THE LEGEND OF UNDERDOG

A friend of mine refers to THE UNDERDOG as the “Keyser Soze” of the sports service industry. He’s not far off. To me, he’s more like Howard Hughes, The Wizard of Oz, and Santa Claus all rolled into one. I’ve been following this guy since the late 70’s. I’ve heard people say that Underdog was originally from New Jersey. I was around and betting at the time and I know that isn’t true. The N.J. outfit was called Underdog Incorporated, and they were a third rate outfit, trying to capitalize on the sudden disappearance of the real article. You used to be able to sign up with Underdog, but that was over 20 years ago. Why he decided to fly the coup is a mystery to everyone. Believe me, I’ve made inquiries.

Here’s what I’ve been able to find out. Don Wagner’s Underdog is a figment of his imagination. The real U-Dog does not take new clients. The customers he had way back when, can buy his plays for $100 per game, and must pay six games in advance, win or lose. The money is sent to different P.O. boxes across the country. You don’t call him, he calls you. The plays come very late. He never plays more than one game a day, and only on a full card. There’s no disputing the fact that he flat out wins.