Get to know @Soathehulk (Soa Palelei)

Soa Palelei is an Australian born heavyweight MMA fighter currently fighting in the UFC. In 2002 Soa started his MMA career going undefeated in his first seven fights over the span of two years. Soa how did it feel to have an undefeated record over the span of two years, and out of those seven fights did you think you were going to lose one and end your streak? "Theres always a possibility of losing, i use those loses and learning curves, at time we need to be knocked down and get back up to open our eyes and learn something it all happens for a reason. I don't want to feel that again so i use it to fuel me in all my training and fights."  MMA isn't the traditional sport that younger people start off with. What influenced your decision to start competing in MMA? "As a child i always kept active i started of with boxing and moved onto to other aspects of martial arts and doing well on each one of them it was only fitting to move onto MMA and i was able to incorporate all of them together, i can truly say i have a passion for the sport and that's whats kept me going I've not lost interest in the sport and I'm always wanting to learn more."  MMA seems like a very physically demanding sport, do you train hard all year round, or is it a more laid back approach until you have a fight scheduled? "I do train hard, this is my job, my 9-5 so call it its not the generic job but as a professional athlete i know i have to be in great shape all year long, we amp it up come time to fight but i train hard regardless, i love what i do and there for i don't see it as work, more like a passion and i enjoy every minute of it even the sore days after a killer work out." So what does your daily training regimen consist of? "Depending on where i am whether its camp time or just general fitness it varies, right now I'm prepping for my UFC164 bout so i would do an early morning session at crossfit work on the strength and conditioning, then midday i work on technique with sparring and ground partners and in the evening i pad pad work with my boxing and kickboxing coaches, everything is structured in regards to training i rest on Sunday and take it back a notch on saturday but we keep active all the time." Your record is currently 18-3 a very impressive record out of all of those fights is one of them more memorable than another? "All of them are memorable in their own way, i take all of them and work on improving form these on to the next one."

What goals are you currently working towards in your MMA career? "To be the best i can possibly be, the chance to fight for the tittle is definitely something i aspire for who wouldn't? Keeping my fans happy and being active in the octagon should there be a opportunity for the tittle u betcha i will be ready and do my absolute best." MMA is obviously a very a physical sport. Do you think MMA is more physical or mental? "Both you can have one and not the other this is something I've come to find out and I've applied this in my last 8 fights and it seems to work i don't think that having the best body and being in the best shape is worth anything if you don't have the right mental attitude, when you walk into that octagon if your mind isn't right it wont work something will go wrong and cost you the fight, the mind is very powerful and we need to utilize it to our best abilities, i recommend 20 mins of visualization a couple of days a week you will see changes."  You seem to average between 2-4 fights a year. How do you typically spend your downtime between fights? "I'm pretty down to earth i like to unwind at home and spend time with my family, time is precious and its something we cant get back so i make the most of it, when back in Perth i like to see friends and just hang out. I love a good movie or karaoke yes you heard it right The Hulk likes to sign and i like playing the guitar. I'm just a normal guy in the end and i do the same things everyone else does."


There are a ton of fighters in MMA if you could fight any of them who would it be and how do you think you would do? "To be back in the UFC is an honor and a dream come true, there isn't one person i could pin point, whom ever the UFC believe i should fight i will fight, i respect the organization and all the athletes in there." That is a great view to take. What if you could see any two fighters battle it out in the octagon, who would it be and what is your predicted outcome? "That would have to be Anderson Silva and Jon Jones, this is a fight everyone wants to see there no doubt that it wouldn't be a fight for history. Jon Jones is whom i think would win but it would be a very close fight." You spent some time in Pride in between your chances in the UFC. What are the biggest differences between Pride and UFC? "The most obvious ones would be the arena UFC is fought in an Octagon and Pride was in a ring, the other one is Pride was held in Japan and the UFC is worldwide, the UFC is a worldwide phenomenon and as great Pride was it is no longer but the UFC is an amazing organization." 


We have covered the serious questions now lets ask a couple of fun ones. What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign? "Their baby lol, when in Japan people would go nuts for the sport there, they wait for you everywhere you go and i was handed a baby and asked to sign it" That is quite the interesting request! What if you could be a super hero or villain? Who would you pick and why? "That's already answered i couldn't be any one else but "The Hulk" and he's most definitely and hero, i like to smash things up whether its smashing weights in training or simply smashing some KFC i always do it Hulk Smash Styles."  You post a lot of inspirational messages on Twitter, what led you to start doing that? "I've said it in my blogs time and time again, time is precious don't spend it being negative,i want to inspire people to pursue their dreams and goals it can happen u can achieve it with hard work and dedication, it sounds cliche but its true I've been busting my ass for 3 and a half years and look at where I'm at today back in the UFC working on my fight coming up. I was told by many people i would make it and that i wouldn't amount to nothing should i have listened to them i would be in the same position as them sitting at home wishing i had worked for what i wanted. Life short spend it being positive." One last question for you, how far off is the typical stereotype on fighters (aggressive inside and outside of the octagon)?

