World Series S24: Burlington Bison face off against the New Britain Bombers

The New Britain Bombers, who finished the season with 104 wins, looked to set the world record with 5 World Series titles in a face off against the Burlington Bison. The Bison, who only won 91 games in the regular season, appeared in the series for the first time in franchise history.

Game 1: O.T. Ferrara vs George Crandall, at New Britain
A game that looked like a pitching duel through the first six innings would quickly shift into a high scoring affair from which the Bombers would emerge with the win. In a 3-3 game, Burlington would bring in their regular closer, All-star pitcher Fernando Baez, in the 7th inning to try to stop the Bomber's offense. However, the move backfired and Baez would give up back to back homers to Vin Mondesi and Trent Erickson, the first one a 3 run blast.  The Bison's shortstop Bronson Murata provided the bulk of the offense for the losing team with a 2 run homerun.

Notable Performances:
Vin Mondesi, DH, 2-4, 2 R, 2HR, 4 RBI (Player of the Game)
Trent Erickson, RF, 2-4, 1 R, 1HR, 1 RBI
Rob Cox, CF, 2-3, 1 R, 1 BB
John Yashian, 3B, 1-3, 1 R, 1 HR, 1BB, 1 RBI

Final Score: Burlington Bison 4, New Britain Bombers 8
New Britain leads the series 1-0

Game 2: Scott Hellickson vs Ezdra Ramirez, at New Britain
New Britain jumped to an early lead on a leadoff homerun by CF Rob Cox. After Brian Ramirez tied it with a solo shot in the 2nd, a 2 Run HR by John Yashian  and an RBI single by Cox made it 4-1 New Britain. The Bison once again tied it, this time on a 2-R inside the park homerun by SS Bronson Murata. The game entered the 9th inning with the Bison leading 6-4. A homerun by Cesar Rincon chased  Brent Duncan , who had entered the game in relief. Closer Fernando Baez once again faltered, and was unable to hold the 1 run lead, giving up a walk to  Rob Cox  and a 2 Run walk-off homerun to Chris Tobin . For the Bison,  Brian Ramirez  hit 2 home runs.

Notable Performances:
Chris Tobin, 1-3, 1 R, 2 BB, 2 RBI ; walkoff game winning 2 R HR (Player of the Game)
Rob Cox, CF, 2-3, 2 R, 2H, 1BB, 1HR, 2 RBI
John Yashian,  3B, 1-4, 1R, 2 RBI

Final Score: Burlington Bison 6, New Britain Bombers 7
New Britain leads the series 2-0


Game 3: Tom Snelling vs Mike Sexton, at Burlington
New Britain assertively showed their offensive superiority, bombing their way throughout the game and starting with a first inning pummeling of Burlington starting pitcher Mike Sexton. Sexton gave up 6 earned runs and did not record a single out. New Britain's Snelling pitched effectively to earn the win.

The Bison's Brent Duncan, making his second consecutive relief appearance, pitched 9 innings in the blowout game, David Lee and Tyrone Fasano got 2 hits each and Fasano stole a base.

Notable Performances:
Rob Bailes, SS, 2-4, 1 R, 3 RBI (Player of the Game)
John Yashian, 3B, 1-4, 1R, 3 RBI
Trent Erickson, RF, 2-4, 1R, 1 RBI

Final Score: New Britain Bombers 10, Burlington Bison 2
New Britain leads the series 3-0

Game 4: George Crandall vs Fernando Baez, at Burlington
In a controversial move after a depleted pitching staff that got pummeled by the Bombers, Burlington started Fernando Baez.  Baez had made three spot starts early in the season, but was the team's primary closer and the only All-Star pitcher for the Bison. Despite blowing the save on a 2-run homerun in game 2 and pitching horribly in game 1 (4 runs, 2 homeruns in 1 1/3 innings), the move to start worked out well for the Bison. Baez pitched 6 shutout innings before handing it over to the bullpen for the 1-0 win. Burlington's only run came in an unusual way. Catcher  Matty Sosa, who has 2 career stolen bases in 5 ML seasons, stole second base and scored from second on a single by shortstop Bronson Murata. The game was an old fashion pitching duel to the end, with only 3 hits by each team.

New Britain's biggest threat came in the 6th inning, but silver slugger RF Trent Erickson hit into a double play to end the inning. Lefty Carlos Tavarez earned the save for Burlington.

Notable Performances:
Fernando Baez, SP, 6IP, (W), 0R, 0ER, 2H, 4BB (Player of the Game)

Final Score: New Britain Bombers 0, Burlington Bison 1
New Britain leads the series 3-1

Game 5: Ezdra Ramirez vs Scott Hellickson, at Burlington
Still playing for their lives with the series trailing 3-1 and facing All-Star Ezdra Ramirez, the Bison took an early 2-0 lead behind Scott Hellickson's 5 scoreless innings. However, the Bison bullpen gave up the lead. Burlington veteran starter OT Ferrara appeared in relief in a 3-3 game and gave up a run on a single by Don Hasegawa, and the game entered the bottom of the 9th with the Bison trailing 4-3.

Following a walk, an infield hit by Tyrone Fasano and a short bloop single by David Lee, New Britain's Julian Almanza got two quick outs against the heart of the lineup. Pete DeJean struck out swinging and Brian Ramirez popped out to left without allowing the runner to advance. With two outs,  Ivan Pescado hit a bloop single to center field, and Fasano  scored from second on a close play at the plate for the walk-off win at home.  Don Hasegawa got two hits and homered for the Bombers.

Notable Performances:
Ivan Pescado, 1B, 4-5, 2 RBI, 1R walkoff game winning RBI (Player of the Game)
Brian Ramirez, 2B, 2-5, 2RBI, 1 R, 1HR
Tyrone Fasano, CF, 1-3, 2R, 2BB, 2SB
Scott Hellickson, SP, 5IP, (ND), 0R, 0ER, 2H, 1BB, 7K

Final Score: New Britain Bombers 4, Burlington Bison 5
New Britain leads the series 3-2


Game 6: Mike Sexton vs Tom Snelling, at New Britain
Trying to ride the momentum of the Game 5 win at home, the Burlington Bison started off strong with consecutive doubles by  David Lee and  Pete DeJean  to get the 1-0 lead.

After a shelling in the previous start, Mike Sexton gave up the lead on a Don Hasegawa  home run in the first inning, but settled down and allowed no more runs over six innings. Matty Sosa, serving as the Bison's DH, hit a solo homerun in the 4th and a double by DeJean in the 5th drove in Rodrigo Vargas  to give the Bison a 3-1 lead. New Britain scored again in the 7th, but the Burlington bullpen held off to win the game 3-2. John Yashian got two hits for the Bombers and Hasegawa homered.

Notable performances:
Mike Sexton, SP, 6 IP, (W), 1 R, 1ER, 3 H, 2BB, 5K (Player of the Game)
Pete DeJean, LF, 2-4, 2 RBI
Rodrigo Vargas, RF, 2-3, 1 R, 1 BB, 2 SB

Final Score: Burlington Bison 3, New Britain 2
Burlington ties the series at 3-3.

Game 7: O.T. Ferrara vs George Crandall, at New Britain
Rookie speedster CF Tyrone Fasano led off the game with a single, stole second base, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a groundball to third in a close play at the plate for Burlington's first run. Brian Ramirez hit a solo homerun to give the Bison a 2-0 lead, but New Britain tied it in the 7th with a homerun by Chris Tobin. In the 8th, with one out and runners on first and third, Tyrone Fasano hit a groundball to first. 1B Chris Tobin turned to short for the doubleplay, getting the first out, but Fasano beat the throw and allowed the runner at third to score on the fielder's choice, which would prove to be the winning run of the game.  Brent Duncan pitched two scoreless innings in relief to give the Bison their first World Series title.
Trent Erickson and Chris Tobin had two hits each for the Bombers.

Notable performances:
OT Ferrara, SP, 7 IP, (W), 2 R, 2ER, 6H, 1BB, 8K (Player of the Game)
Tyrone Fasano, CF, 2-4, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 RBI, 1 SB
Brian Ramirez, 2B, 1-3,1 R, 2BB, 1 RBI, 1 HR

Final Score: Burlington Bison 3, New Britain 2
Burlington wins the World Series.


After the series win, Burlington manager made a few comments. "We knew that the Bombers were the superior team. After the 3-0 series lead, we didn't put much hope in winning, but Baez' start was a turning point for us. He struggled in the first two appearances in relief, but we knew he has the stuff to pitch. David Lee had a tough series against his former team, but he contributed in key spots. We also knew that the performance of our left handed pitching - Ferrara, Duncan, Tavarez and Webb - would be key to the outcome of the series after losing Reames and Velazquez to injuries".

Injuries to the top winning starter pitchers for the Bison (Brooks Reames, 13-3, 2.98 ERA and Yovani Velazquez, 12-7, 3.36 ERA) kept them both off the roster for the World Series, and rookie pitchers Anthony Narveson and Rick Giles took their spots but did not appear in the World Series. "The off days gave us some flexibility in who we threw out there, but after the shellacking in Game 3 and the high scoring first two games, it was looking pretty ugly and the bullpen just looked... tired. Brent Duncan ate a lot of innings to spare the short relief guys and do the matchups in key situations."

"Fasano was a key addition late in the season. He was doing really well in AAA, and it was only when Gant went down with an injury that we called him up, stuck him as our leadoff man and immediately improved our offense, defense and sped up our game. The whole team contributed to win this series - Matty stealing second, Ramirez had a big bat, Fasano brought the energy, and few of our guys gave us some quality starts. Brent (Duncan) was sort of the glue that kept us in games, coming out of the bullpen every time we needed him. This was a team effort".

"I tip my hat to the Bombers for a great series as they are a great, classy organization".

Offseason of questions for Endy Horton (by 69cubs)

  Now that Tampa Bay has been eliminated in their quest to repeat as champions of Mathewson, one big question concerns the status of 37 year old veteran superstar Endy Horton.

  Endy, who will turn 38 next season will be on the final season of a 5 year, 83.5 million dollar contract that will pay him $20 mil in season 25. The one note on this is that the final season is a mutual option where Tampa can pay $5 mil to decline the option.

  Stat wise, his AB's HR's and RBI's are at career lows as his playing time has been cut, but with 418 ABs last season, he had 19 HRs, 77 RBIs, batting .275 and OBA of .345.

  If his option is declined, Tampa could choose to try and resign him at a lower cost, Horton could retire, or he could catch on with another team. My opinion is that he can be useful in a role for whatever team he is with.

  If he plays for Tampa next season, he has the chance, with 130 games played, to have more games played for Tampa Bay than any other franchise. This might affect which hat he wears IF he makes it to the HOF.

 If, at 38, he does retire, this brings up the question of "Is he worthy of the Hall of Fame?"

  Let's look back at his career stats below:

Franchise	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	STEAL %	AVG	OBA	SLG
NB	725	2916	564	802	122	30	202	620	273	343	138	31	81.66%	0.275	0.339	0.545
ELP	696	2494	494	706	116	25	194	534	260	309	143	36	79.89%	0.283	0.353	0.583
TB	596	1999	348	561	92	16	115	373	184	243	49	23	68.06%	0.281	0.343	0.515
SEA	375	1491	279	420	78	14	104	273	128	213	77	23	77.00%	0.282	0.340	0.562
VC	161	613	104	179	29	6	37	129	73	72	45	8	84.91%	0.292	0.369	0.540
Totals	2553	9513	1789	2668	437	91	652	1929	918	1180	452	121	78.88%	0.280	0.346	0.551

PLAYOFFS	G	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB	SO	SB	CS	STEAL %	AVG	OBA	SLG
ELP	43	174	39	50	7	3	14	34	12	17	7	2	77.78%	0.287	0.335	0.603
NB	52	205	37	52	10	3	13	48	20	28	9	0	100.00%	0.254	0.322	0.522
TB	27	93	18	27	4	0	5	14	6	15	1	2	33.33%	0.290	0.335	0.495
Totals	122	472	94	129	21	6	32	96	38	60	17	4	80.95%	0.273	0.329	0.547

Above are his stats broken up by franchise for regular season and playoffs with career stats included. You can see he has been a consistent performer throughout his career and in different cities.

 Only 4 times in his career, did a team he was on not reach .500 winning percentage, they include his first 2 big league seasons in Seattle and his only season in Vancouver (my franchise) and no seasons in his last 10 under .500 for the team he has been on

 And his accomplishments and awards:

• 4th all-time in games played by a position player.
• 652 HRs (11 shy of top 5 all time)
• 1929 RBI's (63 short of top 5 all time)
• 1789 Runs (68 short of top 5 all time)
• 1 K per 9 plate appearances (compare that to this season league average of 1 per 5.5 PA)
• 32 playoff HRs
• 8 all star appearances
• 4 Gold Gloves at 3B
• 8 Silver Sluggers (3 at 2B, 5 at 3B)
• 1 Most Valuable Player award (El Paso)
• 2 World Series Rings (New Britain and Tampa Bay)

With some of the numbers and the amount of accomplishments, I believe he will get in to the HOF within the first few seasons of his eligibility.

 Either way, he has had a great career and there are not many players that are this consistent for the length of their careers as Endy Horton has been!

Q & A with the Owners (cavone)

22nd in a series (by 69cubs)

Q & A  #22 spotlights cavone and the Norfolk Tars

cavone, like many other owners is an original owner and has hung out in Norfolk since the beginning.

His Tars have only had 5 seasons (out of 23) with less than 81 wins. So, you know that he is battling for the division year in and year out! He also has 6 first place finishes and 3 wild card appearances. With one of the wild card appearances, he made it to the World Series (season 16), losing to the upstart Chicago Billy Goats (who would go on with 4 of 5 World Series Championships starting in season 16).

In Mathewson, cavone is at 1944 - 1782 (.522) and should hit the 2000 win mark this season!

Overall in HBD, cavone has 65 seasons under his belt with 10 division titles and 6 wild card appearances. He is still searching for that first World Championship, but with his consistency for his teams, that is not a far-fetched idea!

On with the Q & A with cavone


Favorite MLB Team:
When I first began paying attention to sports, I was living in Atlanta, and so, I became a Braves fan! I still miss the Superstation!


Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Hank Aaron,, Phil Neikro, Tom Glavine, John Smoltz, Chipper Jones and many other Braves!


Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-Time:
I have had many of them!


Right now, I would pick my closer, Hector Riley.
Past players include Carlos Cubillan, Vinny Murata and Patrick Page -- all Norfolk Tars!


Significance of team name and/or username:
I live in Tidewater, Virginia area and there was a minor league team in the 40's named the Tars. Tar is another name for sailor and Norfolk is home to the world's largest naval base. 


Cavone is a combination of Cavalier and one. I went to U of Va.


Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
U of Va basketball and football. Both are on their way back after years in the wasteland.


Background:

I was born near Clemson, SC, but moved around a lot as my father was in the military. We settled in Virginia Beach finally and I graduated from U of Va. I attended law school at William and Mary and currently practice as an attorney in the Tidewater area.


Married with 2 sons in college (William and Mary and the other in George Mason) and one son in 8th grade!



Favorite Mathewson moment:
Well, I have done fairly well here, but never won the world series. I guess it would have to be when I won the National League championship and advanced tot he World Series!


Team you most dislike to face:
Like many, I have trouble with Colorado.
I like my division as we have had much stability and competition over the years!
(Editors note - this division has cavone and todzilla from day 1, zoobaseball since season 6 and only 2 owners, drejday and wild44, for the 4th franchise since season 5).


One tip you can share with all:
As I have never won it all, I don't think I'm much in position to give tips. 
I would say, develop your minor league teams and don't spend too much on free agents. Go younger and cheaper if you can.


Thank You cavone! Even though that world series as so far eluded you, your consistency and organizational goal will eventually get you that championship. Then, maybe, you can start your own Superstation and have the Tars as America's team!

Q & A with the Owners (oddson)

21st in a series (by 69cubs)

Q & A returns this season with #21 and the Las Vegas High Rollers and their owner since day 1 of Mathewson, oddson!

Oddson with Las Vegas has won the NL West 4 times and finished 2nd another 12 times out of 23 seasons.  With the 4 division win, there were also another 11 wild card appearances for Las Vegas. And of those 15 playoff appearances, Las Vegas has 2 World Series Championships!

Some believe his team is sometimes overlooked because of the division they are in (with Colorado), but, oddson has Las Vegas just as ready every season and you know that playing against this team will be a tough series!

With a career W/L record (going into season 24) of 2026-1700 (.544) in Mathewson, oddson is also no slouch outside of Mathewson as his overall HBD W/L record is 7070-5728 (.552) AND an additional 3 World Series Championships in 79 total seasons!

On with the Q & A with oddson


Favorite MLB Team:
Growing up in New York, it's hard not to be a Yankee fan.


Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Hard to say, so many great ones. But, I would go with Don Mattingly and Derek Jeter!


Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-Time:
Being an original member (in Mathewson), there are many players. 


I would say, in the past, Stevie Slaughter and Jeff Trammell.
Currently, Hector Arroyo and Derrick Monroe.


Significance of team name and/or username:
oddson comes from me making a projected betting line in my fantasy football league and predicting me, the "odds-on" favorite!


Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
New York Jets


Background:
I grew up in NY, where I graduated Hofstra University where I met my current wife of 19 years. I moved to Las Vegas 19 years ago, where I became a professional sports bettor and poker player. And I have two great kids!


Favorite Mathewson moment:
Season 8 when I barely made the playoffs and went on to win the World Series that season!


Team you most dislike to face:
Like so many others, I would say the Colorado Colorado Crush (hoyanoel). Games with them are always meaningful!


But, I can also say that the games with Colorado Colorado Crush with hoyanoel can also be regarded as the team I most LIKE to face for the same reason: these games are always meaningful!


One tip you can share with all:
Don't get caught up in ratings of players, they can sometimes be very missleading!


Thank You oddson! If I was a betting man (which I am) and the way you have Las Vegas playing this season, I would guess that Las Vegas might be one of the "odds-on" favorites to win the World Series this season!

Playoff and World Series trivia (by 69cubs)

Now that season 23 is completed, counting this season's playoffs, here is some trivia questions to ponder (answers below). Try to honestly guess the answers and see how you do?

1) Which owner has the highest playoff game winning percentage?
2) Which active owner has the highest playoff winning percentage?
3) Which owner has the most playoff wins?
4) Which owner has the most playoff losses?
5) Which owner has the most World Series appearances?
6) Which 2 owners share the record for the most World Series championships?
7) Which non-active owner has the most World Series appearance and Championships?
8) Which owner has played the most playoff games without appearing in a World Series?
9) Which owner, who has NEVER appeared in a World Series has the highest playoff winning percentage?
10) Which owner, with at least one World Series appearance, has the lowest playoff winning percentage?
11) Which owner has the most playoff losses without a single victory?
12) Which city, combined for all owners for that city, has the most playoff games?
13) Only one city has had two owners take their team to the World Series, which city is it?
14) Which owner, who has a playoff appearance has played the fewest playoff games?
15) How many players (and who) has won the World Series MVP MORE than once?
16) How many HOFers (and who has won the World Series MVP?

Before we get to the answers, here is a couple World Series facts:

--- There has been 14 owners who have won the World Series -- lylediekmann, jpelot, todzilla, hiloboy21, oddson, t2bott, jmagliaro, thurmodore, sac_lambs, wolfman19, wild44, steinbajl, bobcat_grad & the newest one, ws2005sox.

--- There has been 21 owners who have appeared in the World Series, the 14 above and the following: hoyanoel, reggiedeal, unitedcenter, cavone, zinpa, kneeneighbor & mileininger


NOW - below are the answers with the closest finishers:

1) Which owner has the highest playoff game winning percentage?
.846 - wild44
.684 - steinbajl
.667 - ws2005sox
NOTE - owners with more than 50 games - .634 - jpelot

2) Which active owner has the highest playoff winning percentage?
.667 - ws2005sox
.634 - jpelot
.632 - reggiedeal

3) Which owner has the most playoff wins?
111 - hoyanoel
94 - lylediekmann
90 - jpelot

4) Which owner has the most playoff losses?
108 - hoyanoel
75 - lylediekmann
62 - mileininger

5) Which owner has the most World Series appearances?
6 - lylediekmann
5 - hoyanoel
4 - jpelot
4 - todzilla

6) Which 2 owners share the record for the most World Series championships?
4 each for lylediekmann & jpelot

7) Which non-active owner has the most World Series appearance and Championships?
hiloboy21 - 3 appearances and 2 championships

8) Which owner has played the most playoff games without appearing in a World Series?
88 - zoobaseball
63 - pita323

9) Which owner, who has NEVER appeared in a World Series has the highest playoff winning percentage?
.571 - noah79
.556 - AndyT13
.538 - canadadry, drejday & the owner we cannot name ever again

10) Which owner, with at least one World Series appearance, has the lowest playoff winning percentage?
.417 - unitedcenter
.429 - cavone
.431 - mileininger

11) Which owner has the most playoff losses without a single victory?
10 - pelot
4 - mystere

12) Which city, combined for all owners for that city, has the most playoff games?
219 - Colorado
190 - Chicago
169 - New Britain
120 - Las Vegas
110 - Charlotte
103 - Trenton

13) Only one city has had two owners take their team to the World Series, which city is it and who are the owners?
Chicago with jpelot (4 app) and unitedcenter (1 app in season 2)

14) Which owner, who has a playoff appearance has played the fewest playoff games?
2 - peder (season 4, but brackets show 3 losses, but playoff 1st round for first bunch of seasons was a best of 3, see playoff stats in stat menu)
3 - several owners, none active

15) How many players (and who) has won the World Series MVP MORE than once?
Albert Bell - Chicago Billy Goats (season 16 & 19)
Chris Tobin - Columbus Flatliners (season 12) & New Britain Bombers (season 22)

16) How many HOFers (and who has won the World Series MVP?
Kareem Nunnally - Memphis Blues Boys - Season 6
Rey Shigetoshi - Buffalo Blizzard - season 11

How did you do? Some names from the past were part of this!

S23 World Series

Game 1: The Salt Lake City Olympians came to Tampa Bay, where the Bandits' Sidney Ray faced off against Mac Kendrick. The game entered the 7th inning with a 2-2 tie, but Salt Lake City scored 3 times to chase the Bandit's starter and take the 5-2 lead. Kendrick got the victory and Robert Owens notched a save.

Game 2: Salt Lake City entered the top of the 9th inning trailing, but a 2 run blast by All-Star and Silver Slugger 2B Gary Reynolds tied and an RBI double by Jose Colon gave the Olympians the lead. However, veteran closer Robert Owens blew the save, and the Bandits won on a walkoff 2 RBI hit by pinch hitter Tomas Liriano. Centerfielder Denny Benson has 3 hits, 2 RBIS and 2 runs scored.

Game 3: The series moved to Salt Lake City. Sammy Barnes, batting 9th as Tampa Bay's designated hitter, managed 3 hits and drove in 2 runs. Rolando Cortez also had two hits and drove in 3 runs in Tampa Bay's win.

Game 4: With the game tied at 5 through 9 innings, Tampa Bay's Endy Horton led off the top of the 10th with a home run off of Robert Owens. Although Salt Lake City threatened in the bottom of the 10th, the tying run was stranded at third.

Game 5: With their backs against the wall, the Olympians' Mac Kendrick pitched 8 impressive innings to win it and Robert Owens earned the save. Shortstop Jose Colon drove in 3 runs and hit a solo homer to help his team offensively. The Bandits' Rolando Cortez got two hits in the losing cause.

Game 6: The series moved back to Tampa Bay, and a rocky outing by Rocky Brower gave the Bandits the early lead, from which Salt Lake City could not recover. Tampa Bay's starter, Fred Hughes, left the game in the top of the second inning due to a foot injury, but Pablo Gonzalez pitched 6 2/3 innings in relief, allowing only one run, 5 hits (plus stiking out 4 with no walks)while Lariel Benitez, starting in right field in place of Endy Horton, and Denny Benson drove in 2 runs a piece. Tampa Bay won the World Series in 6 games.

Q & A with the Owners (hoyanoel)

20th in a series (by 69cubs)

Q & A #20 brings us to an owner, who has more victories than any other owner in Mathewson, who's franchise has more victories than any other franchise in Mathewson history, and more playoff games (and playoff victories) than any other owner in Mathewson!

An owner with 15 1st place, 6 2nd place (5 wild card appearances) and 1 3rd place finish (season 5, but still a wild card appearance) in 22 seasons, even though 4 of first 5 seasons, he did not win the division. Has been in the playoffs 21 of 22 seasons (only missing season 15 but still with an above .500 record). Five World Series appearances (unfortunately no World Series championships yet).

Only 2 seasons below .500 (a first and 2nd place finish in these seasons, both with 80 victories).

If I did not have his name in the title, most of you would already know who I was talking about, one of the most respected owners with one of the most "feared" teams (and ballpark), that is hoyanoel and his Colorado Colorado Crush!

In Mathewson and 22 completed seasons, he has a 2075-1489 (.582) record. Outside of Mathewson, hoyanoel, in 18 seasons, has compiled a 1431-1485 (.491) record with 10 division titles (no additional wild card appearances).

On with the Q & A with hoyanoel

Favorite MLB Team:
Cincinnati Reds

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Don't really have a favorite player, but I'm a huge Jim "leather pants" Bowden fan. I also enjoyed hearing the interviews with the late Ernie Harwell.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
By far, it would have to be Brad Green. He was one of the 2 greatest players in this world. John Yashian was well on his well to being one of those franchise great players, but he wanted to test the free agent market.

Significance of team name and/or username:
I got it from the host of a radio show I listened to a long time ago (the Fabulous Sport's Babe).

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
The Georgetown Hoyas. I've been a fan since i can ever remember.

Background:
I live just little north of Cincinnati, where I'm married with 2 daughters (one was born just after Thanksgiving). After playing traveling softball for 10 years, my time now is spent driving to girl scouts, gymnastics, and play dates.

I managed a logistic company that warehouses and deliveries fitness equipment (both retail and commercial) in the state of Ohio.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
Of the 22 completed seasons, I've made the playoffs every year but 1. I've been fortune to make the World Series 5 times, where I've always lost.

Three things that stick out:
1) Having Brad Green for 18 years.
2) IFA signing of Santiago Johnson. ( I've never had a good pitcher till signing him).
3) Missing out on IFA Harry Javier by less than a million dollars. I think he'll end up being 1 of the best hitters this world has ever seen.

Team you most dislike to face:
Chicago Billy Goats, and New Britian Bombers. They both have owned me forever.

One tip you can share with all:
There are many different ways you can win at this. Find a plan you like and stick with it. Ratings isn't the "end all, be all". In the end it's the numbers that get used, not the player's rating.

Thank You hoyanoel! I don't think you will miss out on that elusive World Series championship too many seasons longer, you are one of the favorites every season to be there at the end!

