
#HallCall Interview Series & Podcast

In July 2019, the Hall of Fame launched its newest content platform, the #HallCall Podcast. The Hall of Fame uses this as a way to highlight our inductees, but also topical figures and issues in Virginia sports. What was first an audio podcast, has now transitioned to a video interview series platform, with interviews being broadcast on our Facebook Live page. Whether audio or video, our goal remains the same; to provide our supporters and sports fans with unique and topical conversations with connections to sports in Virginia. We hope you enjoy the Hall Call Podcast/Interview series! Ideas for interview subjects are always welcome; driscollw@vasportshof.com
#ParticipateDontSpectate

Hall Call Ep. 093 - Fantasy Football Preview, Jake Ciely, 8-28-2024
Jake Ciely – Sr. Fantasy Writer, The Athletic
Football kicks off 1-week from tomorrow, and that means fantasy football is right around the corner! What better way to get you set for your league draft and season, than with the next episode of the #HallCall Interview Series & Podcast featuring award winning fantasy writer and player, Jake Ciely, Sr. Fantasy Sports Writer from The Athletic. Jake has everything you need from who to take at the top, to the hidden gems in the late rounds, and everything in between.

Hall Call Ep. 092 - U.S. Mid-Amateur Golf Tournament (USGA), 8-19-2024
U.S. Mid-Am – Kinloch Golf Club
This September one of the premier United States Golf Association – USGA events makes its way to the Commonwealth, as the 43rd U.S. Mid-Amateur will take place in Central VA. Kinloch Golf Club will play primary host to the tournament, with neighbor Independence Golf Club providing support as 264 players will compete for this prestigious trophy. The Mid-Am as it is known, is the leading annual golf tournament in the United States for post-college amateur golfers. #HallCall has all the events details covered with 1976 VA Sports HOF Inductee, Vinny Giles, Kinloch Golf Club GM, Eric Rule, and Vice Chairman of Markel, Mike Crowley.

Hall Call Ep. 091 - Dominion Energy Charity Class (DECC), 7-18-2024
Steve Schoenfeld – DECC, Tournament Director

Hall Call Ep. 089 - North American Sand Soccer Championships, 5-29-2024
Lauren Bland & Matt Whalen – NASSC

Hall Call Ep. 088 - Michael Allen, 5-10-2024
Michael Allen – Regent University, Director of Athletics

Hall Call Ep. 087 - Chris Long, 4-12-2024
Chris Long – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 086 - LaShawn Merritt, 4-9-2024
LaShawn Merritt – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 085 - Monica Wright Rogers, 4-2-2024
Monica Wright Rogers – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 084 - Paul Woody, 3-22-2024
Paul Woody – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 083 - Craig Littlepage, 3-19-2024
Craig Littlepage – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 082 - Hal Nunnally, 3-5-2024
Former R-MC players Paul Gartlan, Reed O’Brien, and Dave Meleski

Hall Call Ep. 081 - Rick Jeffrey, 2-27-2024
Rick Jeffrey – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 080 - Jill Ellis, 2-13-2024
Jill Ellis – 2024 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 079 - LaTasha Colander Clark, 2-6-2024
LaTasha Colander Clark – 2014 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 078 - Benita Fitzgerald Mosley, 1-10-2024
Benita Fitzgerald Mosley – 1998 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 077 - Lanny Wadkins, 1-9-2024
Lanny Wadkins, 1996 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 076 - Jerome Kersey, 11-17-2023
Rohn Brown & Bryan Kersey

Hall Call Ep. 075 - George Allen, 11-3-2023
George Allen & Mike Richman

Hall Call Ep. 074 - Jake Ciely, 08-29-2023
Jake Ciely – Sr. Fantasy Writer, The Athletic

