Results tagged ‘ MLB Fan Cave ’
Meet the Fan Cave Finalists: Cindy Padilla
Time is running out for fans to vote for their favorite finalists for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave finalist. For what will likely be the final part of this series for me, I’d like to introduce you to Cindy Padilla. With your help and support, Cindy hopes to get a chance to represent the Oakland Athletics in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave, and get one step closer to her dreams of being a sports journalist.
Cindy smiling for the camera at A’s FanFest
Me: So tell me a bit about yourself. I know you’re a student, but where are you going, what are you studying and what do you hope to get into?
Cindy: I work as a pharmacy technician full time and I’m a part time student. I’m currently in Modesto Junior College and hoping to transfer to San Jose State for my major in Journalism. I’d like to be a sports reporter. I’m hoping to be a full-time student again soon, and plan on doing so once I save up enough money.
Me: Tell me about your love for the A’s and baseball in general? Was there a certain moment where you became an A’s fan, or have you been one your whole life?
Cindy: I did play while growing up and it helped with making friends. Not only that, but getting a chance to be part of a team felt great. I had an awesome hit once that helped to get at least one home run. Might have been two, but I don’t want to brag. So that was my big RBI moment. Part of my family is from Oakland, and they have been A’s fans as long as I can remember. Growing up, I never had a favorite team, I just liked baseball in general. So when I went to the Coliseum for my first live game, it just felt right being a fan. Green is one of my favorite colors and I’ve always loved the combination of green and gold together. I guess that’s a girl thing haha.
Me: I’ve read that you’re a huge Yoennis Céspedes fan. If you could create a video segment with him in the Fan Cave, what would it be?
Cindy: My video segment would be to dance with him, but he has to be wearing his uniform! Haha, maybe we could even dance while running the bases on the field.
Me: If you could have any baseball player get traded to the A’s, who would it be and why?
Cindy: I think it would be really cool if someone from the Modesto Nuts got traded to Oakland, that way we could get someone local on the team.
Me: What made you decide to apply for the Fan Cave?
Cindy: I found out about the MLB Fan Cave because my little brother knows Ashley Chavez (last year’s winner) through some of his friends. With baseball being my favorite sport and the fact I want to become a sports journalist, I applied. I figured, what the heck, I’ll give it a try. I didn’t think about it much afterward, but to my surprise, I was chosen as a finalist. I never thought I’d make it this far, but I still hope to go further.
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Cindy: If I’m chosen, I will do my best to give a chance for fans to not only be entertained by their favorite players, but also try to ask them questions they’d like to have answered. It’s important to remember the Fan Cave is all about the fans, and I promise to never forget that. Because at the end of the day, I’m a fan, too.
You can vote for Cindy as many times as you like at http://atmlb.com/11kEEjs, but remember that voting does end on February 13th. While you’re at it, don’t forget to follow her on Twitter @Airswayy
Meet the Fan Cave Finalists: Eitan Levine
Are you a fan of baseball? Are you a fan of laughing? If you answered yes to either of those questions, you might want to consider voting Eitan Levine for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave. With your help and support, he’s hoping to represent the New York Mets in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave. I recently had the opportunity to have a Q & A session with Eitan, and here’s what I found out.
Me: So Eitan, for those who don’t know much about you, tell us a little bit about yourself.
Eitan: Born and raised in New Jersey, recently graduated Yeshiva University with a major in Marketing and minor in Film. I currently am a comedy writer for Heavy.com and a member of the People’s Improv Theater house improv team “Classic Anne” (You can see me perform every Monday night at 10pm!). I also currently run a live sports debate show out of the PIT called “Sports! Live!” which is kind of like if Pardon the Interruption met Tough Crowd with Colin Quinn.
Me: From what I recall, you’re not only a stand-up comedian, but you also write comedy. Obviously that’s a great skill for the MLB Fan Cave, since they like to have a lot of funny video segments with Major League Baseball players. So give us an example of a sketch you’d like to do with a baseball player (past or present).
Eitan: Easy. A younger Goose Gossage is combing his mustache in a locker room and Brian Wilson walks by and says “Nice facial hair” in a sarcastic way. Goose looks dejected and but decides to get back at him. Next scene Wilson walks by again and says “Nice Facial Hair”, Goose turns around to reveal he has a CRAZY amount of facial hair (almost like a live action Yosemite Sam). Goose then says “You were saying something?” sarcastically. Brian Wilson walks away with his head held low.
You said “Past or Present” so we might have to use a Delorean that is tricked out with a flux capacitor here in order to make this happen.
Me: So you’re applying for a chance to be chosen as Major League Baseball’s biggest fan, yet your Twitter handle (@Eitanthegoalie) has a position that is found in a lot of sports, but not baseball. I
assume there’s a story behind the name, could you explain it?
Eitan: I am a HUGE all around sports fan. One of my other passions is hockey. I started playing hockey when I was very young and ended up playing for 3 years in High School and then in an intramural league in
college.
I am a big New York Rangers fan and my first ever email was something like “Richterthegoalie89@Aol.com”. One day my dad suggested I just change it to Eitanthegoalie and I did. The name stuck and now I use it as my email. (Sorry for the lack of exciting story behind that haha).
Me: I’d imagine it’s not easy being a Mets fan, as they’ve had quite a bit of struggles through the recent years. What made you prefer the Mets over the Yankees?
Eitan: Before I start I should point out that I am a Mets, Jets, Rangers and Knicks fan. This means that I haven’t won a championship since 1994. That is a pretty amazing feat considering that I live in a New York sports market. On top of that, I have had to sit through Yankee, Giant and Devil dynasties for most of the 90s and 00s. Trust me when I say this, it has not been easy.
