Open the “junk drawer.”

I believe it’s safe to say that all of us at one time had a “junk drawer.” It was the drawer that had paperclips, coins, pens, stamps, receipts, old photos, and likely other family-related items. I have referenced this in the past.

This week’s version of my Yesterday column – reminiscing about sports and pop culture from the 1960s, ‘70s, ‘80s and sometimes before and beyond – I’ll review a ‘junk drawer” column filled with some June-related and summer events – such as the NBA draft and Willie Mays’ recent death – as well as some miscellaneous items.

Also, I’ll explain where the baseball term “June Swoon” came from, answer the question ‘who was Sonny King’, see if you remember the first network to telecast the NBA draft, and write about a cartoon character that just celebrated its 70th birthday.

Say Hey Says Goodbye ... There has been voluminous information about Mays the last few days, and it would be redundant to review the obvious facts and stats.

Instead, here are some of Mays’s memories from things that happened off the field.

Over the years, Mays endorsed his share of products from a baseball glove – I had one of his – to Alaga pancake syrup.

The “Say Hey Kid” was also banned from the game along with Mickey Mantle in 1979 by then commissioner Bowie Kuhn for doing promotional work at the Bally’s Park Place Hotel and Casino in Atlantic City. I remember his involvement and wanted to try and see him there but never did. Kuhn’s successor, Peter Ueberroth, reinstated Mays and Mantle in 1985.

Mays and teammate Willie McCovey reportedly sold cars in the offseason, as it was customary for many players to have a second job.

I also remember Mays’ name linked to a Pitch Back – you remember those? – and wiffle balls and bats. There were other items, but I couldn’t place any at his time. Feel free to let me know if you remember others.

No Draft Dodging ... In 1980, the NBA draft debuted on the USA network. Purdue’s Joe Barry Carroll was the top overall pick for the Golden State Warriors.

Looking back, it was a primitive setup with written rounds at the top and also the player selected. The event was held in the gymnasium of New York’s downtown Sheraton Hotel. If you recall, it looked more like a high school draft.

Speaking of the USA Network, did any of you watch Up All Night (1989-98) with Rhonda Shear and Gilbert Gottfried?

Starting in 1985, TBS took over the draft as part of its NBA package and home-spun Ernie Johnson began his career that is still going strong today. Along with Johnson, you have to remember the late and beloved sideline reporter Craig Sager for his colorful sports jackets.

Eventually, ESPN would increase its presence in the country and they would take over draft coverage.

Next week, I’ll look at some of the Sixers’ all-time picks after next Thursday’s draft.

June Swoon ... We all have heard that term during the baseball season, but how did it begin?

The term’s beginnings were associated with the San Francisco Chronicle, which used the term to describe a Giants’ 1962 six-game losing streak as a customary “June swoon” under the headline of “Deep Analysis of June Swoon.”

Until the mid-80s, the Giants had a losing record in June. However, they currently have a winning June record (1,989-1,728 all-time). Unfortunately, the Phillies currently have a losing June record with a 1,749-1,970 all-time mark in the month.

Underrated Eagles and Flyers ... In last week’s column, I listed some of my underrated Phillies and Sixers.

Here’s my list of some underrated Eagles:

David Akers, steady kicker; Keith Byars, productive running back and pass catcher; Eric Allen, solid cornerback; Bill Bradley, steady safety, punter, and return man for some bad teams; Andre Waters, blue-collar, hitting safety for Buddy’s Ryan boys; and Seth Joyner, another one of Buddy’s boys who was underappreciated.

I didn’t put legendary running back Steve Van Buren, and linebacker/center Chuck Bednarik in this category because they were both unsung heroes and stars in their playing days and fully recognized after their retirements.

These players should have been “higher Flyers”:

Bob “The Hound” Kelly, who was a true grinder, not just a fighter; Tim Kerr, whose offensive talent was never truly appreciated: Andre “Moose’ Dupont, not just a good but an all-around defenseman; Tom “T.J.” Gorence, a steady scorer; Larry Goodenough, an underrated defenseman who could score; Bill Clement, a consistent center who was in the shadows; Murray Craven, another consistent scorer; Rick Tocchet, an inspirational player with a strong offensive output and had coaching in his blood; and finally, GM Keith “The Thief” Allen, who lived up to his nickname in trades and drafts.

Devilish Ways ... Yesterday (June 20), the Tasmanian Devil made his debut in the cartoon world in 1954. He has crossed our path more than once in 70 years.

Bernie’s Baggage ... On June 3, 1972, Bernie Parent agreed to a five-year, $700,000 deal (that included a car, boat, and a house) with the WHA’s Miami’s Screaming Eagles, who were a short-lived franchise. The team couldn’t find an arena and relocated to Philadelphia. It was the only time – a brief one – when Philadelphia had two pro hockey teams.

At the time, the Blazers also lured Flyer fan favorite Andre Lacroix and former controversial Bruins standout Derek Sanderson to their unit. They made Sanderson the highest-paid athlete at the time with a five-year, 2.72 million pact.

Parent did lead the league with 33 victories, but he had a 3.61 goals against average. He had a contract dispute during the 1972 playoffs and wished to return to the NHL, where Toronto owned him.

In turn, they traded him to the Flyers for Doug Favell - and it all began as he became one of the franchise’s most legendary players.

On the Dial ... On this date in 1964, the No. 1 song was “A World Without Love,” by Peter and Gordon. In 1974 , it was the classic, “Billy, Don’t Be A Hero,” by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods. Cydni Lauper topped the charts in 1984 with “Time After Time.”

Some of the other summer songs we may remember are Seals and Crofts’ chart-topper “Summer Breeze” (top 10 of mine ) in 1972, and Billy Stewart’s “Summertime” which reached No. 1 in 1966.

WWF/WWE Wrestling Wrap ... Each week, I’ll recount a former wrestler from our past.

Do you remember Sonny King? He joined the WWF in 1970 and teamed with Chief Jay Strongbow to win WWF Tag Team title in 1972 with a victory over Baron Mikel Scicluna and King Curtis.

King, whose real name is Larry Johnson, was a boxer before he became a wrestler and also claimed individual and tag-team titles in the AWA and NWA.

According to Cagematch.com, King wrestled 1,112 matches and was successful in 561 of them from 1968 through 1991. He also briefly managed the Samoans.

Memory Lane ... Each week, I’ll look back at a former athlete, manager, head coach , or media personality from our yesterday.

In keeping with the aforementioned TNT, do you remember announcer Skip Caray? He was the son of legendary Cubs announcer Harry Caray. The younger Caray began calling Braves’ games for TBS in 1976. In 1977 when TBS went national, Braves’ games were carried from coast-to-coast.

Caray called Braves’ games on TNT and the Braves’ radio network for 33 years until his death in August 2008.

One of his sons is Chip Caray, who was with the Braves from 2005-22 before he joined Bally’s Sports Network Midwest to broadcast Cardinals’ games.

Feedback ... Your comments, thoughts, and ideas are always welcomed at tnports@tnonline.com