Hall Call Ep. 073 - Ronde Barber, 2014 VSHF Inductee, 7-25-2023
Ronde Barber – 2014 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 072 - Dre Bly, 2017 VSHF Inductee, 6-28-2023
Dre Bly – 2017 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 071 - DeAngelo Hall, 2023 VSHF Inductee, 4-12-2023
DeAngelo Hall – 2023 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 070 - Ryan Zimmerman, 2023 VSHF Inductee, 4-11-2023
Ryan Zimmerman – 2023 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 069 - Sheila Trice-Myers, 2023 VSHF Inductee, 3-27-2023
Sheila Trice-Myers – 2023 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 068 - Bob Rotanz, 2023 VSHF Inductee, 3-24-2023
Bob Rotanz – 2023 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 067 - Joe Montgomery, 2023 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient, 3-9-2023
Joe Montgomery – 2023 Distinguished Virginian Award Recipient
football in the 1970’s, Montgomery has since been honored by the Rimington Trophy with its Gerald. R. Ford Legends Award for his continuing commitment to his alma mater and many other philanthropic endeavors. As we continue to look ahead to the 2023 Induction Weekend in Virginia Beach, we caught up with this year’s Distinguished Virginian on the #HallCall Interview Series

Hall Call Ep. 066 - Francena McCorory, 2023 Inductee, 3-1-2023
Francena McCorory – 2023 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 065 - Shawn Moore, 2023 Inductee, 2-6-2023
Shawn Moore – 2023 VSHF Inductee
history” according to Hall of Fame Coach George Welsh. This April, Moore adds Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee to that resume.

Hall Call Ep. 064 - Jerry Ratcliffe, 2023 Inductee, 1-31-2023
Jerry Ratcliffe – 2023 VSHF Inductee
University of Virginia. Moving from print to digital media in 2018, Ratcliffe continues to provide expert insight on all things UVA. As we gear up for 2023 Induction Weekend, Ratcliffe recently joined the #HallCall Interview Series to talk about his journey from beat reporter to Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee.

Hall Call Ep. 063 - David Driver, Author, 1-5-2023
David Driver – Author

Hall Call Ep. 062 - Thomas Jones, 2018 VSHF Inductee, 10-27-2022
Thomas Jones – 2018 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 061 - Luke Ryker, Track Heroes, 9-7-2022
Luke Ryker – Founder, Track Heroes

Hall Call Ep. 060 - Fantasy Football with Jake Ciely, 8-30-2022
Jake Ciely, Sr. Fantasy Writer for The Athletic

Hall Call Ep. 059 - Richmond, VA & Ted Lasso, 8-19-2022
Brian Edmonds, Rob Ukrop (2016 VSHF Inductee), & Jon Laaser

Hall Call Ep. 058 - Jim Ducibella, 7-15-2022
Jim Ducibella – 2010 VA Sports HOF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 057 - Pat Montgomery, 7-7-2022
Pat Montgomery, Author “The Baseball Miracle of Towny Townsend and the Splendid 6”

Hall Call Ep. 056 - Jon Lugbill 3-30-2022
Jon Lugbill, 2022 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 055 - Anthony Poindexter 3-17-2022
Anthony Poindexter, 2022 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 054 - Maia Chaka 3-14-2022
NFL Official – Maia Chaka

Hall Call Ep. 053 - Adonis Lattimore 3-2-2022
VHSL State Wrestling Champion – Adonis Lattimore

Hall Call Ep. 052 - Sonny Allen 1-20-2022
Billy Allen & Harry Minium – 2022 inductee, Sonny Allen

Hall Call Ep. 051 - David Teel 12-14-2021
David Teel – 2014 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 050 - Herman Moore 11-9-2021
Herman Moore – 2010 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 049 - Beth Anders 11-3-2021
Beth Anders – 2017 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 048 - Chelisa Painter 9-27-2021
Chelisa Painter – NBA G-League Referee

Hall Call Ep. 047 - Larry Rubama 9-23-2021
Larry Rubama – The Virginian-Pilot

Hall Call Ep. 046 - Jake Ciely 9-2-2021
Jake Ciely – The Athletic

Hall Call Ep. 045 - Tony Brothers 8-24-2021
Tony Brothers – NBA Referee

Hall Call Ep. 044 - Brandon Elliott 7-15-2021
Brandon Elliott – Virginia Wesleyan University, Head Softball Coach

Hall Call Ep. 043 - Michael Cuddyer 7-6-2021
Michael Cuddyer – 2018 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 042 - Ralph Sampson 6-14-2021
Ralph Sampson – 1996 VSHF Inductee

Hall Call Ep. 041 - Minor League Baseball: On Deck 4-27-2021
Minor League Baseball: On Deck (Virtual Forum)

Hall Call Ep. 040 - James Paige 4-21-2021
James Paige – Director of Golf Operations, Kingsmill Resort
The Director of Golf Operations at Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg joined the Hall Call Interview Series to discuss the return of professional golf to the famed River Course, May 17-23 with the LPGA Pure Silk Championship. We also discussed the course’s historical ties, and what makes it one of the great venues in Virginia golf.

