Interview with Johnny Bo,
Gillette Swamp Rats

Hard to believe he's been in the league since Day One, yet he's managed to evade the hot glare of the Biggest Daddy rotisserie oven...

...until now.

BIGGEST DADDY: Are you playing softball this summer? If so, how are your individual stats?

JOHN BOCHICCHIO: Yes, the Chatham Sports Machine is now in our 16th season. Over the past 15, we have managed to win 3 championships, with the last in 1999. I only have 3 or 4 players left from our last championship squad, making winning more difficult (we’re 3-3). All these young guys try to mash the ball and wind up popping out – and forget about those outfielders throwing to the right base. Drives me crazy! I know how Piniella must feel.
As for the year, I’m batting just below near .500 career average (7/15). My playing time has been limited due to knee injury. Nowadays, I’m strictly the DH but catch when necessary.

BD: If a scout came to watch you play, what would they say?

JB: In all fairness, Biggest Daddy, I’d like to defer this question to a current teammate and former manager, Thomas Christie writes:

John Bochicchio:
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Position: Second base, third base, catcher
Hobbies: Vegas, beer, and Vegas

Played for some incantation of the Gillette Pub softball team for over ten years, has managed for five.

Bochicchio brings every ounce of energy he posseses to each game and refuses to leave it on the field, he will rejoice in a victory for days and in the same vain will stew for days after a loss.

It is truly amazing that Bochicchio has been able to play as long as he has. After breaking in as a young third baseman and gritty lead off man (who also showed a lot of power) Bochicchio found a home at second base, often taking the brunt of many collisions in double play attempts.

After suffering a horrific ankle injury in a game several years ago Bochicchio's storied career seemed over. But after months of intense rehab and a gritty determination he graced the ball field once again, first as a DH and now catches part time as well.

In short no team should be with out a player of this caliber. Sometimes known as Nails (after Len Dykstra, a player with the same intensity) Bochicchio is never seen with out a fire in his eyes.

His career numbers illustrate what a diverse player he is, both hitting for an average and adding the long ball to an impressive resume (MLB adjusted):

    Batting Average: .471
    At Bats: 6,860
    Hits: 3,230
    Home Runs: 160
    On Base Percentage: .542
    Sluggling Percentage: .609
   
Even the most ignorant fan can see just what an asset Bochicchio can be to any team. Though lacking the speed that he once possessed, the intense nature of his heart makes even the quietest player on the bench stand up and bang the backstop in the late innings.

They don't make this type of throw-back player any more - maybe that's good - could the world handle two such maniacal ball players?

If you see another like him - sign him long term!

BD: What do you like to do in your spare time?

JB: I’ve had Yankee season tickets for years. My brother and I are normally at every Sunday game. Right now, softball takes up quite a bit of free time. I make time to practice Blackjack (it can be beat, you know) on a simulator, usually 5-10 hours per week. I also enjoy going to the movies, and eating out.    

BD: Who is your favorite baseball player?

JB: All-time would have to be Lou Gehrig. My favorite active player is Godzilla – and not just because of his BDBL affiliation. I admire the way that he struggled at first, made adjustments, and now it seems like he can produce the type of numbers that many were expecting. The fact that he’s on Gillette’s roster (and a Yankee) just makes me happy in the pants!

BD: What do you like to eat? Do you cook?

JB: I love to cook, but I live alone and its not that much fun to cook for myself. I go to my mother’s house one or two times a week, and cook for the both of us. I’m also in-charge of the grilling festivities when we tailgate at The Stadium. Last Sunday (v. Boston) we had bacon wrapped shrimp with Emeril’s Chipotle Pepper Sauce. Simply delich !

BD: Have you read anything interesting or watched any movies recently that you would recommend?

JB: I’m almost finished with “Positively Fifth Street: Murderers, Cheetahs, and Binion’s World Series of Poker” by James McManus. He is a writer for Harpers Magizine who was sent to Vegas to cover the 2000 Championship. He winds up taking his advance for the article and entering the tournament himself ($10K buy-in, winner takes $1MM), and almost won.
Next on my list is “Bringing Down the House”, which is about a team of “advantage players” from MIT that takes a bunch of Vegas casinos for millions (true story).

BD: What’s the secret to being a good financial analyst?

