tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85634510462950499552024-03-05T05:57:01.708-05:00Mantle World HBDHardball Dynasty's Mantle Worldtecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04966223782998641321noreply@blogger.comBlogger126125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-63578458277879774152014-08-08T12:00:00.000-04:002014-08-08T13:34:37.517-04:00Proposal to Eliminate Minor League Pitching Rule Soundly Defeated<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">A discussion in the Mantle world chat about the minor league pitching rule that was put in place effective with season 21 led to a proposal that the rule be repealed. The rule requires that all teams must keep healthy pitching staffs at all minor league levels. The proposal to repeal the rule was put up to a vote, and has been soundly defeated.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Final voting results are as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Yes (repeal the rule) - 8 votes (30.8%)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No (keep the existing rule in place) - 18 votes (69.2%)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No preference - 3 votes (not included)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Did not vote - 3</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Results: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong><span style="color: red;">DEFEATED</span> </strong></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">- </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">current rule to remain in place</span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">According to Mantle world rules, this rule must remain in place for at least another three seasons, and cannot be considered for repeal again until season 36.</span></span>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-21428906653732598842014-03-24T10:33:00.000-04:002014-06-05T10:42:33.288-04:00Season 32 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 32 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
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Geoffrey Blair - 14 <span style="color: blue;">(11)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Marino Tejera - 9 <span style="color: blue;">(7)</span> </span></span><br />
Damaso Lopez 7 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
John Kim - 6 <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Mitch Ledee -5 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span></span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Todd Webster - 4 <span style="color: blue;">(6)</span></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Omar Flores - 4 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span> </span></span><br />
Tyrone Hamilton -3 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
Omar Siqueiros - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span> <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Dick Orosco - 3</span></span> <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Jim Aurilia - 2<span style="color: blue;"></span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
Don Yoshii - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Domingo Pizzaro - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></span></span><br />
Roger Heath - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Carmine Byrd - 2</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Theo Davies - 2</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Giovanni Gray - 1</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">James Barnes - 1</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Midre Bonilla - 1</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Yorrick Benard - 1 </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Johan McInerney - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span></span><br />
John Blake - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Dennys Franco - 1 </span></span><br />
<br />tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-62489547233837201662013-12-22T10:22:00.000-05:002014-06-05T10:32:28.607-04:00Season 31 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 31 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
<br />
Gary Blake - 14 <span style="color: blue;">(14)</span><br />
Damaso Lopez -12 <span style="color: blue;">(10)</span><br />
Geoffrey Blair - 11<span style="color: blue;"></span><br />
Alfredo Valentin - 10 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Mitch Ledee - 8</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Marino Tejera - 7 </span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Todd Webster - 6 <span style="color: blue;">(5)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Domingo Pizzaro - 3 </span></span><br />
Pat Masao - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(6)</span><br />
Don Yoshii - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Roger Heath - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Johan McInerney - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></span><br />
Tyrone Hamilton -2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
Omar Siqueiros - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span> <br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Dick Orosco - 2</span></span> <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Kyle Stone - 1 </span></span><br />
Scott Hall - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
John Blake - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Peter Pong - 1</span></span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Omar Flores - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(6)</span> </span></span><br />
Carlos Barcelo - 1<br />
Tony Mendoza - 1tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-87656180094935123562013-09-20T10:05:00.000-04:002014-06-05T10:15:57.199-04:00Season 30 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 30 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
<br />
Gary Blake - 14 <span style="color: blue;">(14)</span><br />
Damaso Lopez -10 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
Mark Parker - 10 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
Ahmed Sanford - 9 <span style="color: blue;">(13)</span><br />
Alfredo Valentin - 8 <span style="color: blue;">(9)</span><br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="color: black;">Omar Flores - 6 </span></span><br />
Pat Masao - 6 <span style="color: blue;">(6)</span><br />
Cesar Urbina - 5 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Todd Webster - 5</span><br />
John Kim - 4 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Johan McInerney - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></span><br />
Dick Orosco - 2<br />
Omar Siqueiros - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span> <br />
Roger Heath - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Esteban Moreno - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Dan King - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
John Blake - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Dennys Franco - 1<br />
Don Yoshii - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
Yorrick Benard - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Tyrone Hamilton -1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Midre Bonilla -1</span> <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Scott Hall - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Bey Meacham - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Jim Aurilia - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-42609923472739578102013-06-22T09:51:00.000-04:002014-06-05T10:04:54.537-04:00Season 29 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 29 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
<br />
<b><span style="color: red;">Vance Collier - 20 <span style="color: blue;">(14)</span> (Elected)</span></b><br />
Gary Blake - 14 <span style="color: blue;">(16)</span><br />
Ahmed Sanford - 13 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
Damaso Lopez -12 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><br />