"So so far, when you actually get to sit down with us fighters you will see where the same as everyone else we just compete for a living. As the saying goes don't judge a book  by its cover."
Is there anything else you would like to add? "I would like to thank you guys for this opportunity, my sponsors without them i could do what i do to the best of my abilities, Grant Tuckett from @MackBoots be sure to order my signature Soa boot from their website www.mackboots.com.au, Deon and the guys at MUS HD @MyUrbanSwagga www.mus.ae, David Filman and the team at Osborne Park Chrysler Jeep Dodge www.osbornepark.cjddealer.com.au, my management team at Paradigm sports management @paradigmsm follow them for a free bucket of KFC lol, Andrew and the team at Skinx @_SKINX make sure you check them out athlete or not  www.skinx.com.au, Paul Jols and the team at Adidas, The team at Southern Crossfit, Limousine Excursions if theres any one ive forgotten i apologize. My family without your support i couldn't keep on, and my fans thank you for the kind posts tweets etc, for buying tickets and if you're not following me and you're ready this check me out on @soathehulk on Twitter and Instagram." 

Get to know @feliceherrig (Felice Herrig)

 Felice Herrig is a MMA fighter from Buffalo Grove, Illinois. In her early career Felice participated in Muay Thai and Kickboxing before moving to MMA in 2009. Felice is currently ranked #5 in the world for the women's strawwight division.
  What influenced your decision to switch from kickboxing and Muay Thai to MMA?  "I started off with kickboxing and just loved fighting and competing. I knew I wanted to dedicate my life to fighting. At that time it was all i knew. A few years into fighting I was on a reality tv show "Fight Girls" and started competing muay thai. From the show many more opportunities arose and I was exposed to more than just kickboxing. After the show I was contacted to host a local MMA show called "Combat Wire" on the show I had the chance to work with and interview MMA fighters like Clay Guida, Bas Rutten and Miguel Torres. This exposed me to MMA and really made me want to get into it so I would have more opportunities to fight. And it really seemed like that was the way to go as far as really making a career out of fighting. I started training at Clay Guidas gym and continued to compete in muay thai and also MMA." 
    
    A majority of your fights have been won by way of decision. Is your strategy usually to outlast and outperform your opponent or would you prefer to win by KO or submission?  "I have been so consistent with fighting over the past 10 years and have never gotten away from training so my body is really always conditioned to go the distance in a fight. I think just like when I started training in kickboxing I took a lot more risks. With MMA one mistake could cost you the entire fight. Or if you lose a dominant position you could be fighting from the back that entire round and lose because of that. My fights strategy  has always been to think a step ahead and stay safe and not make mistakes that can cost me the fight.  But I'm trying to break away from that and be more dynamic and take more risks. I have the athletic ability to do that but I've been so focused on just controlling the fight. I know a lot of it comes a little bit from ego. I was so use to winning and being at the top of the game in kickboxing and muay thai. When I started MMA I had to start as a pro and started out 0-2 .  But I knew I was better than that. After that I just focused more on knowing the sport and what judges look for. And it's all about controlling a top dominant position. But now I'm ranked #5 in the straw weight division and have proved I can hang with the best. I have been working with my coaches on being more dynamic and stepping out of my comfort zone. I believe in my fights to come; you will see a much more dynamic Felice Herrig. Don't get me wrong I always bring it and I always show up to fight. I'm constantly evolving and working my weakness's and this is just  the next step for me." 

    What is your most memorable MMA moment? "Every fight is my most memorable fight. Because no fight is the same and the level of competition just keeps going up and up. Every fight feels like the most important fight of my career and the biggest test. For me I have to over come a lot of mental battles with my fights. Most of the girls I fight end up trying to trash talk me so it puts more pressure on me to beat them. My last fight against Heather Clark was a huge test for me, knowing she was a 125 pound fighter and at one time was ranked in the top 10. She came down to fight me and had been running her mouth for the past 2 years. So for me it was a great victory to beat her. And there was a lot of controversy afterward because I let my emotions get the best of me when I screamed in her face. I know it was not the right thing to do and it showed lack of sportsmanship on my part. But it's very hard to contain your emotions at a time like that. Especially when I kept quiet my entire training camp as she was running her mouth and talking poorly of me. So for me it was such a memorable moment. But again it may be just because it was the last fight I had. I don't think I will really be able to pick out the most memorable moment of my career until I'm all done with fighting. Even then it's like picking a favorite child. All my fights are special to me in a different way." 

    What goals are you currently working towards in your MMA career?  "I'm always working on setting new goals and becoming a more well rounded and complete fighter. I am always looking at the areas in my game I need to improve on. I don't wish to share them just because that's information I don't' really want future or potential opponents to see. But aside from MMA I really want to use my experience in MMA to break off into doing something in the ways of the entertainment industry. It's always been my dream since I was a little girl to be an actress and play a super hero in a movie. I can't fight forever. I would like to make my mark in MMA and solidify myself as one of the pioneers who helped pave the way for the future of WMMA"

    You lost your MMA debut fight against Iman Achhal, did that discourage you at all or was it a driving force? "Of course it discouraged me. Most fighters are very competitive and don't take loses so easily. And I was use to winning. I went 27-3 in kickboxing so It was very frustrating to come into MMA and have to start all over again. What was even more discouraging was she won by stalling. All she did was push me up against the cage and hug me, without even improving her position. I'm a fighter and I want to fight. But it showed me that that was the name of the game in MMA and I couldn't sit around and know why I lost without making the adjustments that I needed to. It really made me focus on getting the training that I needed to improve my grappling. I tried out so many gyms across the country. I wanted to do whatever it took to make sure that I would get to the top in MMA just as I did in kickboxing."


    What is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to autograph? "I have had so many items sent to my gym to sign and send back. None of them are really weird to me because we all have our own quirks. I'm just thankful to have fans care enough to support me. I remember though one time at a fight event a drunk guy came up to me and took his shirt off and had me sign his chest. That was a little weird. But for me nothing is really too weird. I like to have fun and just enjoy life and please the fans."

    You seem to be very active on twitter often interacting with fans, what is the strangest thing tweeted to you? "The strangest thing I've ever been tweeted is probably not even appropriate to write down. Guys get pretty vulgar on twitter. One guy sent me a message saying " I would like to lick the soles of your dirty, stinky feet" other guys send me naked pictures on my fan page. I get some really weird messages. But a lot of the ones that are so off the top I'm sure are just to get attention .But I've really seen it all when it comes to weird, creepy tweets." 
 
    Do you have any per or post fight rituals? "Every fight i keep adding pre and post fight rituals so its hard to keep up now. All my fights have a theme. I design and have all my fight outfits custom made. And then I always look for little signs before the fight . For instance, my last fight I did an entire super girl theme. So leading up to the fight if i saw someone in a super man shirt or such I would say to myself or whoever I'm with " look its a sign" Its so quirky but I think it helps take my mind off of the fight. Everything involving my fight has to match. I go shopping and make sure everything for weigh ins matches my fight outfit and even my after fight party outfit and the ribbons in my hair. I'm not sure if that's more of a ritual or OCD lol. :) After weigh ins I always go to Outback steakhouse and get 2 lobster tails, a baked potato and salad. And I have a charm bracelet specifically for my fights. I get a new charm after every fight. Its like my trophy bracelet. Even when I get down and think sometimes maybe things aren't going my way I look down at it as see how much I've accomplished. As you can see I'm a very complex person." 

 Felice I want to thank you for your time, is there anything else you would like to add?

"Everyone make sure to follow me on twitter @feliceherrig and like my fan page. 
And thank you to all my sponsors- Alienware, Allmax, Americana MMA , Battleware, SoldierFit, Extreme Fit nutrition and Dom Fight Gear. and my management SuckerpunchEnt and all my coaches at Team Curran." 

Matt Blair autographed 8x10 #giveaway #vikings #legend

Here is your chance to win one of two autographed Matt Blair 8x10's. These pictures were mailed to Mr. Blair so that he could sign them and then sent back to me. The picture is of Matt blocking a punt during Super Bowl IX. I will post pictures of the signed item once I receive them back from Matt with in the next few days. Thank you for participating and good luck!


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here is the signed version! 

An Unsigned copy of the photo up for grabs.

Get to know @mattblair59 (Matt Blair)

     Matt Blair is an All American Linebacker out of Iowa State. He was selected 51st overall by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1974 NFL draft. Matt what influenced your decision to play football? " I needed a scholarship to get my education. I walked on at NEO ( North Eastern Oklahoma)  in Miami, OK and received a 1/2-year scholarship. My parents were sending me their rent money to pay for my education, so I made a decision to go out for the basketball team so I could earn the other 1/2 of the scholarship. I didn't start for the football team but we won the Junior College Championship my freshmen year. I started my sophomore year but the difference for me came when I went home between my freshman and sophomore year when I came back to NEO, I had grown 3 inches and gained 40 pounds!" You played a few different sports through out your school years, what is your favorite besides football? " Basketball. During the off-season, the Vikings players formed a traveling basketball team to earn money. I played in 68 games my rookie year. There were days we would drive from one game in Fargo, ND to Wyoming to Colorado in a Winnebago. Most often, we'd play in the 4 state region (WI, MN, IA, ND, SD). One season there were 112 games that were played. It was our off-season job."
     
     Being drafted in the second round must have been quite an experience, tell us about it from your side. " Players today, when they're drafted, they have family, friends, friends, girlfriends, wives, etc all around them, including agents or lawyers. When I was drafted it was just me and my German Shepard, Slick, waiting in my apartment, for the phone to ring. When the call actually came in, the Vikings said they were interested in having me and if I was interested in coming to them. There was another league developing at that time who showed an interest in me, so the Vikings were wondering where I was at it that and if they had a chance. So I told the Vikings I would rather play for them, so they said they would call me back. When they did (about a half-hour later), it was a dream come true. So Slick and I went down to the local Hardees and he had two burgers and I had one to celebrate." That sounds like a great memory, what is your best football memory Matt? " Playing in the NFL for 12 years is the best memory that you can have. Just knowing you'd made it to that level and all the things that came with it- coaches, friends, other players... it was a memory of a lifetime." 
     
     It sounds like you really appreciated the game and the opportunities that you had. Was there ever a day when you woke up and thought to yourself " I don't want to go to work today?" " I always wanted to 'work' and get there early so I wouldn't miss anything. I was pretty disciplined." It sounds like you were very dedicated to the game. You have a couple of records, are any one of them more special than the others? " Yes. You set goals for yourself and my focus and anticipation of each play. You imagine yourself doing those things and my personal goal was to try and intercept a pass and return it 100 yards.  It's what you dream about - each play being 'THE PLAY.' We'd talk about that as teammates. In the preseason game against the LA Rams, I ran an interception back 99 1/2. My only wish was that it was during the regular season, not the pre-season. As you know, the stats don't apply to pre-season games. My other goal was to block 3 kicks in one game. That happened as well. I'm not sure which game, but you can check into that.  The bottom line, pre-season or regular games, I'd come to play and try to give it my all. I just loved the game!"
     
     I can tell you really enjoyed your time in the NFL but you must have enjoyed some of the time off as well. What was your favorite thing to do on the road? " Fred McNeill and I would just sit and hang-out talking. Occasionally I would bring my camera and take photos of the guys. I did sneak one in on Bud going to Detroit on the way to the game. Otherwise, the camera was off limits on game day. I was more into concentrating on the game." You actually first got into photography during your rookie year in 1974, what was the most difficult thing to learn about photography? " The hardest thing is being patient and taking the time to take the photo. Not rushing- waiting for the right shot." After 12 years in the NFL I'm sure you played in a lot of different places. What was your favorite city to play in? " I'd have to say Chicago, since that's where I had my best games. I had my first interception against the Bears as a rookie. On two Monday night games, I blocked a kick and returned it for a touchdown and another time, Mark Mullaney stripped the ball and lateraled it to me and I went in for another touchdown."
     

Matt Blair blocking the punt during
Super Bowl IX

     You played in a lot of important games during your NFL career, possibly the most notable was Super Bowl IX. How did it feel playing in that game as a rookie and blocking a punt that led to the only points the Vikings scored that day? " It didn't feel good, after the game was over and we lost. But at moment that I blocked it, I thought it would get us going to win but that didn't happen. Now that I'm retired, I'm happy to say I blocked it and it was the only point, as I was part of Special Teams who managed to give us points and not be shut-out." You were also selected to six pro bowls during your twelve year career. How did it feel being selected that often? " Let me clarify that they were six CONSECUTIVE years. Each year I tried improving to be better than the previous year. That was my goal - to do a little more than the year before." We have covered a few of the big games now lets go back to your first career sack, how did it feel making that play? " I looked at is as part of the job. Going for the quarterback wasn't the goal, it was to get whoever had the ball." To kind of cap off your career with the Vikings, you were added to the Vikings Ring of Honor in 2012. How special was it to have so many former teammates and Vikings greats there to celebrate with you? " Without my teammates, I would NOT be in the Ring of Honor and the same goes for my family. And without Fred McNeill, the Vikings #1 draft pick my year (1974). If he hadn't pushed me each play, each game, each day, and each year, I wouldn't have made the team of the Ring of Honor. He made me a better player."

     We have talked about the serious stuff, now lets talk about the fun stuff. What is the best locker room prank you have seen or been part of?  We would often tease the kickers, saying that they are not real athletes. So one day, we took Greg Coleman and tied him to the goalpost. We left him out there while we changed and went home. One of the equipment people went out and cut him loose! hahahaha... We also smashed Wally Higenburg with a cream pie in the face for his birthday. I actually have photos of that!" Staying with the fun theme, what is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign? " That's a good question! Cell phone would be the weirdest, but a golf ball is the hardest!" I can only assume a handful of your autograph requests come in the form of fan mail, what are your feeling towards it? " I enjoy reading what the fans have to say. Especially to hear their thoughts on the game of football. But I will say, I don't like receiving fan mail that isn't signed - generic letters asking for autographs without even hand-writing the request or signing the bottom of the letter. So those I mail back to them asking them to sigh the letter and then I'll sign the card."

