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Nestor Aparicio

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Are you Tuckered out on that zero-tolerance policy?

Nestor Aparicio

Methinks we’re kinda getting to the point where we’ll soon hear from “your people” in a two-sentence press release on the team website about the future of the kicking department of the Baltimore Ravens. Probably after lunch on Friday, the way all the cowards in your industry drop the news they want to bury. Not-so-bold prediction: Justin Tucker has kicked his last kick for your franchise.

McCallum: All of the April issues that ail Birdland

Nestor Aparicio

It’s getting late kinda early this spring as the Baltimore Orioles have provided an April thud. Our venerable Birdland (former) insider Allen McCallum joins Nestor once again for their 30th anniversary season of talking baseball, new ownership, payroll and some wisdom on the importance of pitching.

Assessing the Charlie Morton disaster

Nestor Aparicio

After a 24-2 beat down in his latest start, Luke Jones and Nestor wonder what happens next for Charlie Morton and the Baltimore Orioles’ beleaguered starting rotation with the season teetering in the wrong direction (already). Bad times in Birdland and no answers for the injured and American League’s worst rotation. Up next: the Washington Nationals.

ColumnNes: My letter to Orioles President Catie Griggs

Nestor Aparicio

This month, I’ve had many Orioles fans ask me on the streets of Baltimore why David Rubenstein, a full year into his new ownership and trying to spread a different image from Peter Angelos with a stunt like this bobblehead promotion this weekend, would continue to deny me legitimate press credentials after 40 years of covering Baltimore sports. So, I wrote this letter to new President Catie Griggs a month ago, a week before Opening Day:

Breaking The Modell Law (and other crimes) in Cleveland, Ohio

Nestor Aparicio

At the turn of the century, Bernard Bokenyi was the Executive Producer of Nasty Nationwide on Sporting News Radio in Chicago but his sports heart was always in Cleveland. Nestor reaches to his seasoned media pal to discuss American democracy, Ohio stadium money and the criminals in Washington upending the Constitution. Oh, and the Browns in last place again…

Pitching problems persist for scuffling Orioles heading to desert

Nestor Aparicio

The Orioles haven’t won a series so far this season and head to Arizona a sub-.500 effort with some glaring problems. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the injuries, lack of pitching depth, defensive miscues and streaky bats of the Birds as the lineups of Brandon Hyde and institutional philosophy of Mike Elias collide on the field.

R.I.P. Mister Costas Triantafilos – the loss of a legendary man in Dundalk

Nestor Aparicio

Costas Triantafilos was a giant of a man in my community because his presence was omnipresent. His authenticity, beauty and kindness, displayed over a lifetime, leave no words here that will ever convey. Not many folks know a community like Dundalk, a place like Costas Inn or a man like the man whose life and business was profiled by Vice just 15 months ago, capturing his absolute essence brilliantly.

IMG 2580

Chapter 6: Baseball punched me a ticket to see The World

Nestor Aparicio

Ever watch a baseball game from far away and think: “It’d be cool to see that ballpark?” That was what inspired Nestor to see the world and chase Baltimore sports anywhere a plane would take him. And that was long before 30 MLB ballparks in 30 days in 2015.

Hitting it big – on or off the field

Nestor Aparicio

As the Home Run Riches hits it deep with Orioles baseball this week, John Martin of The Maryland Lottery has big news on bigger jackpots and a new twist on an enduring Mega game.

Chapter 3: My Pop and Little League in Dundalk

Nestor Aparicio

What are your Little League memories of youth? Here’s how Nestor fell in love with baseball at rec leagues at Colgate, Eastwood and Berkshire in Dundalk with his Pop as an umpire and manager for kids. And the tales of the diamond that last a lifetime…

My good walk of deep admiration and sportswriting on the brink with John Feinstein

Nestor Aparicio

John Feinstein and I had an awkwardly weird and beautiful friendship that had been strengthened by deep conversation and mutual respect over the last two decades since we somehow found ourselves in Brian Billick’s coaching office after games in stadia all over the country during the 2004 season. I know so many of you will miss his work. I will miss him.

The Ovechkin Fountain of Youth and fire on ice with snow on the mountain

Nestor Aparicio

Yes, the Fountain Dive of the 2018 Stanley Cup hangover celebration has been memorialized, but Ovechkin is still not done making memories for Caps fans. Leonard Raskin and Nestor discuss the fire of The Great Eight and the ice of the Justin Tucker scandal in their weekly podcast chat.