Q & A with the Owners (todzilla)

19th in a series (by 69cubs)

Next up is an owner, another one with us from day 1, that was among the best (10 straight seasons over 90 victories) for many seasons, until his HOFers retired. Now, he is back in the rebuilding mode trying to regain the glory. Buffalo Blizzard and owner todzilla is who I am referring to.

Except for season 22, where Boston was their home (and coincidentally had their worst record ever and lowest payroll) as Dunn Tire Park was being renovated, Buffalo has been their home for the franchise's history.

In Mathewson, todzilla has guided this Blizzard to a 1884-1680 (.529) with 7 division titles, 2 wild card appearances, 4 World Series appearances and 2 World Series titles!

Overall in HBD, 3908-3544 (.524) in 46 seasons with 11 titles, 10 WC and the 2 Mathewson championships.

On with the Q & A with todzilla

Favorite MLB Team:
I loved the Cardinals growing up, the '85 team is my all time favorite. I used to be able to get KMOX on my transistor radio and listened to Jack Buck.
Now that I live in Colorado, I cheer for the Rockies!

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Willie McGee is my all time favorite, currently I would say Troy Tulowitski.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
Favorite is Parker McIntyre, he was my first round pick in season one. Very proud that my trio of HOF guys (McIntyre, Shigetoshi, and Guardado) all played for my franchise their entire careers.

Significance of team name and/or username:
I grew up in Buffalo and if you've been there in the winter, well you know. Todzilla is just a fun name that I could never get anyone to call me.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Buffalo Bills and Sabres...love football and hockey.

Background:
I grew up in Buffalo and have lived in the Denver Area for the past 16 years. I have a 4 year old daughter. I went to Alfred State college for 2 years and finished my BA at SUNY Fredonia.

I work for AAA in Colorado, I manage 2 of the walk in facilities for Travel, Insurance, etc....

Favorite Mathewson moment:
My first World Series in season 5. Everything came together in that season, big hitters and good enough pitching and a few fortunate in season pick ups.

Team you most dislike to face:
I've had a lot of battles with zoobaseballs teams over the years. I have a love hate with Colorado, it was fun to play there, especially when my hitting was good, but it sure hurts the pitching staff. We also traded LCS wins in back to back seasons.

One tip you can share with all:
Don't rush your top prospects to the majors, give them time to develop and max out those ratings.
Have a plan for your franchise and stick to it.

Thank You todzilla! From Buffalo to Denver (coincidentally, the next Q & A is with Colorado), if you ever wanted to be a skier, you are in the right locations!

Q & A with the Owners (sac_lambs)

18th in a series (by 69cubs)

There are a few owners in this world that you know will be back each season and they will be tough (no matter their record), one of them is sac_lambs and his Memphis Blues Boys. Another of the owners that has been here from day 1 of this world and a Mathewson only owner in HBD!

Here is an owner that when you communicate with him (trades, chat, etc), you know you will get a response and a respectful response. That was my opinion even before I read some of his answers below.

In Mathewson, sac_lambs has a 2008-1556 (.563) record with 5 division titles, 8 wild card appearances and has been in two World Series, winning one in season 6 with a 114-48 (.704) record but, only being a wild card team (thanks to the Charlotte Wolfpack's 117 victory season)!

He also is 2nd, in career victories for a single owner (behind only hoyanoel) in Mathewson history. And has managed several HOFers.

On with the Q & A with sac_lambs

Favorite MLB Team:
Atlanta Braves.
My second favorite team is whoever is playing against the New York Yankees!

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Al Kaline of the Detroit Tigers and Sid Hudson, pitcher for the Washington Senators. What a nice man and great storyteller he was.

Currently, my favorite MLB players are Desmond Jennings, Tim Dillard, Mitch Moreland and the retired Jonathan Van Every, Dave Clark and Brian Maxcy because I served as their team chaplain or mentored them in college, high school or American Legion baseball. All of them are good men and good friends.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
Hall of Famers Don Gonzales, Kareem Nunnally and Vladimir Valentin. Pitcher Dorian Kinkade will get there eventually.

Significance of team name and/or username:
Memphis has a rich music history and B.B. King is translated "Blues Boy" King.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Any team in the SEC. SEC. SEC.

Background:
Married with children. Live a couple of miles from Elvis' birthplace – just outside of Tupelo, Mississippi. I'm a college campus BSU Director/bi-vocational pastor/church planter. I made my "money" as a newspaper sports writer and columnist for 20-plus years.

I do contract work for the Associated Press about 50 assignments a year - SEC football, basketball, baseball, Bowl games, NCAA/NIT Tournaments, Regional and Super Regional Tournaments. Still enjoy college athletics - players, coaches, schools, stadiums, press boxes, locker rooms and most fans.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
Acquired two HOF players in the same trade - Nunnally and Valentin. Enjoyed winning a World Series. Once.
I want to live long enough to see hoyanoel win a World Series and pville win a division - then I could die a happy man. They need to hurry.

Team you most dislike to face:
I don't dislike any franchise, but I get spanked consistently by lots of teams.

One tip you can share with all:
Get to know the other owners - answer your trade chat and site mail - ask questions, seek insight, offer encouragement.
This is a game - the "players" aren't real - but the owners are, so make friends and enjoy this experience.

Thank You sac_lambs! As a former newspaper sports writer, I will expect a nice article (for the blog) next time your Blues Boys make headlines!

Q & A with the Owners (ws2005sox)

17th in a series (by 69cubs)

I believe the name says it all on who this owner supports, ws2005sox. The Chicago White Sox - World Series champs in 2005! With the exception of two earlier seasons in HBD, ws2005sox has been with his current team for 5 previous seasons and is on his 7th season overall in Mathewson.

Taking over a team that did not get over 67 wins in their previous 9 seasons, ws2005sox has turned this franchise around. Taking over after a 61 win season, this owner started to clean house and rebuild. Season 19 only saw a one game improvement in standings, but a different mindset for the franchise! Season 20 with 77 wins (15 game improvement), that was this franchises most wins in 14 seasons! Then in season 21, they exploded with a franchise best 97 wins and 20 games improvement AND their first ever 1st place finish! Unfortunately, they lost in the 2nd round of the playoffs. Season 22 and season 23, Tampa Bay has returned to good status, finishing season 22 in 2nd place and in a battle with Richmond in season 23 for the division title and a couple teams for the 2nd wild card spot.

Going into this season ws2005sox has a 464-508 (.477) record with the one division title.

On with the Q & A with ws2005sox

Favorite MLB Team:
I think the name says it all, Chicago White Sox!

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
favorite player All-time is the BIG Hurt, Frank Thomas. Another favorite is a player I once met, not a superstar, but an average player, Wayne Nordhagen.
Currently, I am looking forward to seeing Gordon Beckham mature and hopefully become an outstanding player.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
From my team now, Cozy Ponson and also rookie, Rolando Cortez. Do not really have one from the past yet.

