2010 NFBC Champion Profile - Stephen Jupinka

Tom Kessenich · Post by **Tom Kessenich** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:54 am

What a long, strange trip it’s been.

Stephen Jupinka can relate to those iconic words from the Grateful Dead. A charter member of the National Fantasy Baseball Championship, he has proven to be one of the top players in the event year in and year out.

However, the long, often tortuous but truly rewarding journey that results in the $100,000 prize at the end of the season had always eluded him.

Until 2010.

That was the year Stephen Jupinka placed his stamp on the fantasy baseball industry forever with authority and cemented his standing as one of the game’s premier players. That was the year Jupinka took home the industry’s most coveted honor as he became the seventh overall champion in NFBC history.

That was the year Stephen Jupinka brought home $100,000.

“It was very satisfying on a personal level,” Jupinka said of winning the overall title. “Most importantly, it was justification for the time and effort put forth wherein now the whole family can enjoy it.”

The overall NFBC title put the cherry on the top of what has become an extremely impressive NFBC resume. He is now one of only two players to have won four league titles in the event’s history. Jupinka also won league titles in 2004, 2005 and 2008.

But the story doesn’t end there.

He won his Las Vegas League with 144.5 points, a new NFBC record. Drafting from the 12th spot, he led the league in Runs, Batting Average, Steals, ERA and WHIP, while finishing second in RBI, Home Runs, Wins, Strikeouts and Saves.

In short, it was a dominant performance from one of the NFBC’s most- battle tested veterans.

That’s not to say it was smooth sailing, however. As is the case with any fantasy baseball title, the season had its shares of peaks and valleys. With intense competition for the top spot in place in the season’s final weeks, Jupinka admitted his nerves were put to the highest test.

“(The final weeks of the season) were long,” he said. “For most of the season, fantasy baseball would mesh nicely with life in general. The last three weeks or so, it became the 800 pound gorilla in the room.”

Jupinka was happy with his team when he left Draft Day as most owners are but he admits he didn’t believe the team was “anything special.” It wasn’t until there were about two weeks left in the season that he afforded himself the opportunity to truly believe his team had a chance at the coveted overall crown.

“I had a nine-home run, two-day period which drove me toward 3,900 (points) from the upper 3,700s,” he said. “Prior to that, I thought (second-place finisher Mark) Srebro’s team was going to pass me. I actually stopped looking at the overall standings when (David) Longood made his run in August. (Glenn) Lowy made me think about cataclysmic collapses the last week.”

No matter the challenger, however, none could topple Jupinka when it mattered most. His team reigned supreme at season’s end.

For those hoping to pick a national champion’s brain about how best to win $100,000 Jupinka said they may not find a specific guideline they should follow each year.

“I don’t subscribe to any particular strategy come Draft Day,” he said. “Multiple drafts prior to the Las Vegas Main Event helped me isolate pockets of inventory. Some (strategies) may work some years and some may not. I say take what the draft gives you and adjust on the fly but don’t lose sight of the categories. Dynamic trumps static.”

He also said one key was to take that ability to adjust during the draft and apply it throughout the season as well.

“I think you have to be constantly recalibrating,” he said. “I was able to nail the starters when the closers were struggling and then pull back the starters when the closers were available. I dropped a lot of good players because they didn’t fit the program that week and wish I still had them two weeks later. You have to constantly address your weak spots and that can seem to change from week to week.

“I wish I had a cookie cutter methodology in place but I don’t. It sure would make things a lot easier. I guess I can say my prep is thorough but other than that I don’t know what sets me apart. I have a lot of respect for the game and the other players to believe my success will continue unabated.”

The 45-year-old Jupinka is married with three children. He is a controller for a commodity dealer on Wall Street. Having watched him play fantasy baseball since 1989, his family was well aware how involved this game can be. And their reaction when he told them he had taken home the NFBC’s grand prize?

“I got a double wow from my wife, Tracey,” he said. “My 10-year-old was thrilled. She thought I won $100. They all know how much time I put into it so they were very happy for me.”

Of course, with $100,000 in the bank the inevitable question becomes – what will you do with all that money?

“I plan on playing in the ($10,000 NFBC) Diamond League next year and buy a diamond band,” he said. “You can’t do one without the other, can I?”

His wife would likely agree. So would his fellow NFBC competitors, all of whom respect the results Jupinka has delivered over the years and now view him as the No. 1 threat they must topple in 2011.

For some, that might be an uncomfortable position to be in. And certainly, the humble Jupinka isn’t one to puff out his own chest and pronounce his own greatness. He understands the fantasy game can be a fickle beast and each season is different. But no matter what happens in the future, nothing will ever erase the magic that came his way in 2010.

