WGBB Sports Talk New York

WGBB Radio

Broadcasting LIVE Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on Long Island's WGBB Radio 95.5FM | 1240AM. We're talking NEW YORK SPORTS! The Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and the New York metro-area college scene are all up for discussion. Listen for our interviews with past and present professional New York athletes- as well as local sports writers, authors, broadcasters and others with something new, interesting and different to say about New York sports. Join our hosts live on the air by calling in on the WGBB studio hotline at (516) 623-1240. The podcast includes a WGBB SPORTS TALK FLASHBACK bonus episode each week! Available ONLY to podcast subscribers, bonus episodes will consist of old sports talk shows and interviews with former pro New York athletes, all originally aired on WGBB. Don't miss out- Subscribe Today! WGBB Sports Talk New York replaced the long-running SPORTSTALK1240 on WGBB (2007-2020) in January 2021. UPCOMING SHOWS September 13th... Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, followed by TBD at 9:00pm. September 20th... Hosted by Bill Donohue, followed by TBD at 9:00pm. September 27th... Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, followed by TBD at 9:00pm.

  1. 4d ago

    Islanders Memories with Chico Resch and the Legacy of Vada Pinson

    Host Bill Donohue looks back at memorable careers in hockey and baseball. Bill opens the show by talking with former New York Islanders goaltender Chico Resch, who shares stories about his journey from Moose Jaw to Long Island, including his early nerves, the origin of his painted goalie mask, and how he became known as “Chico.” He also recalls the excitement of playing at Nassau Coliseum and explains how teammates such as Billy Smith, Clark Gillies, and Bobby Nystrom, along with coach Al Arbour, helped turn the Islanders from a struggling expansion team into a championship organization. Resch discusses the different personalities and playing styles on those Islanders teams, including Billy Smith’s natural instincts in goal and his own efforts to stand out and help the team. He also talks about the Islanders’ rivalries with the Rangers and Flyers, the strong connection between the team and its fans, and the difficult business side of hockey, including trades and roster changes. Later, Vada Pinson Jr. joins the program and reflects on his father's outstanding baseball career. He highlights Pinson’s breakout 1961 season, his place among Major League Baseball’s leading hitters during the 1960s, and his Gold Glove defense. He also discusses the racism, negative media coverage, and other barriers his father faced, including the well-known incident involving sportswriter Earl Lawson. Pinson Jr. explains why he believes those issues may have hurt his father’s chances of being elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame. In a special bonus hour, Bill talks with Savannah Bananas pitcher Frankie Moscatiello, followed by Barry Goudreau, an original member of the legendary rock band Boston. Throughout the show, Donohue keeps the conversations relaxed and personal while giving his guests room to share their memories. The episode offers an entertaining look at two important sports careers and the people, challenges, and experiences that shaped them. Takeaways: Bill Donohue moderated a relaxed two‑hour program in which he steered substantive interviews, cultivating an affable yet earnest atmosphere for extended reminiscence and analysis.Chico Resch reminisced about Long Island's communal fervor and explained how his painted goalie mask together with the 'Chico' sobriquet materially amplified his public persona and professional prospects.He delineated the performative and psychological dynamics of goaltending, portraying Billy Smith as a quasi‑phenomenon whose ritualized mentality and clutch orientation materially influenced playoff success.They unpacked the Islanders' strategic metamorphosis under Bill Torrey and Al Arbour, emphasizing the imperative for a secondary scoring nucleus and the sometimes merciless calculus of roster transactions.Vada Pinson III delivered a measured, data‑driven appraisal of his father's career, juxtaposing prolific hitting totals and defensive excellence against the institutional and media forces that complicated Hall of Fame recognition.He recounted racially charged episodes in Cincinnati — notably the Lawson altercation and insinuations of a 'Negro clique' — situating those incidents within broader patterns of regional prejudice and media power dynamics.They highlighted the mentorship and camaraderie among Black players like Vada Pinson Sr., Frank Robinson, and their welcoming of rookies such as Pete Rose, illustrating how interpersonal bonds shaped clubhouse culture and career trajectories.Collectively, the interviews foregrounded the entanglement of athletic performance, personal identity, and organizational decision‑making, offering listeners nuanced perspectives on legacy formation, memory, and the contingencies that define professional sport.

