Rum Bunter Blog

Rum Bunter Blog:

First, can you let readers know about RumBunter – what inspired the idea (and the name) and how you developed your unique approach in your coverage of the Pirates?

We wanted an original name. Nobody has ever guessed what it means which I think is really cool. We’ve had a bunch of people ask about it, and some have even ridiculed it a bit, cough John Perotto, but that just adds to the fun of the blog. The Pirates are our team and we wanted to create something that fans could stop in and maybe laugh a bit and at the same time learn something too.

What should readers expect in 2012 from RumBunter?

It’s an election year, so more moaning and groaning than ever before. Seriously, we have no idea, however we do have a much more talented roster than ever before.

We were lucky enough to land two great writers recently. Both come from well established blogs within the Pittsburgh sports scene. Jon Anderson from mceffect.com and Jeff Snedden from steelworldorder.com. Kurt Evans will be cranking a record number of photoshops when the regular season starts. C. Fortwo and A. Pendl have been tremendous in getting the highest level of guests for the RumBunter Podcast Show.

There seem to be an inordinate number of Pirates blogs compared to other Pittsburgh sports teams. How have you been able to differentiate yourself from other Pirates/baseball blogs – what do you think makes your blog a “destination site” for fans?

If RumBunter were a newspaper, we are the comics section. That is always the best part, so that is what we want to be. Sure there are somewhat serious posts, but baseball is still a game. Let’s have some fun.

What have been your favorite and most interesting stories you’ve covered so far, and why?

When the Pirates were winning ballgames in the first four months of the 2011 season, it was by far the best story imaginable. Hands down. It was a blast.

Have you had the opportunity to meet any of the players? if so, who and how did that go – and if not, who would you most like to meet and have a beer with, and why?

Yes, we’ve met most of the players and it has been enjoyable. We’ve been fortunate in that regard. We still haven’t met AJ Burnett. Having a beer with him would seem like a really good time. It might need to be a few beers, actually.

How important was the McCutchen signing for your perspective – and do you think this plus the Burnett trade starts to finally make this team more attractive to other free agents?

Signing McCutchen was absolutely a must for the organization. It makes the organization legit. AJ Burnett having success will make the team attractive for free agents a little bit, but Erik Bedard, a lefty in PNC Park performing well could open the door even further.

Who do you think will be the biggest surprise/breakout players in 2012 for the Pirates?

I have been on a jinx stretch during the first part of spring training, so I must be very careful in my selections. I mentioned a lefty in the question above, that is one and on offense El Toro will surprise.

Do you get the sense of a renewed optimism on the team for 2012? What should fans realistically expect from the Pirates in 2012? And is that enough of a jump from 2011?

I worry about the insanely challenging schedule in April. It appears that Clint Hurdle is pushing the team to focus early on which will be very important, but I am not sure it will be enough.

I believe fans can expect a more sound defensive team which will keep them in more games. The team will be more competitive, without a doubt.

The question I have is will the offense be enough? The pitching was very strong in the beginning of 2011, if the offense could have been better the team would have won even more games, so the balance will be key.

Who are the Pirates prospects you are most excited about seeing in the next couple of years in the majors?

In the immediate future: Kyle McPherson. Starling Marte. Justin Wilson. Rudy Owens. Tony Sanchez.

In the distant future: Josh Bell. Jameson Taillon. Gerrit Cole. Josh Poytress. Robbie Grossman.

The talent is in the system. We are really looking for some big years from the 2009 draft class. The pitching talent in that 2009 class should really take a step forward this year. When that happens the entire Pirates organization makes a big shift inside the top ten farm systems in baseball. A move like that can open up some serious trade partners to fill some offensive holes the Pirates have.

If you had one day to take over as GM of the Pirates, what do you do, and why?

Kick a few kids in the ass from some of our more recent draft classes. Especially a few from the 2009 class. The team is starting to look better and perform better, but it really needs quite a few more prospects to turn the corner to be a solid team.

