Mike Francesa reflects on the career of Bill Walton, the larger-than-life NBA legend who passed away at the age of 71. Mike also touches on the Rangers Game 3 win & Memorial Day baseball (or lack of). 00:00 Reaction to Bill Walton's passing 20:56 Rangers keep finding a way to win 24:36 Memorial Day without Yankees/Mets seems wrong
@@timetowakeup6302Wtf is so funny about that?? He had the highest ratings in the biggest market in the world for 30 years straight. Nobody's ever gonna come close to that.
@timetowakeup6302 Comparing Stephen A to Mike is just pure stupidity. I can see the level of intelligence you're working with and trying to compare TV ratings to radio ratings is just one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.
Mike is one of the best when it comes to tributes like this. He has an uncanny ability to open up and show the listener a lot of detail you’d never usually get to know about. RIP to Mr. Bill Walton
I still can’t believe that he passed. A 50 Greatest player, who beat the “Captain” in his prime and should’ve won two titles in a row but got hurt. Was a catalyst off the bench of one of the 3 greatest teams of all time, the 86 Celtics. And was great on NBA on NBC with Steve Snapper Jones and Tom Hammond doing Western Conference games. Bill will be missed.
Was 12 years old in 86 when he won a title with Boston,what a character,good on you Michael for giving the big man a New York send off, You know wherever he is he's still chilling out!
This is why I luv Mike. His ability to story tell with intricate details. Stories of his brother taking him to doubleheaders hits so close to home. And he’s right. Was 6 years old for my 1st game. Shea Stadium Mets/Braves. Mets won 4-1 behind Ray Sadecki. Lone Brave run-A Hank Aaron homer. I’ll never forget it. And it was 54 years ago. Rest In Peace ☮️ Big Red Bill Walton.
@@johnre5342 my apologies. 1970 was my 1st game with Sadecki. The game that Aaron homered that I was at was May, 1971. My 6-7 year old memory was clouded. 😂. Thanks for correction.
1974 Sweet 16 game. UCLA v Dayton Flyers. UCLA was up 15 points at Halftime. Flyers clawed back to tie the game and send it to OT. Double OT. Triple OT. UCLA won 111-100. My Dad was mad. My Mom cried. My memory of Bill Walton from my home in Ohio. But Walton won an NBA Championship for Portland and Dayton Flyer Johnny Davis was a starting guard on that team. Walton and Davis were in that 1974 game and together as Champions.
R.I.P. Bill Walton...one of the top 5 greatest college players ever. If not for injuries, he be in my top 15 NBA Immortals list. Dude played the center position as well as anyone I've seen. He did it all...defense, rebounding. blocked shots, scoring and an incredible passer. Had that incredible playoff run in 1977, leading Portland to their only NBA title. What's scary is the Blazers were better the year after they won it all, but injuries ruined their chance to repeat. Of course, I loved listening to Bill doing broadcasts with Steve "Snapper" Jones, saying all kinds of off-the-wall s***, lol.
Well done Mike,Bill was one of my favorite players ,remember watching that championship game against Memphis when he went 21 for 22,great as he was,it's a shame his career was derailed by so many injuries,RIP Bill.
Walton was as good as any player I've ever seen, and I am 69 years old. When healthy, he was amazing. Not only individual skill, but knew how to help his team win. Off the court, he was smart, progressive, not a dope. He had it all.
i was in the stadium in 68 and saw Mantle my idol...hit his last triple..batting left-handed a shot that hopped to the monuments....the first inning and Mickey was taken out of the game for a pinch runner.....Mke is right..childhood memories never die
There are no words that can adequately describe just how great a basketball center Bill Walton was. If only he could have avoided the serious injuries, who knows what he would have achieved in his career. Another big man that I think of in a similar regard is Arvydas Sabonis; he had a similar skill set as Walton, with the added bonus of a 3-point shot. It's a shame that he wasn't permitted to play in the NBA early on due to politics; by the time he got here, his skills had been somewhat diminished by injuries and the poor care he received in treating those injuries.
