November 25, 2021

ISSUE NO. 3

 

TEN QUESTIONS

WITH OUR COMMISSIONER

dyoungquist 

 

1/Were there any unexpected challenges you found as an HBD Commissioner? Nope. As a long time owner before becoming commissioner, I knew what to expect. Also, the great owners we have in Bo Jackson make the job easier than in some other worlds.

2/What is your most important role as Commissioner? Bo Jackson has had few in-season problems so filling the vacancies between seasons is the biggest and most important job.

3/Are there any changes you would like to see as a franchise owner in HBD? How about adding a tab on the franchise pop-up page that lists the ratings for all the ballparks in that franchise.

4/What stats do you find most helpful when evaluating a pitcher? I don't use any 1 particular stat because ballpark ratings, team defense and C's pitch calling all make a difference.

5/Evaluating a player? If it is a defensive position (SS, 2B, CF and maybe 3B) then fielding ratings are most important. Beyond that it is like pitching with a lot of different things factoring into it.

6/In the Amateur Draft, do you draft by position need or best talent available? I tend to go for position need because all the best players are usually already taken by the time my first pick comes up.

7/Considering all of your BO JACKSON seasons, can you name one or two favorite players? Julio Prado - He had a rare combination of power and elite stolen base ability.

8/In your 14 BO JACKSON championships, league or division, which was the most surprising? What is most surprising and frustrating is that none of them ended with a World Series Championship.

9/Does a ballpark make a difference in the success of a team? Neutral ballparks, no. Hitter or pitcher friendly, yes depending on how well you build your team to take advantage of your ballpark features.

10/You've had 35 seasons in the BO JACKSON HBD WORLD and twice left and returned after missing 2 seasons. Why? I love this game but it can be very frustrating at times. Both times I left it was after I had led the NL in regular seasons wins only to be kicked out of the playoffs quickly. I needed a mental break. Both times I was enticed to come back by my original franchise being available again.

BKB would like to thank dyoungquist for taking the time to answer our TEN QUESTIONS. Thanks Mr. Commish, well done!

 

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The Negro Baseball Leagues: Tales of Umpiring Legendary Players, Breaking Barriers and Making American History

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     The Kansas City Monarchs, the Chicago American Giants, the St. Louis Stars, the Birmingham Black Barons, the Homestead Grays, and the Indianapolis Clowns; for over fifty years, they were the Yankees, Cardinals, and Red Sox of black baseball in America. And for over a decade beginning in the late 1940s, umpire Bob Motley called balls and strikes for many of their games, working alongside such legends as Satchel Paige, Hank Aaron, Ernie Banks, and Willie Mays.

Today, Motley is the only living arbiter from the Negro Leagues. His personal account of the Negro Leagues is a revealing, humorous, and unforgettable memoir celebrating a long-lost league and a remarkable group of baseball players. In this brand new 100-year anniversary edition of Ruling Over Monarchs, Giants, and Stars, Motley and his son Byron share the characters, adventures, and challenges faced by these amazing men as they enthusiastically embraced America’s pastime and made it their own. Filled with stories of talented heroes, small miracles, and downright fun, this unique memoir is a must-read for any baseball fan. - Goodreads


WHO'S ON FIRST?

ABBOTT & COSTELLO

 Abbott & Costello were one of the greatest comedy teams in the history of show business. They mastered the straightman/clown relationship, creating a magical chemistry that would take them from the burlesque stage to radio, to broadway, to film...and finally, to television. 
Abbott & Costello Meet The Internet website -