I would want a copy of the internal valuation system and how it was developed. Great question.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Thank you for reading the blog. God bless all of you. This losing has to end sooner or later. (Right??)

Pensblog

Pensblog:

First, can you let readers know about The PensBlog – what inspired the idea and how you developed your unique approach in your coverage of the penguins?

Honestly, we started blogging because there was basically no coverage of the Penguins back in 2006. We wanted to get info out there. Our approach is just how we and all of our friends have always watched games.

What should readers expect in 2012 from The PensBlog?

Nothing really. We just try to provide info, links, live streams, and whatever else. And we just try to be honest. Expecting anything from us would be a huge mistake.

You have a cult-like following among some Penguins fans. How do you differentiate yourself from other Penguins/hockey blogs – what do you think makes the blog a “destination site” for fans?

We have no clue. We’ve been Penguins fans in good times and bad. And there are a lot of people that are the same. It is amazing how similar Penguin fans are.

What’s been your favorite and most interesting stories you’ve covered so far. and why?

There are so many. The two runs to the Stanley Cup were great to be a part of, and we are lucky to have been running the blog during all of that. Going through all of the stages from the Penguins possibly moving, to them getting a new arena, and then seeing the new arena built has been amazing, too.

You sometimes have to sit back and realize how close the Pens were to leaving the city.

Have you had the opportunity to meet any of the players? if so, who and how did that go – and if not, who would you most like to meet and have a beer with, and why?

We really haven’t met any of the players, and that is for the better we feel. I am not sure we’d even like to have a beer with any of
them, either. They’re just guys playing sports for a living.

The Penguins organization puts out quite a bit of it’s own content on a daily basis. What are your thoughts on this – is this a good thing,from your perspective?

It definitely is a good thing. People are always looking for news. But sometimes you have to question the content because there is no chance of ever hearing anything negative. Not that there is anything negative, but sometimes it’s hard to trust the content when it comes from a biased source.

People on the Internet aren’t dumb. Collectively, they can see through any and all smoke and mirrors.

Have you noticed the Penguins loosening up at all in their policy of not working with blogs. If so, how?

Yes. The Pens handle bloggers very well. They’ve given us press passes several times, although we no longer partake in it.

Fighting in the NHL. Yes…or no? And why?

Yes. Because it wouldn’t be hockey without it. The frustrations have to come to a head like that. If not, you’d see horrific injuries from
slashes and whatnot.

If the guys at The PensBlog had one day to take over as GM of the Penguins, what do you do, and why?

We’d probably go on message boards and plant rumors and watch the Internet destroy itself.

Who are the Penguins prospects you are most excited about seeing in the next couple of years in the NHL?

Simon Despres is going to be a monster. Really excited about what he can do.

Any last thoughts for readers?

Just a big thank-you to anyone who has visited the blog at one time or another. We think of anyone that reads our blog as our friends. We’ve met some great people because of the blog, too. Even after five years of keeping up with the blog, it’s still a lot of fun.

Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala, Steelers Running Back, 1998-2002

You’ve been heavily involved in youth sports since the NFL – especially in Hawaii. What brought that interest on and what do you enjoy most about this work?

I love working with the kids. In my line of work, I’m in charge of overseeing everything from the rooms to making sure they all have a safe environment. I make sure they all have fair playing time – I can make all of those decisions and make the adjustments to make sure they get playing time.

I know what it feels like to be the kid who had to wait because the game was too tight and the coaches kept the stars in.

Continue reading “Chris Fuamatu-Maʻafala, Steelers Running Back, 1998-2002”

Pete Rostosky, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1983-1986

First, can you let readers know what you have been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL, and why you decided to enter this line of work?

I am currently self-employed and own Rostosky Coal , LLC – a surface mining and reclamation company. I am second generation in this company as my dad started it in 1954.

Ever since I was a child, my dad took me to work and I learned the business from the bottom up; actually running large equipment since I was eleven years old. My dad passed away seven years ago, but I am sure he would be pleased to know the business still carries on.