JB: The best advice I can give is to learn how to use all those special-function keys on your calculator. Seriously though, what my company actually does to is advise large public pension plans how and what to invest in. I use a ton of statistical analysis to find prospective mutual funds for implementation in the Plan, and as a result, the participant has the option to invest with it. I also measure how well our current funds have done against entire universes of funds, and based on their performance/style, we reallocate as necessary. I have degrees in Finance and Mathematics and a working knowledge of the Market (I was previously employed on the NYSE for 5 years). I think a good financial analyst would have these qualities.

BD: If you could star in a romantic Hollywood movie, who would you pick to play the other lead role?

JB: It would have to be Natalie Portman. I mean come on, she’s smart, beautiful, and digs Star Wars. Does it get any better than that? I’m available for when they make the movie version of “Bringing Down the House”, but I doubt the casino industry will let that happen.

BD: When will the Swamp Rats make the playoffs again?

JB: Next season, no question.

BD: Are you in any other sports simulation leagues?

JB: No, the BDBL is my only passion. I’m in a football fantasy league, but that’s roto.

BD: Do you have any players on the trading block?

JB: I posted on the message board that all players on my roster were available. The only players that received any interest were Karros and Daal. However, I’ve since determined
that I can’t let Karros go because he’s practically the only Swamp Rat that has a decent power rating. I just can’t sacrifice the offense he can generate and be in good standing in the upcoming auction. Daal, on the other hand, HAS BEEN TRADED. I can not reveal the details at press time. Okay, just one hint….Eck League.

BD: Have you seen “The Hulk” or “From Justin to Kelly”?

JB: I haven’t been to the movies lately. I can’t wait to see T3!

BD: Are you and the Green Cross going to have another go at it this Fall?

JB: Absolutely. As a matter of fact, I’m afraid my next trip out to Vegas to enter the Hilton’s contest may conflict with the BDBL Get-Together IV. I’m trying to work it out, but I’m under severe time restraints between the tournament’s “early entry” deadline and when I can miss work for a few days.

BD: You've been to every BDBL Weekend so far. What have those experiences been like? Which was the best one?

JB: I’ve been looking forward to the next Weekend since we got home from Pittsburgh. Every one of them was great. It was much fun meeting the different owners. Really, a great bunch of guys playing in the best DMB League hanging out, and watching a game of baseball. I guess my favorite was last year’s. The road trip in the Romaniellomobile was unforgettable, as was the game and its surrounding hours.

BD: What was your reaction when New Milford selected Toe Nash in the farm draft this year?

JB: When Billy drafted him, I think I had just one pick remaining. I was actually going to select him, mostly as a joke, to fill my last spot. So, I was surprised yet dismayed.

BD: What are your plans for Brad Fullmer? Cut him and pay the $3.5 million penalty? Or pay him $7 million for half a season?

JB: The jury’s still out on this one. I’m still performing a cost/benefit analysis on keeping the Fullmer/Karros combo and what the cost of a free agent first baseman would be.

BD: Do you still consider Adrian Gonzalez to be among the top prospects in baseball?

JB: Well, it appears that his stock has indeed fallen. He’s still striking out at an alarming rate, even at (AA). However, he’s still very young and he can still develop. It’s way too early to pull the plug on him. I still think it was a fair trade at the time, and Darth, I mean Paul didn’t deceive me with any mind tricks. But then again, the recipient of such tactics ever really do realize that they have fallen victim. Hmmm.

BD: Which has been a more pleasant surprise for the Gillette franchise this year: Jimmy Haynes' all-star performance or Javy Lopez's MLB performance?

JB: Looking forward, that’s easy. By far, it has been the performance of Lopez. It would seem that I’ve got a stud catcher for next season at $2MM, and Haynes just sucks.

BD: How much money do the 'Rats have heading into the auction? Will you be a high roller?

JB: Depending on whom I decide to keep/release, I’ll have between 25 and 30MM to spend. I wouldn’t consider that in the high roller range. I’m sure there will be other teams with more. But beware, I don’t think I’ll need that many players and most, if not all of my resources will be spent on pitching.

BD: As one of the founding members of the BDBL, what is your fondest memory or high point of your BDBL career? What is the low point?

JB: My highest point was winning the Griffin Division in 2001. The Rats had such a great start that season that Los Altos and New Milford quit after 2 chapters and we were able to hold off the hated Lightning by one game in a grueling race. The fact that the Salem Press predicted that the Swamp Rats would finish with the “worst record ever” made our run even more enjoyable. The low point came soon after, being swept by the Tippers’ in the Divisional Playoffs. DMB’s random number generator really seemed to have something against me in that series. EVERYTHING seemed to go Salem’s way. It was a living hell.