Joe Tait

Living legend of Cleveland broadcasting Joe Tait returns to the show for another opportunity to chat as Larry backtracks in order to get greater details on all the things we didn’t have time for during Joe’s first visit!

Among the topics discussed are: Joe’s current health, his early dreams of a career as a journalist, the early days of the fledgling Cleveland Cavaliers franchise including his friendships with first Cavs owner Nick Mileti and first head coach Bill Fitch, and  Joe’s days at legendary radio station WWWE  or “3WE” alongside fellow broadcasting legend Pete Franklin.

Joe discusses players including Lebron James, Mark Price, Brad Daugherty, John “Hot Rod” Williams, Larry Nance, Mike Sanders, and World B. Free and coaches Lenny Wilkins, Tom Nissalke, Mike Brown, Paul Silas, and Byron Scott.

Questions answered include: Why did infamous 80’s Cavs owner Ted Stepien ban Joe from riding on the team bus, staying with them at the hotel, fly with the team, be in the locker room, or even interview players or coaches?  What conversation did Joe have that led to the NBA stripping control of the league All Star game (and never returning it)?  What issue related to World B. Free was the only disagreement Joe ever had with Cavs GM Wayne Embry?  And what was Joe’s only regret about leaving the Cavs when he did?

As if that wasn’t enough, Billy J then joins Larry in the studio for the first ever installment of “The Sports Time Machine Book Report”!

Click each link below for information on each of the books discussed.
Joe Tait: It’s Been A Real Ball By: Terry Pluto
Loose Balls By: Terry Pluto
Tark: College Basketball’s Winningest Coach By: Terry Pluto
Browns Town 1964 By: Terry Pluto

The interview with Cleveland Browns quarterback Frank Ryan Larry mentions when discussing Browns Town 1964 can be listened to here.
Shooting Star: The Bevo Francis Story By: Kyle Keiderling
Basketball and The Rio Grande College Legend By: Newt Oliver