So hard saying goodbye to Simmer, my first friend in professional sports

Nestor Aparicio

“Simmer” – I’m not sure anyone I ever knew called him Shawn – left us this morning and all I can hear is the tone of his voice and his gentleness and polite Canadian demeanor. And my mind is mired in my adolescence in the 1980s, covering hockey and these special players who were all my age, trying to make it just like I was trying to be a sports journalist. We were 18 year-old kids when we met.

Nestor Aparicio media guy

My fall journalism “Declaration of Independence” – Breaking ‘kayfabe’ on how we’re going to cover Orioles and Ravens after 40 years

Nestor Aparicio

What does it say that Nestor Aparicio has been professionally bullied, gaslit and banned by Orioles and Ravens ownership after four decades of covering Baltimore sports as a professional reporter, author and journalist? Plenty. About billionaires, money, fealty and the death of local sports journalism and the emergence of team websites as monopoly “news” sources. Read and learn…

Legendary Dickey Betts educates Nestor about Allman Brothers history and peace with Gregg

Nestor Aparicio

Back during their first reunion in 1990, then-syndicated music critic Nestor Aparicio had a chance to chat with guitarist Dickey Betts about The Allman Brothers. “You know, we worked together with 20 years, and we had our differences, and they don’t amount to that much,” Betts said about Gregg Allman. “Even Jesus Christ had differences with his disciples…”

Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads burns down the house with Nestor in late 1980s chat

Nestor Aparicio

Some bands break up and never reunite. And forty years later, the music of Talking Heads has only aged gracefully and wistfully and joyfully. Back in the late 1980s during his time as a music critic at The Baltimore Evening Sun, Nestor Aparicio had a chance to talk about music, David Byrne and the magic of Talking Heads with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Harrison.

Ravens Browns logos

The January march to February begins by beating the lowly Browns

Nestor Aparicio

Plenty has gone right for the Baltimore Ravens this season regarding good health, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry and historic offensive productivity. The defense and special teams problems feel like ancient history as the team carries a three-game winning streak and are a gaudy 18-point favorite to finish off the AFC North crown with a victory over the lowly Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon. Luke Jones and Nestor set the stage for a January path to February.

Lamar hips

A Lamary little Christmas in big Texans win

Nestor Aparicio

The past 11 days have emphasized the potential for greatness for this Baltimore Ravens team. Luke Jones and Nestor recap a Christmas clinic in Houston as the Ravens embarrassed the Texans in a 31-2 rout as Derrick Henry ran over the AFC South champions.

ColumnNes: Big plays, big hits and Ravens showed no quit against Steelers

Nestor Aparicio

The Ravens talked all week about being locked in, and in the end, they were. Creating turnovers. And even landing on your own fumbles. It all matters this time of year. Turnovers turn over games. The Steelers made too many mistakes. Russell Wilson fumbled early and got picked late. Ballgame.

LIVVing his best life, former Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton shares story of his patented athletic headphone

Nestor Aparicio

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton has stayed in touch with WNST ever since the day he was drafted 20 years ago and was a frequent guest on our Monday Night Live shows. Now an entrepreneur, the former first-round draft pick from Oklahoma tells Nestor his unlikely journey into the world of premium sound, full body athletic movement and finding a headset that goes where you wanna go when you are trying to break a sweat.

Doubling back again with ZZ Top

Nestor Aparicio

Not many bands insisted on inviting then-youthful Baltimore Sun music critic Nestor Aparicio backstage after a concert for an interview – but ZZ Top insisted back in January 1991. Turns out when Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of the little Texas band welcomed him into their dressing room for a post-show at the Capital Centre, it was all about their work with the Delta Blues Museum. For the record, the most accommodating rock stars ever…

MD Lottery jackpot

Hitting it big for the holidays

Nestor Aparicio

With both jackpots soaring for the holidays, John Martin of Maryland Lottery gets seasonal with holiday winners and scratch-off success with Nestor as Mega Millions and Powerball grow and glow with possibilities.

Getting some modern realities of sports wagering at Greenmount Station

Nestor Aparicio

We’ve been doing radio shows at Greenmount Station in Hampstead for almost 15 years with our pal Chris Richards. This time for the Maryland Crab Cake Tour, Tim Lohrfink from the sports wagering side of the OTB in Carroll County comes aboard to provide some sports wagering realities now that the mobile side has become easier and more mature in Maryland.

Nestor crab cakes

The Maryland Crab Cake Tour schedule for the holidays is here:

Nestor Aparicio

There’s no place like home for the holidays and no one more makes us feel more warm and welcome during December than our incredible sponsors, friends, supporters and local businesses that power us up all year-round. The Maryland Crab Cake Tour is back on the road for the egg nog, conversations, conviviality and fellowship over some seasonal treats and shipping the best of Baltimore anywhere you – or loved ones – will be this holiday season.

