On the Beat with Steve Fireovid-Part 2

Yesterday, I posted the first part of a Q&A I had with former pitcher Steve Fireovid.  Today, I am presenting the second part.

Q-How did your book, The 26th Man, come to be?
SF-The 26th Man was really meant to represent a whole lot of players, not just me.  There were (and are) so many people who were never really given the opportunity truly deserved.  I think I pointed out in the book that this is true of most professions -- not just baseball players.  I was at the point in my career where I knew I could speak with a bit of authority on the matter and I probably heard a dozen players every year say, "I should write a book about all of this crap."  So I did.  I've always been at ease with writing,so I felt comfortable doing it.  It was a nice summer project and I had the kind of year on the field to easily justify my point.

Q-What is your favorite vacation spot?
SF-My favorite vacation spot is virtually anywhere that is not here.  For me, it's more about what I'm leaving and who I'll be spending time with than where I'm going.  Don't get me wrong though-- given a choice between Toledo and a nice condo on the ocean, I'll take the water.

I have read The 26th Man a few times over the years.  I am also one of a few people who reviewed it on Amazon.  I thought it was a great book.  It had laughs, honesty, great stories and interesting insight into baseball, life and Steve himself.  I have read a lot of books, specifically many autobiographies and The 26th Man is one of the best.
I really appreciate Steve taking time to answer my questions. I followed Steve's career, collected his cards (although I wish he had a White Sox card!) and read his book.  I had a lot of fun following him through the years.  It means a lot that Steve would take the time to thoughtfully answer my questions.  I am an even bigger fan of his now!

On the Beat with Steve Fireovid-Part 1

Steve Fireovid was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 1978 and made his major league debut with them in 1981.  He pitched for 5 teams during his 6 seasons.  As a long time fan of his, I was happy when he pitched (although only briefly) for my hometown Chicago White Sox in 1985.
His time in the majors was fairly short, but his pro baseball career was lengthy and successful.  During parts of 16 seasons in the minors, he had an impressive record of 139-98.  His 1990 season with the Indianapolis Indians is the subject of The 26th Man, a book he wrote back in 1991.  It is a season long diary, with good stories and a candid look at his career and life.
I recently contacted Fireovid to ask him a few questions.  Below is the first part of my exchange with Fireovid.

Q-What have you been doing since you retired?
SF-Since retiring in 1993, I've been a financial adviser in my hometown of Bryan, OH.  In 2000, I formed Fireovid Financial Group, Ltd.  It's a far cry from baseball, but I imagine most any occupation would be.  I am involved in the community in areas I feel strongly about, but enjoy being a homebody for the most part.  I certainly do not miss the travel associated with baseball.

Q-How did it feel to see your first card and to be asked for an autograph?
SF-I was pretty gracious when it came to autographs.  In fact, I still get several a week in the mail and try to promptly return them.  I think the first time I was asked for one, I just thought to myself, "Why would anyone want my signature?"  I still do feel that way, but that's a whole different and deeper conversation.  My first card was bittersweet.  I'm no male model, but it may be the worst picture I've ever seen.

Q-Do you know which pitcher gave up your first major league hit?
SF-Rick Mahler of the Braves.  I hit a groundball up the middle.  I do have to admit feeling justified even if only to myself.

For the record, Fireovid's first hit came on Sept. 12, 1981, in his second at bat (he struck out in his first).  Fireovid came up in the top of the fifth with nobody on base and no outs.  Joe Lefebvre had just cleared the bases with a home run to put the Padres ahead 4-1.  Ozzie Smith, Gene Richards and Ruppert Jones all made outs and stranded Fireovid on base.
I thought Fireovid would remember his first hit.  So many times,players have vivid memories and specifically pitchers about their hitting.
Check back tomorrow for Part 2.  Until then, check out some of his other cards.

On the Beat With Jill Urchak

Jill Urchak has graced Chicago radio since the mid-1990's.  She has been a host, co-host, news reporter and traffic reporter.  She has also written some poetry and is an avid White Sox fan.
I have heard Urchak for years, but I first really became a fan during her time at WSCR, when the various hosts made her a part of their shows.  I contacted Urchak recently and she answered my questions.

Q-You have done a lot inyour career. If you could pick one dream job (in or out of your fields ofexpertise) what would it be?

JU-That's a tough one. The reason I went into radio was because I love music andwanted to be surrounded by it. My career has encompassed a little of everythingand yet, I always go back to music. My dream job in radio would be to have amusic show that plays a little of everything. The show would concentrate on musicfrom the 60's, 70's and 80's. I would play old clips from the artists, airaudio from each era to accompany each segment. It would be comparable to"TV LAND of RADIO". I'm old school and I think it would bring in anew generation of people. Also, I would bridge the gap between then and now.Music is music and it all ties together eventually! I would LOVE to have my ownshow.

