Question and Answer with Len Kasper! ANSWERS POSTED!

[Schwarber Fan]

http://bc.images.trb.com/media/graphic/2005-04/16841579.jpg

 

OK I recently PMed Len and he said he'd be happy to do a Q&A with us!!!!

 

So get the questions going and DJAXX and the mods will take care of the rest.

 

Edit by moderator: DJAXXFAN has made further contact with Len to confirm the session, and a deadline for submitting questions has been set. Questions for Len may be submitted until 11:59 P.M. Central time on Tuesday, Sept. 13.--NCCubbieFan

Edited September 10, 2005 by Rondon Fan

[MadDog]

HI LEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

its so awesome that u come to this site.

k so my question is...............

Who do you think will come and leave for the Cubs?

k thank you.

tell bob brenly i say hi

[Flames24Rulz]

Hey Len, I think you've done a terrific job in your first season as the PBP man for the Cubs. I have a few questions for you. First, who was your favorite big league team growing up? Also, I am interested in going into the field of broadcasting. Where did you go to college and do you have any recommendations for those like myself and others that would like to follow your lead and go into the field of broadcasting? Thanks and I hope for a good finish in the 05 season.

[Schwarber Fan]

Hey Len,

 

What do you think our chances our of getting the following guys this offseason??

 

Johnny Damon

Manny Ramirez

Rafael Furcal

Brian Giles

 

Thanx, Aramis Fan

Edited September 10, 2005 by Rondon Fan

[ZMovieman]

Hey Len! Just wanted to thank you for the integrity and knowledge that you bring to the games. My question is: is there any one game (with the Cubs or otherwise) that sticks out in your mind as "the most exciting game you've ever called"? From a Marquette student to a Marquette grad, best of luck to you.

[sandberg23]

Len - Thanks for doing the Q&A and for joining the site.

 

How did you get into broadcasting MLB games and what led you to wanting/applying for the Cubs position?

 

How do you/what do you do to prepare for games? And what do you and Bob do on days that you don't have to announce due to national coverage?

 

Thanks again!

[Outshined_One]

Howdy Len! Welcome to NSBB!!

 

So what was it like when you broadcasted your first game of the season for the Cubs? Were you really nervous, or did you just try to relax and let things come naturally?

 

Also, it seemed as if the Cubs had some interesting characters on the team this year, most notably Ryan Dempster. My question is, what appropriate and work safe stories could you share with the NSBB members here about some of the antics guys in the clubhouse got up to?

 

Thanks a bunch for taking our questions! As it has been mentioned, the announcers for the West Tenn Diamond Jaxx and the Peoria Chiefs (Ron Potesta and Nathan Baliva) frequent the minor league forum if you're looking for some more in-depth insight on what's going on with the Cubs' minor leaguers and some fun conversation.

[NCCubFan]

Thanks for joining NSBB and taking our questions. Getting participation from broadcasters and other personnel, including players, throughout the organization contributes to making this such a great site.

 

1. You're the first Cubs play-by-play television broadcaster not named Brickhouse or Caray in many decades. How does it feel to be following such a great legacy?

 

2. It sounds like Dusty is going to get a contract extension. What do you think the Cubs need to do in order to win a championship under his leadership?

 

3. Do you still visit the cubs.com forum after they thought you were an imposter and your thread was deleted? :D (You don't need to worry about anything like that happening here.)

[bobbyd20]

Len,

 

I can't figure out this strategy and am hoping maybe you can shed some light on it for me. Why is Dusty such a proponent of a balanced lineup (right-left-right-left) only when there is a right-handed pitcher on the mound? He continued to bat Burnitz between Lee and Ramirez in June and July even though both righties were on fire and teams pitched around Lee with runners on base and two out to face Burnitz. But, when a lefty is on the bump, Dusty doesn't also go right-left-right-left. Instead, he chooses to group his lefties together toward the bottom of the lineup. This doesn't make sense to me. Can you shed some light on Dusty's thinking for me?

 

Thanks.

[AFCubsFan]

I'm a radio/TV broadcaster in the Air Force and my goal is to call MLB games after my military career. I look forward to reading some of your answers for those looking to get into MLB broadcasting. I have some different types of questions about how you handle the job.

