A Well Paced Draft Option

[King Ken]

I vote for the sooner, the better, if we have our 15 owners set. Always fun to be able to know your draft position a little bit in advance.

[DOUGHBOYS]

Yep, we don't need no stinkin' 'verification'
What are you gonna do, give yourself 1-14 and everybody else gets 15?
Whenever a good time for you and Mia is a good time for us.
Just tell us the link when completed.

[KJ Duke]

Pick 'em now, it will give us something to think about during the Super Bowl.

[King Ken]

I agree with The Duke. All owners are in place so just go ahead and have Mia do the honors. Dont worry about trying to patch anyone in live. Just post the results with the link and we will watch it at our convenience. Not trying to rush you at all but..............................HURRY UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Rog]

ok ,I will try and get it wrapped tonight and then we can even start early if anybody wants to. It does not matter to me either way.

[Rog]

I think this is it. someone give it a try and let me know http://youtu.be/gGjwjXhla9Q

[DOUGHBOYS]

I think this is it. someone give it a try and let me know http://youtu.be/gGjwjXhla9Q

WAY TO GO, MIA!!!!!

[Quahogs]

What a cutie, AND she pronounced my name right ! Something no customer service rep in America (or India) has yet been able to do

[Joe Sambito]

What a Great Video!

[BK METS]

Seriously, that was the best 4 minutes I have had in a very long time. What an awesome inspiration and the cutest little girl. Dan, she is definitely your good luck charm... Great stuff!!

[Baseball Furies]

First of all, that was absolutely spectacular. I could watch that over and over again just to make me smile. Rog, she's amazing! So happy to see her be able to do this for us. But on a sadder, more controversial note...I demand a recount! Just what the hell do I have to do get the overall first pick in a draft for once in my life, let alone maybe a pick in the top three once in a while? Even going straight butter with Magic Mia making the picks, I get stuck at 12. And Dan Kenyon gets the number one overall pick?! Hmmmm, wonder how that happened? I think the fix is on for sure. And nice, Rog, now your seven-year-old child thinks there's actually a guy whose parents named him, "The Mouth"! Best moment though was "Daaaddy" came out of the hat at number 10. Looking forward to this one. It can't start soon enough!

And the good news is, I already have everyone's cell number in this one except Botnick's.

[Rog]

you guys are all amazing,so many kind words. Sorry there was so much of me in there,Mia was a little nervous. We spent Thursday at the doctors for a second minor surgery. An incision revision,basically one of her incision's having a hard time healing so they went in and took a little of the margin's off and cleaned it up and restitched. Feb. the 13th we go back up and get the stitches removed,the 14th she gets a new set of MRI's (3 months) and on the 20th will be the meeting with pathologist. That day can not get here soon enough. Through all this she has been the toughest and bravest girl.Thanks again

[mbendar16]

To see Mia's smiling face throughout the video after she had been through another doctor visit a couple of days earlier is just amazing. Hope we all get to hear some great news for your family after those doctor appt's.

[Money]

This is about as good as it gets.

Miss Mia, first, second and third place all pay the same in this league. You drew my name at the exact spot that I was hoping for. So I was thinking we could be partners and you can root for dad to come in first and our team to come in second (or third).

If we are fortunate enough get a check, I thought you could decide how to spend it. What do you say?

Thanks for taking the time tonight, you're a champ and an inspiration to all of us!!

[Ando]

Wow. Just wow. Mia, you're a champ, kiddo! I was so worried about you 3 short months ago.

....and somehow MTM still finds a way to get to the backend of a draft.

[uky]

What a refreshing four minute video. Rog, glad to hear everything is going well. The look/smile on her face when she says "Daddy" is priceless. I'm such a sentimentalist, and moments like these continue to slow everything down and put life into a better perspective. Being a grandfather of four (ages 5-10), I cherish moments with them and pray for their well being, as I will for your family. Thank you for letting us be a part of your family and best of luck going forward.