The simple story is that my dad was a Mets fan and I just followed suit. I grew to love the Mets and would cherish any trip out to Shea to see them take the field. It would have been super easy to switch over to being a Yankee fan but I stayed devoted to the Mets. It would have felt cheap to switch over.
Me: Tell us a bit about your love for baseball. Where and how did it begin for you?
Eitan: Like I said before, my dad was a big Mets fan and that by default made me a Mets fan as a kid. I was also pretty fortunate because my dad is a lawyer so he would get free Mets tickets from clients which meant that I was guaranteed a few trips to Shea a year. As much as the Mets needed a new field and as much as Shea was one of the ugliest stadiums in history, there was something special about it and I was kinda sad to see it go. I love Citi field and think it is a gorgeous complex but there will always be a special place for Shea in my heart.
Me: What’s your favorite Mets moment?
Eitan: Hands down, Mike Piazza hitting that home run after 9/11. Some of my friends disagree because it wasn’t a big event as far as standings or championships are concerned but I adamantly disagree. Although I was only 12 at the time, I remember seeing the reaction of the crowd and knowing it was more than just a home run.
Me: Why did you decide to apply for the MLB Fan Cave?
Eitan: If there is a better way to watch the MLB season, let me know. Living in an amazing complex in the east village with 8 other baseball fanatics watching the games on those 45 flat screen TVs? It is a dream come true.
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Eitan: Like all the other finalists, I am a huge baseball fan. I think we can agree that to get to this point in the competition you must be passionate about the MLB. What sets me apart is my skills as a comic and performer. I am comfortable on camera and have experience writing comedy. If I get into the Fan Cave, I promise to provide entertaining content that I know you guys will enjoy.
I also want to challenge Albert Pujols to a Hot Dog eating contest. Albert, If you are reading this, I challenge you to a hot dog eating contest at the Fan Cave. Most hot dogs in 5 minutes wins. I will see you there.
Do you think Eitan has what it takes to be chosen for the Fan Cave? You can vote for Eitan as many times as you’d like until February 13th at http://atmlb.com/W1MNEf, and don’t forget to follow him on Twitter @Eitanthegoalie.
Meet the Fan Cave Family: Jeremy Dorn
If you’re a fan of baseball, when you hear the name Dorn, you probably can’t help but think of the movie Major League. This year, there’s another Dorn that’s trying to get into Major League Baseball, and that’s Jeremy Dorn. With your support, he has a chance to represent the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave.
Me: Last year you were chosen as one of the 50 finalists for the MLB Fan Cave, but unfortunately you were not selected top the top 30. Tell us a bit about your experiences from the process last year? Did it leave you feeling empty or just hungry for more?
Jeremy: I remember that feeling of being deeply involved in the process all too well. It’s a long, tiring, stressful time for the members of the Top 50 (52, in this case). I remember getting very little sleep, really learning how to use Twitter to my benefit, and the agony of spending hours trying to contact media outlets only to receive nothing in return. All of that was masked by the sheer adrenaline that being so close to the ultimate dream job produced, though. I love baseball, and I am willing to do whatever it takes to get into the Fan Cave. My downfall in 2012 was a lack of media promotion, which I partly attribute to my location as a Dodgers fan in the Bay Area, and mostly to my personal failings in finding creative avenues in which to get myself noticed. Being so close to that next round was definitely a motivator for me, and I’ve really stepped up my game in all aspects this year. I have a much bigger social media presence, develop a ton of content every week, and have reached out to nearly 40 different publications in all types of media. Last year, I came so close to having a chance to prove myself to the MLB executives in Arizona, and plan to be there this year with one more hard week of campaigning ahead of me.
Me: Of course you didn’t come away completely empty handed. In fact, you got a different sort of prize thanks to the MLB Fan Cave. Care to talk about how the MLB Fan Cave landed you a little bit of romance?
Jeremy: I would love to! Part of last year’s process involved bonding and coping time with fellow finalists, because of the strains of all our hard work. As you know, the main outlet of that was TinyChat, where we would all get together and talk about what we had done that day, get to know each other, etc. I feel like I came away from the contest last year disappointed in my own result, but with a whole new group of friends all across the country. And most importantly, Kelsey Shea and I hit it off during those magical TinyChat sessions. So much so that she even came to visit me in California (from Orlando, at the time). After we confirmed that each other was human, we were officially a couple, and the first Fan Cave-produced couple at that. I couldn’t be more thankful to the contest and its organizers, because even though it was accomplished unknowingly, they really did make it possible for Kelsey and I to meet. Now, after dating almost a full year, we want to be the first Fan Cave couple to ever become Cave Dwellers together!
Me: Instead of crying about not being chosen, you instead became part of a group podcast and blog, Three Up, Three Down. Tell us about how that got started, and your involvement in the project.
Jeremy: figured I had no reason to be dramatic after last year’s elimination. After all, I had applied on a whim and been granted the most amazing opportunity of my life. I was quick to recognize that there was no point in complaining, but rather I should springboard my own career in a way that allowed me to stay closely involved with the sport I love so much. So I wondered out loud on Twitter about a baseball podcast, and almost instantly I had a few replies from the guys who would eventually help me co-create, co-host and co-write Three Up, Three Down. It’s been such an amazing, fun, educational experience for all of us, and we’ve reached successes I never imagined in our first year together! Now, we’re a pretty tight group, even though some of us still haven’t met in person.
Me: Speaking of writing projects, I’ve noticed that you seem to be writing stuff everywhere. Whether it’s Bleacher Report, your personal blog, Three Up, Three Down, you’re all over the internet! With writing being such a big part of the MLB Fan Cave, how big of an advantage do you think that gives you against some of the other finalists?
