09-25-2019, 07:33 PM
(This post was last modified: 09-26-2019, 09:53 AM by Fordhammer.)
Please pay this out 483 words to @IsaStarcrossed and words to 1220 words to @TomHanks
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is Bjørn Ironside reporting in from the S18 Sports Center. We've got some big DSFL and NSFL news coming your way today. After the announcement of Scorp stepping down in Tijuana, his former general manager has done the same. Jimmy Dugan (TomHanks) has officially stepped down in Tijuana as he was offered the job of coGM for the New Orleans Second Line. This shakes up leadership at both levels and when we contacted Jimmy for an interview, he was more than willing to share."
Ironside: "You've been a long tenured general manager of the Tijuana Luchadores. You just announced that you are stepping down to take a job at the next level in New Orleans. How did you come to this decision?"
TomHanks: "This was always a move we’ve discussed, my close history with Forrest in Tijuana meant I always wanted to manage in New Orleans when I moved up leagues. Also, the scene on Bourbon Street is also a massive bonus. I took on the head coaching job here in addition to managing Tijuana this season which pretty much solidified that the move was going to happen at some point. What was unexpected, however, was when the call came in. I’ve been loving every minute of my time in Tijuana, and I still say the DSFL is the best league, so I really wanted to stay as long as I could. With Charles O’Potamus stepping down though and a potential replacement plan for myself in place, the timing was too perfect to pass up. It wasn’t an easy decision by any means, originally I was hoping to move up when the last of my S18 class got called up and move up with them. Even though that’s obviously not what’s happening, I couldn’t have asked for a better final draft class and I can’t wait to have a chance to look at some of them again in NOLA."
Ironside: "You obviously weren't expecting to make this move so soon, but circumstances have demanded it. Do you feel you're prepared for the transition?"
TomHanks: "Like I said this is something that’s been in the back of my mind for a while now. I feel like the work I did as a head coach for this team while I was also GMing the Luchadores has more than prepared me for the extra workload that comes with moving from the DSFL to the NSFL. Obviously, the leagues aren’t the same, but I firmly believe they start with the same core base, the locker room. Even if your players are good, a team can completely collapse without a good locker room. The thing I’m proudest of in Tijuana is our chemistry and the positive culture. While it’s already great in NOLA, I know we’ll be able to keep that going with the upcoming draft and make it even better."
Ironside: "With your departure from the team, you are leaving the team a bit thin at the top. You have already made your decision on your heir to the team. Obviously you aren't giving a name now, but how much do you trust him to lead Tijuana in the right direction?"
TomHanks: “Oh no chance in hell I would’ve left Tijuana unless I had complete faith in the new regime, I love this team too much. Not only have we picked a replacement for myself, but Scorp’s replacement has been chosen as well. Us departing simultaneously isn’t ideal timing, but we’re really excited about the young guys coming in to take over. We’re old by DSFL standards, so it’s our time to move on. I fully expect Tijuana to continue their winning ways with the new management team.”
Ironside: "You've achieved a lot with this team and tonight you lead them for one more chance at an Ultimini. How important will it be for you to step out on top with a last championship?"
TomHanks: “In my 3 seasons managing Tijuana we’ve always found a way to win. I know that sounds arrogant as shit but ol’ Jimmy didn’t get into the baseball hall of fame to be modest. Having an absolute godsend of a roster my first season certainly helped shaking any growing pains which made the start of my career a hell of a lot easier, though. But really, I owe it all to my players at the end of the day. They knew I’d give 110% day in and day out and they did the same for me. Winning last season was such a joy and obviously we’re doing absolutely everything we can to get the repeat, but I couldn’t be prouder of this team win or lose. It really would feel better to go out on a win though wouldn’t it?”
Ironside: "You are stepping into NOLA at a pivotal time. Obviously off-season action is starting almost immediately upon your entrance. You are obviously familiar with the team, so which is your focus right now? Free agency or the draft?"
TomHanks: “With a draft class as large and as rich as this one, I don’t see how it couldn’t be the immediate focus. The process is beginning incredibly soon, so I’ve been throwing all of my attention into that as things are. Thanks to my familiarity with this class, it’s a much easier scouting process. Most of the people I already know well enough that I don’t really have to meet with them one on one to determine whether or not they’d fit with the locker room. We’re still happy to talk to prospects, and will be getting in contact with a number of you soon, but feel free to reach out to me or Juosu. With how many picks we have, we’re in a position to finish the rebuild this season and start competing as of next season. That also means I can’t totally ignore free agency since pulling in a star would put us in an even better position, but I’ll be pouring all my effort into that once the draft is finished.”
Ironside: "You guys are pretty loaded as you head into this draft. Do you think there are any plans for potential draft day trades or are you comfortable with the picks you have?"
TomHanks: “We’re always open to discussions, it would be stupid to completely ignore offers. We do feel good about our draft capital as things are and are confident in out ability to land some stars with the picks we have. Nevertheless, if the right offer comes in, anything is possible. Wayne Gretzky got traded after all. It would, however, take an awful lot for us to move away if our guy is on the board at our pick.”