  2. Sep 2

    Inside the NFL: Cut Down Day Insights with Zig Fricassi

    Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, the guys look ahead to the upcoming NFL season, including the impact of roster cutdown day and player movement around the league. SiriusXM’s Zig Fracassi shares his thoughts on the latest NFL developments and explains why sports radio remains popular across both traditional and digital platforms. Later, AJ Rovner joins the show to discuss the New York Giants, their outlook under new head coach John Harbaugh, and the challenge of adding new players while building team chemistry. Takeaways: Zig Fracassi shared his extensive journey in sports broadcasting, emphasizing the importance of adaptability in a constantly evolving industry.The discussion touched on the competitive nature of NFL teams, particularly focusing on the Los Angeles Rams and their aggressive strategies for the upcoming season.AJ Rovner provided insights into the New York Giants, highlighting the impact of new coaching and key player performances on their potential success this season.The podcast examined the changing sports media landscape, contrasting traditional radio formats with emerging platforms like podcasts and streaming services.A key theme was the significance of starting strong in the NFL season, with both guests stressing how an early win can set the tone for the year ahead.The conversation also addressed the challenges and expectations surrounding individual players, including the need for consistency and performance under pressure to achieve team goals.

  3. Aug 25

    Baseball, Beats, and Beyond: Conversations with Jay Hook, Craig Anderson,, Peter Asher and Phil Villapiano

    Host Bill Donohue welcomes former New York Mets pitcher Jay Hook, who recalls earning the first win in franchise history during the Mets’ inaugural 1962 season. Hook also discusses his academic background in thermodynamics and how manager Casey Stengel gave him the nickname “The Professor.” Next, former Mets pitcher Craig Anderson shares memories from the team’s challenging first season. Anderson looks back on his teammates and what it was like being part of the original 1962 Mets. In the second hour, Bill welcomes legendary musician and producer Peter Asher. Asher discusses his time with Peter & Gordon, his connection to The Beatles, and his successful career in the music industry. The show concludes with former NFL linebacker Phil Villapiano, who reflects on his years with the Oakland Raiders and Buffalo Bills. Villapiano shares memorable stories from his playing career and discusses his new book. Show Highlights: Bill Donohue hosts an engaging show featuring a mix of sports and music guests, creating a unique blend of entertainment.Jay Hook shares riveting anecdotes from the 1962 Mets, including their historic first franchise victory.Peter Asher discusses his profound experiences with The Beatles and influential music collaborations spanning decades.Craig Anderson recounts memorable moments from his time with the 1962 Mets, including interactions with legendary players and coaches.Phil Villapiano offers insights into his career with the Oakland Raiders, emphasizing the team's strong culture and competitive spirit.The episode highlights the deep connections and stories shared by former athletes and musicians as they reflect on their impactful journeys.

  4. Aug 18

    Mets Memories with Dave Magadan; Remembering Tommy John

    Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, the show first welcomed former New York Mets infielder and member of the 1986 World Series championship team Dave Magadan, who talked about his time with the Mets, the relationships he built with teammates, and memories from his career. Later, the show turned to remembering baseball great Tommy John, who recently passed away. John’s agent, Mike Maguire, joined Mike and Chris to share personal stories about John and discuss his character, determination, and lasting legacy. They also discussed the groundbreaking surgery that bears John’s name and how it has helped extend the careers of countless pitchers. Takeaways: Dave Magadan reminisced about his time with the 1986 Mets, highlighting the camaraderie and shared experiences that defined the team's spirit.The show explored Tommy John's legacy, emphasizing his impact not only as a player but also through the revolutionary surgery that bears his name.Mike McGuire shared heartfelt stories about Tommy John's final days, illustrating the deep bond and mutual respect they cultivated over the years.The discussion around the recent reunion of the 1986 Mets underscored the significance of nostalgia in sports, evoking emotions tied to both victory and community.Magadan shared his thoughts on the Mets' current state, reflecting on their recent performance while staying hopeful for future success.The episode concluded with a poignant reminder of Tommy John's philosophy on life and baseball: the importance of making someone smile every day.