 

I think preparation is the key to any type of good broadcast. How much time do you spend and what do you do to prepare for a game?

 

What game situations are the most challenging for you as an announcer and how do you handle them?

 

What are some of the things you learned during your first season with the Cubs?

 

Who is your favorite Cubs player to interview and why?

 

What is the hardest MLB ballpark to call a game in? Why?

 

What is your favorite MLB ballpark? Do you have a favorite as a fan and a different favorite as an announcer?

 

What's your favorite city to visit? Why and/or what do you do there when you're not calling a game?

 

How do you cope with the hectic travel schedule? How do you spend your time on the road?

 

Thanks for visiting the site and answering some of our questions. Keep up the great work in the announce booth!

[RynoRules]

Hi, Len. Than you much for being part of our community and agreeing to answer our fan-boy/girl questions.

 

What its like sharing the booth w/ Bob Brenly? It seems like the two of you sort of felt each other out for a month or two, and now there's great chemistry. Would you agree?

 

Thanks for doing such a nice job in spite of disappointing season.

[MeatampPotatoesMan]

Hi Len! Thanks for doing this Q&A with us. :D

 

 

Do you think Nomar could/would make the transition to the OF from SS?

 

Is Ronny Cedeno a legitimate starter in the big leagues?

 

Are you and Bob going to do a game from the bleachers like Harry (in bleachers) and Stone (up in the booth) used to do?

 

Thanks again! Enjoy the rest of the season and many more to come in Chicago.

[Electron Blue]

Hey, Len, great to see you around here.

 

Two Questions:

 

* How do you and your partner approach calling a game, regarding players who are really struggling. Say a guy is hitting .220 all year and has looked pretty awful - do you find it hard to bring this up, do you worry about saying it "right" and not coming off as overly critical.

 

* Is broadcasting harder when the team is mathematically (or realistically) out of the playoff race?

 

Thanks,

 

BTW, what happened to Word of the Day? I've got one for you - quiescently

[JGalt73]

Len,

 

You had me hooked when you mentioned "Three True Outcomes" in the home opener against the Brewers - just wondering what baseball web sites you routinely read.

 

Thanks for the chat!

[Balsa]

Hey Len, thanks for taking the time to answer these questions.

 

You've been participant to a truly up and down season, yet you have to remain optimistic on the television the whole time. Is this ever difficult? I imagine it would be for me. What do you do to cope?

[rocket]

lounge love to da len

 

So, is it at all possible for us to hear some tracks from your band, The Knowledge? Any CDs or MP3s available?!

[erik316wttn]

Who were your favorite players growing up?

 

Also, when the Cubs play in Milwaukee, do you ever stop by and see your buddies at WTMJ? Do they ever kid you about going to "the enemy?"

[Omar]

Hey Len. Thanks for taking your time to answer our questions.

 

How is your relationship with the Cubs players? Management?

[CoolHandLuke]

Len, Thanks for answering our questions! I hope you stay with the Cubs for a long time!

 

One quick question. Are you a Packers fan? I am a huge Packers and Cubs fan and people usually find it very odd.

[Balsa]

Another question Len:

 

Why do they always show (on TV) Ron Santo in the booth, but never Pat Hughes? Is he camera-shy or is it something more sinister?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Thanks for stopping by, Len.

 

1. How about a football question: Who's your pick to win the Superbowl?

 

2. Secondly, what are your thoughts on Adam Dunn?

 

3. Did you play sports in high school? At one point did you decide to be a broadcaster?

[imb]

2. Secondly, what are your thoughts on Adam Dunn?

 

 

He likes him A LOT. He already said that in the other chat, dude.

 

Len, good to see you again, have you followed the Marlins much this year at all? Who is your pick for NL Cy Young, Clemens, Carp or Willis?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

2. Secondly, what are your thoughts on Adam Dunn?

 

 

He likes him A LOT. He already said that in the other chat, dude.

 

Len, good to see you again, have you followed the Marlins much this year at all? Who is your pick for NL Cy Young, Clemens, Carp or Willis?

 

I know. Just trying to get the info out to the good people here. ;)

[rocket]

Len also had kind words for Mercker.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Len,

 

How about an off the wall question. What's your favorite sandwich? Have you ever had a bacon turkey bravo? They're delicious!