Today I exchange interviews with Stick and Ball Guy in a game he calls Pepper and has been doing on his blog for some time. So after you read this entry, head over to his blog to ride the Pepper exchange.

1) Can you tell me a little about your blog "Stick and Ball Guy?"

I look at my blog as my chance to have fun and spout off about sports. It's not very serious, and I like to have fun with it. At the same time, it helps me to enjoy the game more, because I spend time thinking about it. And, for good or bad, I have my thoughts on record.

As time goes by, I'll look like a genius or an idiot. I talk mainly about the Twins and some Timberwolves. Another thing that I (obviously) like to do is connect with other bloggers by having them contribute on my site on Fridays. I think it's fun to interact with other like minded people and hear what they have to say. Considering that my readership is highest on Fridays, maybe what I have found out is that my readers like to hear what others have to say more than me!

2) Where did your love of the game (baseball) come from?

I played baseball from when I was seven years old. My Dad, my brother, and I played catch all the time. The kids in the neighborhood all got together and played sandlot baseball all summer long. Plus, when I was a kid, we went to see Twins games alot. I've always been a baseball guy from day one.

3) Are you surprised at all about the longevity of Terry Mulholland and other geezers on the Twins roster?

Not really. Guys take care of themselves a lot better than they did back in the day. Considering the money you can make, who wouldn't? I'd take care of myself, too, if I had the opportunity to make six or seven figures a year playing baseball. I think that's why you are seeing old guys play longer.

4) What's more boring to watch on television, golf or baseball?

What a setup! Golf, I suppose. I love to watch great golf -- Nicklaus in the '86 Masters was awesome. Tiger when he's charging is great. But Vijay Singh against Justin Leonard? Maybe there's a cooking show on I can watch.

Baseball can be very exciting, but I will admit to sleeping through a couple, thirteen, fourteen Sunday afternoon games.

5) How do you prepare yourself to write every day?

Because I have a set format -- I have kind of defined my topics for a week, I usually have two or three columns floating in my head on my various topics at any one time.

For example, this week I knew on Sunday what I would write every single day this week. I come home, sit down and pound it out. Sometimes I'll enjoy a cold beverage during the writing process. That seems to help.

6) How do you keep the blog fresh?

I hope people think it's fresh. I think a lot of what I try to do is not write the same thing over and over. And have a sense of humor.

Another thing that I like to do is talk about people in my blog. Like my friend Moss (not Randy), Drew, Butch, Gleeman, Shane from Greet Machine, Cheesehead Craig, etc. I've been known to take a swipe at other blogs (in good fun). I just try to carry on a conversation.

7) Does your significant other have to refer to you as SBG?

Yes, but it means Stupid Big Galoof to her. No, she doesn't refer to me by that name. And her name really isn't Lucy. And she doesn't look like Lucille Ball. (You'll have to check out the site on Saturday to see what I mean.) She only cares about one day a week on the website. Saturday.

8) How do you relax after a Twins game?

It's not exactly like a Vikings game. I usually go to bed.

9) How much freedom do you think celebrities like us should have to sacrifice?

All I ask is when I am out with Lucy that you respect my privacy and not ask for autographs while I'm eating.

10) I read that they're filming Curious George for the big screen starring Will Ferrell as The Man in the Yellow Hat. What do you think about that?

I'll go see it.

SBG one word responses

Sid Hartman - Homer

Tom Kelly - Legend

Joe Mauer - Anxiety

Tony Olivia - Great

Boog Powell - Ribs

University of North Dakota - Sucks

Cheesehead Craig - Misguided

Randy Moss - Exciting

Mike Tice - Doofus

R.T. Rybak - What?

There you go, the first part of Pepper with SBG. Now head over to his blog and finish part two!

Kicker Anyone?

Mike Nugent is one of the most sought after kickers in draft history. DraftSeason.com has come up with the "Nuge O-Meter" which carefully goes over each team that may be looking for a kicker or looking to replace there current kicker. Go to the site to see the percent chance that team may end up with "The Nuge".

But Is It Sponge Worthy?

Based on Elaine Benes of the great Seinfeld sitcom, each week or so I will introduce another blog that I have come across and have begun reading on a regular basis. You, my valued reader, will decide if it deserves a permanent link on my site under the category of Sponge Worthy Links.

You recall the Seinfeld episode. Elaine only uses the sponge as her form of birth control. When the sponge is to be discontinued she scavenges the city buying in hordes any sponges she can find. From then on, if a man was not sponge worthy, then he was not worth Elaine's troubles.

The blogs chosen at random, may have nothing to do with football..or even sports. If you have a favorite blog, please pass it along to me by leaving the web address under the Comments section found at the end of each entry.

Two weeks ago, the NFL Cheerleader Blog was up for vote. It was overwhelmingly considered as Sponge Worthy and now finds itself in the SW Hall of Fame.

This week I give you the Vikes Geek blog. So go check it out. Then come back and vote and let me know if this blog is truly Sponge Worthy and deserving of a permanent link on the Worlds Number One Vikings blog.

Voting will be open for one week, ending next Friday (3/25) morning.

Friday Fun Stuff

For all you Trekkies....

Wedgie joins new definitions in Webster....

Posted by maasx003 at March 18, 2005 09:11 AM | TrackBack