Significance of team name and/or username:
The user name I use is the Chicago White Sox from 2005 when they won the Series. The team name was the USFL football team name for Tampa Bay.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Background:
Born, raised in Chicago area. Lived for about 5 years a couple miles from Frank Thomas's home. I work a regional position for the Hertz company and try to stay active when time and family allows!

Favorite Mathewson moment:
The 97 win season and being in the playoffs. I would love to get in again and make more noise in the playoffs.

Team you most dislike to face:
My first thought would be the Jackson Sizzle, but, since he has controlled the division, he is who I want to face and beat, so far 4-3 against him this season. But, I always have a tough time with Honolulu, plus, they knocked me out of the playoffs in season 21, too.

One tip you can share with all:
I rebuilt this team in a couple seasons, be smart and rebuilding should not take as many as "5" seasons. It can be done in a shorter time. To rebuild, you must be ready to trade very good players for an opportunity to get a great player!

Thank You ws2005sox! If the White Sox can do it, so can you!

Q & A with the Owners (pville)

16th in a series (by 69cubs)

We hit the half way mark of the Q & A's!

Next up is another of our original owners who has been with us since Day 1 and has kept his team in the same city (and name) since then also. There are some loyal fans down in Texas supporting this team as they have a history of struggling in the standings. But, with that support and the determination of the owner to give Texas a team, this franchise has stayed intact! This season, the Texas Steers have an opportunity to have or come close to their best record in franchise history.

Owner "pville" has a Mathewson World record of 1386-2178 (.389). While overall, including the 22 completed Mathewson, pville has completed 32 seasons in HBD with an overall record of 2025-3159 (.391) with one division title (lost in a AL championship series) and a 7-5 playoff record.

On with the Q & A with pville

Favorite MLB Team:
Texas Rangers. Have been following them since mid-80's.

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
favorite player from the past is Cliff Johnson as I met him as a child at the Astrodome.
Favorite player currently is Ian Kinsler for his all around skills.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
Lonny Pujols from his early years coming up through my farm system years before I traded him.
Current player is Leo Schoeneweis for the same reason.

Significance of team name and/or username:
The user name I use is pville which is a shortened version of my high school Pflugerville located just north of Austin, Texas.
The team name is what you would expect to find a lot of in Texas. It also is a variation of my favorite college team the Texas Longhorns.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Texas Longhorns

Background:
Born, raised and still live in Austin, Texas. I have worked for the Department of State Health Services for 13 years. I am the Inventory Coordinator at the Laboratory.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
None, still waiting to create it.

Team you most dislike to face:
Seattle. No matter the record of either team, we can't win.

One tip you can share with all:
None. I'm still trying to figure this game out.

Thank You pville! The Texas Rangers took awhile to get on the right track and now look at them!

Q & A with the Owners (ptoday)

15th in a series (by 69cubs)

This owner could have been given a nickname of "Band Aid" by his early seasons in Mathewson. As owner of his current team, ptoday is on his 5th season with this franchise. Seasons 4, 6, 8, 22 and the current season 23. He came in the earlier seasons as an owner to maintain a team until a more permanent owner was found, but kept winding back with the same franchise, where he is today. A list of his franchises:

1) current Cheyenne Wranglers (no playoff appearances)
---4 completed seasons with a record of 286-362 (.441)
2) the current Boise Spuds (no playoff appearances)
---1 season with a record of 60-102 (.370)
3) the current New York Mobsters (3-1st place finishes)
---7 seasons with a record of 596-538 (.526)
4) outside of Mathewson (1 - 1st place and 1 WC)
---4 seasons with a record of 316-332 (.488)

On with the Q & A with ptoday

Favorite MLB Team:
Minnesota Twins

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Harmon Killebrew and Frank Viola.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
When I had the team in Chicago, the ace of my staff and my favorite player was Jackie Little. On my current team, I like Marshall Dorsey, even though he has a durability rating of 52, he makes the most of the time I can give him.

Significance of team name and/or username:
My user name comes from when I first started HBD. I was at work and was told about this, I wanted to take a day off that day. The requested days off were called PTO days for "Paid Time Off". So, I put the 2 together and got ptoday!

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Dallas Stars, but was more of a fan when they were the Minnesota North Stars!

Background:
Minneapolis, if you could not guess from my teams! Played hockey while younger, but now, just work and family is my life!

Favorite Mathewson moment:
My time with the Chicago franchise (now the New York Mobsters), that is when I decided that I would spend more time with HBD. But, I am hoping to make more moments with this franchise.

Team you most dislike to face:
So far, I have done well within the division, BUT, outside the division, I am getting beaten up pretty good (especially by Memphis)!

One tip you can share with all:
Still trying to figure out my own strategy. My best seasons with Chicago (New York) were a benefit of the previous owner (bobcat_grad) leaving a very good team! I took over the team right after they won the World Series!

Thank You ptoday! You like to be in different cities regularly just like some of the Minnesota teams, North Stars, Lakers!

Q & A with the owners (noah79)

14th in a series (by 69cubs)

An owner who appears to be working on becoming known as the rebuilder is noah79. He has been involved with 2 franchises.

First he joined Mathewson in season 18 taking over in midseason the Boston Americans (now known as the Pittsburgh franchise). This franchise had NEVER won more than 73 games. noah79 guided this team to 80 victories and a new attitude. Followed that up in season 19 (moved to Washinton DC) with 105 victories (2nd place to the Chicago Billy Goats and their 108 victories). Fell back a little in season 20 to 83 victories where his desire to own an NL franchise had him leave this franchise in plymouth71's very capable hands.

Season 21 saw noah79 takeover a franchise that an owner (sonneboy2000) turned from an 80 win season to a 59 win season in 2 seasons. noah79 took this franchise and rebuilt it. Season 21 was getting rid of the deadwood and only 51 victories. Season 21 saw the change start with 66 victories (15 game improvement) and season 23 has this team on a pace for about 77 wins. Some key acquisitions has this team primed for more improvement next season.

Overall in Mathewson (and HBD), noah79 has compiled a 385-425(.475)record in 5 completed seasons with only one WC appearances in the 5 total seasons.

On with the Q & A with noah79

Favorite MLB Team:
Washington Nationals, was a Montreal Expo fan

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Andre Dawson and Henry Aaron! Currently, I will go with Strasburg as he appears to be the one who will lead the National's franchise going forward with Bryce Harper.

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All time:
Troy Coles on my current team. I expect him to be my catcher for a long time. While with Washington (Pittsburgh), a big fan of Jackie Little, who went 40-15 for me before I traded him in season 20 (at the age of 36) for 3 players thinking he was almost done. NOTE: Little is still pitching (age 39) and has gone 32-17 since I traded him.

Significance of team name and/or username:
Milwaukee Braves - Hammerin Hank's team!

My user name is my son's name, the 79 has no significance.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Indianapolis Colts! Bye, bye Peyton! But, will still be a fan!.