[DOUGHBOYS]

on the 20th will be the meeting with pathologist. That day can not get here soon enough. Through all this she has been the toughest and bravest girl.Thanks again

Roger,
The NFBC has fallen in love with this little girl.
First rounds busts, year long injuries, under performing teams, we'll take these in stride and saddle up for the next time.
But a little girl facing brain surgery and smiling? It brings us to our knees.
I think its fitting that the 15 of us will be drafting while you and Mia get the results on the 20th.
During that time there will be 14 'Uncles' and countless friends in the NFBC awaiting the results with your family.

[DOUGHBOYS]

I think this is it. someone give it a try and let me know http://youtu.be/gGjwjXhla9Q

It can never be done better than that, but here is the draft order-

1. Dan Kenyon
2. Rich VanFleet
3. Don Dismuke
4. Mike Edelman
5. Stan Kaye
6. Steve Jupinka
7. Sam Botnick
8. KJ Duke
9. Joe Berg
10. Roger Martin
11. Alan Greenberg
12. Mike Massotto
13. Mark Bendar
14. Ken Little
15. Ante Meich

Originally, we were going to start on February 18, but we'll push it up two days and start on February 16. If we're not as 'well paced' those first two days, we'll all understand. This shouldn't interfere much with those that had plans and it'll give the $1000 drafters a little advantage over those that didn't enter this draft.
Don't bother asking to move this up further. We'll be supporting Roger's family as Mia goes for tests on the 20th. Also, it'll be small, but give Roger something to think about while awaiting those results.
I'll send these names to Greg and have him set up everything on that end.
Thanks Everybody!

[Rog]

Roger,
The NFBC has fallen in love with this little girl.
First rounds busts, year long injuries, under performing teams, we'll take these in stride and saddle up for the next time.
But a little girl facing brain surgery and smiling? It brings us to our knees.
I think its fitting that the 15 of us will be drafting while you and Mia get the results on the 20th.
During that time there will be 14 'Uncles' and countless friends in the NFBC awaiting the results with your family.[/quote]



You guys cant even imagine the effect you all have had on my family. This morning as I was reading out loud some of the nice things you all have said ,I was at Ando said "Wow. Just wow. Mia, you're a champ, kiddo! I was so worried about you 3 short months ago." and looked over and both my wife and Mia had tears in their eyes. Then I said what a support you have kiddo. She asked , Daddy what is a support group?
I saved as many of the emails and messages over the last 3 months as I could from everybody. Some got deleted on accident using my phone during the 10 days at the hospital . When she gets older I will have them all printed and put into some kind of notebook for her. She may never know who Doughy,Mike the mouth,Quahogs,Anthony Palavis,headhunters,Greg and Tom ,ando,mad cow, Jim and Lorraine Christie,Joe Sambito ,uky
Scott Liebman ; RT ; gaetan lavoie21 ; emory ; andrewsaxton; norb 55 ; dmsemsel ; emalbright bluestuff6 ; mike ; ; miguel2827 ; jameschristie ; ; Surrender Dorothy,KJ duke,Captain Hook,. Joe Berg, Stan Kaye, Don Dismuke,
Ken Little, Sam Botnick, Mark Bendar, Rich VanFleet, Mike Edelman, Ante Meicch,Alan Greenberg, D Anthony,outlaw,davetatniagrafalls,Walla Walla, poopytooth,ChiScottieBaseball,TOXIC ASSETS , Cocktails and Dreams,Potter, Edwards Kings ,Winston's Empire ,and everybody else I missed or accidently deleted their email. All of you at the nfbc. I know I have some names and some users names and some of ya twice. If I didnt list you I am sorry(I am not the most organized person) but your prayers and thoughts were still felt and heard. When she is old enough to comprehend all of this I will have everything straightened out.
She is going to type something in , thank you for all the preyers while i was in the hospital guys

[Rog]

All right now lets get ready to draft,I am going to do my homework for this one.

