewarding 12-year major league career with the Minnesota Twins, Washington Senators, New York Yankees and Montreal Expos. . . Primarily a second baseman, member of the 1965 Twins team that won the American League pennant. . . Career totals include 73 home runs, 357 runs scored and 351 RBI. . . Native of East Liverpool, OH, starting quarterback at Purdue University, led Boilermaker football team to 23-14 record as a three-year letterman. . . All-Big Ten selection, guided Boilermakers to a major upset of nationally-ranked University of Minnesota. . .
Mike Barge
Member of the Professional Golfers Association, makes a return trip to the Roger Maris Celebrity Tournament. . . Won the 2005 Minnesota Senior Championship, the 2004 SMDC Legacy of Hope Pro-Am, the 2003 U.S. Open local qualifying tournament, the 2002 Best Buy Charity Classic and the 2002 Resorters Pro-Am. . . Affiliated with prestigious Hazeltine National Golf Club in Chaska, Minn. . .
John Blanchard
Minneapolis native, logged prosperous major league career as a valued power-hitting pinch-hitter and back-up catcher. . . Played eight years in the major leagues, primarily with the New York Yankees, but also saw stops with the Kansas City Athletics and Milwaukee Braves. . . Enjoyed outstanding season in 1961 when he hit 21 home runs in only 243 at bats for the Yankees. . . Matched a league record with home runs in four consecutive at bats in ’61, tying Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Hank Greenberg, Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle. . . Played on Yankees’ World Series championship teams in 1961 and 1962, member of four Yankee teams that claimed American League pennants. . . Belted two key home runs to help Yanks win games three and five in 1961 series, hit .345 in 15 career World Series games. . .
Brooks Bollinger
Native of Grand Forks, ND and a former starting quarterback at the University of Wisconsin, member of Minnesota Viking quarterback corps. . . Joined Vikes in 2006 after three seasons with the New York Jets. . . Started nine games in 2005 and completed 150 of 266 passes for 1,558 yards and seven touchdowns, guided Jets to a 26-10 victory over the Oakland Raiders in his first start. . . During his stay at Wisconsin he led Badgers to back-to-back Rose Bowl victories and was elected team captain in 2001 and 2002. . . Honored as Big Ten Rookie of the Year in 1999, finalist for the Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award as a senior. . .
Paul Borghese
A talented actor, played the role of Yogi Berra in the movie “61*”. . . Recently appeared in “Find Me Guilty” with Vin Diesel, “Transamerica and Little Manhattan”. . . Has appeared in HBO’s “The Sopranos”. . . Appeared in feature film ”Keeping It Real”. . . Also appeared on NBC’s “Law and Order,” “Saturday Night Live”, “Kidnapped” and “Third Watch”. . . Award-winning documentary filmmaker will direct “Unmade Man” beginning in July. . . Served as President of the Guild of Italian-American Actors. . . Named a Role Model by the Columbus Alliance. . . Wrote, produced and directed award-winning film “Four Deadly Reasons”. . .
Lou Cordileone
First round draft pick of the National Football League New York Giants in 1960… Played for the Giants, San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New Orleans Saints… All-American and Scholastic All-American at Clemson University… Voted to first team of Clemson Centennial Team, played in Bluebonnet Bowl, Sugar Bowl and Hula Bowl. . . Member of Tiger baseball team that appeared in the College World Series… Named to second team all-time GTE Academic All-America team in 1997… First Clemson player to be chosen first team Academic and on-field All-American in the same season. . .
Bob Costas
National broadcasting treasure who has covered Major League Baseball, the NFL, the NBA, the Olympics and college basketball. . . Joined NBC in 1980, hosted nearly every major sporting event, including numerous World Series, Super Bowls, NBA Championships and Olympic Games. . . Handled regional NFL and NBA assignment with CBS Sports. . . Hosted own Emmy Award-winning late night interview television program, “Later with Bob Costas,” from 1988-94. . . Native New Yorker, began broadcasting career at student-run stations at Syracuse University. . . Play-by-play radio voice of the ABA Spirits of St. Louis and University of Missouri basketball. . .