Mark Parker - 12 <span style="color: blue;">(7)</span><br />
Alfredo Valentin - 9 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><br />
Pat Masao - 6 <span style="color: blue;">(7)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Johan McInerney - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></span><br />
Don Yoshii - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
Cesar Urbina - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
Omar Siqueiros - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
John Kim -2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Tyrone Hamilton -2 <span style="color: blue;">(5)</span><br />
Rob Becker - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Midre Bonilla - 2<span style="color: blue;"></span></span><br />
Bey Meacham - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Scott Hall - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Dan King - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Esteban Moreno - 1<br />
Roger Heath - 1<br />
Harry Martinez - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Jim Aurilia - 1<br />
Yorrick Benard - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Joseph Yoshii - 1<br />
John Blake - 1<br />
Pablo Ordonez - 1 <br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"></span>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-73479189116612348492013-06-15T13:23:00.000-04:002013-06-15T13:24:17.694-04:00No Cash in Trades Before Rule 5 Freeze Rule Adopted<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">An accepted (and subsequently vetoed) trade during the pre-season in Mantle season 29 in which cash was being included in the deal at the start of the free agency period led to a fair amount of discussion in the world chat. A number of owners felt strongly that cash being exchanged in deals at this particular point in the season was giving the receiving owners an advantage during free agency. This led to a proposed new world rule which was put up for a vote, and has passed.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Starting in season 30, cash cannot be included in any trade before the Rule 5 freeze day. Any such trade that is offered and accepted should be vetoed by the other 30 owners in Mantle.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Final voting results are as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Yes - 15 votes (65.2%)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No - 8 votes (34.8%)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">No preference - 5 votes (not included)</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Did not vote - 4</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">Results: </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #6aa84f; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><strong>PASSED</strong></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"> - </span><span style="background-color: white; color: blue; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">rule to be adopted starting in season 30</span>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-3299644313832396462013-05-15T15:33:00.000-04:002013-05-15T15:33:44.138-04:00Commissioner's Challenge Award (S28)The "Commissioner's Challenge Award" is given to the team that had the most wins during the season without making the playoffs.<br />
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I'm happy to announce the season 28 winner of a $5 WIS Gift Certificate is tecwrg of the Scranton Apollos, whose 88 wins was just two games short of earning a post-season appearance.<br />
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1) 88 wins - Scranton Apollos (tecwrg)<br />
2t) 84 wins - Chicago Black Sox (tomq)<br />
2t) 84 wins - San Francisco Oles (evegoe)<br />
2t) 84 wins - Cincinnati Mini Men (raidersfan)<br />
5) 83 wins - Oklahoma City Power Failure (coneheads)<br />
6) 82 wins - Boston Minutemen (hawger)<br />
7t) 79 wins - Colorado Springs Mile High Marines (brendanjod)<br />
7t) 79 wins - Albuquerque Roadrunners (tedwmoore)<br />
9t) 76 wins - Jackson Bootleggers (rugrat)<br />
9t) 76 wins - Atlanta Blue (bkpeters)<br />
11t) 72 wins - Iowa City Hawksux (bjschumacher)<br />
11t) 72 wins - Washington D.C. Metros (jmaese)<br />
13t) 71 wins - Baltimore Honey Nut Cheerios (iain)<br />
13t) 71 wins - Toronto Eh's (mikeg740)<br />
15) 70 wins - Buffalo Blizzard (sir_slamalot)<br />
16) 63 wins - Rochester Rochy Road Rochstars (indiansrck27)<br />
17) 61 wins - Richmond Generals (dgtrache)<br />
18) 59 wins - Omaha Barn Owls (fireattack)<br />
19) 57 wins - Pawtucket Patriots (dudejustice)<br />
20) 56 wins - Florida Lockdown (welsh5)tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-16978685076575430652013-03-25T18:00:00.000-04:002013-03-25T18:00:01.990-04:00Season 28 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 28 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
<br />
<strong><span style="color: red;">Bill Hewson - 19 (Elected)</span></strong><br />
Gary Blake - 16 <span style="color: blue;">(9)</span><br />
Vance Collier - 14 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
Ahmed Sanford - 12 <span style="color: blue;">(10)</span><br />
Damaso Lopez - 8<br />
Alfredo Valentin - 8 <span style="color: blue;">(7)</span><br />
Pat Masao - 7 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Mark Parker - 7 <span style="color: blue;">(9)</span><br />
Tyrone Hamilton - 5<br />
Don Yoshii - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(6)</span><br />
Rob Becker - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(5)</span><br />
Cesar Urbina - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Dick Orosco - 3 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span></span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Johan McInerney - 3</span><br />
Omar Siqueiros - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Scott Hall - 1<br />
Bey Meacham - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Bronson Gibson - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Yorrick Benard - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Philip Ray - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Harry Martinez - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
John Kim - 1<br />
Paul Ishii - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Dan King - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-81986957666008025332013-03-22T18:00:00.000-04:002013-03-22T18:00:00.287-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - silentpadnaIn our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interview of season 28, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=silentpadna" target="_blank">silentpadna</a>, the new owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=98" target="_blank">Seattle People's Republic</a> franchise. The Evil Panda takes over a franchise that has gone through a lengthy rebuild but has not been able to get over the hump to the promised land of a World Series title. Padna is actually a returning owner, having won three Mantle World Series titles in a previous 13 season stint with the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=107" target="_blank">Norfolk/Pittsburgh</a> (currently Pawtucket) franchise. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HG08hwAOAUEemgKNu31-GtrBdT3KWXxX9mCT-VAf6PFavgjMASYZ0of7aCOl1NugR8PvtcAOm15YcPVDEVFAD2rkgTz_N8BSFGq4Lp0rEOcd058PDl3QitTfJrtHNs5UoiId7yVgbEg/s1600/seattle_atlanta_route.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HG08hwAOAUEemgKNu31-GtrBdT3KWXxX9mCT-VAf6PFavgjMASYZ0of7aCOl1NugR8PvtcAOm15YcPVDEVFAD2rkgTz_N8BSFGq4Lp0rEOcd058PDl3QitTfJrtHNs5UoiId7yVgbEg/s320/seattle_atlanta_route.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> I just turned 50, but have a young family which keeps me young and wears me out at the same time. I work in a technical profession because I can and it's what I’ve done. I'd rather be in business and finance, but I haven’t found that door to open yet. I'm from the Atlanta area now, but grew up in Seattle. That’s where my sports allegiances are. When I heard that Forbes report about a year or two ago that Atlanta was the "Second most miserable sports town in the US", as measured by local teams' sports success, I was happy. Why? Because I had just moved away from the most miserable….I'm still tied to my Seattle teams anyway.