[Bumped July 2025, due to news of a potential U-M football game in Germany in 2026. Originally posted in December 2008]: ‘A unique, well-traveled piece of Michigan athletics memorabilia showed up on eBay this week. It’s described to be a ticket stub from a game between Michigan baseball and a university team from Tokyo, played in Japan in 1932. At first glance, I laughed, thinking there was no way a college team traveled to Japan during the throes of the Great Depression to play baseball. And the auction description didn’t help sell it for me: 1932 Michigan University vs Meiji University tour ticket stub from game 1 played at Jingu Stadium in Tokyo. According to an excellent summary published in Michigan Today in 1998, the story began with Japanese teams conducting a college tour in the US years earlier, with many of the stops in Ann Arbor from 1911 to 1925. Then, in 1929, Michigan coach Ray Fisher received an invitation from Meiji University, inviting the maize and blue to visit Japan as “ambassadors of goodwill.” Fielding Yost and the board of athletics approved the trip, and so they headed west, then more west, until they reached the Far East in 1929: The stub in the eBay auction claims the ticket to be from the 1932 trip, which per the…
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The Michigan Union Button: Rediscovering a Lost Tradition
The entire history of the pins or "buttons" issued at the University of Michigan for over 50 years, starting in the mid-1890s through 1960s. Includes new images, manufacturer info and much more on the history of this cherished U-M tradition.
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Michigan Football Returns: Spring Game Preview & More | Ep. #67! Professor and the Pundit
The boys break down what to look for out there Saturday. The basketball news doesn't stop, as both Dusty May and Kim Barnes-Arico stay busy in the portal. The Prof breaks down his visit to Central Michigan #FireUpChips, we preview the epic clash at The Masters and more!
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That SWEET Sound! | Ep. #64 Professor and the Pundit
We're back just in time to celebrate another (unlikely) banner! Yes, the Men's Hoops team surprised the B1G and brought it home. The Pundit was in Indy, so we started with hoops, discussed the prospects for the women's team, and glanced at our brackets. We also touched on Bryce Underwood's comments on The Rich Eisen Show as we move closer to the Spring Game. All this, and much more—we'll be back for the next six weeks!
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TIME for MADNESS! | Ep. #63 Professor and the Pundit
We're back just in time to celebrate another (unlikely) banner! Yes, the Men's Hoops team surprised the B1G and brought it home. The Pundit was in Indy, so we started with hoops, discussed the prospects for the women's team, and glanced at our brackets. We also touched on Bryce Underwood's comments on The Rich Eisen Show as we move closer to the Spring Game. All this, and much more—we'll be back for the next six weeks!
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U-M Club of Naples, FL (March 4, 2025)
I'll be speaking to the U-M Club of Naples on March 4. Share with your Florida friends, or those visiting! Details after the jump.
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Turning it Over | Ep. #61 Professor and the Pundit
We're back to reflect on the season's conclusion, the Buckeyes winning it all, and what it all means as we roll into 2025. We also discuss the surprising and at times, frustrating tale of Dusty May's first season at the helm. Finally, we dig into the latest implications of the House settlement, address a few questions, and ask even more! Thanks for listening and following!!
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Tribute Captain Jim Conley, 1964 Michigan Football Captain
A tribute to 1964 team Captain Jim Conley, one of my favorite former players and just an all-around incredible guy. Thanks to Ira at WTKA 1050AM for the clip:
