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New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:17 pm
by Vic
Hello everyone, and greetings from beautiful downtown Edinburgh!

Well, no, not really. I'm actually dipping my toes into international baseball competition from the paradise setting of Central Indiana. So, who am I to presume to take over a storied franchise such as the Claymores? My name is Vic Caleca, and I'm a retired newspaper editor/reporter (nearly 30 years with The Indianapolis Star, the metro daily in Indy). I'm a lifelong Cubs fan, which for most of my years has meant psychic agony and the need for occasional sedatives. Recently, of course, Theo Epstein and Joe Maddon have led us to the promised land. Lest we become too spoiled, though, the Cubbies unspooled last season for us, which is much closer to what I'm used to: raised hopes, late season tragedy, and broken dreams. It was like coming home …

A few personal details: I'm married, we have two grown children, and one dog. We live in a suburb of Indianapolis, and will for the foreseeable future. I do follow the Colts and Pacers, but with nowhere near the fanaticism of the Cubs. I grew up with Ernie Banks as my hero and, in college, was lucky enough to interview him for the school newspaper. He spent nearly two hours with me, talking in the stands at Wrigley, and then he took me out on the field. We went and stood on the pitcher's mound, where he told me the only pitcher who ever made him nervous was Bob Gibson, then walked around the outfield and I touched the ivy. It reaffirmed everything I ever thought of my boyhood hero: he was a great player and an even better human being.

As for OOTP, I've played the game off and on for more than a decade, but only in solo modes -- and never for as much as I would have liked, what with job and family responsibilities. Now, though, I have more time to devote to the hobby, and I'm really looking forward to taking over the Claymores. If you're wondering, I specifically was interested in this franchise because they appear nearly devoid of hope. I didn't want to take over a winning team and promptly trash them due to my relative inexperience and undeniable incompetence. The Claymores, bless 'em, have nowhere to go but up.

You've gotta love the burden of low expectations ...

So, hello again. I'm glad to be here. Try not to laugh too hard at my personnel and player moves and just remember, I'm an old guy: chalk it up to senility.

See you at the ballpark!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 1:41 pm
by Wind Dancers
Welcome Vic, glad to see someone take the helm for the Claymores! They are definitely primed for some new life in the league.

And don't worry, there are a few "Old Guys" hanging out here and there ;-D

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 2:11 pm
by Borealis
Wind Dancers wrote:And don't worry, there are a few "Old Guys" hanging out here and there ;-D
Hey - I resemble that remark!

Welcome Vic!! It’s great to have you aboard! We may be in opposing Leagues, but I look forward to seeing what you do with the Scottish!!

Please don’t be afraid to seek assistance here on the forums - it’s a helpful, friendly crowd!!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 2:21 pm
by Sandgnats
Welcome to the family Vic! Can't wait to see what you do with the Claymores. Sláinte!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 2:37 pm
by Reg
Welcome, Vic! Great to have you on board. Loving the Ernie Banks story. That must have been a heck of a thrill that day!

I agree that there is a certain bonus fun in rebuilding a team from the bottom. I should know, I've been doing the same for a little bit now !+)

See you at the ballpark soon!
In fact, we play each other early in the season on April 14,15,16. ;-D

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 9:36 pm
by Evas
Welcome aboard, Vic! You picked a great time to join up.

If you're ever looking to make a deal, Shin Seiki is always open for business.

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:15 pm
by Coqui
Welcome aboard, Vic. Your arrival brings an end to my stint as caretaker of the Claymores, a task I quite enjoyed. I think you'll find a flurry of free agent activity in the past few weeks of game time, all of which resulted in an increase in fan interest (all players signed had high popularity) and other than some modest buyouts, no commitments past this year. Good luck, and if you nee to make any deadline deals, hopefully a contending Canton might be in the market.

Good luck!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Thu Jan 03, 2019 10:24 pm
by Vic
Thanks, James. I did, indeed, notice the free agent signings - thanks for those. They’re among the few bright spots on the roster. I hope I can follow competently in your footsteps!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 2:50 am
by John
We're thrilled to have you, Vic! Welcome!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 1:21 pm
by Arroyos
Vic, it's great to have another old guy in this league—and an Edinburgh resident, no less! I was just in your lovely city for the Fringe Festival back in August. Saw some great plays, enjoyed afternoon tea at the Balmoral, hiked around the Bridges at the Firth, toured the "secret gardens," and finally payed to see the Tattoo. My first time in Edinburgh, back in 1976 when I was in an acting company, I couldn't afford the show. It was great to revisit the UK's grandest city.

Like you, I joined PEBA by taking over a losing club. Took me eight losing seasons (several of them record setters!) to get the Bulldozers into the playoffs. So if you want advice on the long slow process of building, let me know.

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:17 pm
by Vic
Thanks, Bob. My residence in Edinburgh is the height of virtual decadence, fueled by YouTube and Wikipedia. My current plan is to spend, well, zero percent of my actual time in Scotland (weather is too gloomy by half), and try running the team via Skype. What could go wrong?

As for the rebuild, after a careful look at the roster and the minor league talent pool, I think I’ve hit on a genius course of action: arson for hire.

I need to check on Scotland’s extradition policies first, though ...

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 3:48 pm
by Arroyos
Well, Vic, I'm not really in Oceanside either. As those who've been around the PEBAverse for long will confirm, I'm actually housed in a mental institution--Camarillo State Hospital--where dabbling in PEBA is sometimes considered therapy by the head nurse. I swap APBA cards with some of the other patients and, when the Dozers need a big trade, I know an orderly who helps me sneak out to the pay phone and a nurse who can smuggle in a cell phone. So life ain't bad here--though there's no virtue in it!

I suspect the view from my window--mountains and cactus--and the smell of ocean that occasionally wafts up the hillside to me is a bit more fascinating than the flat lands of Indiana. But like you, I long for the spectacular views of the castle and Princess Street in chummy Edinburgh!

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 4:12 pm
by Borealis
Bulldozers wrote:Well, Vic, I'm not really in Oceanside either. As those who've been around the PEBAverse for long will confirm, I'm actually housed in a mental institution--Camarillo State Hospital--where dabbling in PEBA is sometimes considered therapy by the head nurse.
and THIS, I can guarantee, will be exciting stuff to read!!!

Bob, surly you must need to archive it all... beginning to current state...

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 4:41 pm
by Arroyos
Borealis wrote:
Bulldozers wrote:Well, Vic, I'm not really in Oceanside either. As those who've been around the PEBAverse for long will confirm, I'm actually housed in a mental institution--Camarillo State Hospital--where dabbling in PEBA is sometimes considered therapy by the head nurse.
and THIS, I can guarantee, will be exciting stuff to read!!!

Bob, surly you must need to archive it all... beginning to current state...
Michael, I have it all and plans to publish it, whenever I finish it, as a sort of novel/short story collection.

As always, your enthusiasm is much appreciated. I retire in May and plan to return to the State Hospital stories before then.

Re: New Scottish GM

Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2019 5:18 pm
by Borealis
WHAAAAAATTTT... Another PEBA Book!?!?!?! How Awesome!!! And congrats on the retirement!

I can't wait for the return to the Hospital...