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Saturday, February 7 |
Indianapolis Observer
INDIANAPOLIS— Ritch King is a man who has dreams and aspirations of making the BPLA the greatest online league in the world. At first thought, that sounded impossible. How can the BPLA become the best league in the world? However, after interviewing the commissioner of the BPLA. I walked away with newfound knowledge and the feeling that the BPLA is in good hands.
Moe: Who is Ritch King?
Cmr. King: Who is Ritch King? Ritch King is a guy with a vision, a vision to create the single greatest online baseball community to have ever existed. Aside from that, I am a 27-year old aspiring author, novice website-developer, and happy father. I am an enormous baseball fan, as I devote a sick amount of time to all facets of the game…and I like sandwiches.
Moe: Anything else?
Cmr. King: That's about it.
Moe: What experience do you have with online leagues?
Cmr. King: This was actually only the second league that I had anything to do with, and the first that has done anything yet. I am currently the manager of the Lennongrad team in Beta Baseball, which has yet to start its first season. But my real passion is running the BPLA.
Moe: I can tell. You put a lot of work into this league.
Cmr. King: I do what I can.
Moe: In 5 seasons where would you like to see the BPLA be?
Cmr. King: I would really like to see the BPLA have retained its core group of original owners, as that would show stability and a good strong league. I would also like to see perhaps one expansion of perhaps two teams, depending on the talent available. I would of course also like to see the league gain the popularity of other online league such as the FBBL or NSBL. I want it to be the creme-de-la-creme of fictional online simulations.
Moe: A very impressive vision. To be honest NSBL bores the heck out of me now. FBBL was to confusing for me. Never played a damn game.
Moe: The BPLA is where the party is.
Cmr. King: I like the sound of that.
Moe: Okay, I've always wondered why the league didn't allow draft pick trading, until this year?
Moe: Wouldn't it simplify the trading process?
Cmr. King: The reasons behind the no draft pick trading are two-fold
Moe: As in??
Cmr. King: One, I am a somewhat of a baseball purist, and as the MLB doesn't allow draft pick trading, nor did the BPLA.
Moe: and the second reason would be?
Cmr. King: Two, draft pick trading can cause many problems. In a case such as Indianapolis, for example, the previous owner could have traded away all of the teams draft picks in a bad trade, ruining chances for the new ownership to rebuild. There can also be other problem brought in, as in misunderstood trades and such.
Cmr. King: Due to outcry, I have decided to put the issue to a vote for the current owners.
Moe: Ah, I didn't even think about that possibility. See I learn new things every time I interview new people.
Moe: After the first season of the BPLA, what would be the highs and lows of the league?
Cmr. King: The lows are easy. I had to remove one owner from his team, which was not an easy decision, but had to be done for the sake of the team and league. Losing two other owners to resignation wasn't good either.
Cmr. King: The highs were pretty much watching the league unfold and develop a history in the short one season that has already occurred, along with the relationships that I have developed with all my owners.
Moe: Don't forget the writer.
Cmr. King: I couldn't forget my league writer.
Moe: In order to prevent future firings of owners, what did that owner do?
Cmr. King: He refused to read the league rules and did not do the small things asked of him, such as signing up for the boards and answering e-mails. Whenever he did things in contrast to league rules, he always wanted special treatment, and I couldn't in good conscience allow him to continue running a team.
Moe: Ah, one of those owners eh. It's probably better that he's now gone.
Cmr. King: The owner that he was replaced with has done a superb job with the BPLA.
Moe: That's good to hear. Anyways, I just got word that "Toe" Nash is now a member of the BPLA? Can you confirm that rumor?
Cmr. King: I can indeed confirm the rumor that Greg "Toe" Nash has entered the BPLA via free agency. He and I had a long talk about his past, and we both hope that he can have a long and lucrative career in the BPLA.
Moe: Are there plans to bring more players of Nash's caliber to the BPLA?
Cmr. King: The BPLA is always looking to recruit big names to our ranks, in an attempt to rival the MLB as the dominant baseball entertainment venue in the US and Canada. We will be on the lookout for the next season or two, hoping to bring in more big name talent for our league.
Moe: Canada eh. Does that mean Eric Gagne might come to the BPLA. Better yet bring back Brett Butler.
Moe: Do you have anything else to add? This is your time to promote the BPLA and give props to any one you want.
Cmr. King: Well, not likely that we will be bringing too many more MLB players in, as our contract with the MLB allowed for only 16 players to come over. And Brett Butler might me just a smidge on the older side to be playing much ball.
Moe: Ah boo! I was looking forward to adding him.
Moe: Well thank you very much commissioner King. I'm honored to interview the man that created such a fantastic league.
Cmr. King: I would like to congratulate all of my owners for a successful 2003 season. You have all made it wonderful for me to run the league, and made it a joy to look forward to 2004. I wondered initially with the setup of the league if I could enjoy it as much without running one of the 16 teams myself, but now I know with the ownership I have that I don't need to run a team. Congrats to Brad for winning the championship and to all the other playoff contenders.
Cmr. King: Thanks for the great questions, Moe
Guys, I need interviews. Email me at smoothe_sack@hotmail.com and message me on AIM.