Ironside: "You have more than proven your abilities as a GM in the DSFL. How much of that do you think translates to NSFL success?"
TomHanks: “Well I’d turn to one of the guys who mentored me in my first season in Tijuana as an example there, Epictitus Milburn. He had an incredibly successful career in Tijuana and proved he was able to carry that over without missing a step in Baltimore, including competing for an Ultimus tonight in his final game as manager of the Hawks. I hope I can carry on that legacy and have my success translate the way his did. Another guy who mentored me in my first season is Gideon Graves who is now the GM of one of the best teams in the league in the Wraiths. Having learned what I know from two guys succeeding in the big leagues as much as they are, I feel really positive about what I can bring to the table.”
Ironside: "What are your current goals for NOLA as a team going forward into the next season?"
TomHanks: “I said it earlier, we’re ready to compete starting this season. We have a very young roster, and with only 2 big holes on the team and the draft capital we have, we are sure we can fill those comfortably. First off is making the playoffs. We were 2 wins off the playoffs this season, and we lost 2 games in overtime. Even still, we ended up with the first overall pick, so sometimes losing by just a little doesn’t suck so much. But as a tangible goal, I’m hoping to host a playoff game in NOLA next season. We have some very stiff competition in the ASFC, but it’s been too long since we had a party because of a football game in New Orleans. I want to be able to have a massive tailgate across the whole damn city for a week leading up to it. And we can only do that if our game is at home.”
Ironside: "Finally, what would you like to say to the Tijuana guys that you are now leaving behind? And what would you like to say to the guys in New Orleans that you're now expected to lead?"
TomHanks: “To my boys in Tijuana, you made every single minute a joy. Seeing you guys get hyped up when I’m giving game ball speeches, the game day atmosphere in the locker room, celebrating wins, talking about the loss and how much we’re going to get them next time, I loved all of it. This is the best damn locker room in the league and I will come to your home and fight you if you don’t believe me. I’m sticking around in the locker room and the war room so I’m not totally gone, but you are in good hands. To everyone in New Orleans, can I get a fuckin’ DOOT DOOT let’s win a goddamn Ultimus.”
"Everyone knows who Jimmy Dugan is. He is Tijuana royalty. He has led one of the most successful DSFL franchises for a long time and now he is primed to move up to the next level. It will be interesting to see if his success converts over to the NSFL and if he can continue to enhance his legacy. We're going to keep trying to bring you all the news as it comes in this off-season, so until next time this is Ironside signing off."
"Hello ladies and gentlemen, this is Bjørn Ironside reporting in from the S18 Sports Center. We've got some big DSFL and NSFL news coming your way today. After the announcement of Scorp stepping down in Tijuana, his former general manager has done the same. Jimmy Dugan (TomHanks) has officially stepped down in Tijuana as he was offered the job of coGM for the New Orleans Second Line. This shakes up leadership at both levels and when we contacted Jimmy for an interview, he was more than willing to share."
Ironside: "You've been a long tenured general manager of the Tijuana Luchadores. You just announced that you are stepping down to take a job at the next level in New Orleans. How did you come to this decision?"
TomHanks: "This was always a move we’ve discussed, my close history with Forrest in Tijuana meant I always wanted to manage in New Orleans when I moved up leagues. Also, the scene on Bourbon Street is also a massive bonus. I took on the head coaching job here in addition to managing Tijuana this season which pretty much solidified that the move was going to happen at some point. What was unexpected, however, was when the call came in. I’ve been loving every minute of my time in Tijuana, and I still say the DSFL is the best league, so I really wanted to stay as long as I could. With Charles O’Potamus stepping down though and a potential replacement plan for myself in place, the timing was too perfect to pass up. It wasn’t an easy decision by any means, originally I was hoping to move up when the last of my S18 class got called up and move up with them. Even though that’s obviously not what’s happening, I couldn’t have asked for a better final draft class and I can’t wait to have a chance to look at some of them again in NOLA."
Ironside: "You obviously weren't expecting to make this move so soon, but circumstances have demanded it. Do you feel you're prepared for the transition?"
TomHanks: "Like I said this is something that’s been in the back of my mind for a while now. I feel like the work I did as a head coach for this team while I was also GMing the Luchadores has more than prepared me for the extra workload that comes with moving from the DSFL to the NSFL. Obviously, the leagues aren’t the same, but I firmly believe they start with the same core base, the locker room. Even if your players are good, a team can completely collapse without a good locker room. The thing I’m proudest of in Tijuana is our chemistry and the positive culture. While it’s already great in NOLA, I know we’ll be able to keep that going with the upcoming draft and make it even better."
Ironside: "With your departure from the team, you are leaving the team a bit thin at the top. You have already made your decision on your heir to the team. Obviously you aren't giving a name now, but how much do you trust him to lead Tijuana in the right direction?"