Jeremy: Yeah, I can’t help myself! I’ve always loved writing, and I majored in Journalism and Creative Writing in college. I actually interned with Bleacher Report in their San Francisco office about 18 months ago, which led to me becoming a Dodgers Featured Columnist on their site. Writing there has been a great experience, as I’ve nearly eclipsed half a million views on my work in that short time. It really is a ridiculous platform for promoting my work! The personal blog has always been a fun outlet for me to get my writing fix, and Three Up, Three Down is another more career-driven project that has been an absolute blast to help maintain. I really do think my writing experience gives me a leg up, because for people following along with last year’s Cave Dwellers, you know that they were constantly blogging for MLBFanCave.com. I truly believe that I can be a more consistent, seasoned, knowledgeable writer in that context than most of the other finalists.
Me: If you’re lucky enough to get selected, what are you hoping to accomplish while in the Fan Cave?
Jeremy: Honestly, right now I’m focusing on making it to the Top 30. That’s where I want to be, so I can have more control over my own fate. But if I am lucky enough to make it all the way to the end, there are tons of things I’d like to get accomplished in the Cave. I know Kelsey and Ally brought it up already, but a volunteer outreach with the players who visit would be absolutely awesome. The Charity Miles app they both mentioned is such an easy tool and a fantastic service that could definitely be utilized with the athletes who come through. And I’ve even considered ways to create something like Clayton Kershaw’s “Kershaw’s Challenge,” where every strikeout earns a donation. Also, some of my favorite skits from last year’s Fan Cave were parodies, like Gordon Mack’s “Batters That I Used to Know” after Shane Victorino and Hunter Pence were traded from the Phillies. I have a problem where I hear a song on the radio and instantly turn the lyrics in my head into baseball-related verses, so I’m really hoping I can get to the Fan Cave and produce some more comedic skits like that.
Me: In your own words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Jeremy: That’s a clown question, bro! Just kidding, it’s a very fair question. I know the job takes more than just baseball knowledge and writing abilities, otherwise they would cast Howie Schwab and Jeff Passan and call it a night. You have to have the right persona, as well as a creative mind for producing content. I think my creativity is evident in my writing and videos, and I really hope I get the chance to display that for them in person at Spring Training this time around. When it comes to marketability, I think I really can be the most die hard, entertaining baseball fan in America because I’m outgoing, patient, funny and just generally excited about life. I love the Dodgers with every ounce of my being (wow, want some wine with that cheese?) and want nothing more than to represent them in the Fan Cave in a season where they are destined to make headlines. Oh, and I can moderate one heck of an interview!
You can vote for Jeremy as many times as you’d like at http://atmlb.com/WDD19R, but don’t wait too long since voting ends on February 13th. While you’re at it, you can follow Jeremy’s campaign on Twitter @Jamblinman and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/JeremyDornMLBFanCave.
Meet the MLB Fan Cave Finalists: Vanessa Demske
Baseball is America’s game, but that doesn’t mean that everyone in the country enjoys it the same way. There’s the recreational fan who doesn’t know anything besides what they’ve seen on Sportscenter. Then you have the hometown faithfuls, who love their team through thick and thin. Of course, then there’s fans like Vanessa Demske.
Vanessa hopes to trade in sandy beaches for New York City
Vanessa is a finalist for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave and is hoping to get a chance to represent the Oakland Athletics this year. Of course, her love for baseball goes deeper than most fans. I got a chance to talk to Vanessa over the last week or so, and she definitely brings something to the table that not many other finalists can. I mean how many of the other 51 have actually managed to read Bill James’ Historical Baseball Abstract? Seems pretty appropriate for someone who is hoping to represent the A’s.
Me: So what past experiences do you have that would help you with the MLB Fan Cave?
Vanessa: I’ve lived in five states – which means I haven’t acquired a regional accent or annoying driving habits – and that I’ve become empathetic to fans of all 30 teams. We can agree to disagree about the outcome, but fanaticism is a universal language.
My degree is in advertising, but the Bill James Historical Baseball Abstract is the only textbook I’ve read in its entirety. I despised math until I started thinking about the formulas behind some of the new advanced metrics. I thought history was dull until I read the intricacies the Black Sox Scandal. Baseball gets me curious, creative, vocal, and excited to share.
I’ve worked as a freelance copywriter since graduation, and when conveying big ideas with little real estate, the mantra is to “keep it simple, stupid.” My experience has made me all the better communicator, especially when 140 characters is all you have to work with.
Me: Why did you want to apply for the Fan Cave?
Vanessa: The ultimatum that was presented to me in my video may have been a slight exaggeration, but honestly, I am ecstatic about the prospect of being around this bunch of bright, connected and crazy fans. I had the time in my schedule to create a submission I was proud of and to connect with fellow applicants in the process.
Me: Besides winning, do you have any specific goals or things you hope to accomplish if you’re chosen for the Fan Cave?
Vanessa: I want 2013 to be the year that the Fan Cave champions the “tenth man” on the field. I’ve sat in the right field bleachers at the Coliseum, I was in the mob that swarmed at Wrigley to pay their tributes to Ron Santo, and I’ve joined Bald Vinny in the infamous Yankee Stadium Roll Call. I want to erect a “Hall of Fans” at 4th and Broadway dedicated to these fans and countless others. What we sometimes forget is that ballplayers and celebrities are fans, too, and I would love to hear our guests’ stories of fandom as well.
Me: Are there any celebrities or musicians you’d like to meet in the Fan Cave this year?
Vanessa: I want Macklemore to take the Cave Dwellers thrift shopping – maybe have a fashion show on a $10 budget! Goodwill is an organization that proudly sponsors second chances. And like any fan of the green and gold, we’ve grown accustomed to a good comeback!