Ryne Duren
Feared power pitcher in the major leagues for 10 seasons with the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City A’s, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Angels, Philadelphia Phillies, Cincinnati Reds and Washington Senators. . . Prototype of today’s closers, led American League in saves in 1958 with 20. . . Named to All-Star teams in 1958, 1959 and 1961. . . Finished career with a 27-44 record with 57 saves, originally signed as amateur free agent in 1949 with the St. Louis Browns. . . Charter member of American College of Sports Medicine’s Alcohol Use and Abuse Standing Committee. . . Told life story in the book “The Comeback”. . .
Phil Hansen
Played 11 seasons with the Buffalo Bills and served as team captain for five years. . . Retired with 156 games played as Bills’ second-best sack producer. . . Second round pick in 1991 from North Dakota State University, named to the All-Rookie team by the Pro Football Writers, Football News and Football Digest. . . Helped Bills reach Super Bowl in 1992, 1993 and 1994, named All-Pro by Sports Illustrated in 1996 when he recorded 132 tackles. . . Helped NDSU win NCAA Division II football championships in 1988 and 1990. . . Member of North Dakota, NCAA Division II and NDSU Halls of Fame. . . Currently radio analyst for Bison football and host of “Craig Bohl TV Show,” also color commentator for CSTV football. . . Resides in Detroit Lakes. . .
Whitey Herzog
Spent more than three decades in professional baseball as a player, coach, scout, manager, General Manager, Director of Player Development and Executive Vice-President. . . Played eight seasons as an outfielder and first baseman with the Washington Senators, Kansas City A’s, Baltimore Orioles and Detroit Tigers. . . Batted .291 in 1961 and clubbed five pinch-hit home runs for the Orioles. . . Director of Player Development for New York Mets from 1967-72. . . Managed Kansas City Royals to three division crowns, led St. Louis Cardinals to three division titles and the 1982 World Series crown. . . Compiled a sparkling 1,281-1,125 career managing record. . . Named Manager of the Year in 1976, 1982 and 1985, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’s Manager of the Decade in 1990 and SPORTING NEWS Man of the Year in 1982. . . Voted Manager of the Century by St. Louis fans. . . Elected to Royals’ Hall of Fame and Missouri Hall of Fame. . . Author of “The White Rat” and “You’re Missing a Great Game”. . .
Dick Jonckowski
Public address announcer for the Minnesota Golden Gophers’ basketball and baseball teams. . . Popular master of ceremonies at many national events. . . Has appeared at Old Timers’ Baseball Dinner in Chicago and annual Legend’s Banquet in Newark, NJ, strong advocate of the Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament. . . One-time broadcaster of Minnesota Muskies, Minnesota Pipers and College World Series. . . Inducted into Halls of Fame by the Minnesota High School Basketball Coaches, Mancini’s Restaurant and Shakopee, Minn., High School. . .
Rheba Mabie
Accomplished amateur golfer and professional clown, the Wisconsin native returns to the Maris Celebrity Tournament once again this summer. . . Inducted into the Midwest Clown Association Hall of Fame in 2004 as “Tutu Cute”. . . In addition to golfing appearances, Mabie is continuing her work as a national patient advocate for multiple sclerosis, a role she has embraced since being diagnosed eight years ago. . .
Daniel Lee Martin
Popular Maris Celebrity Tournament participant. . . Critics described country music entertainer Martin’s first album, “All That I Am,” as one of the best country albums of 2003. . . Born in St. Petersburg, FL, left job in advertising to pursue a career in country music in 1997. . . Music is on the ChinMusic Records label. . . Has performed with stars such as Crystal Gayle, Charlie Daniels, Clint Black, Marshall Tucker and Jett Williams. . . First single, “Homespun Love,” was released in September 2003. . .