Hall Call Ep. 039 - Dennis Bickmeier 4-1-2021
Dennis Bickmeier – President, Richmond Raceway
Taking over as President of Richmond Raceway in 2011, Dennis Bickmeier, has overseen a renaissance for the legendary short track. One of the oldest tracks on the NASCAR circuit, now offers fans modern engagement opportunities. After a year without fans however, Richmond Raceway is ready to host one of the first large scale sporting events in the Commonwealth with eased COVID restrictions. Bickmeier joined #HallCall, to discuss all of the excitement taking place at Richmond Raceway as it celebrates its 75th Anniversary.

Hall Call Ep. 038 - Larry LeGrande 3-4-2021
Larry LeGrande – Negro Leagues Veteran
Roanoke native, Larry LeGrande, is one of the few remaining veterans who played in the Negro Leagues of Baseball. A .300 hitter during his time with the Memphis Red Sox, Detroit Stars, and Kansas City Monarchs, LeGrande was known for having one of the most accurate arms in the game. LeGrande will join #HallCall to talk about the history of the Negro Leagues and his time spent playing with the Satchel Paige All-Stars, among other topics.

Hall Call Ep. 037 - Doug Doughty 2-18-2021
Doug Doughty – 2018 VSHF Inductee
2018 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Doug Doughty, recently announced his retirement from the Roanoke Times after 47 years. The 3x Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, has a unique perspective of sports in Commonwealth. We’ll catch up with the recently retired Doughty, and discuss some of his favorite memories from covering sports across 6 decades.

Hall Call Ep. 036 - Lindsay Shoop 2-4-2021
Lindsay Shoop – Olympic Gold Medalist (Rowing)
A native of Charlottesville, VA, Lindsay Shoop, joined the University of Virginia rowing team where she was an NCAA Division-I All-American. Following college, Shoop was selected for the U.S. National Team and over a 5-year period helped lead the Women’s Eight to 3 World Championships and a Gold Medal in the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. Shoop’s recently released memoir titled Better Great Than Never, details her unlikely introduction to rowing, her successes, as well as her mental health struggles through what she describes as “self imposed limitations”.

Hall Call Ep. 035 - Matt Hatfield 12-15-2020
Matt Hatfield – VirginiaPreps.com
Recruiting. Recruiting. Recruiting. College football season lasts 4 months, but “recruiting season” is 365/24/7. With the early signing period beginning December 16th, we thought we’d get you up to speed on who’s going where, and the battles for in-state talent. Matt Hatfield from VirginiaPreps.com joined Hall Call to give us the inside scoop on all things recruiting in the Commonwealth.

Hall Call Ep. 034 - Brad Bankston 12-11-2020
Brad Bankston – Commissioner, Old Dominion Athletic Conference (ODAC)
In March 2020, the Old Dominion Athletic Conference, like all others suspended athletic competition as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowhere was the ODAC’s impact felt more than here in Virginia, as 14 of the 16 member institutions call the Commonwealth home. In November, the ODAC announced its plans for a return to play beginning January 23, 2021 with men’s and women’s basketball. Additionally, ALL sports; fall, winter, and spring, will be featured during the spring semester. Conference Commissioner, Brad Bankston, joined the Hall Call Interview series to discuss the conference’s decision, and what sport fans can expect when play resumes in 2021.

Hall Call Ep. 033 - David Wright 11-16-2020
David Wright – 2020 VSHF Inductee
David Wright played 14 seasons in MLB for the New York Mets. The 7x N.L. All-Star chronicled his journey from little league fields in Hampton Roads to professional baseball in the Big Apple through his recently released book, The Captain: A Memoir. Wright joined the Hall Call Interview Series to discuss his career, the injuries that stripped him of much of his ability, and the message he hopes to provides to those who read The Captain.