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> Hardball Dynasty takes all of my time of course. Nah, actually I like to follow my teams, I like to golf, bowl, play a little hoops when my ankle lets me. I like the Xbox as an outlet – the Madden, NCAA and sports games. I would not classify myself a "gamer" though in any sense. I enjoy political and philosophical discourse and sometimes the debate parts of that. I enjoy coaching my kids in sports when time allows, teaching them how to hack on the guitar (which is about my ability level – I hack by ear…).<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> I was a decent basketball player and played a little bit of that. I’m not an athlete per se – no natural speed or jumping ability. But I did have good hand-eye coordination and was able to develop skills through technique, practice, and game study. By the time I got later into high school, I was too busy with outside work, so even though I was good enough to make the team, I didn’t actually play varsity sports. I got better at that while in the Navy and played quite a bit in my 20s. I also was an avid bowler as a teenager (got way way way better later in life).<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> I like high character guys who get every last drop out of their abilities, but aren't "above everyone else". Locally, Steve Largent and Edgar Martinez qualify. The guys on my list are guys that I remember watching, not just guys my dad (a sports beat writer) liked before I even followed sports. My favorite guys to watch in terms of sheer athletic ability were Barry Sanders, Michael Jordan, Barry Bonds (even before the 'roids), Peyton Manning. Felix Hernandez is another high character guy with positively filthy stuff. I was following him when he was a 17 year old in rookie ball. You knew he was special, even then.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWC280mDuslZdKfeWWfZ38Sf5Zm_BoO07EBtMk_R0UKIK8b8NrH8_rRwIy3t-IWH78Fm4cJUIZrYsY-o1gWUF-gQaWnV0ATPYPD-X1QSFaclkg3S6XzDGoB5ayPEPYl5jIgGy7-0C5sc/s1600/pba-bowling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" psa="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYWC280mDuslZdKfeWWfZ38Sf5Zm_BoO07EBtMk_R0UKIK8b8NrH8_rRwIy3t-IWH78Fm4cJUIZrYsY-o1gWUF-gQaWnV0ATPYPD-X1QSFaclkg3S6XzDGoB5ayPEPYl5jIgGy7-0C5sc/s200/pba-bowling.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> I mentioned earlier that I was an avid bowler who got much better later in life. I actually toured with the PBA for one summer (1995). Never made the TV show. Although I was marginal on a national level, I was good enough to make money in regional events quite regularly and beating some of my "heroes" in match play in some of the tournaments was probably the best thing. My first 300 game (of many) back in 1984 also has to rank right up there. At that time, they were not nearly as common as they are today. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> Being a family man, my wedding and the births of our three kids all rank right at the top.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Silentpadna:</span></strong> I'm kinda built like a catcher these days, so I'd have to pick that. I'd be a catcher with an accurate, but not super strong arm, very high PC. I'd have moderate hitting ability as a switch hitter and gap power.<br />
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Thank you silentpadna for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-22366480034977844212013-03-19T18:00:00.000-04:002013-03-19T18:00:02.652-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - wilhitecIn our next "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interview of season 28, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=wilhitec" target="_blank">wilhitec</a>, the new owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=105" target="_blank">Monterrey Jacks</a> franchise. Wilhitec brings a solid track record with him as one of our newest owners. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> ...live in Cincinnati OH...mid 30's, married w/ 2 daughters...work as a finance manager for Coca Cola.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> I'm a big sports nut, especially football, college hoops, and NASCAR. I am also a Divison II college football official.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> I dabbled in baseball...but primarily Basketball, and Junior Olympic Volleyball for a couple of years.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> Fred McGriff...doesn't get the respect he deserves!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> I was in attendance at Tom Browning's perfect game for the Reds. There was a 2 hour rain delay before game, probably wouldn't have stayed, but by Dad had gotten suite tickets through his work. There may have only been less than 10k people truly there at the end of the game!<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> Birth of 2 daughters.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Wilhitec:</span></strong> RF...anybody can do it...right???!!!<br />
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Thank you wilhitec for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-13996666075936997272013-03-13T18:00:00.000-04:002013-03-13T18:00:01.248-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - bjschumacherIt's a new season, and we've got a new crop of owners joining (or rejoining) Mantle, so it's time to get to meet the new guys. In our first "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interview of season 28, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=bjschumacher" target="_blank">bjschumacher</a>, the new owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/hbd/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=117" target="_blank">Iowa City Hawksux</a> franchise. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Been a structural engineer since 1982. Recently started my own structural engineering firm. I have a loving wife, 3 grown sons, and one grand daughter. Live in eastern Iowa. Fan of the Iowa State Cyclones, along with the Kansas City and Chicago professional sports franchises.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Stock trading, golf, home brewing, Hawaii.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Some baseball and football, but not good enough to carry it into high school. Tiddlywinks - does that count?.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Wow, tough one. Always loved watching the Chiefs and Royals growing up, so Len Dawson, Otis Taylor, Buck Buchanan, Willie Lanier, Fred Patek, Amos Otis, Lou Piniella, George Brett, just to name a few. Oh, and have the ultimate respect for the late Walter Payton. The Fridge - not so much.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Leon Durham muffs it</td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Watching the Royals win Game 5 in St Louis in the 1985 World Series. Also will never forget the Cubs blowing a 2-0 game lead in the 1984 National League series to the Padres. Leon Durham, right though the legs ala Bill Buckner. And following the Bears in their 1985 1-loss Super Bowl season. Damn Dolphins. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Obviously raising my 3 boys, and my wedding day. Got way too drunk the night before, and almost missed it.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Bjschumacher:</span></strong> Statistician would be my best position. Love building spreadsheets and crunching numbers.<br />
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Thank you bjschumacher for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-42373776866665897092013-02-19T09:48:00.000-05:002013-02-19T09:49:02.591-05:00Commissioner's Challenge Award (S27)The "Commissioner's Challenge Award" is given to the team that had the most wins during the season without making the playoffs.<br />