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Vanessa: I’m raw. But then again, so was Bryce Harper. I have the creativity, the knowledge and the drive – I am easy to relate to, positive, and never turn down the opportunity to talk baseball. I’m also part of a minority of fans that watch objectively. The Bay Area is my home, and I back the Athletics’ front office philosophy and cast of characters with all my heart. But I am a student of the game, of history, of metrics, of the absurd and the offbeat, and of the perpetual spirit of improving the sport. I want to provide perspective – and I know how to have fun!
Voting for the MLB Fan Cave ends on February 13th, but you can vote for Vanessa as many times as you’d like at http://atmlb.com/VxPRvs. Also, don’t forget to follow her on Twitter @VDemske.
Leave it to Beaver!
Although I may not have been chosen as a finalist for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave, this does not mean my supporters should simply disregard the MLB Fan Cave. In fact, I’m hoping that you’ll help support a fellow applicant who is hoping to represent the Tigers this year.
When I went through the list of finalists, although I was disappointed to not find my name on the list, I was pleased to see that Lindsay Beaver from Sterling Heights was able to crack the top 52. I’ve had the joy of following Lindsay on Twitter for a year now, and we happen to have similar paths.
Lindsay is currently going through Oakland University’s journalism program, the same program I graduated from a few years ago. We’ve both been supporting the Tigers through the bad times and the good, allowing us both to have a greater appreciation for their recent success. Not only that, but we’re both huge Doug Fister fans.
So I kindly ask that if you were supporting me for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave, to instead turn that support to Lindsay this year as she hopes to make it to New York to represent Detroit fans everywhere. Why should you support her? Well I’m glad you asked!
Me: Tell me a little bit about your love of baseball and the Tigers. If I remember correctly, your grandfather was a big part of your love for the game, wasn’t he?
Lindsay: My Paw Paw had a huge influence on me becoming a Tigers fan. We shared a birthday and a love for the Tigers, so we had a really special bond. He always had the game on TV and eventually began telling me stories about when he was growing up in Detroit as a Tigers fan. I was a 7 year old kid who knew Al Kaline’s stats. We watched every single game together, even up to the night that he passed away in 2011. He was in hospice care and the last thing we did was watch a Tigers vs. Mariners game. He couldn’t talk or even open his eyes, but the doctors said he could hear me so I broadcasted the game to him.
I’ve been a Tigers fan through everything. I watched all of those losing seasons and I watched them make it to the World Series in 2006. I watched the roller coaster years that followed that amazing season and I’m still here. I’m a Tigers fan for life.
Me: Due to age restrictions, you weren’t able to apply to the MLB Fan Cave last year, but I know that you followed along with it. What about the MLB Fan Cave made you want to apply?
Lindsay: Everything about it made me want to apply! When I first heard about it two years ago, I knew it was perfect for me. It was literally everything I could want as a fan. Then last year, they opened it up to more people but unfortunately I wasn’t at the 21 year age requirement. I followed along with crazy jealousy because I knew this was something I wanted and something I would be good at.
Me: So when MLB initially posted their deadline, you were unfortunately ineligible to apply. As fate would have it, the deadline got pushed back and you were finally able to apply. What went through your head when you found that out?
Lindsay: I honestly squealed. I couldn’t even believe it. I actually thought it was a joke at first because it was too good to be true. I had been bugging the Fan Cave twitter for a couple months about extending their deadline. I’m sure I wasn’t the reason, but I love the coincidence!
Me: Speaking of talking about your thoughts when finding out big news, what was going on through your head when you found out you made it to the top 52?
Lindsay: Again, I squealed. I was at my office at the newspaper I work at when I saw it in my email. I had to read it a few times to make sure I was seeing it right. I’ve never won anything or experienced anything like this before, so it was really surreal. I texted my mom right away to tell her and I posted about it on Twitter and Facebook. It was the best feeling ever!
Me: How is your campaigning going so far? Biggest surprise so far?
Lindsay: The campaigning has been fun! I can’t believe the amount of support I’ve gotten from people, especially from people I don’t even know. It’s been more than I could have imagined. I’ve gotten a few endorsements from people on Twitter which I think is just amazing. My favorite endorsement has to be the picture of Jeff Jones holding a sign that says to vote for me. I was also interviewed on a popular Detroit morning radio show (104.3 WOMC) and that was crazy. I’m used to asking the questions, not the other way around.
Me: If chosen to the Cave, do you have any specific goals or things you’d like to accomplish while you’re there?
Lindsay: I do have a few skits already that I think would be really funny to do with certain players. My goal is to bring in a whole new batch of fans. I know a lot of my friends and a lot of people who follow me on Twitter aren’t necessarily diehard baseball fans, so if I’m able to open their eyes to how great the sport is on a scale as big as the MLB Fan Cave, I’ll feel like I did my job.
Me: If you could pick one baseball player (past or present), one actor/actress and one musician/band to the Cave, who would you pick?
Lindsay: Picking one baseball player is so difficult, especially because there’s so many I can think of for both past and present. Oh my gosh. I’d have to be biased and say Doug Fister, since he is my favorite baseball player right now and he’s never done the Fan Cave. I have a skit idea for him too.
I’m going to cheat and choose a past player too, and that would be Al Kaline.
For an actor or actress, I would love to have Jason Segel or Jimmy Fallon because I think they’re both hilarious and I’ve been fans for awhile. For the musician, I’d want Carrie Underwood to visit. I’ve been a huge fan of hers since her first audition on American Idol in 2005.
Me: Why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Lindsay: I’m more passionate about baseball than anything else. I’m involved in social media (sometimes a little too much!) and I want to be a part of something that connects the players to the fans. I love that the Fan Cave shows their personalities and shows the human side of them. I want to represent Tigers fans, female fans and baseball fans. The MLB Fan Cave literally has everything I was meant to do. It would be a dream!