Bought Walton’s bio after an interview with Mike years ago.. I’m a huge Deadhead and sports fan so was quite aware of bill, but his book was mindblowing .. saw Bill at many a show over the years.. may the four winds blow you safely home ..RIP
He worked the Larry Johnson 4-point play game in the ‘99 ECF and also worked The Malice at the Palace. Used to love his back and forth exchanges with Snapper Jones when they worked together back in the day! The ESPN 30 for 30 series done on him was absolutely phenomenal as it gave so much insight to who he was not just as a basketball player, but as a person. Such a terrible loss. R.I.P. Big Red.
I always liked Bill Walton. If not for an injury-plagued career, Bill had the talent to become the greatest NBA Center of all-time. I remember when he led the Portland Trailblazers to the NBA Title in 1977. In 1978, Portland got off to a very fast, dominant , start, and, if Walton had not suffered a season-ending injury, they would've repeated as champions. Then, sadly, the injuries kept piling up and limiting his playing time throughout the rest of his playing career. I was so glad when the Boston Celtics traded for him and Bill helped them win an NBA Championship in 1986 (Although, as a supporting cast back-up role instead of a leading star this time around). He had an excellent broadcasting career, too, and was a joy to listen to. He will always be fondly remembered.
i remember the doubleheaders every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. My dad and I, and later me and my buddies, would always go to doubleheaders. Two for the price of one. No better bargain anywhere. Then, beginning in the seventies, they only played one game on the holidays. Now, they don't play any. Sad.
You know why they don’t play doubleheaders anymore? Because the multimillionaire player’s union says: “You are working us too hard.” One game per day is enough work for us. Yes, it is sad.
Wow ! Really sad about this we lost a true NBA legend and was the voice of the NBA when he announced games... THROW IT DOWN BIG MAN ! THROW IT DOWN ! .. R.I.P Bill Walton 2:45
Bill Walton was a little quirky off the court, but truly was dominant, when healthy, on the court. No one is even close to the name recognition that Walton has with the same career. One of the greats. With the NBA and NFL sparring for Xmas, you'd think that MLB would solidify Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. National pass time getting passed by, with this stupidity.
Eternal rest give unto him O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon Mr. Walton may he rest in peace Amen! The judgment comes for us all, remember ur in the world not of it, make a true contrition, and firm purpose to amend your life.
Walton was Jokic only Bill was also a great athlete. Walton had all of Jokic's offense skills. Walton had all of Jokic's savvy and passing skills Walton along with Bill Russell were the two greatest passers to start off a fast break Plus Bill was a great rebounder, much better than Jokic Plus Bill was a great rim protector, much better than Jokic. Walton was an all time top ten player talent who unfortunately had feet that couldn't support his body weight and movement. It's interesting that he had to speak before thinking it thru in order to not stutter. The spontaneity made him extremely fun and refreshing. Didn't know the spontaneity came out of not wanting to stutter, but the results were terrific.
Portland WAS NOT 50-5 the season after their title before Walton's injury. They were 50-10 at one point . Mike is also wrong about Walton being a better rebounder than Kareem. Walton's 4 best rebounds per game years were 14.4, 13.6, 13.2 and 12.6 Kareem's 4 best years were 16.9, 16.6, 16.1 and 16.0 As usual Francesa tries to have his own facts. Still injuries definitely prevented him (and Portland) from achieving more and getting more shots at titles. Sad day great man great player. Rest in peace
Dear Mike, I have to disagree with you that age 71 is “ not old.” Actually, at 70, you are old. You should know because you recently turned 70 yourself. In fact, anybody that hits 70 has about a 1 in 6 chance of passing each year until 75. At 75, the odds go down to 1 in 5, and 80, 1 in 4. 85, 1 in 3, 90, 1 in 2. As the late actress Joan Blondell said: “When you crash into your 70’s, you better enjoy what time you have left.” And you better not wait until late 80’s or 90’s to prepare something to say either, for millions and millions of people pass away in their 70’s every year. Rest In Peace for all eternity, Bill Walton. Thanks for the memories. And Happy 70th birthday Mike Francesa!