     In your opinion Matt, what have been the best and worst changes made in the NFL since you last played? " The best changes are the salary they pay the players these days. The average player is stronger, taller, faster than we were back then, so the conditioning is improved. The worst things are the amount of injuries that are happening and are coming to light from the former players." 

     Matt is there anything else you would like to add? " The hardest thing as a former player who had the opportunities to win a Super Bowl, to not come away with one, is probably the most agonizing thing ever. Regardless how many times you get there. Some players never get to play in one in their careers, but to get there numerous times and not come away with ' the ring ' is painful. It will haunt you for the rest of your life. Even other former players will remind you of that."



Matt I want to sincerely thank you for the depth of your answers. You made it much easier to understand the game of football during an era in which I was unfamiliar with it, at some points I could even imagine you sitting with your dog, or snapping pictures with your camera. If you need anything from me, please do not hesitate to ask.

   

Get to know @fidelpena03 (Fidel Peña)

Fidel Peña is a switch hitting C/2B in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization. Fidel has shown a lot of promise this year with his offensive line maturing with his time in professional baseball. His line (.261/.334/.345) during his first time in single A ball is starting to make people really wonder where his ceiling is.
 After a couple of direct messages Fidel and I agreed that questions sent by email would be the easiest for him. Although it took me a while to get the questions our Peña was quite understanding and still very prompt to return his answers.

Q: What influenced your decision to play baseball?
A: " My dad has always been a baseball person, so I was born with a bat in my hands pretty much."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: " I think it'd be Dayton OH."

Q: What is your best baseball memory?
A: " My first pro baseball home run."

Q: Have you ever woken up and said " I don't want to go to work today?"
A: " Not one day of my life, cause I love what I do!"

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: " Sharing with the family and friends. And of course the gym and more baseball."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than baseball?
A: " Ping pong lol."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: " It was Alex Rodriguez when he played short stop for the Rangers."

Q: What did it feel like to hit your first hit in the pros?
A: " It was a great feeling. I remember it was a triple down the 1st base line."

Q: How special was it to you when you hit your first home run, what emotions were you feeling?
A: " It was amazing! I totally called it. I told my friend to get on base so it could be a 2 run HR, and BOOM 1st pitch. If not the furthest it might be the 2nd furthest of my life."

Q: What is the biggest personal change you have had since becoming a pro-athlete?
A: " Wow, it has to be discipline."

Q: If you could play with or against any athlete in any sport, who would it be and what would you play?
A: " Baseball with Albert Pujols, great example of dedication and hard work, and he is a professional in and out of the field."

Q: What are your thoughts on fan mail?
A: " I don't have a problem with it. I think it's a good thing when you can communicate with the fans."

Fidel I want to thank you for taking the time out of your busy schedule to answer some questions for your fans and me. I look forward to watching your career develop and you continue to mature in to a major league ball player. Best of luck this season!

Get to know @T7Harris (Tyree Harris)

Tyree Harris is a 6'2" wide receiver out of Marietta High School in Georgia. Many scouts believe Tyree slipped under the BCS Radar and also that he has great potential. Tyree has received great feedback about his large catch radius and also for his big, soft hands. Tyree also has a recorded time of 4.81 seconds in the 40 yard dash as well as a 31.2" vertical.
 In 2012 Tyree caught 49 passes for 837 yards and 7 touchdowns. On July 23, 2013 Tyree signed on with Wake Forest.

All of the interview questions were emailed to Tyree, and he was very quick to respond sending his answers that same night, and also notified me on Twitter that he had completed them.


Q: What influenced your decision to play football?
A: "Football always been my life. My dad was in the NFL, so I decided to follow what he did and I just fell in love with the game."

Q: What is your favorite city to play in?
A: " New York."

Q: What is your favorite thing to do on the road?
A: " Play video games with my teammates."

Q: What is your best football memory?
A: " Right before every football game, me and my team in the locker room, getting fired up, and smelling the atmosphere right when we walk on the field. Smelling that fresh grass, and that popcorn. Knowing its game time!"

Q: What was it like being recruited?
A: " It was a difficult process, but I had fun meeting other athletes on my visits."

Q: You committed to Wake Forest, but you had a lot of other schools looking at you. What made you pick Wake Forest?
A: " The academic and the coaching staff. The way I bonded with my future teammates and the coaches. When I got to Wake Forest I felt like home. It was like deja vu."