[DOUGHBOYS]

I just want to say one thing, then I'll move on till it's time to draft. Ok, it's a long thing, but just the same...: )
There is one name on your long list, Roger, that sticks out to me like a sore thumb. It's because he is not in the NFBC. I think he'd like to be, but circumstances have just not favored such a return.
Although not in the NFBC, he still likes to read our Boards. It is like seeing old friends for him.
He probably has not met Roger. He probably has never played against Roger or even knew of Roger before I posted about Mia's plight on the Boards.
Still, there is that attachment. That family feel that the NFBC provides. We can't get it at any other play sites.
Only here.
For those that are new here, you'll understand in due time.
The person I an talking about is John Crane or Walla Walla. Walla Walla enjoys getting under people's skins. He showed that in most of his posts. Just about everybody was a target. I found his posts highly amusing in that they were ill timed, poorly conceived, or just to turn a screw, but the reaction was always very volatile. In most cases, I'm sure, John was only half serious, but guarandamnedteed to get that reaction.
John didn't have to wish Roger well. In fact, he hardly posts at all anymore.
But, he's a dad. And a member (sorry John, you're in it for life) of the NFBC. And he saw someone who needed a boost.
He gets a bad rap from some that remember him.
He shouldn't.
Thanks to John and thanks to everybody that gave Roger, Mia, and their family well wishes and prayers.
They were appreciated and helped a family in time of need.

[Baseball Furies]

I just want to say one thing, then I'll move on till it's time to draft. Ok, it's a long thing, but just the same...: )
There is one name on your long list, Roger, that sticks out to me like a sore thumb. It's because he is not in the NFBC. I think he'd like to be, but circumstances have just not favored such a return.
Although not in the NFBC, he still likes to read our Boards. It is like seeing old friends for him.
He probably has not met Roger. He probably has never played against Roger or even knew of Roger before I posted about Mia's plight on the Boards.
Still, there is that attachment. That family feel that the NFBC provides. We can't get it at any other play sites.
Only here.
For those that are new here, you'll understand in due time.
The person I an talking about is John Crane or Walla Walla. Walla Walla enjoys getting under people's skins. He showed that in most of his posts. Just about everybody was a target. I found his posts highly amusing in that they were ill timed, poorly conceived, or just to turn a screw, but the reaction was always very volatile. In most cases, I'm sure, John was only half serious, but guarandamnedteed to get that reaction.
John didn't have to wish Roger well. In fact, he hardly posts at all anymore.
But, he's a dad. And a member (sorry John, you're in it for life) of the NFBC. And he saw someone who needed a boost.
He gets a bad rap from some that remember him.
He shouldn't.
Thanks to John and thanks to everybody that gave Roger, Mia, and their family well wishes and prayers.
They were appreciated and helped a family in time of need.

Well said, Dough. Although John can take solace in that it appears as though I have supplanted him as the NFBC's new "most Walla Walla" for whatever reason. Nice to come in here out of the hostile climes of the "General Discussion" boards to post. This will be my last night doing so, however. I have informed Greg and Tom that I am done for this year. Catch you guys in the draft rooms and the events, but I've had enough.

-MTM

[Baseball Furies]

Mia, girl. This one is for you. I just wanted to let you know how much your Uncle Mouth ( ) loves and admires you for all of your courage and strength. I have a son who is about your age who is special needs. Your daddy can explain to you what that means, but he needs lots of daily and constant love and attention equal to about two kids your age because of his condition, but our hope is that someday, he will catch up and be able to draw names out of a hat for his daddy and be able to say them all on a video as great as you did. Just like your mom and dad, I know what it's like to go through having one of their kids be in the hospital, not knowing what was going to happen, and hoping and praying that they would be okay and make it to grow up to be beautiful, smart, and amazing just like you have. His name is Nic (which is short for Dominic), and he's as wonderful as you are in every way, and we almost lost him right after he was born. It was very scary, but thankfully he was strong and brave just like you, and he pulled through. I wish that I had had all the outside love and support that you and your daddy had when I went through that. I know that it would have made everything a lot easier for him and his daddy, too. Just know that we are all pulling for you to continue to heal and have a long, happy, and healthy life. Believe me, the world needs more Mia's and Nic's in it, that's for sure. Tell your daddy that if I win any money in this draft, that I will be donating it to you for your college fund (your daddy can explain what that is too if he has to ) which should grow into a pretty big amount by the time you're old enough to go. Who knows where I'll be in 11 years when college would be starting for you, but I will always remember you for how special you are, and it will make me happy to know that you will remember me in this way, too, if I'm able to win. Take care, be good, and next time, try to draw my name out of the hat first please. Thanks.