Continue reading “Pete Rostosky, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1983-1986”

Mike Taylor, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1968-1969

First, can you let readers know what you have been doing with yourself since your NFL days and how your time in the NFL helped influence your post-NFL careers?

In 1972 while I was playing for the St. Louis Cardinals, I decided to buy an 18-wheeler and start an independent trucking business named for myself. Shortly thereafter, my wife and I started a small woman’s clothing apparel boutique that she managed near our home in Alta Dena, CA. About 1980

I set my independent trucking interests aside and became a supervisor for a fairly new privately held California trucking company called Viking Freight Systems that was later acquired by Fed-Ex. I stayed there until my retirement as the Operations Manager in 2006. While working for Fed-Ex, my passion and zest for Southern cuisine – specifically BBQ Ribs, Tri-Tip, Chicken, Cajun Sausage and those great culinary delights I’d experienced from my youth – led me to begin a restaurant in Folsom, CA that I named BBQ-Express.

Continue reading “Mike Taylor, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1968-1969”

Virginia Montanez – That’s Church Blog

Virginia Montanez – That’s Church Blog:

First, can you tell readers about your blog That’s Church – what you cover, what inspired you to start the blog and what readers should expect in 2012?

I started my blog on a whim, really. Back in 2006, I just wanted a place to put down my thoughts about Pittsburgh, so I started The Burgh Blog thinking it wouldn’t ever become anything. Little did I know.

I mostly like to draw attention to the things that make Pittsburgh great, the news stories that make Pittsburgh quirky, and the sports teams that make Pittsburgh rabid. I’ve been doing that since 2006, and 2012 will be much the same.

“That’s Church” – ok … are you a Snoop Dogg or Monk fan – and is Snoop Dogg being a Steelers fan a good or bad thing?

I’m not really a Snoop Dogg fan, but I am a huge Monk fan. It was my sister, however, who drew my attention to the fact that Snoop Dogg used “That’s church” in a Monk episode. She used the phrase in a family email and I just stole it and made it my own.

I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Snoop is a Steelers fan, but let’s remember he’s been spotted in a Patriots jersey and has attended Ravens camp, too. I just don’t see how you can be a Steelers fan AND a Patriots and Ravens fan. Not possible!

You also write for Pittsburgh Magazine. What stories of yours are you most proud of so far, and why?

I’m most proud of my column about my experience flying home one Christmas with my children, and how Pittsburghers made the trip much more bearable. I’m also proud of my letter to Roberto Clemente. I wish more than anything that he could read it.

If you could ask any Steelers and Penguins player one question each, who would you interview, what would you ask them, and why?

First, can I add in the Buccos? I realize they suck, but I’m a huge fan. If I could, I would ask Andrew McCutchen and Mike Wallace if they would agree to a foot race to settle once and for all who is the fastest runner. My money is on Andrew.

As for the Penguins, I’d probably ask Matt Cooke about how he felt about his reputation as a dirty player and what was the single biggest thing he did or change he made that allowed him to alter his game to fix that reputation.

You have covered Pittsburgh extensively, expressing a deep appreciation for the city and it’s sports teams. From your point of view though, does Pittsburgh place too much of it’s identity in the hands of it’s sports teams? Why/why not?

Maybe there was a time when we did, but I don’t believe we as a collective whole do that any longer. We have way too much to be proud of and to identify ourselves with outside of sports.

We have technology and world-class education and a vibrant, active outdoors lifestyle. We’re greener than we ever were, more Hollywood than we ever were, smarter than we ever were, and more innovative than we ever were. I think now more than ever, when you tell someone you’re from Pittsburgh, their brain might first call up the image of one of our sports teams, but then I think they’ll go to all the OTHER wonderful things they’ve heard about us lately.

What makes Pittsburgh special?

We’re a little big city made up of true neighbors that value our blue collar past in such a way that we continually “keep it real” no matter how successful we become or how many accolades we garner as a city.