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I'm happy to announce the season 27 winner of a $5 WIS Gift Certificate is deathinahole of the Wichita Judy Garlands, whose 85 wins was just three games short of earning a post-season appearance.<br />
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1) 85 wins - Wichita Judy Garlands (deathinahole)<br />
2) 84 wins - Boston Minutemen (hawger)<br />
3) 82 wins - San Francisco Oles (evegoe)<br />
4) 81 wins - Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes (MikeT23)<br />
5) 80 wins - Richmond Generals (dgtrache)<br />
6) 78 wins - Atlanta Blue (bkpeters)<br />
7t) 77 wins - Detroit Tigers (repsher)<br />
7t) 77 wins - Pawtucket Patriots (dudejustice)<br />
7t) 77 wins - Vancouver Fighting Skeletons (diryn)<br />
10) 76 wins - Arizona Arachnophobia (ericsomsel)<br />
11t) 73 wins - Burlington Catamounts (dwoolery)<br />
11t) 73 wins - Florida Lockdown (welsh5)<br />
13t) 72 wins - Baltimore Honey Nut Cheerios (iain)<br />
13t) 72 wins - Oklahoma City Power Failure (coneheads)<br />
15) 71 wins - Little Rock Cigars (shanklsa)<br />
16) 70 wins - Milwaukee Suds (battmann)<br />
17) 69 wins - Toronto Eh's (mikeg740)<br />
18) 68 wins - Scranton Apollos (tecwrg)<br />
19) 65 wins - Durham Bulls (bertrand93)<br />
20) 63 wins - Omaha Middle Americans (coachmoss)tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-11601921278359697362012-12-15T09:21:00.000-05:002013-02-19T09:33:56.207-05:00Season 27 Hall of Fame Voting ResultsHere are the complete results for Hall of Fame voting for season 27 <span style="color: blue;">(last season's votes in parenthesis):</span><br />
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Vance Collier - 12 <span style="color: blue;">(14)</span><br />
Ahmed Sanford - 10 <span style="color: blue;">(9)</span><br />
Mark Parker - 9 <span style="color: blue;">(12)</span><br />
Gary Blake - 9 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><br />
Cesar Urbina - 8 <span style="color: blue;">(8)</span><br />
Alfredo Valentin - 7 <span style="color: blue;">(4)</span><br />
Don Yoshii - 6 <span style="color: blue;">(4)</span><br />
Rob Becker - 5 <span style="color: blue;">(7)</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Dick Orosco - 3</span><br />
<span style="color: black;">Jim Aurilia - 3</span><br />
Bey Meacham - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(4)</span><br />
Pat Masao - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(3)</span><br />
Domingo Pizzaro - 2<br />
Omar Siqueiros - 2<br />
Paul Ishii - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Philip Ray - 2 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Yorrick Benard - 1<br />
Esteban Moreno - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Al Ramirez - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Jason Benes - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Tony Mendoza - 1<br />
Clay Runyan - 1<br />
Howie Curtis - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Dan King - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Harry Martinez - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(2)</span><br />
Goose Michalak - 1<br />
Bronson Gibson - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span><br />
Joseph Yoshii - 1 <span style="color: blue;">(1)</span>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-77273435235909100342012-12-14T18:00:00.001-05:002012-12-14T18:00:06.536-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - deathinaholeWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=deathinahole" target="_blank">deathinahole</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=122" target="_blank">Wichita Judy Garlands</a> franchise. DIAH joined Mantle at the beginning of the current season (season 27) and brings a unique style and personality with him. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> 45 year old married father of four daughters ranging in age from 17 to 22. Data analyst in a large general insurance company. Extremely whipped, but also stunningly good looking. Living with undiagnosed Aspergers syndrome.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> We have an acre in the country, so we have a hobby farm with chickens and rabbits, and hopefully next year a goat. Also trying to start my own business with an idea I've had developing for years. On draft number 183 of the requirements.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPBT5hxH3UxtSzAf9kjr0-H2bEyAZAs26PtjuaFJggfU2X6OZ2If2xxnb7G_Oi2OnDOx9lmYcCVLSYetOs_ybXl-cda48xALcPG3tqcHKcd7pUNnYGtXx8kvxxLt6_huLMbpaOWYl4To/s1600/curling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img bea="true" border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPBT5hxH3UxtSzAf9kjr0-H2bEyAZAs26PtjuaFJggfU2X6OZ2If2xxnb7G_Oi2OnDOx9lmYcCVLSYetOs_ybXl-cda48xALcPG3tqcHKcd7pUNnYGtXx8kvxxLt6_huLMbpaOWYl4To/s200/curling.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> Curling was #1. The most mocked sport until someone plays it, and then they can't wait to play again.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> Darryl Sittler. Dave Stieb. Steve Largent.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> I was at Darryl Sittler`s NHL record 10 point game, Feb 7, 1976. Jimmy Key's final game as a Jay when he was trying to hold off the tears after he was pulled from the game, then saluted the crowd anyway because of the standing o. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> The birth of my daughters. My vasectomy.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Deathinahole:</span></strong> 0 speed (fat kids used to beat me at the 100 yd dash), 10 range, 85 arm strength, 45 arm accuracy, 80 pitch calling, 100 temper, 5 patience.<br />
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Thank you DIAH for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you going onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-15841410119305128412012-12-10T18:00:00.000-05:002012-12-10T18:00:03.995-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - iainWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=iain" target="_blank">iain</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=108" target="_blank">Baltimore Honey Nut Cheerios</a> franchise. Iain joined Mantle at the end of season 26 and is now starting his first full season of ownership. He returns the franchise to Baltomore, where it resided for the first 21 seasons in Mantle, and where it experienced it's most success, culminated by a World Series championship in season 18. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> Born and raised in Toronto, I’m a 32-year old Mechanical Engineer, married for a little over 3 years with a 13 month old son.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> The big one is bagpipes. I have been playing since I was 13, and compete at the highest level, going to Glasgow for the World Pipe Band Championships each of the last 5 years, with plans to attend again in 2013.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> Yeah, just about everything at one time or another. Football, basketball, and track & field (well, really just field) in high school, but nothing serious in university. I grew early, and everyone else caught up and passed me by then.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> I’ve always had a soft spot for Kelly Gruber. Can’t explain it, except I guess I started following baseball around when he had his best years in ’89 and ’90.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> Attending the Sweet Sixteen in Detroit in 2008 where Stephen Curry almost knocked off eventual champs Kansas at Ford Field. We happened to be sitting in the Davidson student section, and it was just crazy. I also attended the 2009 USA-Canada WBC game at the SkyDome (I mean, Rogers Centre), which was by far the best atmosphere for baseball that Toronto had seen in years, even if the good guys lost. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> Everything to do with our son is a distant #1, but qualifying for the Grade 1 Final at the last two World Pipe Band Championships has been awesome, and finishing 2nd in Grade 1 at the North American Pipe Band Championships with my (soon to be) wife was pretty cool, too.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Iain:</span></strong> Drawing on my recently defunct softball career, I’d be a rangy CF with good opposite field power. Or, going back to little league, I’d be a power hitting 1B/C.<br />