Barry Pepper
Gifted actor, played the role of Roger Maris in HBO movie “61*”. . . Portrayed sniper Private Jackson in “Saving Private Ryan”. . . Played lead role in ESPN’s “3: The Dale Earnhardt Story”. . . Starred in “Knockaround Guys”. . . Appeared in and was executive producer of “The Snow Walker”. . . Credits also include “Mr. Ripley’s Return,” “25th Hour,” “We Were Soldiers,” “The Green Mile” and “Enemy of the State”. . .
Rich Rollins
An All-Star third baseman for the Minnesota Twins in 1962, played in the major leagues for 10 seasons. . . Also played for Seattle Pilots, Milwaukee Brewers and Cleveland Indians. . . Finished third in the American League batting race with a .307 average in 1963. . . Tied for lead in AL triples (10) in 1964. . . Member of the 1965 Twins AL championship squad. . . Career statistics include 419 runs, 77 home runs, 399 RBIs and a .269 batting average. . . Hit three grand slam home runs with the Twins, involved in two triple plays. . . Attended Kent State University, signed with the Washington Senators in 1960. . .
Ken Sanders
Award-winning relief pitcher, spent 10 years in the major leagues. . . Won 1971 Fireman of the Year Award with the Milwaukee Brewers, led American League in saves (31) and appearances (83). . . During his career also played for the Kansas City A’s, Boston Red Sox, Oakland A’s, Minnesota Twins, Cleveland Indians, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets and Kansas City Royals. . . Career totals include a 29-45 record with 86 saves and a 2.98 earned run average. . .
Roy Sievers
Power-hitting outfielder and first baseman for 17 big league seasons with the St. Louis Browns, Washington Senators, Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. . . Named first American League Rookie of the Year in 1949 after remarkable breakout season. . . Topped American League in home runs (42) and in RBI (114) in 1957, finished third with 38 home runs in 1958. . . Four time All-Star selection, finished third in the voting for the Most Valuable Player in the American League in 1957. . . Hit more than 20 home runs during nine seasons and drove in more than 100 runs four times. . .
Andy Strasberg
Established himself as one of the most innovative professional marketers in 22 years with the San Diego Padres. . . Created ACME (All-Star Corporate Marketing Enterprises) after leaving Padres, providing valuable service to diverse roster of clients. . . Frequent guest lecturer at sports’ marketing symposiums. . . Native New Yorker and cum laude graduate of Long Island University. . . Takes enormous pride in reference of being Roger Maris’ most loyal and faithful fan. . . Sports director of KGB-FM in San Diego from 1979-83. . . Major donor to Maris Celebrity Auction since its beginning. . . Appeared in and served as a technical consultant for the “61*” HBO movie, frequent contributor of Maris features. . .
Tom Tresh
Nine-year major league veteran, installed as New York Yankees’ shortstop in 1962. . . Won American League Rookie of the Year award, also named to the American League All-Star team. . . Batted .269 with a sixth best on base percentage of .312 in 1963, also had 25 home runs and helped Yanks return to the World Series. . . Former Gold Glove outfielder, closed career with Detroit Tigers in 1969. . . Two-time all-star, had four 20-home run seasons. . . Son of former major leaguer Mike Tresh, both father and son spent their entire big league careers in the American League. . .
Woody Woodbury
Popular fixture at Roger Maris Celebrity Benefit Golf Tournament and Banquet. . . Member of the entertainment industry for nearly 50 years. . . Highly decorated Marine pilot during the Korean crisis, flew bombing missions with baseball legend Ted Williams. . . Starred on television and in six movies, also recorded eight comedy albums. . . Entertained at his own Fort Lauderdale (FL) nightclub for 19 years until 1985. . .
Larry Ziegler
Longtime contributor to Maris Celebrity Tournament. . . Joined pro tour in 1959, logged finest season in 1995 with nine top-10 finishes. . . Joined Seniors Tour in 1989 and finished in the top 10 in five of his first 12 starts. . . Won three times on the PGA Tour, including the 1976 NBC New Orleans Open, the 1975 Greater Jacksonville Open, and the 1969 Michigan Classic. . . Also placed third at the 1976 Masters at Augusta. . . International victories include 1978 South and Central American Open in Costa Rica and the 1974 Morocco International Grand Prix.