The Name's The Same (ABC, Ep. 3, sports edition)

[jmdarrall]

In the pros, did you win more than one NBA Championship?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: (nods head "yes") I did.

[jmdarrall]

Is your namesake still alive today?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: Absolutely.

[jmdarrall]

Hmmmm...I'll pass for now.

[dougmorrisontheair]

Doug: All right. Jay, let's quickly review what we know about Mr. X.

He shares his first and last name with a basketball hall-of-famer. The feats on the college and pro courts landed him in said hall. He won an NCAA championship. He won more than one NBA championship. This hall-of-famer is still with us.

With that reviewed, Jay, the floor's yours.

[Deleted]

Doug, I'm going for a shot in the dark with this one

Are you Earvin "Magic" Johnson?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: You're thinking there's a direct correlation between me and Pat Riley?





































Mr. X: The iron unkind. I'm not Earvin "Magic" Johnson.

(scattered groans)

Doug: But not a bad guess to take with the information we're playing with. Six questions left, Jay.  Ask another or pass?

[Deleted]

I'll play on, Have you played in the 1990's

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: (nods head "yes") I did.

[Deleted]

So are you Michael Jordan?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: Oh, now you think there's a connection between me and the song used to introduce all three of you.


































Mr. X: No bull. I am *not* Michael Jordan.

(scattered groans)

Doug: Another great guess, though. Jay, with four questions, play on or pass?

[Deleted]

Let me continue, have you become the NBA Finals MVP?

[dougmorrisontheair]

(Mr. X looks to Doug; they look to judge)

(judge activates bell)

Doug: Jay, our guest wasn't sure. The judge says, "Yes. This guest shares his first and last name with an NBA Finals MVP."

[Deleted]

Are you Tim Duncan?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: You're thinking my namesake's an ageless wonder?








































Mr. X: Sorry, I'm not Tim Duncan.

(scattered groans)

Doug: Darn! (scattered laughter from the crowd) As I throw in a quick "Go Spurs Go", keep playing or pass, Jay? You're down to two questions.

[Deleted]

Are you Larry Bird of the Boston Celtics?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: Going for 3 -- or 33 perhaps?








































Mr. X: I am legend. You are right.

(audience cheers)

Doug: Good job, Jay! Bill, Jonathan, please pass down your checks.

Doug: There's a slight confession we have to make about our guest. We'll disclose shortly. Jay, what had you thinking Larry Bird?

[Deleted]

I think it is a good guess thanks to studying on the NBA.

[billmcdee]

(handing my $5,000 check to Jay and high-fiving him)

I suppose a not so little bird told you the identity of Mr. X

[Deleted]

Congratulations, Billy!

[dougmorrisontheair]

Doug: (laughs) Well played on the pun, Bill. Now for the confession. There's a slight spelling difference between our guest's name and the basketball legend's name. Tell us how your last name is spelled.

Mr. X: B-Y-R-D.

Doug: And our judge plus the powers that be here at the network determined it's close enough. The pronunciation is the same. And Mr. Byrd, how often did people bring up "Larry Legend" and the Celtics?

Mr. X: Oh, I talked about this with Pat backstage before the show. I also was often kidded about being a hick from French Lick. People would also bring up Kevin McHale and his appearances on "Cheers" and Robert Parish and the like.

Doug: Interesting how our first two guests have connections with one of the greatest rivalries of the NBA.

We should also note Mr. Byrd here is a state lawmaker in Mississippi. He's requested whatever he wins -- whether it's the $15,000 or the consolation prizes -- should be donated to a charity. And you'll be having those discussions shortly with the powers that be here.

Mr. X: Looking forward to that -- and thanks for having me on.

Doug: Thank you -- Larry Byrd, ladies and gentleman.

(audience cheers) (updated version of "Shooting Star" by Sidney Torch plays)

Doug: When we come back, we'll change the sport and talk baseball when The Name's The Same returns.

(more cheers)

[dougmorrisontheair]

(audience cheers)

Doug: And welcome back to The Name's The Same. Bill's racked up $15,000 for his charity. Jay just won $15,000 for his charity. Jonathan, let's see if you can win the 15 grand up for grabs this game.

Of course, our next challenger wants to take that new batch of checks home. Ladies and gents, please greet our third Mr. X of the night.

(audience cheers)

Mr. X: Good to see you, Doug.

Doug: Great to see you -- especially at the last minute. Let's spot each player seven questions.

(ding)

Doug: Now we mentioned before the break the field of play is changing to baseball. Our guest shares his first and last name with a former major leaguer -- who's famous for the wrong reason.

(Mr. X laughs) (scattered laughter from the crowd)

Doug: Not only are we grateful our guest could come on such short notice, we're also grateful he's a great sport.

Mr. X: Then as now.

Doug: Indeed. Jay, it's Game 3. We'll start with you.

[Deleted]

Have you won a World Series?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: No.

[billmcdee]

(raising my hand)

Apologies to our host and my fellow panelists if I'm speaking out of turn here, but I was wondering Doug, can we ask for clarification on that "No" answer?

[Deleted]

Have you've been involved in a scandal?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: (laughs) I hope not!

(scattered laughter from the crowd) (judge activates buzzer)

Doug: Judge is also not aware of scandal. And for Bill's clarification, Mr. X did *not* win a World Series.

Doug: Jay, still your turn unless you'd like to pass.

[Deleted]

Have you played for a team in California?

[dougmorrisontheair]

Mr. X: I have.