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Thank you iain for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you going onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-91696893989191025252012-11-22T18:00:00.000-05:002012-11-22T18:00:05.739-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - frankumWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=frankum" target="_blank">frankum</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=120" target="_blank">Louisville Pit Bulls</a> franchise. Frankum joined Mantle in season 24, taking over the former Monterrey Sugar Kings franchise which was a victim of the world's MWR requirement after finishing with a 49-113 record. After two seasons of struggling with win totals in the low 70's, the Pit Bulls finally stepped up and took home the NL South division title in season 26 in a runaway Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I'm 26 years old, married with no kids. Living in northern indiana and work as a product manager for an orthopedic device company. I started playing sim league baseball, then took a 3 year break and came back to play HBD.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> Golf, slow pitch softball, fantasy football, really just sports in general.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I played basketball, baseball and football growing up. In college I was actually a lifter on a cheerleading squad. Kinda wierd but the girls were hot.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I've always been a Yankees fan. Although I never saw them play, I grew up to stories from my grandpa about how amazing Mickey Mantle was. He'll always be a legend in my mind.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I've not been to many sporting events in person so I don't really have a cool on site experience. But in 2006 when the Colts won the Super Bowl. I was in college drinking with a bunch of Bears fans. I remember the Bears taking the opening kickoff for a touchdown and they were talking shit non stop. When we won a never let them hear the end. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I have two...my wedding day and the day we signed the contract to build our first house. I'm just a young fella.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Frankum:</span></strong> I would be a first baseman with an amazing glove, no range, no arm strength but accurate. Probably 25/50/25/60. Hitting I would have a solid batting eye, middle of t he road contact, line drive hitter with no power. 60/50/70/70/70. Solid bench guy. (in my dreams of course).<br />
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Thank you frankum for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you going onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-51044067740720999062012-11-18T18:00:00.000-05:002012-11-18T18:00:09.633-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - coachmossWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=coachmoss" target="_blank">coachmoss</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=129" target="_blank">Omaha Middle Americans</a> franchise. Coachmoss joined Mantle in season 26 and has just completed his rookie season in the world. Most likely due to the permeation of potpourri around the team's front offices, left over from previous franchise owner hbdgirl, the Middle Americans struggled to a last place finish in the NL West. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> I am a 32 year old Business and Computer Programming teacher at a southern New Jersey high school (close to Philadelphia). I also am Head Wrestling Coach where I work - how's that for an oxymoron? I'm divorced with a 7 year old daughter, but dating a pretty awesome girl (soon to be fiance) who is also divorced with a 5 year old son, so life is pretty good right now.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> A lot of my free time is spent with the kids and coaching wrestling. I also sell sports cards, memorbilia and coins on eBay on the side.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> I played most everything growing up, but my main sports ended up being baseball and wrestling. Once I hit high school though baseball took a back seat because I saw I could use wrestling as a vehicle to get me through college and started training year round basically for that.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> Cal Ripken, Jr. was always my favorite player growing up. Recently I enjoy watching Chase Utley because of his hard work ethic.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> Being able to see both of my favorite teams in the playoffs recently (Phillies and Orioles) and also being there for the World Series celebration in 2008 for the Phillies was something I will never forget. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> It's hard to top anything to do with the kids lately. My daughter recently graduated Kindergarten and started 1st grade. My soon to be step son also just started Kindergarten and wanted to sign up for wrestling, so being able to help and coach him is going to be really rewarding too.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Coachmoss:</span></strong> When I played baseball it was mostly 2B, so I'd be a 2B with high contact and speed, but low power. I don't think I ever hit a triple or homerun in my life, but could find holes pretty well and rarely struck out.<br />
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Thank you coachmoss for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you going onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-81046525090051465132012-11-14T18:00:00.000-05:002012-11-14T18:00:08.573-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - hawgerWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=hawger" target="_blank">hawger</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=125" target="_blank">Boston Minutemen</a> franchise. Rugrat joined Mantle in season 24 and is completing his third season in the world. Lets find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> 51 years old. Originally from the midwest but have lived in SW Florida for 25 years now. Went to Illinois State for a couple of years but graduated from smaller hometown college. Was a CPA for years now I work for the Mrs. running the business side of her Vet Clinic. Avid St Louis Cardinals baseball fan. Married to the same woman for 24 years, no children.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Anything outdoors. Living in FL you have to enjoy the weather. Both me and wife ride Harleys. Love sports but haven't played any for quite some time. Jimmy Buffet fan but love old time rock n roll and reggae as well.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Baseball. Swam competitively from age 10 through high school. A bit of volleyball.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbWoGFh5M0Sf-s6gWlt1ycBare9SnoGgib4o-f7w7GWeDriWYsFCfOA_dYHnWuAyqhdyg6NOPONDFR-xnflxZAhW9Yb54Lp0ZifMJZZqANBhIVXyou3F6wc5hwhzglgrkTL7bcnNOswE/s1600/Conrad+Dobler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimbWoGFh5M0Sf-s6gWlt1ycBare9SnoGgib4o-f7w7GWeDriWYsFCfOA_dYHnWuAyqhdyg6NOPONDFR-xnflxZAhW9Yb54Lp0ZifMJZZqANBhIVXyou3F6wc5hwhzglgrkTL7bcnNOswE/s1600/Conrad+Dobler.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Baseball: Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Pete Rose; Football: Jim Hart, Conrad Dobler, Dick Butkus and Kenny Stabler; Basketball: Pistol Pete Maravich<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Growing up listening to baseball games on the radio with my grandmother. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Guess I will have to stick to the traditional. Getting married in Jamaica was pretty memorable.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Hawger:</span></strong> Weak hitting 2b or catcher. Never really catching but was fairly good at it. Of course with my torn up shoulders I wouldn't be able to throw anybody out these days.<br />