Lamar Jackson Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens

#ColumnNes: Steel trying to figure out how to win in Pittsburgh

Nestor Aparicio

The Baltimore Ravens are not playing smart football. The lack of discipline across the board has reared its head and leaves them as indistinct as their 7-4 mark headed to face to the Chargers.

They are the most penalized team in the NFL. And continually adding to the resume.

They have earned the distinction of the 32nd-ranked team against the pass. Somehow, the Steelers even managed to run for 122 yards on them on Sunday.

Time to talk Election Week and what matters in Maryland

Nestor Aparicio

Four-decade local journalist Josh Kurtz of Maryland Matters joins Nestor to discuss the many issues, campaigns and dollars being worked during Election Week 2024 and the issues that matter most to voters here and all over the United States of America. Democracy dies in darkness.

The Urban Oyster benedict Hampden

Day 4: Maryland Oyster Tour A divine brunch in Hampden with fritter Benedict deliciousness

Nestor Aparicio

We can’t say that we’ve ever had an oyster fritter. And certainly never on savory french toast covered with a perfectly poached egg glazed in scrumptious velvety Hollandaise. Day 4 of The Maryland Oyster Tour took Nestor to Hampden and the absolutely divine oyster fritter and eggs Benedict at The Urban Oyster on The Avenue for Sunday brunch. This might’ve been the best thing we tasted on the tour!

Dear Steve Bisciotti: Are you Tuckered out on that zero-tolerance policy?

Nestor Aparicio

Methinks we’re kinda getting to the point where we’ll soon hear from “your people” in a two-sentence press release on the team website about the future of the kicking department of the Baltimore Ravens. Probably after lunch on Friday, the way all the cowards in your industry drop the news they want to bury. Not-so-bold prediction: Justin Tucker has kicked his last kick for your franchise.

McCallum: All of the April issues that ail Birdland

Nestor Aparicio

It’s getting late kinda early this spring as the Baltimore Orioles have provided an April thud. Our venerable Birdland (former) insider Allen McCallum joins Nestor once again for their 30th anniversary season of talking baseball, new ownership, payroll and some wisdom on the importance of pitching.

Assessing the Charlie Morton disaster

Nestor Aparicio

After a 24-2 beat down in his latest start, Luke Jones and Nestor wonder what happens next for Charlie Morton and the Baltimore Orioles’ beleaguered starting rotation with the season teetering in the wrong direction (already). Bad times in Birdland and no answers for the injured and American League’s worst rotation. Up next: the Washington Nationals.

ColumnNes: My letter to Orioles President Catie Griggs

Nestor Aparicio

This month, I’ve had many Orioles fans ask me on the streets of Baltimore why David Rubenstein, a full year into his new ownership and trying to spread a different image from Peter Angelos with a stunt like this bobblehead promotion this weekend, would continue to deny me legitimate press credentials after 40 years of covering Baltimore sports. So, I wrote this letter to new President Catie Griggs a month ago, a week before Opening Day:

Breaking The Modell Law (and other crimes) in Cleveland, Ohio

Nestor Aparicio

At the turn of the century, Bernard Bokenyi was the Executive Producer of Nasty Nationwide on Sporting News Radio in Chicago but his sports heart was always in Cleveland. Nestor reaches to his seasoned media pal to discuss American democracy, Ohio stadium money and the criminals in Washington upending the Constitution. Oh, and the Browns in last place again…

Pitching problems persist for scuffling Orioles heading to desert

Nestor Aparicio

The Orioles haven’t won a series so far this season and head to Arizona a sub-.500 effort with some glaring problems. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the injuries, lack of pitching depth, defensive miscues and streaky bats of the Birds as the lineups of Brandon Hyde and institutional philosophy of Mike Elias collide on the field.

R.I.P. Mister Costas Triantafilos – the loss of a legendary man in Dundalk

Nestor Aparicio

Costas Triantafilos was a giant of a man in my community because his presence was omnipresent. His authenticity, beauty and kindness, displayed over a lifetime, leave no words here that will ever convey. Not many folks know a community like Dundalk, a place like Costas Inn or a man like the man whose life and business was profiled by Vice just 15 months ago, capturing his absolute essence brilliantly.

IMG 2580

Chapter 6: Baseball punched me a ticket to see The World

Nestor Aparicio

Ever watch a baseball game from far away and think: “It’d be cool to see that ballpark?” That was what inspired Nestor to see the world and chase Baltimore sports anywhere a plane would take him. And that was long before 30 MLB ballparks in 30 days in 2015.