Q: Have you ever waken up and said " I don't want to go to work today?"
A: " Yes, plenty of times, but I'm trying to live my dream instead of sleeping and dreaming it all the time, so I know I have to grind regardless of what my mood is."

Q: What is your favorite off season activity?
A: " Track and chilling with my friends and talking about what happen during the season."

Q: What is your favorite sport other than football?
A: " Track."

Q: Who was your childhood role model?
A: " Michael Vick and Chad Johnson. Thats why I always wear #7 because of Michael Vick, and play WR because of Ochocinco!"

Q: What did it feel like to catch your first touchdown?
A: " Felt like I was in heaven man. I did the crazy celebration."

Q: If you could play with/against any other athlete at any sport, what athlete would it be and in what sport?
A: " Tiger Woods, and Golf."



I will leave you all with a highlight video of Tyree Harris. Its easy to see this kid is talented, and will undoubtedly be extremely fun to watch through out his college career.

Best of luck in your college career Tyree, and thank you very much for taking the time out of your schedule to answer a few questions for your fans and me.

Get to know @apettersen1

     AJ Petterson is a husband, family man, blogger, and middle infielder in the Minnesota Twins organization. He played college ball at the University of Minnesota and is known as a scrapper because of his small size. AJ, what influenced your decision to play baseball? "Baseball has always been a passion of mine. I play baseball because I love the game. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to play professionally." Some people would say you are "small" (5'9" 170lbs), has there been any one ballplayer that is your size that gave you hope and encouragement to continue fighting for your dream job? "Jamey Carroll is the first guy that comes to mind. I would love to get the chance to meet him this spring and pick his brain. He is a small guy who plays the game hard and the right way. Guys like him definitely encourage me to keep pursuing my dreams."
     You've had the chance to play at several ballparks through out your collegiate and minor league career, do you have a favorite park to play in? " Target Field is the best place I have ever played- it it tough to top that setting. I love playing in Minneapolis, but being/playing in the Fort Myers sun is fantastic as well." With all of the traveling ballplayers do you have the chance to see a lot of places, what is your favorite thing to do on the road? " I love hanging out with roommates and finding good places to eat." Baseball also present you with the opportunity to take some time off during the winter months every year, what is your favorite way to spend the off season? " I love spending time with my wife, family, friends, and our new puppy. I enjoy writing as well." Speaking of writing you started blogging last year. What made you decide to start blogging and what has been the most rewarding part of blogging for you? " I became a freelance writer by accident last off season and Seth Stohs asked me about writing for Twins Daily last year before the season. This year I am writing for Baseball America as well. It has increased the amount of interaction I have with fans, which has been really rewarding."
     You were drafted by the Minnesota Twins in 2011 as the 778th overall pick, what was the whole draft experience like? " Getting drafted was emotional. Playing pro ball was a dream of mine and hearing my name called was an amazing moment." That had to be one of your best baseball memories, what is your best baseball memory? " Playing in the regional championship at LSU's Alex Box stadium in front of 12,000 fans. We lost the game, but the atmosphere made it an awesome experience." Playing baseball is essentially your job regardless of how some fans view it. Have you ever waken up and said to yourself " I don't want to go to work today"? " I have one of the best jobs in the world. Not many people go to work to 'play'. It's tough to complain about what I get to do everyday."
     I'm sure you had a lot of people in your life providing you with guidance and help. Who stands out as your childhood role model? " I have always looked up to my dad. He is a man of value and I strive to be like him." Since you became a pro ball player I am sure a lot of things have changed for you. What is the biggest personal change you have had to make? " One of the biggest changes is working out in the off season. I recently wrote an article about this on Baseball America. Off season work is done mostly alone in pro ball rather than with a team like it is in college. This means motivation and routine is vital. Wood bats and playing everyday are another big change."
     As you have developed your skills throughout your first season with the Beliot Snappers I am sure you began to gain a little bit of notoriety and a fan base and started receiving some fan mail. What are your thoughts on fan mail? " I love connecting with fans and try to respond to anything. This could be mail, twitter, or conversations at the park. The fans make the experience, so I try to chat/connect with them whenever possible." With the different fan mail coming in and talking with fans at various parks what is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign? " Last year at TwinsFest one of my old coaches had me sign our 14 year old team photo. I thought that was pretty neat." Do you yourself collect sports memorabilia or cards? " I used to collect cards when I was younger. I stopped sometime in my teen years. We have a lot of "common" cards at my parents house now. I collected baseball and basketball cards."
     Most athletes that make it to any level in the pros usually played multiple sports at some point in their life. What is your favorite sport other than baseball? " I grew up playing basketball and still really enjoy it. I love watching the Vikings on Sundays in the fall too." So if you could play with or against any athlete in any sport who would it be and what would you play? " There are a number of baseball guys I would love to play against. It would be cool to face a few of the elite pitchers. I would love to play basketball with Ricky Rubio, he is always getting guys open. Very fun to watch."