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Thank you hawger for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you going onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-2329615550476557912012-11-13T08:59:00.000-05:002012-11-13T08:59:25.993-05:00Commissioner's Challenge Award (S26)The "Commissioner's Challenge Award" is given to the team that had the most wins during the season without making the playoffs.<br />
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I'm happy to announce the season 26 winner of a $5 WIS Gift Certificate is MikeT23 of the Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes, whose 84 wins was just two games short of earning a post-season appearance.<br />
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1) 84 wins - Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes (MikeT23)<br />
2t) 83 wins - Richmond Generals (dgtrache)<br />
2t) 83 wins - Toronto Eh's (mikeg740)<br />
2t) 83 wins - Boston Minutemen (hawger)<br />
5t) 82 wins - Scranton Apollos (tecwrg)<br />
5t) 82 wins - Rochester Rochy Road Rochstars (indiansrck27)<br />
7) 81 wins - Cleveland Captains (captain10a)<br />
8) 78 wins - Colorado Springs Mile High Marines (brendanjod)<br />
9t) 77 wins - Chicago Black Sox (tomq)<br />
9t) 77 wins - Oakland Polish Hammers (goodtymes31)<br />
11t) 75 wins - Atlanta Blue (bkpeters)<br />
11t) 75 wins - Milwaukee Suds (battmann)<br />
13) 73 wins - Burlington Catamounts (dwoolery)<br />
14) 71 wins - Oklahoma City Power Failure (coneheads)<br />
15) 70 wins - Arizona Arachnophobia (ericsomsel)<br />
16t) 69 wins - Jackson Bootleggers (rugrat)<br />
16t) 69 wins - Omaha Middle Americans (coachmoss)<br />
18) 66 wins - Little Rock Cigars (shanklsa)<br />
19) 62 wins - Pittsburgh Pirates (bigal888)<br />
20) 59 wins - Florida Lockdown (welsh5)<br />
<br />tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-89488585619952228332012-11-10T18:00:00.000-05:002012-11-10T18:00:01.841-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - rugratWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=rugrat" target="_blank">rugrat</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=104" target="_blank">Jackson Bootleggers</a> franchise. Rugrat joined Mantle in season 21 as an in-season replacement for original fracnhise owner rwright, who stepped aside as he could not adhere to world rules. The Jackson franchise struggled for many years with a lack of focus under rwright, so rugrat inherited a franchise with a fairly bare cupboard. Now in his sixth season as a menber of Mantle, let's hear a little of rugrat's story.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> My real name is Steve, and I'm currently taking a work break. I had been working for a leading environmental non-profit and managed all online fundraising for the organization. Due to a variety of circumstances, I left in March and have been working from home doing consulting work and working on an eCommerce business. I have lived in the SF Bay Area (mainly Oakland and Berkeley) for 35 years and wouldn't live anywhere else - love the weather, the cultural opportunities and the ability to do just about anything you can imagine within a 30 mile or so radius. I'm not married currently, but have a daughter who is attending Columbia on a full ride.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> Film and music - I have an extensive record and CD collection that ranges from obscure punk and power pop, soul, jazz, rock and even some classical. I love film noir and am also working through most of the Criterion Collection of DVDs. I also get out of the house every once in awhile; love a good burger and other diner/dive food places. And you can't talk about living in CA without getting outdoors.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> Baseball, of course, in high school. When they started throwing curve balls, I knew I was in trouble.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> I grew up a Tigers fan - Al Kaline was my favorite as a kid. Others are Kirk Gibson and Fred Lynn (such a sweet swing). I don't really have favorites these days.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDfHooVgNDW7G-fbVdKleSFNB85sx_CIug-_z0HfAYOCsD3aEfJ_COyIS84wiFQua0b-Ob1yedQput7YwcsKVWkrBC8-0L51Dm1yc7jfajqywMxieMpIBcAni54g0UgYW2rfBk5pjMAA/s1600/Fisk-1975-Home-Run-Fenway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" rea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnDfHooVgNDW7G-fbVdKleSFNB85sx_CIug-_z0HfAYOCsD3aEfJ_COyIS84wiFQua0b-Ob1yedQput7YwcsKVWkrBC8-0L51Dm1yc7jfajqywMxieMpIBcAni54g0UgYW2rfBk5pjMAA/s200/Fisk-1975-Home-Run-Fenway.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> Memory? 1975, game 6. There was so much more to that game than Fisk's HR. In person, I've been to several World Series and playoff games, and one Super Bowl (Niners/Dolphins) - all were memorable, even if the good guys lost. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> The birth of my daughter.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Rugrat:</span></strong> Well, in high school it seemed like they put the worst kids in RF, and <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/forums/Posts.aspx?TopicID=455857" target="_blank">MikeT says any slug can play out there</a>, so I guess that would be it. Ratings? These days, zeros across the board.<br />
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Thank you rugrat for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season and onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-73792893276685363002012-11-06T18:00:00.000-05:002012-11-06T18:00:03.579-05:00Mantle World Owner Interview - tedwmooreWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=tedwmoore" target="_blank">tedwmoore</a>, the owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=128" target="_blank">Albuquerque Roadrunners</a> franchise. Ted joined Mantle in season 22, stepping in to pick up the pieces of a huge mess caused by the double-whammy of the sculley/greeny9 fiasco with the Albuquerque franchise which nearly crippled the franchise. After we were able to work with WIS customer support to undo most of the damage done by sculley and greeny9, Ted has not only stabilized the team but has turned it into a strong and successful franchise going forward.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> I am 34, live in Minneapolis and am a stay-at-home dad. We have one daughter who turns three the 21st of this month and my wife is due in early January with our second, a boy.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIswE3AkSTFI4-eFxHO3URcM6UdiaJP6dlfKjegoWqEgDI2FxZ-K8AH7xoO4fi55Sbl-0msugA3hP4vDCfXf6aNONA-6KaAhkMIMypEAUzf3AuJC4Pi2lwAG1F166gd7cpuwc6dbLHBAU/s1600/Beer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIswE3AkSTFI4-eFxHO3URcM6UdiaJP6dlfKjegoWqEgDI2FxZ-K8AH7xoO4fi55Sbl-0msugA3hP4vDCfXf6aNONA-6KaAhkMIMypEAUzf3AuJC4Pi2lwAG1F166gd7cpuwc6dbLHBAU/s200/Beer.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> I recently began home brewing and that has consumed a good chunk of my free time. Brewing feeds several of my interests -- self-sufficient food production (I know, non essential, but I drink enough beer that self production is a nice budget saver); agriculture, specifically the locality of food and how geography and climate affect quality/taste; nerdy obsessiveness with scientificy type stuff that I barely understand -- that I am already obsessed with brewing and energized to read as much as possible about it, to discuss it with as many people as possible and to develop my procedures and techniques as fully as possible.<br />