AND if I wasn't in radio, I would work with children who need role models. Ithink teaching Kindergarten would be a blast. Kids are like sponges and are readyto learn. Children keep it real!

Q-Which job (or assignment) made you the most nervous?

JU-I literally just tried out for the Channel 2, CBS Traffic gig for the morningshow. I've done a little TV, but not like this. I was a nervous wreck. Steppingout in front of the camera with all the blinding lights was very intimidating.I'm used to being in a studio in jeans and a T-shirt with nobody watching me.To have your every move watched takes getting used to. I had fun and was incrediblychallenged at the same time. I hope my adrenaline worked for me and not againstme. You get one shot and if you blow it, then you blow it. Yikes!

Q-How did it feel when someone asked for your autograph or recognized you forthe first time?

JU-I thought it was a joke. I was doing a remote for WSCR and some guy wanted myautograph and I kept on asking him...WHY? Why do you want it? I don't get it? Iwas very embarrassed and thought it was a joke. It's very sweet and still blowsme away(not that it happens often). I was at a Sox game and heard some guyscreaming, "Hey Urchak! How's the traffic"? It's flattering and stillsurprising when it happens.

Q-You are a legendary Sox fan. If you could make your all-time favorite lineup, who would you pick?

I don't even know how to answer that question. All I know is that it wouldinclude Alexei Ramirez, A.J. Pierzynski, Paul Konerko and Jim Thome (bring himback). I think if you shuffle those guys around in any order then you can'tlose.

Q-Are you writing more poetry? Any plans in that direction?

JU-I only write if I feel a really strong emotion. I don't just sit and writesomething for the heck of it, I have to be inspired. Thank God for my ex-boyfriend. He gave me so much material (lol). It's true. It was a good way blowoff steam. Writing poetry makes me feel good. It's an outlet that just comesnaturally and it's safe. I'll always write and never stop!

6-What is your favorite vacation spot?

JU-I haven't been to too many places to make a comparison. I can tell you that Las Vegas is the place to be. I'm not a gambler by any means,but Vegas has so much more. In Vegas you can lay out in the sun all day(yourtropical experience), play slots in between(your Vegas experience), see ashow(Broadway experience), shop and people watch. What other vacation spotoffers so much in one location?

It's great to know a bit more about the person behind the voice I have heard for so many years.  To learn even more about Urchak, you can go to Chicago Now and check out In Check With Urchak. I really appreciate Urchak's time and thoughtful answers. Thanks, Jill and if you ever land that dream radio job, count me as a listener!

On the Beat With Catherine Johns-Part 2

About a month ago, I wrote about meeting Catherine Johns, a long-time favorite radio personality of mine.  Originally intended to be worked into a piece right here, our chat focused more on her current career, that as a Certified Hypnotist and a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming at the Chicago Hypnosis Center, which she co-owns.
I was very interested in that part of her career.  I had no previous experience with hypnosis and really only the very basic knowledge of it.  While I have never been afraid of hypnosis, I have never really been interested in it either, until the meeting with Catherine.
Like most people, I have issues.  I have attempted many practices to rid myself of my self-imposed burdens.  Some have worked to some degree, but I am always looking to further clear my cluttered mind.  I want to improve the quality of life.
Last week, I had my first actual hypnosis session.  It's sort of like being in a trance.  I was leaning back in a comfy chair listening to Catherine guide me through some mental practices.  I remember her saying I would drift back and forth and I did.  As she guided me back to a fully conscious state, I felt different.  I didn't realize until later that I actually felt a bit lighter.  I wrote more in depth about the actual process for my online piece at Global Traveler.
It's a week later and I have not lost that feeling.  I can't say I completely am rid of my issues, but I know I am better.  I plan on seeing Catherine for more hypnosis.  I'd like to see if I can further the progress and lessen the load even more.
The mind is so powerful and therefore the fears are equally as powerful.  Through hypnosis, Catherine delved into my subconscious and helped me retrain my brain.
It was such a wonderful experience.  Catherine is patient, caring and personable.  I immediately felt at ease with her.  If she could lessen my load, she could certainly help anyone.  I really encourage anyone to give it a try by calling her for a consultation session.  Hypnosis can be life-changing.  Why not let it change yours?

Catherine Johns in Niles, IL-March 2011.