@@wolfwilliamsDoesn't matter. Walton played in all 58 games before the injury and at no time were they ever 50-5. Sorry nice try . Mike was still incorrect
Mike is also wrong about NC State going unbeaten on their way to the NCAA championship during Walton’s senior year at UCLA. Actually, UCLA defeated NC State 84-66 on December 15, 1973. Mike gets a little sloppy with his facts.
@@turkwendell6904 You know nothing about basketball. I saw Kareem aka Lew Alcobdor play in college. All anyone needed with a scintilla of basketball knowledge was the naked eye and that will tell you that KAREEM is the greatest college player ever! I'm not wasting my time with you.
@@georgeoshust793 This has become super embarrassing for you. You can't backup anything you said or even try. Instead some arrogant nothing stuff. No one cares if you saw him play. Better luck next time. Maybe you can figure out how to backup an opinion
Scripted nba: the night bill walton dies at age 71, the last team he won a title with, the Celtics, were tied 71-71 on their way to nba finals. SCRIPTED BREAD AND CIRCUSES FOR HALF WITS...
Dude the coverage of hockey is proportional to the amount of people interested- I’m probably like a lot of people who don’t watch the regular season but will watch the incredible Stanley Cup playoffs but might watch 1-5 regular season games at most
Michael i thought if anyone you'd know not to say happy memorial day.. its pretty fuckin obvious that theres nothing happy about the most solemn day for America.. so wake the fuck up and get your shit together
Mike Francesa reflects on the career of Bill Walton, the larger-than-life NBA legend who passed away at the age of 71. Mike also touches on the Rangers Game 3 win & Memorial Day baseball (or lack of).
00:00 Reaction to Bill Walton's passing
20:56 Rangers keep finding a way to win
24:36 Memorial Day without Yankees/Mets seems wrong
Francesa was so good on the FAN and he is absolutely fantastic on this platform. Truly the GOAT.
😂
@@timetowakeup6302Wtf is so funny about that?? He had the highest ratings in the biggest market in the world for 30 years straight. Nobody's ever gonna come close to that.
@@jeffreyval9665
Ratings? Stephen A Smith has “ratings”. What’s your point, exactly?
@timetowakeup6302 Comparing Stephen A to Mike is just pure stupidity. I can see the level of intelligence you're working with and trying to compare TV ratings to radio ratings is just one of the dumbest things I've ever heard.
@@timetowakeup6302douchy comment 🤡🤓
Mike is one of the best when it comes to tributes like this. He has an uncanny ability to open up and show the listener a lot of detail you’d never usually get to know about.
RIP to Mr. Bill Walton
Rip Mr Walton always loved listening to you
The Fan without Chris and Mike is AWFUL
Fuckin A!!
@@Sinister-cx6um it's why we are here Sinister!!
You know it, bro... not one of them shows is there any chemistry between any or them it's a snooze fest!
@@Sinister-cx6um awful...I'd rather have Joe B back then tiki and Evan
@@JohnnyLapsJoe Benigno was and still is "DA BOMB"! "Oh the pain"! 😂 😂
What a sad day Walton was amazing
Francesa is outstanding at these tributes to these legendary athletes.
I never made it back from 1957 Korea
Loved listening to Bill broadcasting a college basketball game. RIP
I still can’t believe that he passed. A 50 Greatest player, who beat the “Captain” in his prime and should’ve won two titles in a row but got hurt. Was a catalyst off the bench of one of the 3 greatest teams of all time, the 86 Celtics. And was great on NBA on NBC with Steve Snapper Jones and Tom Hammond doing Western Conference games. Bill will be missed.
Was 12 years old in 86 when he won a title with Boston,what a character,good on you Michael for giving the big man a New York send off, You know wherever he is he's still chilling out!
That’s why we need Mike. The best on these subjects.