Hitting it big – on or off the field

Nestor Aparicio

As the Home Run Riches hits it deep with Orioles baseball this week, John Martin of The Maryland Lottery has big news on bigger jackpots and a new twist on an enduring Mega game.

Chapter 3: My Pop and Little League in Dundalk

Nestor Aparicio

What are your Little League memories of youth? Here’s how Nestor fell in love with baseball at rec leagues at Colgate, Eastwood and Berkshire in Dundalk with his Pop as an umpire and manager for kids. And the tales of the diamond that last a lifetime…

My good walk of deep admiration and sportswriting on the brink with John Feinstein

Nestor Aparicio

John Feinstein and I had an awkwardly weird and beautiful friendship that had been strengthened by deep conversation and mutual respect over the last two decades since we somehow found ourselves in Brian Billick’s coaching office after games in stadia all over the country during the 2004 season. I know so many of you will miss his work. I will miss him.

The Ovechkin Fountain of Youth and fire on ice with snow on the mountain

Nestor Aparicio

Yes, the Fountain Dive of the 2018 Stanley Cup hangover celebration has been memorialized, but Ovechkin is still not done making memories for Caps fans. Leonard Raskin and Nestor discuss the fire of The Great Eight and the ice of the Justin Tucker scandal in their weekly podcast chat.

So hard saying goodbye to Simmer, my first friend in professional sports

Nestor Aparicio

“Simmer” – I’m not sure anyone I ever knew called him Shawn – left us this morning and all I can hear is the tone of his voice and his gentleness and polite Canadian demeanor. And my mind is mired in my adolescence in the 1980s, covering hockey and these special players who were all my age, trying to make it just like I was trying to be a sports journalist. We were 18 year-old kids when we met.

Nestor Aparicio media guy

My fall journalism “Declaration of Independence” – Breaking ‘kayfabe’ on how we’re going to cover Orioles and Ravens after 40 years

Nestor Aparicio

What does it say that Nestor Aparicio has been professionally bullied, gaslit and banned by Orioles and Ravens ownership after four decades of covering Baltimore sports as a professional reporter, author and journalist? Plenty. About billionaires, money, fealty and the death of local sports journalism and the emergence of team websites as monopoly “news” sources. Read and learn…

Legendary Dickey Betts educates Nestor about Allman Brothers history and peace with Gregg

Nestor Aparicio

Back during their first reunion in 1990, then-syndicated music critic Nestor Aparicio had a chance to chat with guitarist Dickey Betts about The Allman Brothers. “You know, we worked together with 20 years, and we had our differences, and they don’t amount to that much,” Betts said about Gregg Allman. “Even Jesus Christ had differences with his disciples…”

Jerry Harrison of Talking Heads burns down the house with Nestor in late 1980s chat

Nestor Aparicio

Some bands break up and never reunite. And forty years later, the music of Talking Heads has only aged gracefully and wistfully and joyfully. Back in the late 1980s during his time as a music critic at The Baltimore Evening Sun, Nestor Aparicio had a chance to talk about music, David Byrne and the magic of Talking Heads with Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Jerry Harrison.

Ravens Browns logos

The January march to February begins by beating the lowly Browns

Nestor Aparicio

Plenty has gone right for the Baltimore Ravens this season regarding good health, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry and historic offensive productivity. The defense and special teams problems feel like ancient history as the team carries a three-game winning streak and are a gaudy 18-point favorite to finish off the AFC North crown with a victory over the lowly Cleveland Browns on Saturday afternoon. Luke Jones and Nestor set the stage for a January path to February.

Lamar hips

A Lamary little Christmas in big Texans win

Nestor Aparicio

The past 11 days have emphasized the potential for greatness for this Baltimore Ravens team. Luke Jones and Nestor recap a Christmas clinic in Houston as the Ravens embarrassed the Texans in a 31-2 rout as Derrick Henry ran over the AFC South champions.

ColumnNes: Big plays, big hits and Ravens showed no quit against Steelers

Nestor Aparicio

The Ravens talked all week about being locked in, and in the end, they were. Creating turnovers. And even landing on your own fumbles. It all matters this time of year. Turnovers turn over games. The Steelers made too many mistakes. Russell Wilson fumbled early and got picked late. Ballgame.

LIVVing his best life, former Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton shares story of his patented athletic headphone

Nestor Aparicio

Former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Mark Clayton has stayed in touch with WNST ever since the day he was drafted 20 years ago and was a frequent guest on our Monday Night Live shows. Now an entrepreneur, the former first-round draft pick from Oklahoma tells Nestor his unlikely journey into the world of premium sound, full body athletic movement and finding a headset that goes where you wanna go when you are trying to break a sweat.