Hall Call Ep. 032 - Anthony DiComo 11-10-2020
Anthony DiComo – New York Mets Beat Writer, MLB.com
Anthony DiComo has covered the New York Mets for MLB.com since 2007, and recently co-authored The Captain: A Memoir, with Virginia native, Mets legend, and 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee, David Wright. DiComo spent countless hours with David, and those close to him, helping to provide insight into one of the greatest baseball talents to come from Virginia.

Hall Call Ep. 031 - Lionsbridge F.C. 10-29-2020
Mike Vest and Chris Whalley – Lionsbridge F.C.
3 years ago professional soccer came to the city of Newport News, when Lionsbridge F.C. kicked off their inaugural season. The team was founded through the entrepreneurial spirit of it’s founder and owner, Mike Vest, and in a short period of time has garnered one of the more passionate followings in USL League 2. While the COVID-19 pandemic has slowed LBFC down, it has not stopped them from finding success. Vest and Lionsbridge F.C. Head Coach, Chris Whalley joined Hall Call to discuss the success of the club, and soccer’s growing interest in North American sports.

Hall Call Ep. 030 -Sports Gambling in Virginia 10-6-2020
Dann Stupp – Lead Writer, Catena Media, PlayVirginia.com
Online Sports Gambling officially became legal in the Commonwealth July 1, 2020, but with many details yet to be sorted out, what do the present and future hold for Virginians looking to get in on the action? Dann Stupp from PlayVirginia.com joined the Hall Call Interview Series to discuss the ins and outs of sports gambling in VA.

Hall Call Ep. 029 - Wendell Scott Foundation 9-23-2020
Warrick Scott – CEO, Wendell Scott Foundation

Hall Call Ep. 028 - Fantasy Football Preview 9-1-2020
Jake Ciely – Senior Fantasy Writer, The Athletic
Join the Hall of Fame as it continues its Hall Call Interview Series, with award winning fantasy sports writer, Jake Ciely. Jake is a Senior Writer for The Athletic and he’ll join us to help get you prepped for your fantasy football draft!

Hall Call Ep. 027 - Elizabeth Williams 7-27-2020
Elizabeth Williams – WNBA All-Star, Atlanta Dream
Williams, from Princess Anne High School in Virginia Beach, joined Hall Call to talk about life in the WNBA’s bubble, and preparing for a season amid a global pandemic.

Hall Call Ep. 026 - Bob Rotella 7-20-2020
Dr. Bob Rotella – Sports Psychologist
Dr. Rotella is an internationally renowned sports psychologist, and has worked with top level athletes including Rory McIlroy and Lebron James, as well as numerous Fortune 500 companies.

Hall Call Ep. 025 - Daniel Hudson 5-21-2020
Daniel Hudson – Pitcher, Washington Nationals
Daniel Hudson, closed out the 2019 World Series victory for the Washington Nationals. Fast forward to May 2020, and the Nats had yet to take the field to defend their crown due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Hudson joined Hall Call to discuss the challenges and uncertainty facing the Nationals and MLB.

Hall Call Ep. 024 - Jeff Burton 5-6-2020
Jeff Burton – 2019 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
21x winner on NASCAR Cup Series circuit, and current NASCAR on NBC analyst, Jeff Burton joined Hall Call to discuss how NASCAR is preparing for its return to the track after hitting the brakes on the season due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Hall Call Ep. 023 - Sports Facilities 4-20-2020
Andy Ballard – Vice President, Eastern Sports Management
Sports facilities have been shuttered due to the coronavirus pandemic. Andy Ballard from Eastern Sports Management joins Hall Call to talk about how facility/league operators and tournament coordinators are adapting to this downturn? Eastern Sports Management manages 4 facilities in VA; The Virginia Beach Fieldhouse, The Fredericksburg Fieldhouse, The Jeff Rouse Swim and Sports Center, and The Virginia Beach Sports Center.

Hall Call Ep. 022 - Baseball Opening Day 4-6-2020
Todd “Parney” Parnell – VP/COO, Richmond Flying Squirrels
Opening Day has a different look and feel this year, with no games on the schedule due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Our friends at the Richmond Flying Squirrels are using this as an opportunity to thank those frontline workers fighting the pandemic. Hear what the team has in store to celebrate “Opening Day 2020”.

