The Squid Toss: A Classic Rick & Scott Radio Moment

The Squid Toss: A Classic Rick & Scott Radio Moment

Here’s a memorable moment from the Rick & Scott radio archives that still makes me laugh.

Back in the 1990s, Rovin’ Ralph set up shop in a parking lot near the corner of East Beltline and 28th Street in Grand Rapids, Michigan. His mission? Give listeners a chance to toss squid in an effort to help the Detroit Red Wings get back on track in the playoffs.

Yes, you read that correctly. We were throwing squid in a parking lot.

If you’re familiar with Detroit Red Wings hockey, you probably know about the tradition of throwing octopuses onto the ice. Somehow, our radio show managed to put its own unusual spin on that tradition.

But not everybody appreciated our little promotional stunt.

A woman named Diane Johnson called the show to express her displeasure, and the resulting conversation became one of those classic radio moments that listeners still remember years later.

The recording is believed to be from 1996, although I haven’t confirmed the exact date.

Have a listen!

t’s amazing how a silly radio stunt from decades ago can still bring back so many memories.

And judging by some of the comments on this post, I’m not the only one who remembers this particular call!

I’ve always been the kind of person who notices the things other people overlook — strange roadside attractions, forgotten pieces of history, unusual places, odd trends, and the little things in everyday life that make you stop and say, “Wait... when did that become normal?” That curiosity is really what this blog is all about. I’m especially drawn to the stories hiding in plain sight: a forgotten piece of Michigan history, a roadside attraction you’d never know was there, an old building with a story behind it, or some completely ordinary part of modern life that suddenly seems ridiculous when you think about it for more than five seconds. Some days you’ll find a fascinating history story here. Other days I may take you along on a road trip, dig into something weird from Michigan’s past, share an interesting discovery, or simply rant about something in modern life that makes absolutely no sense. I don’t pretend to have all the answers. I just enjoy asking the questions, digging around for the stories, and sharing the interesting things I find along the way. My goal is simple: Keep looking. Keep learning. And keep things interesting.

5 Comments

  1. Darla
    August 14, 2016 - 11:53 am

    One of my all time favorite callers! Hilarious!

    Reply
  2. Denise
    August 14, 2016 - 1:17 pm

    “If you keep talking to me like this, you’ll never get me in bed.” Oh my word…so funny!

    Reply
    • Joanne
      August 17, 2018 - 11:06 am

      That is the best!!! Such classic Beckett lines…”If you keep talking to me like this, you’ll never get me in bed!” And the invite to Red Lobster!!! Thanks Rick…..you are still making us laugh!!!!!

      Reply
  3. Tom
    August 23, 2018 - 5:29 pm

    OMG!!!!!! This is awesome. I forgot how awesome this was. And this was just a few weeks before Ralph shot the deer on air.

    Reply

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