[Recte44]

Former Hustler and Hall of Fame centerfielder Tom Lavarriere interviews for the vacant managerial position

1. Tell me about yourself.

Well, let me start by saying I'm an MBBA Hall of Famer. You should know that by now, Terry. Hell, I played for you guys! I was a five-time all-star and two-time Slick Fielder, so I value solid defense. I am ninth in MBBA history in XR, 15th in games played, 5th in runs, 6th in hits, second in doubles, fourth in triples and stolen bases ... and an all-around good guy. And one of my best seasons came in Las Vegas back in the early 1980s.

2. What do you know about our organization?

Being a former Hustler, I know a great deal about the organization, Terry. I was here during the glory days, when Las Vegas was feared. I understand now, though, that the Hustlers have fallen on some hard imes and need someone to come in, shake things up and get the job done. It's a fairly young team that needs a young, energetic manager to teach them the fundamentals to go with their talent.

3. Why do you want to work for us?

I love the Hustlers and I loved my time in Las Vegas. I also love Wayne Newton, so it's a natural fit. I also want the opportunity to manage against former friend Mike Lynch, the Kernels' GM. I'd love to get them in a playoff series so I can rub in our win. Plus, I want the chance to guide a younger squad, a team I can mold in my own image and get them to play the right way.

4. What can you do for us that someone else can't?

Have sex with elephants. No, in all seriousness, as a former player, I can get through to these guys. If they won't listen to an MBBA Hall of Famer who bangs elephants, who can they listen to, Terry? Who?

5. What do you find most attractive about this position? What seems least attractive?

Most attractive is probably the opportunity to work with such a talented group of youngsters. And Vegas, baby. Who doesn't love Vegas? Those same reasons may be the least attractive part. We've got some young guys here in Las Vegas and the bright lights of Sin City can serve as a big distraction.

6. Why should we hire you?

Because I'm an MBBA great. And I love Wayne Newton. I said that already, Terry. Listen, man! Listen!

7. What are the most important components of your ideal job?

The most important components of my ideal job include a young team withy a lot of potential, a team I can teach. I don't want a team of wily veterans that think they know everything. I want young minds to mold. I also want to work for a franchise with a strong ownership group and an owner willing to go for broke, much like Matt Rectenwald. That's why this job is so appealing.

8. Please give me your definition of an MBBA manager's job.

You have to be quick on your feet on the field and off. You have to be able to mold personalities into one cohesive unit and be able to not only be good at game management, but also in developing young players by teaching them the game's finer points. It's not just sitting on the dugout bench and eating sunflower seeds, Terry. That's not how I see it.

9. How long would it take you to get us back to the playoffs? How do you plan to do that?

I have every intention of being in the playoffs next season. Who's going to beat us - Seattle? Long Beach? Calgary. Please. With some talent coming in hopefully this offseason, I can make this team division champion again.

10. Describe your management style.

I'm a patient teacher. Young kids will make mistakes. It's how they get better. I let them make those mistakes, but am right there to teach them the right way. I allow the veterans on the club to take a leadership role with these kids, so they don't always feel like skip is breathing down their back. But I'm still always there, watching every move.

11. What do you think is the most difficult thing about being a manager?

Finding the way to reach every different personality. It's so easy to treat everyone the same exact way, but to be great, you have to know how to get through to everyone from 1 to 25.

12. What important trends do you see in our league that might help our cause?

Terry, your job is to handle and find the personnel trends and adapt our roster to that. Pitchers seem to have dominated a bit more the past few years, so maybe we play a little more small ball on the field. But, off the field, it's your job to get the players I need to fit that trend. We will do the rest.

13. What are your long range goals?

Simple, Terry ... win, win and win again. Year in, year out. I want LMS trophies. That simple

14. Tell me about a time that you've achieved success. How did you do it?

Hard work, a lot of booze ... kdding. But seriously, I worked hard. Sure, I had God-given talent, but I never stopped trying to be the best. And that carried me into the MBBA Hall of Fame.

15. Summarize for me why you should be the next manager of the Las Vegas Hustlers.
Terry, you know me, you know what I bring to the table. I love the Hustlers and I love to win. That's a killer combination. And I have every intention of doing that in Sin City.