Hall Call Ep. 021 - Bob Rathbun 4-2-2020
Bob Rathbun – 2008 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Bob Rathbun, lead broadcaster for the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, joins Hall Call to discuss how the NBA is navigating the work stoppage due to COVID-19, and what he expects a return to play to look like.

Hall Call Ep. 020 - Brandon Elliott 3-30-2020
Brandon Elliott – Head Coach, Virginia Wesleyan University Softball
2x NCAA D-III National Championship winning coach, Brandon Elliott, joins Hall Call to discuss the disappointment of cancelling a promising season due to COVID-19, and how he still has to manage a nationally recognized program in a remote/virtual atmosphere.

Hall Call Ep. 019 - David Wright 3-10-2020
David Wright – 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame Inductee
7x National League All-Star, David Wright, joins Hall Call to discuss his upcoming induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame. Wright is the New York Mets all-time leader in hits, doubles, R.B.I., and runs scored.

Hall Call Ep. 018 - Dennis Carter 3-6-2020
Dennis Carter – 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Dennis Carter spent 4-decades covering in Virginia, primarily as Sports Director at WSET in Lynchburg, VA. The Danville native has covered some of the great moments and teams in Commonwealth sports history, and now he is a Virginia Sports Hall of Famer.

Hall Call Ep. 017 - Al Toon 2-27-2020
Al Toon – 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
Al Toon was a multisport athlete from Newport News, VA, excelling in both football and track and field. The All Big-10 performer in both sports at Wisconsin, went on to become a 3x All-Pro wide receiver for the New York Jets.

Hall Call Ep. 016 - Mike Cubbage 2-19-2020
Mike Cubbage – 2020 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
A 3 sport star at Lane High School in Charlottesville, VA, Mike Cubbage was first scholarship baseball player in University of Virginia history, while also playing quarterback for the football team. Following college, Cubbage would embark on a journey in professional baseball that would last almost half a century, and culminate with his induction into the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Hall Call Ep. 015 - Roland Lazenby 2-7-2020
Roland Lazenby – Basketball Author
The sports world was rocked with the news of the helicopter crash that took the life of NBA icon Kobe Bryant, and the lives of 8 others. Bryant was a polarizing figure during his career, and not many people were able to get closer to him than Virginia native, Roland Lazenby. Lazenby authored two biographies on the mercurial superstar; The NBA Education of Kobe Bryant (2000) and Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant (2016). Lazenby’s work provides readers unique access to one the greatest basketball players that ever lived, but also one of basketball’s most complicated characters.

Hall Call Ep. 014 - JMU Football 12-19-2019
Greg Madia – JMU Football Beat Writer
The most successful football team in Virginia in the 21st century has been the James Madison University Dukes. The Dukes football team, has appeared in 3 FCS Championship games, bringing home two national championships. The 2019 football Dukes are continuing that tradition of gridiron excellence, as they have advanced to the semifinals of the 2019 FCS playoffs. We catch up with Greg Madia from the Daily News Record in Harrisonburg, VA to discuss the Dukes chances of winning another FCS National Championship.

Hall Call Ep. 013 - Commonwealth Cup 11-26-2019
David Teel – 2014 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
The state of Virginia’s preeminent rivalry takes to the gridiron for the 101st time as the University of Virginia host Virginia Tech battle for the Commonwealth Cup. While recent history has favored the Hokies in this battle for annual in-state bragging rights, the level of competition between the programs and their fans is at an all-time high. The 101st matchup has added incentive, as the winner will take home the Coastal Division Championship in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Joining us on the Hall Call Podcast to provide insight, perspective, and history into the rivalry is David Teel, a 12 time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year recipient, 2014 HoF inductee.

