Know Your Plumpy History: mattwithanh

Today's interview is with one of the longest tenured and most successful owners in Plumpy history, 3 time World Series Champion and owner of the Oakland Hammers, mattwithanh!  Be sure to read the entire interview, especially his answer to question 10.  It may become an official part of the league charter:

1.) What do you do in real life?
I work in the legal department for a large bank and brokerage firm. 

2.) How did you learn about HBD?
When I was in law school, I read Twins blogger Aaron Gleeman who had an HBD league and was looking for members. I applied and was invited to play in Gleeman World I and fell in love with the game. It makes regular fantasy sports seem so superficial. Gleeman World was a really tough world to learn how to play in, but it made me better a whole lot quicker. 

3.) Who is your all time favorite ballplayer in Plumpy?
Well, Einar Pena would have to my best player ever and might be the best Plumpy pitcher ever. But probably my favorite player would have to be Ken James. He was a DITR who got most of his hitting ratings bumped up to all 90s, the fascinating thing was he had 20 durability and 20 health. He could only get 200-300 PAs but hit would OPS 900+

4.) What is your proudest moment in Plumpy?
Winning my first HBD World Series in season 11. Playoffs are such a crapshoot it’s a real thrill when you make it all the way through and get the trophy graphic on your dashboard the whole next season. 

5.) Which player is your proudest draft pick?
I am sure I am in the minority, but the draft is one of my least favorite parts of HBD. It’s a lot of work to get any real value past the 2nd round and I usually pick pretty late. But my season 9 draft is probably my best ever, I think I got 7 guys who ended up contributing at the ML level. Specifically though, I think someone was impressed that I got Juan Aquino at #33 in season 13. 

6.) What is the most devastating injury one of your players incurred?
I honestly have no idea. It was probably to a draft pick who then never made it and thus I never gave any real thought to. 

7.) What is the most overrated rating on a player card? (if you feel this gives away part of your competitive advantage, feel free to ignore it)
I think pitcher splits are pretty overrated. They are just so reliant on the other ratings. Anyone who has a had a pitcher with high 70s-80s splits but doesn’t have an out pitch rating will consistently be disappointed by their performance.

8.) What is the most underrated rating on a player card? (same caveat as above)
The high baserunning/speed combo can add a ton of value to a fringe player and can make a good player a great one. For pitchers, its durability. The difference between a guy who can throw 170 innings of 3.50 ERA and one who can throw 230 innings of 4.00 is really stark and underappreciated because likely it’s going to be a much worse pitcher throwing those 60 innings.

9.) Do you have a nemesis in the league (either another owner or a particular player?)
I sure haven’t won many AL West titles since tlally came along, but he just left. I would say there are lot of guys I respect: Tjack, Jerico, Dawei, bcpcbpccpc, goodtymes, grecianfox

10.) As one of our most seasoned owners, how do you think Plumpy could improve going forward?
Be excellent to one another. This is a for-pay, fake player fantasy league with a high barrier of entry. It boggles my mind that we can find 31 other guys who want to do this much less those who will pay for it and participate consistently. Cherish the fact we found each other and can pretend to run baseball teams together.

Know Your Plumpy History: Plumpy!!!!!!!111

Many years ago, a league was born.  That league would go on to become perhaps the most active, enthusiastic, and fun league in the world of HBD.  A league destined for such greatness needed an equally great name:  Plumpyrules!!!!!!!!111 was born.  As we embark on Season 33, Plumpy himself has rejoined this fine world.  Today, we sit down with the namesake of the league, and get to know the man behind the pixels.

1.)  What do you do in real life?

I am a Postal Clerk for the United States Post Office. Basically I sell stamps, help the elderly, talk sports to the guys and ogle the women all day. (and now with my cell I'll be able to follow our league all day!)

2.)  How did you learn about HBD?

Waaay back in 2002 I saw an ad for HBD. I started a team and then Hoops Dynasty was just starting. I played alot of HD but I still love HBD!

3.)  How does it feel to have the best league in HBD named after you?

I am honored!! Really! Through out the years I'd goto your blog and see what's up. And to see how quickly this season filled is a testament to this leagues greatness!

4.)  What was your reaction when you found out the league would be named after you?

Honored and proud. As a matter of fact...some of my friends, who have never played WIS, read your blog. lol

5.)  Is there a back story to the “!!!!!!!111” part of the league name?

Well I was stressing a point to a coach who did not believe me. To make my point even more pronounced I added many exclamation points and accidentally threw some ones in the end. It caught on. lol

6.)  Which player on your team are you most excited about owning?

Arthur Hogan...LF...22...AA...I love the name and I am interested how he will do.

7.) & 8.) (will be answered at a later date).

9.)  Do you have a nemesis in the league (either another owner or a particular player?)

None yet but I'm pretty competitive so I'm sure one will pop up. I'm not afraid to speak up in the forums or chat. So it should be fun.

10.)  What are your goals for the Portland Porks in your first season back in the league?

To win atleast 60 games! lol Also to have fun and possibly make new friends!!!!!!!!111