It’s like when you meet a famous person and you’re worried he’ll be pretentious or standoffish, and you fret about putting your elbows on the table or saying the wrong thing, and then you get to know him and he’s the most down to earth, normal, unaffected person you could ever meet. THAT’S what Pittsburgh is.

What’s next for you? Are you looking to further parlay your writing career/blog to radio or other media?

I’m a writer. I use my words … my written words … to profess my love for the city. I don’t particularly have much desire to branch out into other media. I’m shy. I’m not exactly the most extroverted girl you’ll ever meet, so, no, I think I’d like very much to just stay a writer.

What Pittsburgh athletes have you met (if any) – and how was that experience? If you haven’t met any, which would you most like to hang out and have a beer with, and why?

Well, I met Mario Lemieux at a fundraiser and chatted with him for a short bit and the experience sort of blew my mind. He was tall and gentle and kind and soft-spoken and perfectly normal. I don’t remember what exactly I said to him, but whatever it was, I know I sounded flustered and ridiculous and probably a bit worshipful, and that’s fine with me.

He’s a Pittsburgh icon and if I ever meet him again, I will probably be just as awkward. He fries my brain or something.

If you could be the GM of one Pittsburgh team for a day, what team would you choose and what would you do as GM?

Oh, man. I’d choose the Buccos, of course. But honestly, what can you possibly do in one day to fix twenty years of losing? I’d probably bring a priest, a voodoo doctor, a scientist, a witch and Anthony Robbins with me to see if they could maybe put their heads together and figure out a way to remove the curse that has clearly been a pox upon our team since that day Sid Bream destroyed our 1992 World Series dream.

I’m pretty sure it all started there.

Mike Connelly, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1968

First, can you let readers know what you’ve been doing with yourself since your time in the NFL?

I’ve been in the securities business as a registered rep (stock broker)

You’ve been active with the NFLPA. Tell us about your work with the NFLPA and how you got involved?

Our NFLPA chapter in Dallas builds a home for a needy family every year. We start by bulldozing their old house and build them a new home furnished and landscaped. We start the first week in November and give the keys to the family before Thanksgiving. This year will be our 14^th home built.

Continue reading “Mike Connelly, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 1968”

Kendall Simmons, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2002-2008

First, can you let readers know how you are doing these days and about your Swing 4 Diabetes and other efforts to help others with Diabetes?

Since retiring from the NFL, I am busy at home with my family. Soccer, gymnastics, dances; date night and homework with my three little girls and wife keep me busy.

Outside of the efforts to combat Diabetes, what else have you been doing since your time in the NFL?

I’m currently a National Spokesman for Novo Nordisk. Graphic design has always been a passion of mine, so I’ve doing a little freelance work. I’ve also taken advantage of the NFL Career Transition Program. The Swing 4 Diabetes Golf event my wife and a friend of ours put on every year is very important to us.

You were the first round pick of the Steelers in 2002 – how much pressure did you feel as a first rounder and how did you prove yourself to the players and coaches your rookie season?

The first round pick has a lot of pressure on them to play immediately. There were two ways I wanted to prove myself to my team. I wanted to keep my mistakes to a minimum and to play fast. I would rather have had the coaches tell me to slow down then speed up.

You were a star defensive lineman in high school. What caused the conversion to the offensive line in college and how do you think playing defensive line in high school helped you as an offensive lineman?

I had to play both sides of the ball in high school. The offensive line coach at Auburn University who recruited me during that time was Rick Trickett. Coach Trickett was the only coach that wanted me to play offense instead defense. He felt that I had a better chance of starting as a freshman on offense and making it to the NFL as an offensive lineman.

Who helped take you under their wing as a rookie and helped you adjust to life in the NFL – both on and off the field? How did they do so?

Marvel Smith, Alan Faneca and Jeff Hartings all contributed to my growth while I was in Pittsburgh. Marvel Smith is like my brother off the field. Alan Faneca’s knowledge of the game and his physical approach is something I have always admired. I watched him closely and asked a lot of questions.