Hall Call Ep. 012 - Bill Roth 10-24-2019
Bill Roth – 2013 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
20 years ago, the Commonwealth was witness to one of the greatest teams in its storied sports history. The 1999 Virginia Tech Hokies football team, led by Hall of Fame coach Frank Beamer, and an array of talent in all phases of the game stormed through a perfect regular season and BIG East Championship to play for the BCS National Title against Florida State. While the Hokies came up short in their quest to bring a national championship to Blacksburg, the team’s legacy and impact on the Hokie program lives on two decades later. Joining us on his edition of the Hall Call podcast is 2013 HoF inductee, Bill Roth, who was the voice of Hokies during that special 1999 season.

Hall Call Ep. 011 - Michael Cuddyer 10-2-2019
Michael Cuddyer – 2018 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
2018 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Michael Cuddyer, has a unique perspective of the game of baseball. Cuddyer not only played the game for 30+ years, including 15 in Major League Baseball, but he now works in the front office of his former club, the Minnesota Twins, as a Special Assistant to the Baseball Operations Department. On this edition of the Hall Call Podcast we catch up with Michael to talk about the team, its potential in the upcoming playoffs, and the shifting focus traditional statistics to advanced analytics, a shift that began during his 15 year MLB career.

Hall Call Ep. 010 - Rob Ukrop 9-25-2019
Rob Ukrop – 2016 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
The Richmond Kickers founded in 1993 have undergone many changes over the last 26 years, but the most recent one may be the most important. 2016 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee and Richmond Kickers alum, Rob Ukrop, spearheaded an effort in 2018 to take ownership of the franchise with his group 22 Holdings LLC.; approved in December of 2018. Ukrop, a Richmond native, joined the Hall Call Podcast to talk about his transition from player to executive, the role the Kickers will play in Richmond’s sports identity, and how all levels of professional soccer can help the U.S. build towards the 2026 North American World Cup.

Hall Call Ep. 009 - Bob Pizzini 9-17-2019
Bob Pizzini – CEO IFLY Virginia Beach
Throughout the history of the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, 334 individuals have gained induction representing 22 different sports. Sports that have not been represented to this point include ice hockey, figure skating, and indoor skydiving. In the coming years however, that could change due to the work being done by Virginia resident Bob Pizzini.
Pizzini is the current CEO of IFLY: Indoor Skydiving in Virginia Beach, and is spearheading a fundraising effort to build a brand new, state of the art ice facility in the resort city as well. Pizzini, a Wisconsin native, has always had a love for sports at his core. After serving in the military for 26 years, Pizzini settled in Virginia Beach and opened the IFLY facility, transforming it into a premier indoor skydiving event venue, hosting the last 3 U.S. Opens. In addition to that he has also led efforts in creating a national governing body for the sport to increase its profile internationally, with the goal of inclusion in future Olympic Games. Pizzini joined us on the Hall Call Podcast to discuss these initiatives and the evolution of the Virginia sports landscape.

Hall Call Ep. 008 - Ping Pong for Charity 9-10-2019
Ken Lees, Kenny Dennard – PingPong.Gives
From humble beginnings in 2008, the Table Tennis Charitable Foundation has grown its annual Ping Pong for Charity events from 12 “scratch and dent tables” to 30 professional grade tables and over 200 players. In the process, the events have increased their charitable donations from $5,000 in year one, to over $70,000 dollars last year which was then donated to five charitable organizations. The sport of Ping Pong itself has been scientifically proven to improve mental health and brain fitness for all ages, and the Ping Pong for Charity events focus on giving back to organizations that support similar initiatives. On this episode of the Hall Call Podcast we talk to the founder of the Table Tennis Charitable Foundation, Ken Lees, and former Duke Basketball star Kenny Dennard, as they tell the story of Ping Pong for Charity.

Hall Call Ep. 007 - Charity Bowl 9-4-2019
Priority Toyota Charity Bowl
For over a half century, the Charity Bowl has been played in Southeastern Virginia, with the goal of helping those in need. Recognized as the oldest charitable football game in the United States, the game itself and its support for local charities almost came to an end around 2010. With the help of two Charity Bowl alums, Ray Potter and Orlando Goodhope, and the support of local businessman Dennis Ellmer, the Charity Bowl received new life in 2010, and in 2019 alone donated over $400,000 to 35 local charities. On this edition of the Hall Call Podcast, we present the story of the Priority Toyota Charity Bowl.