Jupinka has enjoyed many terrific seasons in the NFBC but in 2010 he celebrated a glorious one.

“Seven years is a long time and it’s been quite a journey,” he said. “But winning the championship has made it all worth it.”

[ November 04, 2010, 10:37 AM: Message edited by: Tom Kessenich ]

bustouts · Post by **bustouts** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 4:21 am

Great job Steve......TOTAL DOMINATION!!!couldn't happen to a nicer guy.

Bob Enzyte · Post by **Bob Enzyte** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 4:48 am

Steve, what a year for you. I'll congratulate you in person in Vegas next March.

Glenneration X · Post by **Glenneration X** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 6:20 am

Congrats Steve, a year we all dream about.

Glenn

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 6:58 am

Thanks Lindy, Dave. It's nice to be added to a list of great players like you guys. Permanently. There goes the neighborhood

Thanks for the writeup Tom. Very nice work as usual.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 7:17 am

Thanks Glenn, hopefully those 150pt days in baseball are carrying over to football

DOUGHBOYS · Post by **DOUGHBOYS** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 9:14 am

Again?

How many of these things is Tom going to write?

How many times do we have to congratulate you for kicking our asses into oblivion?

My mind is sore from all the mental back pats sent your way!

AGAIN , congratulations.

Now, how about a picture of you waiting for your check...better yet, a picture of Mark waiting for the check.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 9:26 am

Congrats again Steve ... foot on the gas for 26 weeks, we never had a chance.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 9:45 am

Originally posted by DOUGHBOYS:

Again?

How many of these things is Tom going to write?

How many times do we have to congratulate you for kicking our asses into oblivion?

My mind is sore from all the mental back pats sent your way!

AGAIN , congratulations.

Now, how about a picture of you waiting for your check...better yet, a picture of Mark waiting for the check.

as a token appreciation of yet ANOTHER doughie congrats I did grant you your pic wish - see in the other thread.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 10:03 am

Originally posted by KJ Duke:

Congrats again Steve ... foot on the gas for 26 weeks, we never had a chance.

Thanks KJ - ya know thinking back, 3 hours sitting next to you drafting and not one stock tip

What's the heck up with that !

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 11:41 am

Again, well deserved. It's nice to see skill win out.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:04 pm

Thanks Mark. Holds true for #2 too.

KJ Duke · Post by **KJ Duke** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:10 pm

Originally posted by Quahogs:

quote:Originally posted by KJ Duke:

Congrats again Steve ... foot on the gas for 26 weeks, we never had a chance.

Thanks KJ - ya know thinking back, 3 hours sitting next to you drafting and not one stock tip

What's the heck up with that ! [/QUOTE]I assumed all your money was tied up in beans and pork bellys. Andy Robinson got a good one from me in LV, though not sure he acted on it.

Have some dry powder this Spring, I'll see what I can do.

JEagle · Post by **JEagle** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 3:41 pm

Great job Steve, you are the envy of all!

Baseball Furies · Post by **Baseball Furies** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 5:43 pm

Steve,

As your new protege, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to dine with you over such a quality meal this past summer while basking in your greatness for even a short while. I look forward to learning more from you in the coming years in the spirit of our new found friendship...

Translation:

Steve,

As someone who wishes I had your kind of dumb-ass luck for as long as you have, and happens to have the misfortune of living in the armpit of the same area of the same state as you; thanks for lowering yourself on my behalf over shitty food and beer at a local Hooters for a couple of hours while you spent most of your time ogling our bimbette waitress who was clearly more interested in me than you! I look forward to doing whatever I can to expose you as the Mafia-financed scam artist that must obviously be for the foreseeable future in NFBC competition as your newest, covert deadly opponent who only pretends to be your friend so that I may ride on your coattails...

All kidding aside, my friend, congrats again. Looking forward to catching up with you soon.

Cobb · Post by **Cobb** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 12:39 am

Congrats Steve, well deserved.

I'm glad we got to compete against each other again in AC, I learned a lot throughout the year battling with you, especially with regard to your excellent in-season management.

I'm very thankful I wasn't drafting next to you in Vegas as well!

Great job, see you in AC and maybe Vegas.

Da bears · Post by **Da bears** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 1:05 am

Great job again Steve!

Enjoy the money $$$$$$$$$.

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 5:04 am

Originally posted by Cobb:

Congrats Steve, well deserved.

I'm glad we got to compete against each other again in AC, I learned a lot throughout the year battling with you, especially with regard to your excellent in-season management.

