Nick Piccone
If you’re a fan of the Philly Sports Roast that has graced us since 2014 courtesy of 94WIP’s Joe Conklin, then you’re probably going to enjoy next Thursday’s third annual roast featuring Angelo Cataldi and Howard Eskin. These are two guys that I’ve wanted to roast for years – unfortunately, I’m not among the roasters this year – and I’m sure all of you have wanted to roast them, also.
As of right now, some of the celebrity roasters will include Merrill Reese, Mike Quick, Ed Rendell and current Philadelphia Mayor, Jim Kenney, according to Philly.com. Legendary WIP callers such as Coma Jim, Kim the Lesbian, Arson Arnie and Bob from Marlton will also participate in the roast. Here’s the entire list:
- Merrill Reese
- Mike Quick
- Ed Rendell
- Phil Martelli
- Pat McLoone
- Jim Kenney
- Jay Black
- Marc Farzetta
- Bill Werndl
- Bernard Hopkins
- John Gonzalez
- Gary Matthews
In recent years, Cataldi and Eskin have become more friendly, at least on-air, after Eskin retired from his daily afternoon show in 2011. So, the roast next Thursday might seem passé. But Cataldi will at least try to make it entertaining for the people there and channel his past hatred for Eskin.
Ten years ago, this would have been more fun for me because I truly hated the man then,” Cataldi explained, noting he doesn’t have the same hatred since Eskin moved to TV. “But I can dial back the clock 10 years when he was more obnoxious.”
Eskin doesn’t think that’s going to happen.
I knew him when he was a reporter for the Inquirer, and talk about a guy who stood in the back of the crowd and was afraid to ask questions,” Eskin said. “He won’t be able to take it, and he’ll end up walking out of there with his head between his legs.”
While Conklin says the roast most likely won’t feature strong language as it has in years past due to a charity being present [where part of your ticket purchase will go]. But that doesn’t mean it won’t come up at some point.
We’re going to clean it up because we have a charity around, but don’t be surprised if an f-note slips out,” Conklin notes. “Because of the nature of the event and the people involved, there’s always the potential for nasty moments. There are no rules, no boundaries and a lot of ego in the room. They’ll go off.”
Tickets for the event can be purchased here.