     I want to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to answer these questions and for letting your fans get to know you. Good luck in spring training this year and with the rest of the season. Most importantly keep having fun on the diamond.

Twinsfest 2013 @twins

This year for Twinsfest was very special to me. I brought my oldest son Christopher (5) for the first time. My main goal was to get a wristband that would allow him to meet his favorite baseball player Joe Mauer. My mother was kind enough to babysit my two younger children until my wife was off of work so that Christopher and I could arrive as early as possible.
We were running behind but we still managed to each get a wristband for Mauer. We then went down to the field where some of the Minnesota Twins prospects were signing free autographs. My main goal was to meet Miguel Sano, Christopher waited patiently in the line while playing games on my phone and stopping to pose for a picture for me.

Christopher posing while waiting for Miguel Sano

As we waited in line Christopher's excitement grew wondering if his color (white) wristband would be called for Joe Mauer. As we waited we met a nice lady who talked about how she goes to twins fest every year, and has been a season ticket holder for the last 14 years. I enjoy waiting in the lines and meeting new people from all walks of life who share an interest in the autograph collecting hobby with me. 

At about 5:25 p.m. the Twins announced the wristband color for Joe Mauer, it was white! Christopher's eyes grew to the size of quarters as he realized he would finally be able to meet his baseball hero. We quickly went and bought a black big stick from the Fan HQ booth. (Fan HQ is a local store that hosts autograph signings, and sells a ton of merchandise in their store in Ridgedale Mall). We quickly went up what seemed like 200 flights or stairs to get into Joe Mauers line. 

Christopher Talking with Joe

 Christopher became more excited with every step we took getting closer to Joe. Finally it was almost his turn. I stood back taking pictures of Christopher interacting with Joe, handing him the bat, and talking with him. I am not sure exactly what they talked about but I do know that Christopher asked Joe "Would you please write MVP by your name"? Joe looked at his handler and asked for permission to do it. They made and exception for Christopher which made the experience even more special. As we exited a photographer stopped to get some information from me, and explained that the picture may be on www.twincities.com the Pioneer Press website.

 After I gave the photographer our information we headed back downstairs for some food. Christopher had cotton candy while we waited to talk with Brian Dozier. I vaguely know Dozier from some previous events I have met him at, and he agreed to stop and talk after his autograph signing session was over. We then went to meet Kyle Gibson whom I had interviewed earlier this year for this blog. He signed a baseball for my son, and then I introduced myself, asked him to sign a photograph. I thanked Kyle again for doing the interview and asked him how things went with his charity work. Every year Kyle and his wife go to South America and help build schools for areas that are in need of help. Kyle thanked me for asking and for helping him spread the word about his charity efforts.

After we finished with Kyle Gibson we went and waited a few minutes for Brian Dozier to finish his autograph session. Brian was being escorted by a security guard but had no problem stopping to talk for a few minutes. He asked me how things were and added "1st Major League HR!" to a couple of ticket stubs he had previously signed. I thanked him for his time and we headed to the children's play area.

The Twins do a great job of making this event more than just a chance to meet your favorite player. They had several different areas dedicated to kids. There was a section for playing home run derby with wiffleballs, a section to throw baseballs at the giant baggy that was in right field, a pitching section, and a section with about 4-5 jumperoos. Christopher had a blast playing in the jumperoos.

Christopher and I between his jumping sessions.

After we left we called mom so that Christopher could tell her all about meeting Joe before he fell asleep in the car. The excitement in his voice was such a wonderful thing for a father to hear. Knowing I was able to help him meet someone he considers a hero was such a great feeling.

I woke up the next morning and immediately checked the Pioneer Press website to see if his picture had made it to their site. I was so excited to find this picture online.

Christopher and Joe Mauer from the photographers perspective.

When my wife woke up I headed out to Brueggers Bagels to get some breakfast. I opened up the sports page of the Pioneer Press when I was there to find a picture in the paper of Christopher too!

Christophers picture in the paper.

This was definitely the most exciting and memorable to trip to Twinsfest to date. Not only did Christopher get to meet his favorite player but now we have these two different types of media to preserve his memory forever. I know this will be a Twinsfest that I will never forget, and I hope Christopher will always remember it as well.

The bat Joe signed for my son.

I would like to sincerely thank the Minnesota Twins for putting on such a fantastic event every year, Joe Mauer for making such a great memory for my son and family, Jean Pieri for capturing the moment of meeting Joe Mauer, Dustin Wiste for providing me with the tickets, my mother for babysitting, Kyle Gibson and Brian Dozier for being so outgoing and friendly. Together you all helped make this such a fantastic experience for my son and I.