You can (and should) vote for Lindsay as many times as you’d like until February 13th at http://atmlb.com/VxHTCn. While you’re at it, follow her on Twitter @Lindsaybeavs and give her your support.
Meet the Fan Cave Family: Bryan Mapes
For the fourth part of the series, I’d like to introduce you to Bryan Mapes. Although Mapes did not crack the top 50 last year, he was there with us every step of the way. He also swore that he would be willing to work harder than anyone to get in the 2013 MLB Fan Cave, and at this point, it’s pretty hard to argue that he hasn’t. Hopefully all of his hard work will be rewarded, and he’ll get the opportunity to represent the Atlanta Braves in the MLB Fan Cave this year.
Last year Bryan took a road trip where he visited every MLB stadium in California
Me: So you applied and didn’t make it to the top 50 last year for the MLB Fan Cave, but despite that, you still maintained a close connection with a lot of the finalists and several of the Cave Dwellers. How do you think that has prepared you for this year?
Mapes: Becoming close with people in the running and made the MLB Fan Cave last year was an invaluable experience. Seeing firsthand how the process worked even though I was at home did wonders for me making the top 50 in 2013. I knew the hard work and dedication it took to make it to New York City and how to be on top of my game for the campaign. I’m beyond grateful to be given the chance to represent the Braves in the top 52 and hopefully further.
Me: Through your connections with the finalists, you created Three Up, Three Down (which can be read HERE), a blog and podcast featuring several people from last year’s top 50. The blog gained a lot of popularity, and was ranked fairly high on the MLBlogs community. Tell us a little bit about your experience with that.
Mapes: During last years top 50 period I grew close to a bunch of people that made it. When the top 30 came out, there were a few people that didn’t advance to Arizona. Kurt Peter, Brian Boynton, Angelo Fileccia, Jeremy Dorn, and myself all looked at each other and basically said “what do we do now?” we want to keep talking baseball on some level. It started off as a podcast and knew that if it was just a weekly thing, we’d have to have a blog to keep things up to date as they happen. The blog reached levels we didn’t would happen that quickly, our goal was to make top 25, I’m proud to say we’ve done that multiple times. It’s really a labor of love and I’m glad I have those guys to talk to all the time. Three Up, Three Down has really helped me hone my writing and on-air skills which are so vital for the MLB Fan Cave.
Me: Even though you weren’t chosen as a finalist last year, you decided to give it another try this year. What made you want to apply again?
Mapes: The MLB Fan Cave is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I’d have been crazy to not try it at least one more time. I would love to say that I was one of a handful of people who watched every MLB game over a season. Everyone I know has said to me that this is the perfect job for me, because of my passion for baseball. I’m going to have to agree with them on that.
Me: Last year, the MLB Fan Cave had two Cave Dwellers who represented the Atlanta Braves. Have you asked Ricky Mast or Shaun Kippins for any advice?
Mapes: I’ve talked to them here and there, but I don’t want to hound them too much. If I do talk to them, it’s usually about things like the Justin Upton trade. I’m really honored to have their support and to call them friends. I might need to ask Ricky for some song parody advice and Shaun for some advice on my dancing skills though.
Me: I’m sure there will be some people who think the Braves don’t need to be represented this year since they had two people representing them last year. What do you have to say about that?
Mapes: It’s a criticism I’ve heard, but I don’t think it’s a big deal at all. There’s been a Yankees fan as a Cave Dweller the past two years. The Braves have, in my opinion, the best fans on Twitter, and they deserve to be represented in 4th and Broadway. I also bring a different dynamic than Ricky and Shaun did, with an emphasis on blogging, fantasy baseball, and statistics, with some entertainment mixed in.
Me: If there’s any one part of the MLB Fan Cave you could change, what would it be?
Mapes: I would love for the Fan Cave challenges to be brought back. I thought it was an entertaining way for the dwellers to work together and show their stuff. I’m not sure why they went away from it early on in the season.
Me: If you’re chosen for the MLB Fan Cave, what things are you hoping to accomplish?
Mapes: My main goal would be to be the dweller that connects with baseball fans the best. I think if I do that, my second goal of watching all 2,430 games will fall into place. I also have a few ideas to help support MLB charities, like Stand Up To Cancer, if I make it to New York City. I want to be able to give back as much as possible. Selfishly though, with “Anchorman: The Legend Continues” coming out this summer, I so badly want Will Ferrell and David Koechner to come to the MLB Fan Cave and do baseball highlights as Ron Burgundy and Champ Kind. I think that would be so popular and hilarious.
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Mapes: Everyone in this contest loves baseball and their team, but I’m not sure that there’s anyone that loves the Fan Cave as much as I do. In my first video for my 2013 MLB Fan Cave campaign, I promised that no one would work harder than me to make it to New York City and I’ve held up that end of the bargain so far. That work ethic would continue if I’m chosen as a Cave Dweller. I believe that I’m what the Fan Cave is looking for. I’m smart, charismatic, outgoing, entertaining, hard-working, have great blogging skills, and I might need to get checked out for my social media addiction. I believe that I could help continue the tremendous growth that MLB Fan Cave as had the past two years and be the perfect fan for the fans.
You can vote for Bryan as many times as you’d like until February 13th at http://atmlb.com/14zvOxO. You can also follow Bryan on Twitter @IAmMapes and like his Facebook page which can be found HERE.
Meet the Fan Cave Family: Ally Williams
For part three of the series, I’d like to introduce you to Ally Williams. I had the pleasure of getting to know Ally over the last year, and even got to watch a game with her at Yankee Stadium last April. She spent last year working as a real-time correspondent for the San Francisco Giants. Even though her team beat my beloved Tigers in the World Series last year, I’m still hoping she makes it to the MLB Fan Cave this year.
