He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick. And meet his counterpart… Tom Garvey. The man who lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style. It’s Pittsburgh vs Philly in an epic sports story-off.

This episode contains explicit language, sensitive listeners please be advised.

STORIES

Super Bowl Rick

He’s slick, slippery, sweet-talking his way past the guards and straight into a superfan’s dream. He’s the stuff of legends, he’s Super Bowl Rick.

Thank you Rick Steigerwald for telling us your story!

When Rick returned home following the Super Bowl , he shared his story with the Pittsburgh Press - check out the 1979 article! Rick retired after a 39 year career in steamfitting and now serves as the Pennsylvania Boxing Commissioner. He’s a three time former Golden Gloves Boxing champion and longtime referee, and was just inducted into the Pennsylvania Boxing Hall of Fame this past year.

Big thanks as well to Ryan O’Shea who originally interviewed Rick and the late Steeler Jack Deloplaine on his Youtube channel.

Produced by Bo Walsh, edited by Anna Sussman, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

A Vet in the Vet

For years, Tom Garvey lived every sports fan’s secret dream: he lived inside the walls of his favorite stadium, Phantom-of-the-Opera style.

Thanks Tom, Jud Bertholf, and John Grossman!

Read Tom’s story in his memoir The Secret Apartment and his autobiographical novel Many Beaucoup Magics.

Produced by John Fecile, edited by Nancy Lopez, original score by Dirk Schwarzhoff.

Season 16 - Episode 27