Get to know @bristolmarunde

photo courtesy of www.bristolmarunde.com

Bristol Marunde is a fighter out of Henderson Nevada, part of team Throw Down Training Center, and owner of Reign MMA who was recently named the Best Amateur MMA Fight Promoter in Washington State. Bristol how did it feel to win that award? " I was extremely happy because the competition is  very stiff  in WA for MMA promotions. I've worked very hard, and have had many sleepless nights building the company." What prompted you to start Reign Promotions? " I wanted a fight company that watched out for young fighters, and one that can blow fans away with the production value."

Bristol was recently on TUF 16 (The Ultimate Figher) as a contestant fighting for a contract with UFC where he was part of the top 6 fighters, until he was defeated by Neil Mangy by way of unanimous decision during the 10th episode. While you were on TUF what were some of the things you and the other guys did to fill your time? " We made a chess board out of shot glasses and athletic tape. We had a house tournament and surprisingly Julian Lane (the red mohawk) beat everyone and is a really good chess player." What were some of the stranger things that happened in the TUF house? " I would have to say the strangest thing was taking a dump for the first time on camera and being miked up.... very unsettling knowing someone is watching....." You also had to cut a significant amount of weight to get onto TUF after fighting at 205, 185 and finally 170 to be on the show what was it like to try and cut that weight and what were some of the techniques you used? " The first cut to 170 to get on The Ultimate Fighter was hard, because that was my first time ever making 170 since high school in 2000. I really had to be careful with my water, sodium, and carb intake for that big of a cut. I sat in the hot tub to sweat most of the 20lbs off."

You started wrestling when you were 10 years old and later moved to the cage, what influenced that decision?  " My older brother the late Jesse Marunde pushed me into MMA stating that I had taken his best punches for years, now it was time I do it in the cage." What are some of the current goals you are working towards in your MMA career? " My goal has been the same and that is to be top 5 in the world. I have a long way to go, as I'm currently somewhere in the 40-50 range but the journey has been exciting..." To achieve your goal do you train hard all year round or is it more of a laid back approach until you have a fight scheduled? " I like to maintain a healthy standard year round. When I have a fight scheduled that's when I start to condition for it. A fighter can't be in fight shape year round, it would kill a man." So what does your daily training regimen consist of? " I usually train once a day and my day is either submission wrestling for MMA or its focused on take-downs. On days I don't do either of those I am working on the weight room becoming explosive and precise."

 Your current record stands at 12-7 with a healthy mix of your wins coming by way of knockout, submission or decision, if you could fight anyone in the sport who would it be? " I'd like to fight Jon Fitch, I'd like to see if I could stop his take downs and out grind a grinder of his caliber." What if you could see any two fighters go toe to toe, who would they be? " I'd like to see Chuck Liddel come out of retirement and fight Forrest Griffin... I pick my training partner Forrest because he could grind Chuck out for the W." MMA is obviously a physically demanding sport do you think that is the hardest part of it or would you say it's more of a mental game? " You can't have one without the other. A 'head case' is worthless even with a super athlete body. I'd rather be a fat kid with a strong mind."

Bristol is not just a fighter he is also a family man married with one son, what are some things you did to deal with spending all that time away from them when you were on TUF? " It was horrifying being away from my family for 7 weeks on the TUF show. I hated it and it made me feel like a prisoner not being able to talk to them.  I never want to be away for that long again." What are some ways you like to spend your free time in between your fights? " I stay busy with my 2 year old son who has more energy that I know what to do with. As he gets older our toys get cooler, we're working on mom letting us take him out on the ATV's..."

You seem to have quite a few tattoo's do any of them mean something special to you? " My brother Jesse Marunde died in 2007 and he was a world famous strongman placing 2nd in the 2005 Metrx World's Strongest Man, and I have a tattoo of him lifting an atlas stone in remembrance of him."

photo courtesy of www.bristolmarunde.com

So if you could be any super hero or villain who would you be and why? " I am definitely a good guy so I would have to be a super her that saves people. I would be Batman, he has it all. " some may say that you had a 'super hero' experience quite a few years ago when you found yourself in the media spotlight after you caught a rapist leaving your neighbors apartment in Bellevue. What was that whole experience like? " It was a scary situation because as I chased this big unknown guy down the street I didn't know if he had a gun or a knife. We stopped at the corner of a busy intersection, I head kicked him and knocked him down to the ground where I held him at 'fist point' while the crowd of horrified onlookers all dialed 911. Luckily the cops came fast, it started getting awkward as I realized I had no shirt, no shoes, and just a pair of shorts on..."



 As one fun question what is the weirdest thing a fan has asked you to sign?


" I was asked to sign a ladies hooha but politely declined. Plus she wasn't that hot...."