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Other than brewing I recently set myself the goal of completing a triathlon and I am enjoying the sensation and benefits of being back in the gym with motivation to push myself.<br /><br />And as all proper Minnesotans do, I enjoy being outside year round, specifically kayaking, camping, fishing and snow shoeing (another new hobby).<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> Yes, and poorly. I played soccer through middle school as a defenseman, I ran track and cross country for two years during high school, and I played baseball but never made it past pee wee leagues.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuD-eG2_5y08CdxBlRBOw6T5YaR2XbE6p0Ipe5ect1N4-cGJcYhtUh7TUjD61U4YoUTuFeQVn97yUWuOQqZAOKfb1KQzAitvv10zA0fV-i_m_V4eMa8iuTowiKSh5INSyd7un8qs4aNA/s1600/George+Brett.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcuD-eG2_5y08CdxBlRBOw6T5YaR2XbE6p0Ipe5ect1N4-cGJcYhtUh7TUjD61U4YoUTuFeQVn97yUWuOQqZAOKfb1KQzAitvv10zA0fV-i_m_V4eMa8iuTowiKSh5INSyd7un8qs4aNA/s200/George+Brett.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> I'll limit this to baseball. Being from KC my favorites are Royals heavy: George Brett, Dan Quisenberry, Frank White, Bo Jackson and other ususals from that era (I am a bit too young to have seen Amos Otis and John Mayberry). As a kid I also loved Tony Gwynn, Kirby Puckett, Ricky Henderson, Cal Ripken and Robin Yount (back when Milwaukee and KC were in the same division, Yount and Brett had a nice little rivalry as to who was the better hitter). There are probably a few contemporary players who will make it into my all-time favorites as well: Carlos Beltran, Albert Pujols (he played high school ball in my home town), Joe Mauer, Frank Thomas...others.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> Rushing the field after the Hawkeyes clinched the Big Ten title in the early oughts. Yes, I am an Iowa grad. I barely remember the '85 Royals, and though I remember both Twins' championships well (my family is from MN but my parents moved to KC when I was young, so, yeah, I have some crazy split allegiances thanks to family influence) I was not there to see it in person. But rushing the field to celebrate a Big Ten title -- and this was when winning the Big Ten still meant something -- was amazing. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> Others have said it, but marriage and becoming a parent are hard to top. I would add my brief time in the military to that category as well: all three helped define me by providing structure and purpose to my adult life. Work obviously does the same, but in more mundane and less drastic ways: life long commitment to a spouse or a child or an ideal (as with military service) are incomparable to any other experience, at least in my mind. Other than that it is hard to say. I got stung on the dick once and that sucked hard, but it sure as hell was memorable.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Tedwmoore:</span></strong> Catcher. Average range and fielding, decent-to-solid arm, poor accuracy, upper 90s pitch calling. At the plate I might as well be a fence post.<br />
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Thank you tedwmoore for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season and onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-19827474101174842162012-11-02T18:00:00.000-04:002012-11-02T21:59:10.504-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - indiansrck27Welcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=indiansrck27" target="_blank">indiansrck27</a>, the longtime owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=122" target="_blank">Rochester Rochy Road Rochstars</a> franchise. Indians joined Mantle in season 13, and is now in his 14th season of ownership. The owner of six NL East division championships, he's twice taken home the NL pennant (in seasons 18 and 23), but was left at the alter both times. Let's find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> I am a 23 year old Combat Engineer (soon to be Psychological Operations Specialists) in the US Army, which I've been in for 3 years. Originally from Fayetteville, NC; currently live in Bamberg, Germany where i'm stationed, but in a month I am PCSing to Fort Bragg.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2h5cIomNrzHj365_pHsETD2oOKHy9Zhf0yk1N_8K6nVWu9D9WJLEfDyyp4QLYIu74i9uL7Q4vGsHoqS_ZNyadeNRSjqv_kwKXQ-Wv1p9egSY8IWKq8eugNbsb4uMQ-r_Inh0_1W1Mrs/s1600/normal_boobs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="153" qea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP2h5cIomNrzHj365_pHsETD2oOKHy9Zhf0yk1N_8K6nVWu9D9WJLEfDyyp4QLYIu74i9uL7Q4vGsHoqS_ZNyadeNRSjqv_kwKXQ-Wv1p9egSY8IWKq8eugNbsb4uMQ-r_Inh0_1W1Mrs/s200/normal_boobs.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><strong>One (two?) of Indiansrck27's interests.</strong></td></tr>
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> Traveling all over Europe has been awesome opportunity. Running, proud to say I'm the fastest person in my Battalion. Running is when I can clear my head. After those like any guy sports, fantasy sports, music, boobs, and food.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> Baseball, basketball, and soccer organized, everything else I played just not organized. Mom would never let me play football, said I was too fragile.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> Sandy Alomar Jr, Grady Sizemore (regardless of his injuries) and most Indians that haven't betrayed us or signed a huge deal and then seemingly fall of completely. I'm looking at you Hafner. Steve Atwater is my favorite NFL player of all time. Teemu Selanne favorite hockey player, and I really don't have a favorite basketball player NBA wise but any Tar Heels ever are pretty much on the list. Dider Drogba for soccer, he played for Chelsea until this season.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> As big of a Indians fan as I am, I have yet to be able to go to a game. By the time I had a job that would allow a trip up there money wise, I was in the Army and in Germany. I will next season though. But I have been to a few NCAA tournament games played by the Tar Heels during their 2009 championship. Also been to a few Carolina Panthers games. So nothing too exciting for me at this point in my life. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> Easy for me, deploying to Afghanistan for a year. I could talk for days about the crap we went through.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Indiansrck27:</span></strong> Hmm.. 2B, around 75 contact, 0 power, 60 vs R and 95 vs L (im a lefty with the stick myself but I always did good). Eye would be high, I got walked alot cause I was small back in the day. High base stealing and speed. Good fielder, but wouldnt win the Gold Glove.<br />
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Thank you indiansrck27 for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season and onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-13358662737008051582012-10-29T18:00:00.000-04:002012-10-29T18:00:04.153-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - MikeT23Continuing on in our series of interviews of Mantle world owners, we move on to a relative newcomer in Mantle, <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=MikeT23" target="_blank">MikeT23</a>. Well known in the world of HBD, particularly because of his participation in the WIS site forums, Mike joined Mantle in season 21 as the new owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=113" target="_blank">Scottsdale Fighting Artichokes</a>.<br />