TomHanks: “Oh no chance in hell I would’ve left Tijuana unless I had complete faith in the new regime, I love this team too much. Not only have we picked a replacement for myself, but Scorp’s replacement has been chosen as well. Us departing simultaneously isn’t ideal timing, but we’re really excited about the young guys coming in to take over. We’re old by DSFL standards, so it’s our time to move on. I fully expect Tijuana to continue their winning ways with the new management team.”
Ironside: "You've achieved a lot with this team and tonight you lead them for one more chance at an Ultimini. How important will it be for you to step out on top with a last championship?"
TomHanks: “In my 3 seasons managing Tijuana we’ve always found a way to win. I know that sounds arrogant as shit but ol’ Jimmy didn’t get into the baseball hall of fame to be modest. Having an absolute godsend of a roster my first season certainly helped shaking any growing pains which made the start of my career a hell of a lot easier, though. But really, I owe it all to my players at the end of the day. They knew I’d give 110% day in and day out and they did the same for me. Winning last season was such a joy and obviously we’re doing absolutely everything we can to get the repeat, but I couldn’t be prouder of this team win or lose. It really would feel better to go out on a win though wouldn’t it?”
Ironside: "You are stepping into NOLA at a pivotal time. Obviously off-season action is starting almost immediately upon your entrance. You are obviously familiar with the team, so which is your focus right now? Free agency or the draft?"
TomHanks: “With a draft class as large and as rich as this one, I don’t see how it couldn’t be the immediate focus. The process is beginning incredibly soon, so I’ve been throwing all of my attention into that as things are. Thanks to my familiarity with this class, it’s a much easier scouting process. Most of the people I already know well enough that I don’t really have to meet with them one on one to determine whether or not they’d fit with the locker room. We’re still happy to talk to prospects, and will be getting in contact with a number of you soon, but feel free to reach out to me or Juosu. With how many picks we have, we’re in a position to finish the rebuild this season and start competing as of next season. That also means I can’t totally ignore free agency since pulling in a star would put us in an even better position, but I’ll be pouring all my effort into that once the draft is finished.”
Ironside: "You guys are pretty loaded as you head into this draft. Do you think there are any plans for potential draft day trades or are you comfortable with the picks you have?"
TomHanks: “We’re always open to discussions, it would be stupid to completely ignore offers. We do feel good about our draft capital as things are and are confident in out ability to land some stars with the picks we have. Nevertheless, if the right offer comes in, anything is possible. Wayne Gretzky got traded after all. It would, however, take an awful lot for us to move away if our guy is on the board at our pick.”
Ironside: "You have more than proven your abilities as a GM in the DSFL. How much of that do you think translates to NSFL success?"
TomHanks: “Well I’d turn to one of the guys who mentored me in my first season in Tijuana as an example there, Epictitus Milburn. He had an incredibly successful career in Tijuana and proved he was able to carry that over without missing a step in Baltimore, including competing for an Ultimus tonight in his final game as manager of the Hawks. I hope I can carry on that legacy and have my success translate the way his did. Another guy who mentored me in my first season is Gideon Graves who is now the GM of one of the best teams in the league in the Wraiths. Having learned what I know from two guys succeeding in the big leagues as much as they are, I feel really positive about what I can bring to the table.”
Ironside: "What are your current goals for NOLA as a team going forward into the next season?"
TomHanks: “I said it earlier, we’re ready to compete starting this season. We have a very young roster, and with only 2 big holes on the team and the draft capital we have, we are sure we can fill those comfortably. First off is making the playoffs. We were 2 wins off the playoffs this season, and we lost 2 games in overtime. Even still, we ended up with the first overall pick, so sometimes losing by just a little doesn’t suck so much. But as a tangible goal, I’m hoping to host a playoff game in NOLA next season. We have some very stiff competition in the ASFC, but it’s been too long since we had a party because of a football game in New Orleans. I want to be able to have a massive tailgate across the whole damn city for a week leading up to it. And we can only do that if our game is at home.”
Ironside: "Finally, what would you like to say to the Tijuana guys that you are now leaving behind? And what would you like to say to the guys in New Orleans that you're now expected to lead?"
TomHanks: “To my boys in Tijuana, you made every single minute a joy. Seeing you guys get hyped up when I’m giving game ball speeches, the game day atmosphere in the locker room, celebrating wins, talking about the loss and how much we’re going to get them next time, I loved all of it. This is the best damn locker room in the league and I will come to your home and fight you if you don’t believe me. I’m sticking around in the locker room and the war room so I’m not totally gone, but you are in good hands. To everyone in New Orleans, can I get a fuckin’ DOOT DOOT let’s win a goddamn Ultimus.”
"Everyone knows who Jimmy Dugan is. He is Tijuana royalty. He has led one of the most successful DSFL franchises for a long time and now he is primed to move up to the next level. It will be interesting to see if his success converts over to the NSFL and if he can continue to enhance his legacy. We're going to keep trying to bring you all the news as it comes in this off-season, so until next time this is Ironside signing off."
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