I'm very thankful I wasn't drafting next to you in Vegas as well!

Great job, see you in AC and maybe Vegas. Thanks Joe, but I managed that team into the toilet. Apparently I wasn't too much of a hindrance to you in AC

You built a great offense there and it carried you in a very tough league. Rematch!

So you heading to Vegas too? Nice

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 5:32 am

Originally posted by Baseball Furies:

Steve,

As your new protege, I am humbled to have had the opportunity to dine with you over such a quality meal this past summer while basking in your greatness for even a short while. I look forward to learning more from you in the coming years in the spirit of our new found friendship...

Translation:

Steve,

As someone who wishes I had your kind of dumb-ass luck for as long as you have, and happens to have the misfortune of living in the armpit of the same area of the same state as you; thanks for lowering yourself on my behalf over shitty food and beer at a local Hooters for a couple of hours while you spent most of your time ogling our bimbette waitress who was clearly more interested in me than you! I look forward to doing whatever I can to expose you as the Mafia-financed scam artist that must obviously be for the foreseeable future in NFBC competition as your newest, covert deadly opponent who only pretends to be your friend so that I may ride on your coattails...

All kidding aside, my friend, congrats again. Looking forward to catching up with you soon. Funny stuff Mike

. Oh she was checking you out for sure, I've seen that look before, a little of this

and this

- not everyday she sees someone ordering a plain chicken breast and salad(no dressing) in Hooters. HA!

Talk to you soon...

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 5:37 am

Thanks Matt and Jared - hey, good luck in the NYC Marathon

FFBL23 · Post by **FFBL23** » Fri Nov 05, 2010 7:07 am

Mr. Jupinka,

Outstanding accomplishment my friend. It was nice meeting you in Vegas back in March. I remember the both of us rushing back to the Bellagio on the final Sunday discussing our teams. Who knew you had just drafted a 100K winner!! Anyway, you are no longer under the fantasy radar (not that you ever were) with this big win. I see article writing and message board chats in your near future. Question is, will you open up the vault like Shawn has done the past few years?

Kevin

Quahogs · Post by **Quahogs** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:03 am

Originally posted by FFBL23:

Mr. Jupinka,

Outstanding accomplishment my friend. It was nice meeting you in Vegas back in March. I remember the both of us rushing back to the Bellagio on the final Sunday discussing our teams. Who knew you had just drafted a 100K winner!! Anyway, you are no longer under the fantasy radar (not that you ever were) with this big win. I see article writing and message board chats in your near future. Question is, will you open up the vault like Shawn has done the past few years?

Kevin

Thanks Kevin, yeah we were hoofing it, I rememember that. Geez, seems like yesterday. This past season brought me back to '08 a lot when you were first to pass me before Jurney took us both. If you didn't lose Quentin and Kinsler things may have been quite different for you too. Ahh the memories

Open the vault? Child has a fine tuned chassis, he has no fear showing it off. I'd be more like the Wizard beind the curtain !

[ November 06, 2010, 09:08 AM: Message edited by: Quahogs ]

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 3:43 am

Originally posted by Quahogs:

Open the vault? Child has a fine tuned chassis, he has no fear showing it off. I'd be more like the Wizard beind the curtain ! childs showing off too much of his engine allowed others to simply order the same parts to try and make the same engine.

BAD for people using that engine, but more importantly, GOOD for people who use a different engine

CC's Desperados · Post by **CC's Desperados** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:29 am

Originally posted by Gekko:

quote:Originally posted by Quahogs:

Open the vault? Child has a fine tuned chassis, he has no fear showing it off. I'd be more like the Wizard beind the curtain ! childs showing off too much of his engine allowed others to simply order the same parts to try and make the same engine.

BAD for people using that engine, but more importantly, GOOD for people who use a different engine

[/QUOTE]So someone going under an alias might be a crook is some sort of way. It's almost like they are stealing the engine's blue print while discovering the competition's high performance parts.

Gekko · Post by **Gekko** » Sat Nov 06, 2010 7:47 am

Originally posted by CC's Desperados:

So someone going under an alias might be a crook is some sort of way. It's almost like they are stealing the engine's blue print while discovering the competition's high performance parts. ya, i'm using an alias to steal blue prints from other owners! hahaha!!!! whose blueprint am i going to use over mine?

you use a 75/75 blue print. i have no interest in employing that. you may have had success using it, but when more owners are trying it (due to you), that leaves you at a disadvantage moving forward (even if it is a small one). this game is too tough to give away an edge.

[ November 06, 2010, 01:49 PM: Message edited by: Gekko ]