The PSUColonel Interview

[Padreman]

This local Legend has been a forum member since 2002, he has over 4,200 post. You see him around here he is PSUColonel.
(feel free to comment, ask additional or follow-up questions)

When and what version did you start playing OOTP?

I began playing OOTP in 2000 when the second version came out. I was an avid fan of both Tony Larussa 3 and FPS Baseball '98. I remember using Nick Keren's add on utilities to help create (in a very rudimentary way) what OOTP can now accomplish. I was so happy to see a new baseball simulation on the market, and immediately was hooked.

What's feature of the game you love most?

For me it's OOTP's free agent model. It is well thought out with excellent AI. I find the tension of off season moves and bidding wars to be the most fun part of the game. I love planning my future franchise strategies. During the regular season, I always find myself looking at the "potential free agents" list to get an idea of what players I may be able to obtain, while keeping a detailed eye on my depth, and minor league system.

What's favorite baseball team (any league)?

That's easy...I've been a lifelong Philadelphia Phillies phan.

How old you?

I am 42, but turning 43 in a couple of months. My birthday is actually on Groundhog's Day.

Where are you originally from?

I am originally from the city of Easton, located in the Lehigh Valley, Pennsylvania. It is just north of Philadelphia. I spent a number of years in Philadelphia also, before finally moving to Hilton Head Island this past summer.

Are you a family man?

I am not, simply because I am single. I am as much as I can be though, as I have a wonderful niece and nephew who I am with very often. They are 6 and 8, and we go out and do all kinds of things together. I am trying to get them into golf at the moment.

What do you for a living?

I was a was in broadcast journalism for a number of years in many capacities including: reporter, radio talk host, producer, writer. I remember having Dan Baker in studio one time and having him announce my name as though I were coming to bat at the old vet. Since one of my station was a Phillies affiliate, I had the pleasure of having dinner with Harry Kalas, Larry Anderson, and Scott Graham. It was a big thrill.

Right now though, I am retired, and I guess you could say volunteer my time in an effort to help others.

Besides OOTP do you have any other hobbies or interest?

Golf is my biggest hobby in life. I have been playing my entire life, but have not started taking it seriously until the last seven years. It's one of the reason I moved to Hilton Head, as it is widely considered "golf mecca".

Should MLB expand to 32 teams ? If so where? Would this not water down talent?

I am all for expansion. I am not a fan of the current setup, as it has created some very strange post season qualifications. The best markets I feel for expansion could be Charlotte, N.C. and Portland. I favor an NFL style setup, where you have four divisions consisting of four teams in each league. The winner of each division advances to the post season. No fuss no muss. Obviously the downside is it would thin talent out some, but I feel since each team MUST win their respective division in order to get to the playoffs, it balances things out.

So you like to blog? What do you like to blog about?

I enjoy blogging about sports and/or politics. I covered both topics extensively while working in the media, so those are subjects I'm very passionate about. I also very much enjoy history, and documentaries.

If the OOTP team asked you be a consultant what will you change, add or remove for new version of the game?

The one thing I would try to accomplish is an all-encmpassing universe, where leagues from all around the world work in concert with a reputation system which would aim to keep the balance, and the universe working in concert. A very ambitious project, but yet one I would love to see.

What modder's work do you personally enjoy?

There are so many, but as a mac user, I have been somewhat limited to graphic mods. Obviously Justafan, DChelper, reds1 & Padresfan.

Is there any other game, book, movie or show your currently enjoying you would like to let us know about?

I am currently engaged in a couple of books..."Future Jihad" & "How Terrorism Ends"

Much of my work as a journalist surround 9/11 and the war on terror. I find these to be of great interest, but they may not be for everyone.

One film I saw in an arts house, and recommend is "Last Days on Mars". I think it's coming out nationwide on Friday.

[Padreman]

My wife is a Phillys fan too she is from Bryn Mawr township

[PSUColonel]

Bryn Mawr...it's in Lower Merion twp. Near where the US Open was this past summer. I lived in Wayne...just down Lancaster Avenue.

[Padreman]

Originally Posted by PSUColonel

Bryn Mawr...it's in Lower Merion twp. Near where the US Open was this past summer. I lived in Wayne...just down Lancaster Avenue.

HA HA when we visit we drive that street all the time Lancaster i remember that road I assume its a major road?

[MizzouRah]

I love these.. well done and interesting!

[PSUColonel]

Originally Posted by Padreman

HA HA when we visit we drive that street all the time Lancaster i remember that road I assume its a major road?

It's Route 30...called the "main line"...it runs from Philadelphia to Lancaster.

[fhomess]

Originally Posted by Padreman

My birthday is actually on Groundhog's Day.

Mine too!

[Bluenoser]

Hilton Head - wow, have you played Harbour Town? Would love to get there some day. Closest I've been is playing it on Links2K3.

[pjh5165]

living in hilton head must be a dream with those courses.

i'm also a philly resident and penn state graduate.

[PSUColonel]

It really is. The golf around here is just fantastic. My sister and brother in law moved here 13 years ago...and I visited periodically, and loved it. So I decided to take the plunge.