This is why I luv Mike. His ability to story tell with intricate details. Stories of his brother taking him to doubleheaders hits so close to home. And he’s right. Was 6 years old for my 1st game. Shea Stadium Mets/Braves. Mets won 4-1 behind Ray Sadecki. Lone Brave run-A Hank Aaron homer. I’ll never forget it. And it was 54 years ago. Rest In Peace ☮️ Big Red Bill Walton.
June 13 1970, everything you said was correct except Aaron didn't Homer. Tommy Agee hit the only home run of the day. RIP Bill Walton 🏀
@@johnre5342 my apologies. 1970 was my 1st game with Sadecki. The game that Aaron homered that I was at was May, 1971. My 6-7 year old memory was clouded. 😂. Thanks for correction.
1974 Sweet 16 game. UCLA v Dayton Flyers. UCLA was up 15 points at Halftime. Flyers clawed back to tie the game and send it to OT. Double OT. Triple OT. UCLA won 111-100. My Dad was mad. My Mom cried. My memory of Bill Walton from my home in Ohio. But Walton won an NBA Championship for Portland and Dayton Flyer Johnny Davis was a starting guard on that team. Walton and Davis were in that 1974 game and together as Champions.
R.I.P. Bill Walton...one of the top 5 greatest college players ever. If not for injuries, he be in my top 15 NBA Immortals list. Dude played the center position as well as anyone I've seen. He did it all...defense, rebounding. blocked shots, scoring and an incredible passer. Had that incredible playoff run in 1977, leading Portland to their only NBA title. What's scary is the Blazers were better the year after they won it all, but injuries ruined their chance to repeat.
Of course, I loved listening to Bill doing broadcasts with Steve "Snapper" Jones, saying all kinds of off-the-wall s***, lol.
Yes. Amazing guy.
Great perspective, Mike. Was wanting to hear from you on Walton.
Well done Mike,Bill was one of my favorite players ,remember watching that championship game against Memphis when he went 21 for 22,great as he was,it's a shame his career was derailed by so many injuries,RIP Bill.
Walton was as good as any player I've ever seen, and I am 69 years old. When healthy, he was amazing. Not only individual skill, but knew how to help his team win. Off the court, he was smart, progressive, not a dope. He had it all.
You can listen to Mike all day.
i was in the stadium in 68 and saw Mantle my idol...hit his last triple..batting left-handed a shot that hopped to the monuments....the first inning and Mickey was taken out of the game for a pinch runner.....Mke is right..childhood memories never die
My 1st game, Anaheim Stadium, I was 13, Mantle homered right handed.1968. Never will forget!
It’s a shame Mike is not on the Fan. This was Master Class
There are no words that can adequately describe just how great a basketball center Bill Walton was. If only he could have avoided the serious injuries, who knows what he would have achieved in his career. Another big man that I think of in a similar regard is Arvydas Sabonis; he had a similar skill set as Walton, with the added bonus of a 3-point shot. It's a shame that he wasn't permitted to play in the NBA early on due to politics; by the time he got here, his skills had been somewhat diminished by injuries and the poor care he received in treating those injuries.
I remember Bill Walton primarily as a newly added 6th man for the Boston Celtics -I'll miss you Bill !!
That 1986 Celtics team was one of the best teams of all time 😁
Mike is the best to turn on a microphone and talk sports in the history of sports radio
Bought Walton’s bio after an interview with Mike years ago.. I’m a huge Deadhead and sports fan so was quite aware of bill, but his book was mindblowing .. saw Bill at many a show over the years.. may the four winds blow you safely home ..RIP
He worked the Larry Johnson 4-point play game in the ‘99 ECF and also worked The Malice at the Palace. Used to love his back and forth exchanges with Snapper Jones when they worked together back in the day! The ESPN 30 for 30 series done on him was absolutely phenomenal as it gave so much insight to who he was not just as a basketball player, but as a person. Such a terrible loss. R.I.P. Big Red.
