DCS: mudcat grant

Jim “Mudcat” Grant, Major League pitcher with 14 seasons under his belt, had a career filled with firsts. Despite being awarded a scholarship to play football and baseball at Florida A&M University, Mudcat had to drop out in order to help his family through a spell of financial hardship. Ever determined, Mudcat was signed as …

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DCS: cindy williams

No, that’s not Natalie Portman, although Cindy Williams thought it was. I met Cindy Williams at a collector show in Gaithersburg, Maryland. A two-plus hour drive from my house, this particular show offered something for both Mrs. Pincus and myself. It boasted a large variety of vendors selling antiques and assorted collectibles, something my wife …

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DCS: charles shackleford

Charles Shackleford could have been big. He was a celebrated forward for NC State in the mid-1980s, with a promising career in the NBA. He played for the New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, with successful stints in the European basketball league in between. Unfortunately, several brushes with the law and an …

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DCS: marty allen

Paired with Mitch DeWood, comedian Marty Allen worked as an opening act for such popular stars as Sarah Vaughan, Eydie Gormé, and Nat King Cole. They played major clubs including the famous Copacabana in New York. The pair split in 1958 and Marty teamed up with singer Steve Rossi. Allen and Rossi were wildly successful. …

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DCS: virginia o’brien

Virginia O’Brien was at the very top in the 1940s. She was featured in 17 films, most of which showcased her comedic ability and lovely singing voice. But, what made Virginia stand out among her contemporaries was her style. And her style was deadpan. In numerous featured performances, whether fronting a big band or at …

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