  5. Aug 3

    Trade Talks Heat Up: Yankees and Mets Face Crucial Decisions

    Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, this week's show covers the latest headlines in New York baseball with special guests including former co-host Mike Trezza, sportswriter Brian Heyman from Newsday, and longtime college basketball insider Dick Weiss. The conversation opens with a look at the Yankees as the trade deadline approaches, focusing on the team's need for offensive help while dealing with injuries to stars Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Trezza also breaks down the Yankees' acquisition of Luis Garcia from the Nationals and discusses what the move could mean for the club down the stretch. The attention then shifts to the Mets, where Heyman examines the team's recent struggles, possible trade deadline moves, and what they'll need to do to stay in the playoff race. The show wraps up with Weiss, who shares his perspective on the changing landscape of college basketball, including the growing influence of the transfer portal, recruiting challenges, and how programs are adapting to a rapidly evolving game. From baseball's biggest deadline decisions to the future of college hoops, the show delivers an informative and engaging discussion on the stories shaping the sports world. Takeaways: Mike and Chris discussed the looming trade deadline and its implications for both the Yankees and Mets, emphasizing the critical need for roster decisions.Former co-host Mike Trezza highlighted the Yankees' offensive struggles, particularly in light of key player injuries affecting their playoff aspirations.Brian Heyman provided insights on the Mets' potential trades, suggesting a shift towards rebuilding with a focus on acquiring promising prospects.Dick Weiss offered a historical perspective on college basketball, stressing the importance of roster continuity amidst the changing landscape of player transfers.The conversation touched on the evolving nature of college sports, with coaches adapting to new norms around NIL deals and transfer rules dominating recruitment strategies.Mike and Chris wrapped up the episode reflecting on the future of New York sports teams, particularly concerning how they navigate uncertainty in player availability and market dynamics.

  6. Jul 22

    Guest Derrick Chievous; FIFA Cup and Mets/Yankees

    Host Chris Caputo welcomes former NBA player and New York City basketball legend Derrick Chievous, who reflects on his journey from Holy Cross High School to the University of Missouri, the NBA, and a successful international career. Chievous shares memorable stories about playing against legends like Larry Bird and Charles Barkley, discusses the importance of mentorship, coaching, and giving back through community service, and offers his perspective on how today's game has changed. In the second half, Mike Guidone joins Chris to discuss the FIFA World Cup, Seattle's sports scene, and the latest New York baseball news, including the Mets' trade deadline outlook and the Yankees' challenges following Aaron Judge's injury. Takeaways: Derrick Chievous shared his early basketball journey, emphasizing the significance of his high school coach Joe Bostic in shaping his career.Throughout the episode, Chievous reflected on his experiences at Missouri, particularly the camaraderie and lessons learned under Coach Norm Stewart.Chievous discussed his transition into the NBA, highlighting the stark contrast between college basketball and playing professionally, particularly the physicality of the game.The podcast touched on the impact of modern basketball culture, with Chievous expressing concern over how entertainment values have overshadowed the essence of the sport.Chievous emphasized the importance of mentorship in basketball, discussing how players like Mark Jackson influenced his development both on and off the court.The conversation also explored Chievous's post-basketball life, focusing on his commitment to community service and mentoring young athletes.