On the Beat with Steve Mapel-Part 2

This is part 2 of my Q&A with Steve Mapel, a former pitcher in the Minnesota Twins organization.  I first met Mapel on a family trip to see the Wisconsin Rapids Twins, mainly because they were managed by our neighbor Rick Stelmaszek.

Q-What part of your career gets you as excited as playing?
SM-What part of my career now gets me as excited as playing?  Nothing.  I can't compare the two.  There was nothing that compared to playing professional baseball, something you LOVED to do, and was getting paid to do it, the traveling, the experience of meeting people, and playing with, and against some players that you grew up idolizing.  For a short time, I was one of them.......for a short time.   Even though I enjoy what I am doing now, it's not really comparable.  I am coaching baseball now for my 15 year old son's team.  I still love baseball, it's still a passion of mine.  Trying to pass on what I've learned over the years.

Q-Have you kept in contact with any former teammates?

SM-Over the years, I've played with and against a lot of stars.  I have kept in contact with some.  My first roommate in my first year was Tarry Boelter.  He was a second baseman for Minnesota, playing with Paul Molitor as his shortstop. We talk on the phone a couple of times a year, and we try and get together every couple of years.  I have met Molitor, and we followed his career in the bigs, when ours was done in the minors.   I played high school baseball with Jim Wright, the bullpen coach for the Rockies.  We just saw him last year.  Scott Ulger, the 3rd base coach for the Twins, I still get out to the Royals games and talk to him.  Ron Washington, the manager for the Rangers, was my AAA team's 3rd baseman.  I missed seeing him the last time.  But, I played against Wade Boggs, Cal Ripken Jr.  Billy Ripken, Bye Bye Steve Balboni to name a few.

I'm getting too old now, everybody I played with are just about retired as coaches now. Gaetti, I played with in College at Northwest Missouri State University in Maryville MO.  We also played on the AA team together where we won the AA Southern League Championship in 1981 in Orlando, FL.  Tim Laudner, Scott Ulger, Randy Bush were part of that team.  I still wear the ring today.

Q-Do you follow the Twins now?

SM-I still follow the Twins today.  Our family took a vacation two years ago and went to the Twins game in Minnesota.  It was great.  It was inside the dome.  I try a get out to the games when they are here in Kansas City.  But I'll watch all the teams, it doesn't really matter who's playing.

My favorite vacation destination has to be Florida.  It's warm there.  Arizona is nice, and Colorado is beautiful.   I like Colorado in the summer more than the winter.

I had a pretty good career over all.  I played for 5 years, had an overall record of 60-39  if you count instructional ball, winter ball and the Mexican league.

I made the A Allstar team in 1979, AA Allstar team in 1980 and 1981.  I played Instructional ball in 1979.  I played in Venezuela with Davey Concepcion in 1980 and the Mexican League in 1982.  I was not drafted, so I was not in their plans in the big leagues from the start.  But I was able to hold on for 5 years.  My only regret, to this day, was not getting a chance to play in the big leagues.  But that's water under the bridge.

I really appreciate Mapel's time and cooperation.  Thirty years ago, I was an excited teen meeting ball players.  Now I am happy to be able to hear more about their careers and life after baseball.

On the Beat with Steve Mapel-Part 1

A few weeks ago, I made contact with George Dierberger who I first met about 30 years ago when he was playing for the Wisconsin Rapids Twins.  I enjoyed that so much that I looked up some other players from the WR Twins whom I had met back then. 

Steve Mapel pitched for 5 seasons in the Minnesota Twins farm system, compiling a 40-31 record and was on the WR Twins when my family went to see them.  He answered all of my questions which you will see below and tomorrow.

Q-How did it feel the first time you saw yourself on a baseball card and was asked for an autograph?

SM-The first time I saw myself on a baseball card and was asked for my autograph was my first year in pro ball...1978, in Rookie league in Elizabethton, TN.  It was an amazing feeling to say the least.  I was already on cloud 9, beginning to live a dream.  There's a great feeling of accomplishment that comes to you, but also knowing there's a lot of hard work to do.  I loved every minute of it.  I sent home some of my baseball cards to my family.  It wasn't long before I found out that my two younger brothers, ages 9 and 13, were trying to sell them.  I'm not sure how that went.

Q-You pitched briefly in 1982, then never again.  Why did you leave baseball?
SM-1982, my 5th year in pro ball, I went to spring training still as a starting pitcher, like I have been my entire career.  This year they drafted a bunch of young pitchers.  They began using me as a reliever.  I told them that if this is my ticket to the big leagues, then I am all in.  They tried to hold me back and send me to AA again.