Background:
Grew up in the Buffalo area. currently live still in the NE. I am a teacher/high school basketball coach.
My secret interest is that I am a member of the WWE Universe!

Favorite Mathewson moment:
105 wins for the season 19 Washington Nationals, everything was going right until those Billy Goats took 1st place and I flopped in the playoffs. But 105 wins in my second season was my favorite moment. I feel that my current Milwaukee Braves will lead me into some favorite moments

Team you most dislike to face:
Luckily, I don't play the Billy Goats, especially with that win streak he has. So, the team I will claim for this is the Omah Cobfathers, they have given me a lot of trouble this season!

One tip you can share with all:
A good mix of youth and veterans, geared more towards the youth will allow you to grow a team and keep it competitive for many seasons.Hopefully this tip works for me!

Thank You noah79! Wrestlemania tickets or an HBD World Series championship, which would you want more?!?

Q & A with the Owners (rcf106)

13th in a series (by 69cubs)

rcf106, owner of the Richmond Riot, is on his 14th season in Mathewson. He took over a team that had won only 49 games the previous season and never had a .500 record. Last 2 seasons the Riot have been above .500 and this season, they are in a position to make thier first playoff appearance in their franchise history.
Overall in 13 seasons in Mathewson, rcf106 has a 940-1166 (.446) record.

Overall in HBD, rcf106 has compiled a 6686-7246 (.480) with 14 division titles and an additional 8 WC appearances in 86 total seasons.

On with the Q & A with rcf106

Favorite MLB Team:
Arizona Diamondbacks

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Dale Murphy. Back in the early 80’s, when my family finally got hooked up to cable TV, we were perpetually tuned to TBS. Murph was and still is my all-time favorite.

Favorite Matthewson player(s) current and/or All time:
To be determined. I have some stud prospects that are just now hitting ML. I’ll get back to you on that one in a few seasons.

Significance of team name and/or username:
There is no significance to the team name. I just thought it worked well.

My user name is my initials and my ID number at work.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Notre Dame football. I was born in South Bend, Indiana so my dad made sure I had very little say so in this.

Background:
I have lived my entire adult life in Arizona. I have been in law enforcement since 1990 and look forward to putting in another 8 years or so and retiring with a nice pension at a fairly young age.

I’m also proud to say that I am approaching 10 years as a member of WIS, having joined on March 3, 2002.

Favorite Matthewson moment:
Again, to be determined. So far, this season has been good. I hope to hang on and win what has become a very tough NL South (probably just jinxed myself).

Team you most dislike to face:
Colorado seems to be the consensus and I can’t disagree with that. I can’t entirely blame the park because they always come to my place and beat the tar out of me each time.

One tip you can share with all:
Draft wisely, develop your prospects and avoid the temptation to make dumb trades that you’ll regret later on.

Thank You rcf106! Law enforcement (definitely something to be proud of)...that is now a warning to all when your team goes into Richmond (and Arizona)!

Q & A with the Owners (zinpa)

12th in a series (by 69cubs)

Helena Handbaskets owner, zinpa, is on his 14th season in Mathewson and is on a roll! Having won the last 5 (and 6 of 7) division titles. This, for a team that barely had one winning season (83 wins in season 6) before zinpa took over. After building this team up, Helena is now a perennial powerhouse.

Overall in 13 seasons in Mathewson, zinpa has a 1087-1019 (.517) record with 6 division titles and 1 WC appearance. Helena did play in the season 19 World Series.

Overall in HBD, zinpa has built up a 3991-3461 (.536) with 22 division titles and an additional 5 WC appearances in 46 total seasons.

On with the Q & A with zinpa

Favorite MLB Team:
Cleveland Indians

Favorite all-time and/or current player(s):
Willie McCovey. Though not an Indian, he was an imposing player especially to an impressionable kid.

Favorite Matthewson player(s) current and/or All time:
Tomas Gonzalez. He was the 1st big international player I ever signed. He's the teams all-time leader in wins despite having an entire season plus part of another wiped out by an injury.

Significance of team name and/or username:
Hell in a handbasket? Thought I was being clever only to later find out someone had used the same team name seasons earlier.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Big Chicago fan in all the other major sports. Also, a big fan of my local teams: Erie Otters of the OHL and the Erie Bayhawks of the NBA Development League(where Linsanity started, lol).

Background:
Born and raised in Erie, PA. Big sports fan. Season ticket holder for the Otters and Bayhawks. Former season ticket holder for the AA Erie Seawolves and Cleveland Indians.

Favorite Matthewson moment:
Making the season 19 World Series. Unfortunately, we got swept.

Team you most dislike to face:
I hate playing any Colorado team because of the ballpark, but I especially dislike playing Hoyanoel's Crush team because he usually handles me in the playoffs.

One tip you can share with all:
Get pitching!

Thank You zinpa! Keep those Handbaskets coming to collect all your division titles in them. Maybe soon, you will need a larger basket for a World Series title!

Q & A with the Owners (jmagliaro)

11th in a series (by 69cubs)

This edition is about jmagliaro. Owner in Mathewson of the Charleston Thunder, previously the Trenton Fire.

jmagliaro is on season 16 in Mathewson with 6 division titles (in a row from seasons 10-15) and 5 WC appearances (currently the last 4 seasons in a row). With these 11 playoff appearances comes 3 World Series appearances with one World Series championship (in season 10)! A record of 1353-1077 (.557) going into Season 23.

Overall in HBD has also been impressive, 41 total seasons, 3569-3073 (.537) record with 15 division titles, 9 WC appearances and 3 World Series championships!

On with the Q & A with jmagliaro

Favorite MLB team
New York Yankees

Favorite All-Time and/or current MLB player(s):
Don Mattingly

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-time:
Larry Dupler put up some great numbers for me, was hard to trade him away.

On my current team, Archie Kraemer, coming off a Cy Young season, I locked him up for 5 seasons and he is having another great season!

Significance of team name and/or username:
No significance to my username.

Team name is after one of the Yankees minor league affiliates

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Football. NY Giants baby! been rooting for them since #56 changed how linebackers played the game!

Background:
Born and raised in New Jersey. Not sure how I came across the game, but glad I did! I've been here since season 8.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
Winning the world series in season 10!

Team you most dislike to face:
Anyone in the AL East the past couple seasons. It's a tough division. Last year 93 wins landed me in 3rd place.

One tip you can share with all:
You can never have enough pitching.

Thank You jmagliaro! In that tough AL East division, sometimes Thunder is not enough, maybe a tornado is what you need!

Q & A with the Owners (unitedcenter)

10th in a series (by 69cubs)

The history of unitedcenter is a strange one. One of the original owners in Mathewson. He owned the current Cleveland Tribes from seasons 1 thru 16 with the exception of season 10. Rumors have it that due to illegal recruiting of international prospects, he was given a one season suspension (writer's note-just messing with you unitedcenter)! During his time with this franchise, he posted a 1309-1121 (.539) record with 4 division titles and one WC appearance, making 1 World Series appearance.