In fact, she also created one of my favorite videos from 2012, a highlight video from when last year’s top 30 finalists went to Arizona for the final interview process.
Me: Unlike a lot of the applicants from this year, you are one of the few who went through this process last year, when you made it to the top 30. What experiences from last year do you think will help you this time around? Any advice for those who don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into?
Ally: I just want to start off by saying that I am so thankful that I have received another chance to make it into the MLB Fan Cave this year.
It’s nice to come in with a sort of understanding how the process worked, but I don’t see it as a big advantage. The majority of the Top 52 know what they’re dealing with and plenty already have radio and television interviews, blogs and celebrity endorsements. My main advice is to get ready to share your personal baseball story with the world (or at least the internet), get yourself out there and ask for support, and meet some of the coolest baseball fans around in the nation (and Canada!)
Me: Last year was obviously a great year for the San Francisco Giants, as they not only won the World Series, but had one of their fans declared the Ultimate Cave Dweller. Have you talked to Ashley Chavez recently? If so, what advice has she given you?
Ally: Oh yes, last year was INCREDIBLE. I definitely keep in touch with Ashley; we became friends throughout campaigning and especially during Spring Training in Arizona. It was really fun to see her and the rest of the cave dwellers do their thing in NYC and watch Will Clark declare her Ultimate Cave Dweller! The main advice she gave me is what she really stresses to everyone: be yourself. I think that is really the only advice that matters in this process.
Me: Even though you weren’t selected to be a part of the MLB Fan Cave last year, you still got a chance to work closely with the SF Giants. For those who aren’t familiar with what you did, explain to us not only what your job responsibilities were, but how those skills will help you in the MLB Fan Cave.
Ally: My job is just another reason I am already grateful to the MLB Fan Cave. My official title was “Real-Time Correspondent,” so I was responsible for sending in photos, videos, and interviews before, during, and after the game. All my content was specifically used for social media and content would show up on the @SFGiants Instagram, Twitter and Tumblr.
This job 1) was a dream and 2) helped me decipher what sorts of things people like to see, based on likes and retweets. I was able to practice my interviewing skills during each homestand and I think I can build on that to create fun videos in the MLB Fan Cave. This job really helped hone my social media skills: I want to post interesting things to give baseball fans a reason to follow and stay involved with the Fan Cave. I love interviewing people and am comfortable with anyone.
Me: There’s a lot of people who claim to be experts in social media, but I don’t think I’ve ever found someone who is as involved as you are. Social media obviously plays a very significant part with the MLB Fan Cave. How do you plan on using your social media knowledge to better the MLB Fan Cave?
Ally: I am a proud social media addict and expert. We saw what a huge impact the MLB Fan Cave had on social media last year, especially with their shiny new Shorty Award in hand!
Remember when “don’t talk to strangers” used to be a thing? Okay, it still is, but watching a baseball game is a completely different experience with social media. It’s fun to connect with baseball fans across the country during games and I’ve formed connections with so many people.
I like to keep a balance of tweets and posts so I have enough to keep everyone connected without overwhelming them. One random thing I’d love to do is connect fans from all over to New York City. I would like baseball fans to feel connected to the Fan Cave while also sharing little bits of trivia each day.
One of my favorite new social networks is called Tout. I’m just getting used to it but it posts 15-second video clips, essentially Twitter for video. I’d like to use this tool for quick player teases when someone visits the cave, or even capturing a random event occurring while everyone is watching the games. I would like Major League Baseball to expand on it.
I have a few ideas for YouTube series. One would be to highlight what goes on in the baseball and social media world, noting fun tweets, posts and articles that have been shared over the past week, both in the Fan Cave and by players. I think it would be fun to have a segment each week asking players to guess who tweeted what. Another series I’d like to do is a SNL Weekend Update-type news cast to bring baseball news in an entertaining and satirical way. A more MLB Fan Cave-oriented series would be a question and answer show, receiving questions from each social network and having each cave dweller answer a few.
I’m always on the lookout for new social networks and am extremely interested in the way a baseball experience can be enhanced through social media.
Me: If selected, do you have any specific goals or things you hope to accomplish while you’re in the Fan Cave? Besides winning of course!
Ally: Yep, winning is the end goal, but I believe bonding with the other cave dwellers is important to create entertaining content throughout the season. I am obviously a strong believer in clubhouse chemistry. I wouldn’t put winning ahead of being a part of a team, because that is a huge part of the MLB Fan Cave. I have so many ideas but I’ll touch on a couple.
I wrote in my application essay that I would really like to work on bringing health and fitness to the Fan Cave. I found out about the Charity Miles app through fellow Fan Cave Top 52 Jeremy and Kelsey. I’m not the epitome of exercise but I love being able to run, walk and bike for charities and would like to share my efforts with others trying to do the same thing. Stand Up To Cancer is one of my favorite organizations and I’ve been able to feel like I’m doing something to help as I am running. I’d like to get more involved in the community and schedule events like kickball games with the Boys and Girls Clubs of America on a few mornings before the games begin. There are pros to being on the East Coast, I suppose!
I want to connect fans to the Fan Cave through Instagram and Twitter through photos of visitors, “This day in history” and quotes. I am intrigued by everything about the game of baseball and want to share that as much as possible.
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Ally: Cliche answer first: I love baseball and I know that comes across in everything I do. Really though, I feel that my knowledge in social media will help fans really feel connected, I have a degree in broadcast journalism that has given me the experience and confidence to create excellent visual and written content as well as conduct entertaining interviews with anyone, and I have a ton of ideas to keep fans interested in the MLB Fan Cave. My ultimate goal is to crank out as much quality content as I can each day. I want to use my day to connect, share information and entertain, and I know that the MLB Fan Cave and I are a perfect fit.