But I did well in spring training so they sent me to AAA Toledo Ohio to be a reliever for the Mud Hens.  The first two weeks of the season our record was 3-11.  Our younger pitchers were not ready for AAA.   I had 3 relief appearances....no wins, no losses, no saves....but I pitched well and had a 3.38 ERA.  Shortly thereafter, our manager, Cal Ermer called me in to his office to say that I would be getting back in the starting rotations soon, that these younger pitchers were not ready for AAA.

Well, 3 days later, Cal called me into his office and said that he got a call from the minor league director, George Brophy, and they released me. I WAS CRUSHED.

I was 25 years old, I thought on the verge of making it to the big leagues, and my world was coming down.  This was the first time in my life that I had been cut from a team.

I went home, called 24 baseball teams, trying to find a team to play for.  I called my buddy, Tony Oliva, and he got me on a team in the Mexican League. I spent the rest of the summer of 1982 playing in Mexico where I was 6-3 for the Broncos.  I asked for my release after the season, so I could get hooked up with a team

back in the United States.  In 1983 I was invited to the AAA training camp with the Detroit Tigers.  I was 1-0 with a 1.80 ERA, and they released me in 3 weeks.

Being married at the time, we decided to go home and get jobs and begin our life together.......but 2 months later, the Indians AA team had called me and asked me to fly up to Buffalo, NY to try out for their AA team.  I guess I didn't have what they were looking for, so they sent me home.  That was the end of my pro career. So, I didn't leave baseball......baseball left me. I would have played until my arm fell off.  They got rid of me.  Not being a drafted player, and signing out of a try-out camp, they didn't have any money invested in me.  I was not in their plans in the big leagues to begin with.

Q-What have you done post-playing and how was the transition?

SM-What I have done post-play was go back home to Kansas City MO and got a job as a carpenter building houses.  I had a Construction Degree in College, so other than baseball, Construction was all I knew. I built houses for 2 years, then moved into the Commercial construction field where I have been up to now.  I am now 54 years old and I'm a field Superintendent for an interior tenant finish Construction Company.  I have been married since October of 1982, and we have two daughters and a son.

The transition was not that easy and took a long time to get over.  You have to remember, I was 26 years old at the time, and I have been playing baseball since I was 6 years old.  My dream had come to an end, and I didn't like that.  I had fallen short of where I wanted to be....in the big leagues.  On the other hand, I probably got a lot farther, and did a lot more, than a lot of other players did.  It was truly a dream come true. I'll always treasure the memories.  Met some awesome people in my experience.

On the Beat with David Schuster

On the Beat, David Schuster of WSCR in Chicago has been covering sports for about 30 years.  Recently, Schuster was at a basketball game between the Harlem Globetrotters and the Washington Generals, but he wasn't covering the game...he was playing in it as a member of the Generals.  You can read Schuster's account of his experience on the Score's website. I can't imagine how cool it would be to play against the Globetrotters.  I grew up watching Meadowlark Lemon, Curly Neal, Marques Haynes and the rest play their brand of basketball on ABC's Wide World of Sports.
I emailed Schuster, expressing an interesting in learning more about his experience.  He graciously answered my questions.

Q-Did you win and do you know your stats line?
DS-The Generals almost pulled the upset as the final score was 90-85 and I was reminded that the last time the Generals won was 1971.  Of course, the whole thing is stages, but at least the score was close at the end.  I was in the game for all of about 90 seconds and tried a couple of their 4 point shots (missing both barely) from about 35 feet, but I was fouled going to the hoop and sank one of the two free throws...and then I was yanked.

Q-Did you have any goals going into the event?
DS-No individual goals.  I had no idea how this would play out and the only thing I was worried about was that I would be the one who they pulled the shorts down from so I wore three pairs. Fortunately they didn't do it to me.

Q-Did you prepare in any way?
DS-Again, no preparation or instruction, which sort of surprised me.  They just let  me shoot a few times and that was it.

Q-Did you sign any autographs or ask for any?
DS-Didn't sign any autographs either.  I highly doubt anyone would have wanted mine and to be honest, I had to scurry out of there because I was doing a late night talk show and had to get downtown quick so as not to be late for that.

Q-Was the experience as cool as it would seem?
DS-It definitely was cool and I will remember it forever (plus I got to keep the uniform).  I just wish I would have done a bit more in my short stint on the court, but I will admit I was a bit nervous and kept thinking that they were going to pull some of their normal tricks on me (which they didn't).

Schuster is one of the best and nicest in the business and I really appreciate his time and consideration in answering my questions.