He was not around at the beginning of season 17, but reappeared during the season to takeover the current Milwaukee Braves and finish that season and then season 18 compiling a 175-149 (.540) record.

Season 23 has the return of unitedcenter for his 18th season in Mathewson as he is running the Toronto Raptors in a division where his original franchise of 15 seasons also resides.

Outside of Mathewson, unitedcenter has not feared as well, 4 seasons, 288-360 (.444) record.

On with the Q & A with unitedcenter

Favorite MLB team:
Chicago White Sox

Favorite All-Time and/or current MLB player(s):
Dick Allen,1B White Sox slugger for 3 seasons in early 70's played with several teams.
Currently, it is Mark Buerhle, then he left the team to go to Florida!

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-time:
I have a few from the early seasons:
1) Mickey Carpenter - (21-6) in season 1, but was a post season flop for me in seasons 1 thru 3.
2) Carlos Rincon - 104 steals in season 8, I pushed him for HOF, but, his stats are now becoming less outstanding as others are finishing their careers. Still, lots of SBs and very high OBA!
3) Robinson Dixon - my HBD version of Dick Allen (see above)

Currently, I am becoming a huge fan of my 1st round draft pick this season, Mo Sierra.

Significance of team name and/or username:
unitedcenter is the home of the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Black Hawks.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
In this order, Chicago Bulls, Chicago Bears & Chicago Black hawks after the White Sox.

Background:
Born in Chicago, grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. I travel a lot for work, this past summer, visited outside of USA for the first time with 3 visits to Toronto area (current team name). I mostly travel Midwest and NE region.
Played sports throughout high school, football, basketball & baseball, eliminated football after freshman year (to focus on other sports), basketball after Sophomore year (stopped growing in 8th grade, was a center in junior high, but a guard in high school who could not dribble like a guard) and baseball after junior year (injury). Still play in pickup games/leagues when time permits in basketball and baseball.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
World Series appearance in season 2, even though I lost to t2bott (Louisville Wild Turkeys) and the hitting of Domingo Dali (25 RBIs for him in 15 playoff games that season)

Team you most dislike to face:
I would not say dislike, but thurmodore came into Mathewson and my division dominance went away and he was on top of division for awhile.
Currently I would say lylediekmann as he is the "goal" for this division to reach. We need to beat New Britain to take this division.

One tip you can share with all:
Grow some of your own talent and keep some of them for the future of your team. If you have enough talent in the minors, you can still trade some without depleting your farm system (see Colorado!)

Thank You unitedcenter! Welcome back, now if you can just get your team as good as those Bulls, you will be back battling at the top!

Q & A with the Owners (sprdthefield)

9th in a series (by 69cubs)

"sprdthefield" is actually only in Mathewson for a matter of days (as this username) at this point, BUT, as we all know, this owner is working in tandem with ginobili04.

The New York Mobsters are a creation of the ginobili04 owner name. This ownership "group" is on their 3rd season in Mathewson. In their 2 full seasons, they are rebuilding a franchise and have a 133-191 (.410)record without a playoff appearance at this point.

Overall in HBD, 15 seasons between the 2 of them with an overall record of 979-1451 (.403) with one division title. Now that this ownership group is settled, we expect that they will build this team and try to restore some of the glory this team had 5-10 seasons earlier where they won 3 division titles in a 5 season period.

On with the Q & A with sprdthefield

Favorite MLB team:
Boston Red Sox

Favorite All-Time and/or current MLB player(s):
Johnny Damon would have to be my favorite, until he left Boston and went to that other team! ughhh!!

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-time:
Has to be Endy Fassero since he is probably the best on my team right now. He is only 25 so he should be a mobster for a while!

Significance of team name and/or username:
Team name I came up with since I love to read and watch things about the Mob, and NY is the biggest part where the Mob formed, so thats why I named them Mobsters.

user name is/was ginobili04 because my co-workers say I look like Manu Ginobili from the SA Spurs. But the sprdthefield ID is a name my co-coach grindi and I came up with to use for our GD(Gridiron Dynasty) rebuilds on mostly passing teams when the new engine came out.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
College Football - Auburn WAR DAMN EAGLE!!
NFL Football - Carolina Panthers because of Cam Newton!
NBA Basketball - Dallas Mavericks

Background:
Born and raised in Alabama

Team you most dislike to face:
Has to be Helena since they always beat me and wins the NL North Division every season since I been in Matthewson.

One tip you can share with all:
No tips yet, but maybe reading these I can find some out to put me/us in the playoffs.

Thank You sprdthefield! With a football username now and formerly a basketball username, maybe your baseball team is feeling neglected that you don't have a baseball username! :)

Q & A with the Owners (soulblazer)

8th in a series (by 69cubs)

As we hit the 25% mark on this series, we get with soulblazer, owner of the Seattle Lightning for 18 seasons completed, but 19 in Mathewson (1st season for soulblazer was with the current Pittsburgh team back in season 4 as Boston Colonials).

In Mathewson, soulblazer, in 19 completed seasons, has a 1394-1522 (.478) record. Including the best record in baseball in season 22. Seasons 21 & 22, Seattle, with soulblazer won its first 2 division titles and soulblazer 1t 2 Mathewson playoff appearances.

Overall in HBD, soulblazer has 24 seasons with a 1881-2007 (.484) record with the 2 Mathewson division titles and 3 WC appearances outside Mathewson.

On with the Q & A with soulblazer

Favorite MLB team:
Boston Red Sox

Favorite All-Time and/or current MLB player(s):
Curt Schilling

Favorite Mathewson player(s) current and/or All-time:
Endy Horton, he was a great player on my team and kills me each time I faced him.

My favorite on my team is catcher Dale Thomas, a rare catcher who can both catch and hit well. Very happy to have drafted him.

Significance of team name and/or username:
Username comes from a old SNES game and I thought of it when trying to come up with a unique username.
Team name comes from a desire to have a name for a Seattle based team that sounds like it could fit, Lightning seemed a good choice due to the major amounts of rain.

Favorite non-baseball team/sport:
Football and New England Patriots (I'm a die hard New England area fan for all sports)

Background:
Born and raised in New Hampshire, currently live in Rhode Island. Came across this game about four years due to a co-worker to settle a sports bet and really enjoyed it.

Favorite Mathewson moment:
Finally being able to make the playoffs with Seattle two years ago and then doing really well in my playoff run last year -- just one win away from the World Series. Too bad my team this year isn't doing as well!

Team you most dislike to face:
Chicago Billy Goats and New Britian Bombers. They kill me each time I play them. I've looked up to both owners and have tried to build my team around their models.

One tip you can share with all:
One thing I learned is don't rush players to the bigs and let them develop. Also keep a well stocked bench to help keep players rested and provide defensive help.

Thank You soulblazer! Did you jinx the Patriots by missing the World Series in season 22 or have the Patriots jinxed you for this season?