Uncle MTM

[DOUGHBOYS]

Never say never, Mikey.
I haven't known you long, but I find you to be one of the most interesting and caring cats in the NFBC neighborhood.
The NFBC needs guys like you. And I know these Boards do.
There have been several folks who have disagreed with the way things are done by Greg and Tom.
They disagree, not because they think less of them. They disagree because they one hundred per cent care about the NFBC and there is nothing wrong with that.
It gets under their skin, and it frustrates you and the others before you, that they are not changing something in this great organization. Sometimes the passion for a better NFBC turns to anger and frustration on both sides. It may seem like one side or the other has won the argument. It's not that way in the end. The argument and what it is about is forgotten. What remains is all parties wanted what is best for the NFBC.
Those on the sideline eat it up. They post pictures. They have snappy retorts or digs trying to instigate more, so they can read more. For them, it's all about the entertainment.
For you, it's all about the passion.

I've heard stories about you, Mikey.
I heard about how a fella reminded you that he owed you money from a bet and that you responded 'Send it to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund'
I've heard about you helping out and giving money to some folks you don't even know.
And, I also have seen your heart turn to mush by a little girl named Mia.

Sometimes our passion gets in the way of our heart. This disagreement means zero in the long run and you'll realize that as time goes by. You simply wanted what you thought was best for 15 drafters now and what was best for the NFBC in other disagreements.
You're a good man, Mikey.
You compared yourself with Walla Walla.
It's not a fair comparison. Walla Walla posted things designed to get a rise out of Greg/Tom and everybody else.
You don't do it for the reaction, you do it because of the passion.
You are a lot like Kent Stermon (Chest Rockwell), a good friend of mine who also speaks his mind and is passionate about what he feels is right. Both with hearts of gold.

I know you'd never run from a fight, Mike. But, this isn't a fight. It's just a spat with the wife about your child's future.
In the end, the right thing is done.
So, never say never, Mikey. You love it here and we love having you.
The jabs, pictures, and digs from others, those posters wouldn't take the time to do it if they didn't share a deep respect for you and your passion.
As for Greg and Tom, they want what you want, a better NFBC.
The philosophy on how that happens is the only separation.
Keep on disagreeing.
Show us the passion.
But, never say never.

[Glenneration X]

I've heard stories about you, Mikey.
I heard about how a fella reminded you that he owed you money from a bet and that you responded 'Send it to the Hurricane Sandy Relief Fund'

Mikey, I'm the one who told this story in a draft room earlier this year. I had just been told the story myself from the fellow NFBC player with whom you had the side bet. The reason I told the story is I wanted to make sure that everyone knew that behind the MtM persona was a great guy.

It's a shame that you feel the need to leave these boards. You're one of the most entertaining and fun guys on them. We've gotten to know each other over the past couple years since we shared that interview on Sirius at Citifield, meeting up at the NYC/NJ drafts or at Shandler's first pitch, through texts & emails, going at it on the boards, our back and forth "digs" as Doughy puts them always seeming to bring a smile to my face or outright laugh. Do you need a filter sometimes, ummm maybe. Still, your passion is genuine and refreshing. You just have to remember that most here share that same passion, the ones who agree with you, the ones that don't, and the ones who have to make the decisions on which direction to follow.

I didn't know about your son. I wish you and your whole family the best. I also wish that of Roger, Mia, and their family. I've been reading about that special draft for some time now, an outsider to the draft that showed the best of this NFBC community, thinking about posting to the threads about it but not wanting to intrude. I've always had a lot of respect for this extended family of ours, more so now than ever while watching it come together when the time and circumstance calls for it. I'm proud to be a part of it.