Doubling back again with ZZ Top

Nestor Aparicio

Not many bands insisted on inviting then-youthful Baltimore Sun music critic Nestor Aparicio backstage after a concert for an interview – but ZZ Top insisted back in January 1991. Turns out when Billy Gibbons and Dusty Hill of the little Texas band welcomed him into their dressing room for a post-show at the Capital Centre, it was all about their work with the Delta Blues Museum. For the record, the most accommodating rock stars ever…

MD Lottery jackpot

Hitting it big for the holidays

Nestor Aparicio

With both jackpots soaring for the holidays, John Martin of Maryland Lottery gets seasonal with holiday winners and scratch-off success with Nestor as Mega Millions and Powerball grow and glow with possibilities.

Getting some modern realities of sports wagering at Greenmount Station

Nestor Aparicio

We’ve been doing radio shows at Greenmount Station in Hampstead for almost 15 years with our pal Chris Richards. This time for the Maryland Crab Cake Tour, Tim Lohrfink from the sports wagering side of the OTB in Carroll County comes aboard to provide some sports wagering realities now that the mobile side has become easier and more mature in Maryland.

Nestor crab cakes

The Maryland Crab Cake Tour schedule for the holidays is here:

Nestor Aparicio

There’s no place like home for the holidays and no one more makes us feel more warm and welcome during December than our incredible sponsors, friends, supporters and local businesses that power us up all year-round. The Maryland Crab Cake Tour is back on the road for the egg nog, conversations, conviviality and fellowship over some seasonal treats and shipping the best of Baltimore anywhere you – or loved ones – will be this holiday season.

Lamar Jackson Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens

#ColumnNes: Steel trying to figure out how to win in Pittsburgh

Nestor Aparicio

The Baltimore Ravens are not playing smart football. The lack of discipline across the board has reared its head and leaves them as indistinct as their 7-4 mark headed to face to the Chargers.

They are the most penalized team in the NFL. And continually adding to the resume.

They have earned the distinction of the 32nd-ranked team against the pass. Somehow, the Steelers even managed to run for 122 yards on them on Sunday.

Time to talk Election Week and what matters in Maryland

Nestor Aparicio

Four-decade local journalist Josh Kurtz of Maryland Matters joins Nestor to discuss the many issues, campaigns and dollars being worked during Election Week 2024 and the issues that matter most to voters here and all over the United States of America. Democracy dies in darkness.

The Urban Oyster benedict Hampden

Day 4: Maryland Oyster Tour A divine brunch in Hampden with fritter Benedict deliciousness

Nestor Aparicio

We can’t say that we’ve ever had an oyster fritter. And certainly never on savory french toast covered with a perfectly poached egg glazed in scrumptious velvety Hollandaise. Day 4 of The Maryland Oyster Tour took Nestor to Hampden and the absolutely divine oyster fritter and eggs Benedict at The Urban Oyster on The Avenue for Sunday brunch. This might’ve been the best thing we tasted on the tour!

Picture of Nestor Aparicio

Nestor Aparicio

Baltimore Positive is the vision and the creative extension of four decades of sharing the love of local sports for this Dundalk native and University of Baltimore grad, who began his career as a sportswriter and music critic at The News American and The Baltimore Sun in the mid-1980s. Launched radio career in December 1991 with Kenny Albert after covering the AHL Skipjacks. Bought WNST-AM 1570 in July 1998, created WNST.net in 2007 and began diversifying conversations on radio, podcast and social media as Baltimore Positive in 2016. nes@baltimorepositive.com
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Telling the story of trying fix Baltimore in 1966

As our friend Dan Rodricks opens his latest sold-out Baltimore-themed theatre project, we welcomed Vanessa Eskridge and Chris Riehl from the cast of "No Mean City: Baltimore 1966" for a Maryland Crab Cake Tour stop to discuss the theme and…

Injuries open new path to an Opening Day roster spot in Birdland

As we watch selected spring training games on what's left of the MASN television network, we see opportunity and the summer ahead for the Baltimore Orioles. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Sarasota innings and at-bats and what they'll mean…

Dear John Harbaugh: The long fraud of your goodbye and $oft landing in The Big Apple

I’ve blessed myself with 60 days to give your rather abrupt departure here some time to fully decant – like a hair-raising, pellet gun plum Ravens vintage – and smelling that musty, stale aroma and a hint of that rancid…
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