There's no one better than Mike Francesa
Love Mike Francesca #1
I always liked Bill Walton. If not for an injury-plagued career, Bill had the talent to become the greatest NBA Center of all-time. I remember when he led the Portland Trailblazers to the NBA Title in 1977. In 1978, Portland got off to a very fast, dominant , start, and, if Walton had not suffered a season-ending injury, they would've repeated as champions. Then, sadly, the injuries kept piling up and limiting his playing time throughout the rest of his playing career. I was so glad when the Boston Celtics traded for him and Bill helped them win an NBA Championship in 1986 (Although, as a supporting cast back-up role instead of a leading star this time around). He had an excellent broadcasting career, too, and was a joy to listen to. He will always be fondly remembered.
Definitely.
i remember the doubleheaders every Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day. My dad and I, and later me and my buddies, would always go to doubleheaders. Two for the price of one. No better bargain anywhere. Then, beginning in the seventies, they only played one game on the holidays. Now, they don't play any. Sad.
You know why they don’t play doubleheaders anymore? Because the multimillionaire player’s union says: “You are working us too hard.” One game per day is enough work for us. Yes, it is sad.
@@frederickrapp5396 I'm sure the owners agree with the players on this one. Two single admission games brings in more money.
Wow ! Really sad about this we lost a true NBA legend and was the voice of the NBA when he announced games... THROW IT DOWN BIG MAN ! THROW IT DOWN ! .. R.I.P Bill Walton 2:45
Bill always seemed like such a nice caring guy.
Missed 20 games, Mike. Won last 49 high school games, then 20 Freshman games at UCLA, THEN 88 straight!
Bill Walton was a little quirky off the court, but truly was dominant, when healthy, on the court. No one is even close to the name recognition that Walton has with the same career. One of the greats.
With the NBA and NFL sparring for Xmas, you'd think that MLB would solidify Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day. National pass time getting passed by, with this stupidity.
Healthy greatest college player of all-time hands down. COMPLETE is the word.
Yes. Amazing.
Rest in peace Bill🙏🏼❤️
Excellent job by the Pope on Bill Walton's passing. I knew he would come out with this quick
Great stuff Mike! Great memories. My dad always took me to the twilight double headers. Remember $4:50 for a box seat.
I never watched him play but as a analyst or broadcaster I thought he was great to the game giving his analysis.
All I can say is RIP Mr.Walton...Throw it down, big man. Throw it down!!!
Nice tribute
Good old swish Nicholson… this is why I listen!! Mike bring the callers back 🙂
I saw Ike Davis
Mike is 100% right about how MLB teams should be playing on holidays. Most people are in the backyard with radio 📻 on. Shame.
back afta this
Thanks for mentioning Rangers Mike you know “ while you are there “
Eternal rest give unto him O Lord. May perpetual light shine upon Mr. Walton may he rest in peace Amen! The judgment comes for us all, remember ur in the world not of it, make a true contrition, and firm purpose to amend your life.
Walton was Jokic only Bill was also a great athlete.
Walton had all of Jokic's offense skills.
Walton had all of Jokic's savvy and passing skills
Walton along with Bill Russell were the two greatest passers to start off a fast break
Plus Bill was a great rebounder, much better than Jokic
Plus Bill was a great rim protector, much better than Jokic.
Walton was an all time top ten player talent who unfortunately had feet that couldn't support his body weight and movement.
It's interesting that he had to speak before thinking it thru in order to not stutter.
The spontaneity made him extremely fun and refreshing.
Didn't know the spontaneity came out of not wanting to stutter, but the results were terrific.
Rememba Bill Wahlton
Walton wasn't 6' 11". He was actually 7' 2"
Agree 100% on making holidays baseball family days and lowering prices to make it affordable for families.
Portland WAS NOT 50-5 the season after their title before Walton's injury. They were 50-10 at one point . Mike is also wrong about Walton being a better rebounder than Kareem. Walton's 4 best rebounds per game years were 14.4, 13.6, 13.2 and 12.6 Kareem's 4 best years were 16.9, 16.6, 16.1 and 16.0
As usual Francesa tries to have his own facts. Still injuries definitely prevented him (and Portland) from achieving more and getting more shots at titles. Sad day great man great player. Rest in peace
He said they were 50-5 with Walton in the lineup, not 50-5 in the standings.