I owe Jeff Hartings a special thanks for letting me lean on him when it came to blocking assignments my rookie year. Hartings also taught me how to relax on the field.

You were diagnosed in 2003 with Diabetes – how did you take the news at first and how did the front office and coaches work with you after the diagnosis was made?

When I was diagnosed with diabetes in 2003 I did not know what was going on with me physically and if I would ever play again. I owe Mr. Dan Rooney, the owner of the Steelers at the time, special thanks. I really appreciate how he checked on me every time I saw him downstairs. I also owe the training staff John Norwig and Ryan Grove huge credit for going to all my doctors’ appointments at Faulk Clinic with me. They also did a great job with all my needs on the field.

How did the disease affect your play and preparation for the game after you returned to the field? What extra precautions and steps did you have to take to prepare for games each week?

I did not realize at the first how hard it would be to feel normal again. It was very hard to get back to the level of performance needed to play in the NFL. I had to constantly check my blood glucose levels. I would test five to six times on practice days and on game days it went to about eight times. The only way I could feel well enough to play was when I kept my blood sugars below 180. That was extremely hard because adrenaline causes your blood sugar levels to rise.

My target numbers were 120 and 170. If I dropped below 80 or were higher than 180, it affected my performance.

Who were some of the biggest characters on those Steelers teams you played for – what made them so? Any examples?

Troy Polamalu! One night, Troy and a couple of the guys were hanging out. They decided to play a prank on my wife and I at 3 a.m. They rang our doorbell and ran away after leaving old food at our door. They came back again and this time, I let my Great Dane out on them. A year or so passed by until I found that Troy was behind it all.

You were released in 2009 and went on to play for the Patriots. How difficult was that release for you and how did playing for those new teams comparing not the Steelers?

Well putting those feelings into words is still very hard. It hurt and I really didn’t see it coming. It is difficult to get over until you realize football is a business.

Once I became a free agent, I had two options New England and Buffalo. The time I spent with the Patriots taught me to lean on God more and to realize that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side.

I felt as if I fit in at Buffalo from the time I got there. Sean Kugler was the offensive line coach while I was there. He made the transition easier for me. Neither team compared to Pittsburgh.

What were your best memories of your time in Pittsburgh and what made them so?

The first game that I started at Heinz Field versus the Raiders. Bringing my family down onto the field for Super Bowl XL. Some of the best memories for me during my time in Pittsburgh were the life long relationships I built with some of the players and front office personnel.

Any last thoughts for readers?

There are no other fans like Steeler fans in professional sports. My NFL career changed me a lot as a person but I will ALWAYS be a Steeler. That will never change.

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Continue reading “Kendall Simmons, Steelers Offensive Lineman, 2002-2008”

Lynn Swann, Owner Pittsburgh Power, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1974-1982

How did you learn the skills to be an owner – did you use NFL post-career services or other means to learn?

It’s a business number one. I think years of playing sports and being around sports – working in broadcasting, talking to owners, GMs – you learn a good deal. You learn what your role has to be and what you want it to be.

And what did you decide your role with the Power organization would be?

Some owners like Jerry Jones in Dallas want to be hands on on a weekly basis. They want that appearance – who knows what they are really doing behind closed doors. Al Davis was like that as well – intimately involved in every decision.

Continue reading “Lynn Swann, Owner Pittsburgh Power, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1974-1982”

Courtney Hawkins, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1997-2000

Courtney Hawkins:

First, can you let readers know about your job as a high school football coach and Athletic Director at your alma mater – how did you get started and what do you enjoy most about the position?

I moved back to Michigan and when I got here, my alma mater was struggling on the football field. They won eleven games over a ten year period. A lot of people there knew I was living nearby and they approached me about coaching. At first I was apprehensive, but then I applied and got the job.

About four or five weeks later, the athletic director got another job so I applied for that too and got it.

Continue reading “Courtney Hawkins, Steelers Wide Receiver, 1997-2000”