You can vote for Ally as many times as you’d like until February 13 at http://atmlb.com/X6dPrO. You can also follow her on Twitter @ItsAllyDuhh and like her campaign page on Facebook which can be found HERE.
Meet the Fan Cave Family: Travis Miller
For part two of my series, I’d like to introduce you to Travis Miller. A native of New York, Travis has spent the last three years covering baseball as a writer for the associated press. He’s hoping to use that experience so he can represent the New York Mets in the MLB Fan Cave.
Travis and 2012 Cave Dweller Ricky Mast photobombing a picture of me during our trip to Arizona last year
Me: It’s safe to say you probably have the most professional experience in working with Major League Baseball. How has your experiences working with The Associated Press the last few years helped prepare you for the MLB Fan Cave?
Travis: Being at Wrigley and The Cell five to six times a week for the last three years, and usually covering the road team, I literally get to spend time with every team in Major League Baseball. I’ve been interviewing players and managers on a daily basis – when they least want to see me. I’ve been down in the trenches on the front line and have a perspective that no other applicant can match.
Me: I could be wrong, but you and I could possibly be the only people who have applied to the MLB Fan Cave all three years. How does your past experiences with the MLB Fan Cave application process (including making it to the top 30 last year) help prepare you for this year?
Travis: Going from 2011 to 2012, I was challenged to be creative and really showcase my personality with my application video. Last year taught me to come prepared with concrete ideas for ways to make the Fan Cave even more amazing than it already is.
Me: What made you decide to apply for the Fan Cave again this year?
Travis: It’s something about the creative process that just makes me jump out of bed. I was intent on not applying until early December when I first got the idea for my video. As it came to life on paper, I couldn’t wait to produce it. Even now I’m taking notes on four promotional videos I’d like to put out before the Top 30 are chosen. I figure something that generates so much passion and energy can’t be a bad thing.
Me: It’s obvious that you love baseball, but there’s another thing I’d argue you’re equally in love with. Would you like to shed some light on your admiration for Taylor Swift?
Travis: I was commuting to Marist College in 2006 and 2007 when Taylor started taking over the airwaves. I was all about it until I won tickets to see her and Rascal Flatts at Bethel Woods, and I’ll tell you, I fell for her right there. She pulled out some trash cans and started drumming on them….wait, what? Baseball?
Me: If you’re chosen for the MLB Fan Cave, what things are you hoping to accomplish?
Travis: My main goal this season is to widen the scope of the Cave to include more than just MLB’s core. I want to bring in teams’ announcers, beat writers…anybody involved in the game. There should be people coming to the cave every day, and since it’s not plausible to get a player or celebrity every day, we need to think outside the box to create entertaining content on a more regular basis.
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Travis: I know that I don’t know everything. I’m not going to spout off an opinion of something just to be heard. I’m a pleasure to work with on a daily basis, and I will bring plenty of ideas to the table in maintaining the fun, entertaining environment that encapsulates the MLB Fan Cave.
Me: So if you had to choose between Taylor Swift and the MLB Fan Cave, which would it be?
Travis: THIS INTERVIEW IS OVER
You can vote for Travis as many times as you want until February 13 at http://atmlb.com/XaiQ2p. If you want, you can also follow Travis on Twitter @AtTravisMiller, and you can also find his campaign page on Facebook HERE.
Meet the Fan Cave Family: Kelsey Shea Weinrich
Last year, I was a finalist for the MLB Fan Cave. I applied again this year, but unfortunately wasn’t selected to be one of the finalists. So I decided I would do a small service to those who I’ve got to know over the last year or so, and give them a platform to tell you not only a little bit about themselves, but why you should vote for them.
Today, I’d like to introduce you to Kelsey Shea Weinrich, who is hoping to represent the St. Louis Cardinals. After finding out I was in the top 50 last year, Kelsey was the first finalist I got a chance to meet in person, as we just so happened to be in Orlando (her place of residence at the time, while I was on vacation).
Meet Kelsey Shea Weinrich, one of the 52 finalists for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave
Not only is Kelsey a big baseball fan, but she’s no stranger to the spotlight. In fact, she graduated with a B.A. in Theatre and a minor in English from Truman State in northern Missouri. So what does that mean for the competition? She won’t back down from a karaoke competition anytime soon.
When I talked to Kelsey during our Q & A session, not only was she was kind enough to give some advice to this year’s finalists, but she talked about why this is the year she belongs to be in the MLB Fan Cave.
Me: Unlike a lot of the applicants from this year, you are one of the few who went through this process last year, when you made it to the top 30. What experiences from last year do you think will help you this time around? Any advice for those who don’t know what they’ve gotten themselves into?
Kelsey: Well, I do think that having been through this before is an advantage. Last year we were all a bit shocked and surprised to be in the Top 50 and we were all new at it. But we very quickly had to learn the game. For those of us who’ve been here before, it’s just a matter of snapping back into game mode.
But it shouldn’t be much different for the newbies in the Top 50 this year, especially if they were paying attention last year – they know how this is done, too!
My biggest advice would be to not only focus on the quantity of your retweets, interviews, but to make sure that throughout the whole craziness, you don’t lose yourself. You were chosen for the Top 50 for a reason, because they liked you, so make sure you show them that.
And maybe to not be afraid to karaoke should you make it to the casting trip and there’s a mic stand calling your name!
Me: Even though you weren’t selected to the MLB Fan Cave last year, you were still able to come away with a different sort of prize. In fact, I’d argue it’s probably one of the best stories to come out of the Fan Cave so far. Can you tell us about how the MLB Fan Cave helped you find romance?
Kelsey: I sure did! I had the huge fortune of getting to meet several of my Cardinal idols during the process last year! Oh – you meant Jeremy…
Jokes aside, the Fan Cave changed my life in so many ways. At the end I found myself on a different career path, in a different city, and yes – with a little romance.