Dear Mike, I have to disagree with you that age 71 is “ not old.” Actually, at 70, you are old. You should know because you recently turned 70 yourself. In fact, anybody that hits 70 has about a 1 in 6 chance of passing each year until 75. At 75, the odds go down to 1 in 5, and 80, 1 in 4. 85, 1 in 3, 90, 1 in 2. As the late actress Joan Blondell said: “When you crash into your 70’s, you better enjoy what time you have left.” And you better not wait until late 80’s or 90’s to prepare something to say either, for millions and millions of people pass away in their 70’s every year. Rest In Peace for all eternity, Bill Walton. Thanks for the memories. And Happy 70th birthday Mike Francesa!
@@wolfwilliamsDoesn't matter. Walton played in all 58 games before the injury and at no time were they ever 50-5. Sorry nice try . Mike was still incorrect
Mike is also wrong about NC State going unbeaten on their way to the NCAA championship during Walton’s senior year at UCLA. Actually, UCLA defeated NC State 84-66 on December 15, 1973. Mike gets a little sloppy with his facts.
@@frederickrapp5396 Thanks for the knowledge. By the way Walton always lamented how that loss still haunts him.
You didn't see Pete Rose in '62, Mike.
First for the Big Guy
LOVED WALTON AND UCLA❤️💙🌈
We grew up watching the big red head dominate collage basketball May the four winds blow you safely home
I don't remember big Mike spending this much time discussing Stan Lee's death.
Why would he care or talk about Stan Lee??
Can I get a “Throw it down, big fella.”
That PORTLAND team was the worst team to ever win a championship! WALTON was more than half the team!
i put walton way ahead of Jabbar and Shaq said he was WEAK!
Let's not get crazy and emotional. KAREEM IS THE GOAT OF COLLEGE BASKETBALL! WALTON IS #2
Based on what?
@@turkwendell6904 If I have to explain to you, obviously you know nothing about college basketball and the HISTORY of it.
@@georgeoshust793 So we'll just go with I'm right you're wrong since you can't back up what you're saying or even try. Better luck next time
@@turkwendell6904 You know nothing about basketball. I saw Kareem aka Lew Alcobdor play in college. All anyone needed with a scintilla of basketball knowledge was the naked eye and that will tell you that KAREEM is the greatest college player ever! I'm not wasting my time with you.
@@georgeoshust793 This has become super embarrassing for you. You can't backup anything you said or even try. Instead some arrogant nothing stuff. No one cares if you saw him play. Better luck next time. Maybe you can figure out how to backup an opinion
Mike has gone woke. Girls can go watch a baseball game.😂
MLB is clueless
I lived for the 2 for 1 double headers,every year it was tradition....Shea Stadium,2 vs the St Louis Cardinals
Scripted nba: the night bill walton dies at age 71, the last team he won a title with, the Celtics, were tied 71-71 on their way to nba finals. SCRIPTED BREAD AND CIRCUSES FOR HALF WITS...
Dereck rose is modern day Walton
Not even a comparison 😂
We get this nonsense but next to nothing on the Rangers. Criminal.
A great died show some class. But you’re a rangers fan so what did I expect
Well the Rangers are alive ! Bill Walton isn't ! I think his death is a little bit more important to talk about at this moment
@@AnthonyScarpa-er3sq Not really, he spends enough time on basketball
@@AnthonyScarpa-er3sq Alive but we need more out of 10, 20, 23, 93, can’t keep relying on depth guys to score
Dude the coverage of hockey is proportional to the amount of people interested- I’m probably like a lot of people who don’t watch the regular season but will watch the incredible Stanley Cup playoffs but might watch 1-5 regular season games at most
Michael i thought if anyone you'd know not to say happy memorial day.. its pretty fuckin obvious that theres nothing happy about the most solemn day for America.. so wake the fuck up and get your shit together