Past Interviews:

Bob Sylvester, Sr.
Tim Zigmund
John Gill
Billy Romaniello
Joe Brennan
Eric Zigmund
Brian Hicks
Mike Glander
Jeff Paulson
Mike Stein
Paul Marazita
Chris Luhning
Matt Clemm
Gene Patterson
DJ Shepard
Chris Schultheis
Phil Geisel

September 1, 2001
by "Biggest Daddy"

Interview with Adam Musson, Perth Breeze

BIGGEST DADDY: As the newest owner in the BDBL, what is your impression of the league so far?

ADAM MUSSON: I dig it! The Breeze are out of contention this year, but I am really looking forward to beginning the next season.

BD: What is your initial impression of the Perth franchise you've inherited?

AM: We've got some big names that, if they could all play up to their potential at once, could lead this team to the pennant. If we get some aces in the rotation we should give the Benes Division a run for their money.

BD: Your franchise has traditionally been very offense-heavy. Do you agree with this philosophy, or will you be looking to make some major changes this off-season?

AM: Pitching wins ballgames. If you can't get on base, you can't score. This franchise will be looking to get some better starting pitchers and a solid closer.

BD: You had an opportunity to dump the contracts of Tony Batista (signed for $5m in 2002), Derek Bell ($3m in 2002) and Dave Burba ($5m in 2002) without penalty, but passed on that. Do you now regret that decision?

AM: I passed because I felt that I should inherit the team as it is. I could have min-maxed the team and dumped those players because they aren't playing up to their potential in the real season, but I think it's more realistic this way.

BD: You only have two players signed beyond 2002. How do you plan to reach the minimum of 15 keepers in 2003?

AM: Sign 13 guys? There are a few guys on my squad that I plan on contracting long term. Hopefully we won't have to take any $1M penalties!

BD: What is your hometown of Lawrence, Kansas like? I picture lots of flat farm land and tornadoes. Why do you think so many sabrmatricians (and BDBL members) come from Kansas?

AM: Actually there are lots of hills in Lawrence. It's God's way of torturing KU students. All of the boring farmland is in western Kansas. Uh.... I don't know what a sabrmatrician is?!

BD: How did a farm boy from Kansas become a Dodgers fan?

AM: Actually I sort of jumped the bandwagon on that one. I wasn't really a baseball fan until the '88 World Series. I saw Gibby take Eckersley yard and I thought that was just about the coolest thing ever. So I started pulling for the Dodgers.

BD: Tommy Lasorda: Hall of Fame genius or just a big, fat loudmouth?

AM: When the Dodgers were winning... the former. When they were losing... the latter. He's definately a big, fat loud mouth without much of anything intelligent to say, but he's got a lot of charisma and he's a great ambassador for the game.

BD: A $100 million payroll is supposed to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.  So what's up with the Dodgers?

AM: It all boils down to trading Piazza. When a team does something that stupid Fate makes sure they never win again.

BD: How did a 24-year-old become a fan of 60's soul music? Shouldn't you be listening to Limp Bizkit or N Sync or something?

AM: I think I'm offended!

BD: Who is your favorite singer or group from the 60's?

AM: I don't really have a favorite. Honorable Mention: Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, James Brown, Steppenwolf, Chicago (pre-1970 only), the Association, and of course the Beatles.

BD: When are you scheduled to graduate from the University of Kansas? Any plans after graduation?

AM: Graduate? Oh... that's what I was suppose to do!!! I recently changed my major so I am basically a 25-year old freshman. I'd like to move to a Great Lakes state or to New England. It's too damn hot in Kansas.

BD: I noticed that you list "art" as a hobby. Is that a self-portrait on your team's home page? Has anyone ever told you you look like a cross between Jeff Bagwell and Bob Saget?

AM: I wish I could claim that I was that good of an artist. I draw comic books and silly cartoons. I got that done at Worlds of Fun. Should I be offended again?

BD: In your profile, you said that you held a grudge against Diamond Mind for a long time. Why is that?

AM: They bought out Persue the Pennant and discontinued the table-top game. I loved that game! But I got a computer and graduated to the Age of Technology so it's all good!

BD: Who's more annoying: Rosey O'Donnell or that guy in the Panama hat who stands behind home plate with a radar gun at every Dodgers home game?

AM: The Radar Pimp?! That guy rocks!

BD: What's in store for your team next season? Who's the early favorite to win the 2002 Benes Division?

AM: Well I will be moving the team to Lawrence so the Law Dogs and we will have to start a bitter rivalry. I plan on drafting an ace or two and I am going to try to rebuild the team into a pitcher-heavy club. 2002 Division winners? The Lawrence Donkey Punchers (formerly the Perth Breeze) of course! I think the Benes Division will be a tight one. All four of us should be able to compete, but I think I would be inclined to pick Salem again.