When you put a group of people together who all care deeply about something, and then have them go on this roller coaster ride of a process, there’s going to be a lot of bonding going on. And when some of those people are boys and some are girls? Well…
Jeremy and I were extremely lucky that this contest brought us together and no matter what happens this year, we’ll always be grateful to the Fan Cave for that. Sometimes it’s the things you never expect – that application you sent on a whim – that bring romance when you least expect it.
Needless to say, I keep telling everyone to vote for him, too.
Me: What made you decide that you wanted to once again apply to the Fan Cave?
Kelsey: I think I knew ever since last year that I would apply again. I told people I might not, just because it does kind of make you put your life on hold. But in the end, it’s impossible to stay away.
The job is a baseball fan’s dream and when I came so close last year and got so much out of it…I definitely owed it to myself to take a second shot.
Me: A lot of people probably don’t know that you have a degree in theater. How do you think that experience will help you if you’re chosen to be part of the MLB Fan Cave this year? If you can get one actor or actress to come to the MLB Fan Cave this year, who would it be?
Kelsey: I think that helps a lot because it taught me how to be well spoken and (perhaps even more important) how to laugh at myself, both of which I think are essential to a Cave Dweller. I’ve also always considered myself a storyteller, which is important for both video creation and blogging. Each current Top 50 member has their strengths and I think mine are definitely theatre-related.
The one actor/actress question is tough because I’m a huge movie buff…I’m gonna have to say Jon Hamm because he’s a big Cardinals fan (he narrated the 2011 WS film) and I’m obsessed with Mad Men. Plus, he’s not afraid to get goofy and would make an excellent video. Honorable mentions go to Zooey Deschanel because I remember Ricardo got his picture with her at a game and I love her, too.
Me: If selected, do you have any specific goals or things you hope to accomplish while you’re in the Fan Cave?
Kelsey: There are tons of things I would love to accomplish in the Cave! First off, I’d love to just get some Cardinals in there. I believe no one on the current team has visited yet. I’m thinking Jason Motte or Wainwright and Westbrook. I wrote my application essay on a video I’d like to film with the latter two.
I’m also developing some ideas right now, which I’ll probably blog about soon. I would love to see a 15-30 minute segment every week overviewing “This Week in the MLB Fan Cave.” And I would love to set up some sort of bi-weekly Charity Miles event. It’s a great app that sends money to charities every time you go for a walk or run. It would be fun to get players and local kids involved and run the bases over and over or something. Get kids active!
Me: In your words, why should you be chosen for the 2013 MLB Fan Cave?
Kelsey: I’m gonna try to keep from being long-winded here: I should be in the MLB Fan Cave because I really believe I am the perfect person for the job. In 2012, I had the creativity, the talent, and the drive. And that’s still true, but now I have much more.
Throughout the past year, I’ve studied, watched more baseball than ever before, become a contributor on Bleacher Report, grown a blog from scratch to over 150 posts, expanded both my speaking and networking skills, I grew my weaknesses into strengths. I’ve immersed myself in the Fan Cave experience just without the actual Fan Cave.
And above all, I think I’m one of the most likable, positive, and exciting people to work with.
If you want to vote for Kelsey, you can vote as many times as you’d like at http://atmlb.com/YGEDpe. Voting will end on February 13, so make sure you don’t wait too long. You can also follow Kelsey on Twitter @KelseyShea11 and follow along with her adventures by liking her Facebook page which can be found HERE.
Three strikes and you’re out
This year marked the third time I’ve applied for the MLB Fan Cave. I was hoping that the third time was going to be the charm. Instead, it turns out that it was strike three.
It’s been a wild adventure over the last few years, and I take a lot of pride in all the work and effort I put into it. The first year I applied, I heard nothing back. Last year, I got a chance to experience something I would never have imagined.
Getting chosen to the top 50 out of 22,000 applicants was a very surreal experience for me. For a guy that has never really gone too far out of his way to get attention, I was suddenly surrounded with it. I was meeting people from all around the country (and the world if you include Canada), and was one step closer to making my dreams of working in Major League Baseball a reality.
After two stressful weeks, I found out I was one of the final 30. This meant I was heading to Arizona to finally get a chance to not only meet my new friends, but get an interview with Major League Baseball. People called it a once in a lifetime opportunity. It turns out for me, it was just that.
Before heading back to Michigan, I was pulled to the side by a couple of baseball executives. They informed me that there was a distinct possibility that I was going to be chosen and wanted to make sure I clearly understood what I would be signing up for.
I headed home in high spirits, feeling better about my chances than I did before. Unfortunately, reality came crashing down when I soon found out I was not chosen. With my newly acquired confidence, I promised that I’d give myself one last chance to apply.
When I applied this year, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. I was told I was one of the top candidates from last year, but I didn’t feel like I was entitled to anything. In fact, I felt like I had more to prove than before. I wrote an essay explaining how I thought they should focus on making the Fan Cave more international, to help Major League Baseball’s fan base around the world. I also came up with a video concept that I thought would definitely show off my true personality.
So when they announced the top 50 today, I still wasn’t sure if I’d see my name on the list. Sure enough, it wasn’t. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed, but I wasn’t angry about it. The important thing for me was to make sure I did the best I could, and that’s exactly what I did.
I’m incredibly proud of all that I’ve accomplished and achieved in the last year, and I’m grateful for all of the people I’ve met along the way. Without Major League Baseball, I’m not sure any of that would have happened.
Will there be a fourth year of me applying for the MLB Fan Cave? At this point, I think it’s fair to say it’s highly unlikely that I will give it another shot. However, there’s not too many things in my life that I will say have a zero percent chance of ever happening, so I guess you’ll have to wait and see.
Brad Jeffers
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