I was born in the Berkshires in western Massachusetts and raised in upstate New York. Next I lived in North Carolina where I earned a BS from Greensboro College. I then moved to New Orleans where I attended Tulane University and began a career in accounting. A career opportunity triggered a move to New England where I lived throughout the '70s. During that time I completed earning an MBA with high distinction from Babson College in Massachusetts. Another career opportunity took me to Arizona where I lived nearly 30 years, mostly in Tempe and Scottsdale. While there I transitioned from working in the high-tech environment to teaching accounting & business at the university level. In 2011, my wife and I moved to Portland, Oregon and in 2015 I retired.
I have played table baseball since I was 12 years old - APBA, Strat-O-Matic, Replay, Diamond Mind. Later, I found fantasy baseball leagues - offline and online - unsatisfactory so I joined an online league based on the Dynasty simulation platform. For several years, I served as the commissioner of my primary league. But the simulation was too predictable. I wanted to dig deeper. A search for alternatives led me to OOTP. I have been playing OOTP, which I consider to be the ultimate simulation experience, since 2014.
While in college at Greensboro College, I played varsity basketball on the first athletic team in the college's history. In our second year, we won the conference championship. My 1.5 (yes, 1 1/2) points per game, rebounds, blocked shots, and personal fouls undoubtedly were a key factor in our success.
Years later our team was honored when we were named to the GC hall of fame. In the five years prior to the pandemic, I paddled as a member of a dragon boat paddling club for paddlers who are at least 50 years old. Our teams - women, mixed, and men - compete in about six race events per year. We often surprise paddlers and spectators with our speed, sometimes even beating teams with paddlers who are much younger. In 2020 I served as the commodore of the club.
In 2005 I met and married my wife, Susan, the love of my life. Susan's daughter Katy, who was 14 at the time, is now married. Katy and son-in-law Tony have two delightful children who are growing way too fast. The grandchildren have been a wonderful addition to our lives.
My ancestors in America, on both sides of my family, date back to the 1650s with deep roots in New England. Despite spending most of my youth in upstate New York, I became a fan of each of the Boston teams - Red Sox, Bruins, Celtics, and Patriots.
I have only visited Minnesota once, but I have Ackley family relatives from Minnesota. My father and uncle were born in western Minnesota. I just scanned the history of Duluth. Very interesting. My front office team and I plan to build upon the history of PEBA baseball in Duluth.
Also, one of my brothers who pitched for the Kansas Jayhawks and has lived in London, England since 1989 played for the London Warriors with many expats and Englishmen. For nearly 20 years. many of us (he included me and another brother) attended Warriors Weekends each year. Each was in a different city and included baseball (a weekend series), much beer, and reunions for buddies many of whom had returned to the states.
I continue to GM a team in one other league. I am excited to be joining what appears to be another premier league in the OOTP universe. I look forward to getting to know each of you and to strengthening the Warriors organization.
Go Warriors!