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The winner of three division titles in his first five seasons in the AL West, Mike has continued the success enjoyed by this franchise, the former Portland Poltergeists.<br /><br />Mike was interviewed by WIS as part of it's User Interview series just over a year ago, so rather than "reinvent the wheel" and reinterview him, we are just going to link to his WIS interview here.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/beyondtheboxscore/default.asp?article=interview_20111025" target="_blank">WIS User Interview: MikeT23</a>tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-65676102601682107802012-10-25T18:00:00.000-04:002012-10-25T18:00:06.492-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - dirynWelcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=diryn" target="_blank">diryn</a>, the longtime owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=127" target="_blank">Vancouver Fighting Skeletons</a> franchise. Diryn joined Mantle in season 11, and is now in his 16nd season of ownership. The owner of four NL West division championships, he's still waiting for his first NL pennant and World Championship. Let's find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> I'm 58, branch manager for Wells Fargo Bank. Married with five kids, three of whom are in college. Five, soon to be six, grandkids. Always lived in Bay area (East Bay). The A's, Raiders, Cal Bears, and Lakers are my favorite teams. Used to even go to LA once a year to see the Raiders until they returned to their real home. Cal Berkeley grad.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Fantasy baseball, in same league on ESPN for eleven years now. Golf when I get a chance which isn't very often lately. Jogging; ran the Bay to Breakers this year.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Basketball, baseball, and golf. Nothing organized beyond CYO, though. Adequate basketball player; not much of a hitter in baseball.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Willie Mays without question is the best baseball player I have ever seen. Reggie, Juan Marichal, Dave Stewart, Tim Hudson are others. Lamonica, Stabler, Bo Jackson, Tim Brown for the Raiders, Jerry West and Magic for the Lakers. Grew up watching Craig Morton throw TD's for Cal.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIGisFH2VzqY0rV6cka3b0Ks7_0IO6P_hdmHxkjxcHibM1CQEz_3XXAXQkVmlwCGFfm6_SmlMKUyqt7lx3DZEvc1H0xvsIi2KWwX708batwcpJVhCEj178oL3614bW1OHVlA4QYyxDCA/s1600/JohnMadden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" nea="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIGisFH2VzqY0rV6cka3b0Ks7_0IO6P_hdmHxkjxcHibM1CQEz_3XXAXQkVmlwCGFfm6_SmlMKUyqt7lx3DZEvc1H0xvsIi2KWwX708batwcpJVhCEj178oL3614bW1OHVlA4QYyxDCA/s320/JohnMadden.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Juan Marichal's no hitter for the Giants against Houston when I was a kid. I was at the Raiders first Super Bowl win against the Vikings at the Rose Bowl in 1977. Watched John Madden being carried off the field by his players, which is not an easy feat. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Really, marriage and my family - have been very lucky year after year to do many many things with my wife and family whether vacations, school/sports activities, etc. For one incident maybe the 89 earthquake: watching parked cars moving around, seeing transformers blow, driving home in darkness, finding out where everyone else was - a very strange and almost spooky experience that hopefully will never repeat itself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Diryn:</span></strong> Probably a light hitting good fielding shortstop; One career home run.<br />
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Thank you diryn for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season and onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8563451046295049955.post-69556891719644081892012-10-21T18:00:00.000-04:002012-10-21T18:00:07.166-04:00Mantle World Owner Interview - goodtymes31Welcome to our latest "Meet Your Fellow Owner" interviews of Mantle World owners. We are now moving away from our original owners who have been here since day one, and on to some of the next group of owners who have been here since the early days.<br />
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Today, we chat with <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/user/profile/?user=goodtymes31" target="_blank">goodtymes31</a>, the longtime owner of the <a href="http://www.whatifsports.com/HBD/Pages/Popups/FranchiseProfile.aspx?fid=126" target="_blank">Oakland Polish Hammers</a> franchise. Goodtymes31 joined Mantle in season 5, and is now in his 22nd season of ownership. GT31 is still looking for his first Mantle World Championship, though he did take home the National League pennant way back in season 6, his second season in our world. Let's find out a little bit about him.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><strong>Tec:</strong></span> Tell us a little about yourself.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> I am a 29 Year Old District Manager for an import car company, born, raised, and finally back and living just southeast of Pittsburgh after some time in South Jersey and Baltmore. Huge fan of all of the Pittsburgh sports teams, but die hard Pirates fan. Also a Penn St Grad, so multiple collegiate alliances.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Outside of Hardball Dynasty, what are some of your other interests and hobbies?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> Started playing poker with the online poker boom, and have gotten to a point where it has become a nice little supplement to my income. Love to golf when I get the chance, and if there is a sports SIM out there, I have most likely either tried it, or am currently addicted to it.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Did you play any sports growing up?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> Baseball has always been my passion. Played a little soccer and basketball, but pitched through high school, and even a little Semi Pro (well, that's what we called ourselves, basically 1 notch below the independent leagues) until real life didn't permit anymore.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> Who are your favorite all-time players?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> This is an odd one, but Andy Van Slyke was my favorite player to watch growing up. Man could cover ground, and watching him throw during warm ups was amazinginly impressive. <br /><br />Loved Tony Gwynn and Greg Maddux. There was just something so pure about the way they played the game that you don't really see anymore.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What has been your favorite real-life sports experience or memory?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> There were a couple, but all seem to be family related. The great thing about baseball is that the games allow for time to bond, and moments to bond over, so my two most memorable moments were being at Three Rivers Stadium with my dad when the Pirates clinched in 1992. Also got to take my three year old daughter to her first Pirates game this year (at her request), and even though we only made five innings, just having there with me in her Pirates jersey, asking questions, was priceless. <br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> What's been your most memorable non-sports experience in your life?<br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> Going to try to keep this non family related, and avoid the obligatory "When I got married" or "When my daughter was born", those were a given. I got the fortunate experience as a junior in High School to travel with the local Boy Scout Troop to Philmont State Park, and hike the Rocky Mountains without a guide for two weeks. Got to see a bear up close, sleep in the mountains, do some climbing, and watched a tree get struck by lightning. Unlike any other experience I will probably ever have.<br />
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<strong><span style="color: red;">Tec:</span></strong> If you were an HBD player, what position would you play and what would your ratings be? <br />
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<strong><span style="color: blue;">Goodtymes31:</span></strong> Definitely a pitcher. High STA and DUR, splits around 45/50 or so. Velocity 10, control 90, P1 (fastball) 55, P2 90 (curveball), P3 20 (change up)<br /><br />My bunt rating would be through the roof, easily maxed at 100.<br />
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Thank you goodtymes31 for participating in our latest Mantle World Owner interview, and good luck to you this season and onward.tecwrghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04705892474455024512noreply@blogger.com0