All Rise Boston with Diane Godfrey

PHILIP BALBONI, BROADCAST & NEWS MEDIA ICON

Have you ever wondered whose brainchild it was while you’re sitting watching a fabulous TV show or enjoying a news website? If so, this episode is for you. It was a privilege to chat with Phil Balboni recently. His pioneering contributions to broadcast and cable TV are extraordinary. A former vice president and news director of WCVB-TV Boston (Channel 5), he created and launched “Chronicle” a nightly news magazine, making it a staple of local journalism for over forty years. He has had his fingers in all facets of the news and broadcasting industry for years, including notable projects such as New England Cable News (NECN) and the subscription-based Daily Chatter newsletter, which showcases his versatility and influence. He’s a Vietnam vet, and beyond his achievements, his service strengthens his reputation as dependable, inspiring respect and admiration among the audience.

TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALLGAME WITH BILL “SPACEMAN” LEE

    I recently caught up with Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Bill Lee at the West Newton Theatre in West Newton, Mass., where he promoted the independent baseball film, Eephus, in which he stars as himself.     Lee, a left-handed pitcher, is famous for developing the Leephus pitch, a variety of the Eephus pitch.  He used the Leephus pitch in the 1975 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds, which many consider the best match-up ever.     Lee was on the roster for ten years with the Red Sox and later with the Montreal Expos.  It was clear to me he never tires of the game.  He still plays on various teams, including the lively exhibition team, the Savannah Bananas.   Although Bill Lee IS baseball, he is so much more.  He makes maple syrup and logs wood on his New England farm, which is manufactured into professional baseball bats in a factory in Massachusetts.     I found him witty, engaging, and relentlessly kind.  He told me he regularly goes around Vermont picking up trash off the ground.  He is one with Mother Earth.     Meeting with Lee was a fun way to spend a lazy Sunday morning.  I am honored to present to you this conversation with Bill Lee.

EEPHUS – An independent film about America’s Favorite Pastime 

I caught up recently with Carson Lund, the director and co-writer of the independent film Eephus, and a New England native who grew up in New Hampshire.  Carson, a cinematographer and film editor, holds a BA in Film Production from Emerson College in Boston.  In an impromptu chat at the Dedham Community Theatre in Dedham, Massachusetts, I quickly learned that an “eephus” is a pitch rarely used in baseball but carries a significant metaphorical meaning in the 98-minute film.  Eephus is Lund’s first major film project; it premiered in 2024 at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival, a testament to its high-quality emotional impact.  The film was released in the United States on March 7th, 2025. Set in the 1990s, Eephus is a comedy-drama about an amateur New England baseball league in a small town in central Massachusetts (it was filmed at Soldier Field in Douglas, MA).  The Adler’s Paint baseball team faces the Riverdogs in one last game before their ballfield is demolished to make room for a new school.  The film stars Keith William Richards (“Phil” in the 2019’s Uncut Gems) in his first lead role.  Boston Red Sox pitching legend Bill “Spaceman” Lee appears as Lee. Eephus has garnered rave reviews:  100% on Rotten Tomatoes, 83 on Metacritic, and 7.9 on IMDB.com.  You don’t need to be a baseball fan to love this cinematic gem, as the real star of the film is the nostalgic and humorous portrayal of an essential part of small-town life in bygone New England.

A Sandwich Lover’s Mecca – Sam LaGrassa’s  44 Province Street, Boston  

Sam LaGrassa’s Deli, situated just off the Freedom Trail, is an excellent spot to refuel during your walking tour of Boston.  Since 1968, this family-operated sandwich mecca has been piling the meats high.  Hats off to the Rumanian pastrami & Swiss on light rye.  Honorable mention to the pickles.  Sure, LaGrassa’s swarms with locals at lunchtime so you know it’s good, but don’t be put off – the line moves quickly. Each sandwich can easily feed to adult appetites.  Leave room for the 7-layer bar for dessert.  Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available.  It’s pricey but worth it!  Open Monday through Friday, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Closed on weekends.  Parking:  Forget about it.

ALL RISE BOSTON WITH DIANE GODFREY TRAILER EPISODE

Creative podcasters welcome the chance to spread their wings and try something new. After a very successful series of “true crime” podcasts, Diane Godfrey is now pursuing her passion for sharing stories about the people, places and things she loves about her fair City of Boston. We talk about the adventure Diane is about to begin which will have her out and about at local restaurants, cultural landmarks and interviewing fascinating people, including celebrities, who make Boston what it is, “The Hub of the Universe.” You’re invited to come along for the ride!