  7. Jul 14

    Lee Trevino, Al Downing, and the First All-Star Game

    Host Bill Donohue begins this two-hour special by welcoming golf legend Lee Trevino, who shares stories from his Hall of Fame career, memorable moments on the course, and plenty of laughs along the way. Next, Bill chats with former Yankees and Dodgers southpaw Al Downing. Later, Bill welcomes author Randall Sullivan, who discusses his new book about the first MLB All-Star Game in 1933 and the history behind one of baseball's most important events. Bill wraps up the show with Dr. David Fletcher, who talks about his documentary on Dick Allen, highlighting the baseball legend's remarkable career, the challenges he faced, and why his story still matters today. Takeaways: Bill Donohue hosts an engaging show featuring guests like Lee Trevino and Al Downing, focusing on their significant contributions to sports.The episode highlights the historical importance of the first All-Star game in 1933, discussing its implications for baseball and American culture.Lee Trevino shares personal anecdotes about his career and experiences with golf, emphasizing the dedication required to excel in the sport.Dr. David Fletcher discusses the documentary 'My Father, Dick Allen', shedding light on Allen's legacy and the challenges he faced as a Black player in baseball.The show examines the impact of racism on Dick Allen's career and how he overcame adversity to become a beloved figure in baseball.Listeners are reminded of the cultural significance of sports in America, particularly during the Great Depression, and how figures like Babe Ruth and Dick Allen shaped that narrative.

  8. Jun 26

    Knicks Fans Rejoice: A Championship After 53 Years

    Host Andy Suekoff begins the show by welcoming Harris Richard of Knickerbocker Banner for an in-depth look at the New York Knicks' unforgettable 2026 NBA Championship run. They revisit the emotional highs and lows of the playoffs, from early doubts after a tough Game 3 loss to the Atlanta Hawks to the team's remarkable resilience that carried them to the title. Andy and Harris discuss the Knicks' dramatic 29-point comeback in Game 4 of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, reflecting on the electric atmosphere inside Madison Square Garden and what many fans consider one of the greatest moments in franchise history. Harris also shares his firsthand experiences attending key playoff games and watch parties, describing the excitement that swept through New York as the team's championship hopes grew. The conversation highlights the evolution of key players, including Karl-Anthony Towns, whose leadership and impact became increasingly important throughout the postseason. They also examine the Knicks' defensive transformation into a tough, physical team that embodied the style of basketball New York fans have long embraced. Andy and Harris wrap up by reflecting on what the championship means for the franchise, its loyal fan base, and the city itself. After decades of waiting, the Knicks' title brought unforgettable memories, renewed hope, and a championship celebration that united basketball fans across New York. Takeaways: The New York Knicks achieved a historic comeback in the NBA Finals, overcoming a 29-point deficit against the Spurs, showcasing their resilience and teamwork.Fans played a crucial role during the Knicks' championship run, creating an electrifying atmosphere and supporting the team through thick and thin.Jalen Brunson's leadership and performance were pivotal, as he consistently stepped up in crucial moments, including hitting key shots during the Finals.The Knicks' journey to the championship was marked by significant improvements in defense, which transformed them into a formidable playoff team.This championship win broke a 53-year drought for the Knicks, bringing joy and relief to long-suffering fans and creating unforgettable memories in the process.The camaraderie and shared experiences among fans during watch parties highlighted the community aspect of supporting the Knicks throughout their playoff run.

5
out of 5
24 Ratings

About

Broadcasting LIVE Sunday nights at 8:00 PM on Long Island's WGBB Radio 95.5FM | 1240AM. We're talking NEW YORK SPORTS! The Yankees, Mets, Giants, Jets, Knicks, Nets, Rangers, Islanders, Devils and the New York metro-area college scene are all up for discussion. Listen for our interviews with past and present professional New York athletes- as well as local sports writers, authors, broadcasters and others with something new, interesting and different to say about New York sports. Join our hosts live on the air by calling in on the WGBB studio hotline at (516) 623-1240. The podcast includes a WGBB SPORTS TALK FLASHBACK bonus episode each week! Available ONLY to podcast subscribers, bonus episodes will consist of old sports talk shows and interviews with former pro New York athletes, all originally aired on WGBB. Don't miss out- Subscribe Today! WGBB Sports Talk New York replaced the long-running SPORTSTALK1240 on WGBB (2007-2020) in January 2021. UPCOMING SHOWS September 13th... Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, followed by TBD at 9:00pm. September 20th... Hosted by Bill Donohue, followed by TBD at 9:00pm. September 27th... Hosted by Mike Guidone and Chris Caputo, followed by TBD at 9:00pm.