Hall Call Ep. 006 - Jake Ciely 8-30-2019
Jake Ciely – Senior Fantasy Writer, The Athletic
Here in Virginia, we are lucky to have a rising star in the coverage of fantasy football calling the Commonwealth home. Jake Ciely, a native of Virginia Beach and an award winning senior fantasy writer for The Athletic, brings his knowledge, rankings, and insight to the Hall Call Podcast. For his career, Jake is No. 1 in fantasy baseball ranking accuracy, and top-5 in football, including first overall in 2017. His research and perspective on the fantasy game takes you well beyond the projected box score and into your draft war room.

Hall Call Ep. 005 - Murray Cook 8-15-2019
Murray Cook – MLB Field Consultant
Murray Cook, a native of Salem, and Major League Baseball’s Field and Stadium Consultant, has been helping MLB take the game to far-away places for the better part of 30-years. He has shown the ability to convert existing stadiums into baseball fields, such as with the recent London Series, as well as develop stadiums out of nothing, much like he did at Fort Bragg in 2012. Whether it’s an existing field, a cricket pitch, soccer stadium, or even an abandoned golf course, Cook has converted it to a baseball diamond fit for the best players in the world. Cook joined the Hall Call podcast to talk about his experience, growing the game, and the next frontier for MLB.

Hall Call Ep. 004 - Nancy Lieberman 8-5-2019
Nancy Lieberman – 1992 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
1992 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee, Nancy Lieberman, is what you would call a basketball lifer, and a successful one at that. A native of New York, Lieberman was a 3-time All-American, and 2-time National Champion with Old Dominion University Women’s Basketball, represented her country for USA Basketball, played in the WNBA, and has served numerous roles as a coach and commentator. Currently, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famer is setting a new standard in the BIG3 Basketball League. Now in her second season as head coach of Team Power, Lieberman made history when she was hired last year as the first female head coach in a men’s professional sports league. Lieberman joined the Hall Call Podcast to talk about her basketball journey, and her role in highlighting equality, opportunity, and inclusion in sports.

Hall Call Ep. 003 - Pernell "Sweet Pea" Whitaker 7-31-2019
Ed Miller – Virginian Pilot
Ed Miller, longtime writer for the Virginia Pilot in Southeastern Virginia joined the Hall Call Podcast to talk about the life and legacy of boxing legend, Pernell “Sweet Pea” Whitaker. Miller, through his work with the Virginian Pilot, covered Sweet Pea closely for over 20-years, and brings an intimate knowledge of Whitaker as not just a fighter, but as a human being.
The 2007 International Boxing Hall of Fame inductee, and 2011 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee was tragically killed in an auto-pedestrian crash in Virginia Beach in July. The Norfolk native dominated every level of boxing becoming an amateur champion, and 1984 Olympic Gold medalist, and eventually a world champion in four different weight divisions. Whitaker is generally regarded as one of the greatest fighters of not only his generation, but all-time.

Hall Call Ep. 002 - Thomas Jones 7-22-2019
Thomas Jones – 2018 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
2018 Virginia Sports Hall of inductee, Thomas Jones, joined the Hall Call Podcast to talk about his football career, and his transition to acting following his time on the gridiron.
Jones, a native a Big Stone Gap, VA began playing football near the coal mines of Southwest VA and eventually became the University of Virginia’s all-time leading rusher. What followed was a 12-year NFL career, that saw him become one of only 31 running backs in NFL history to eclipse the 10,000 yard mark.
Following football, Jones began to try his hand in the entertainment industry initially writing and producing a tv show of his own. He soon caught the acting bug, and has featured in popular tv shows such as Shameless, Being Mary Jane, and Luke Cage, as well as movies including a feature role in 2017’s A Violent Man.

Hall Call Ep. 001 - Curtis Strange 7-15-2019
Curtis Strange – 2004 Virginia Sports Hall of Fame inductee
The Virginia Sports Hall of Fame’s Executive Director, Will Driscoll, speaks to 2004 Hall of Fame inductee and golf legend, Curtis Strange. With golf as a backdrop, topics range from the upcoming 2019 British Open, the 1999 collapse by Jean Van de Velde at Carnoustie, and the state of golf in 2019 (Spoiler Alert: He’s excited!).