Jeff Fleischman - Commissioner Jeff Wadkowski - League Statistical Coordinator Ralph Polumbo Larry Steinberg Mike Lefkow

JIM PHELPS - (SEATTLE PILOTS) League Member since 1984

You have to characterize the Seattle Pilots management team as 'slow learners'. It took them 18 seasons to win a Division title and 25 years to secure their first World Series Championship. The Pilots are managed by Jim Phelps, a cautious trader and hopelessly optimistic drafter. Jim began his Strat-O career in the spring of 1969, the year his beloved team (the real, but short-lived, Seattle Pilots) joined the American League.

 

Your Name- Jim Phelps, Seattle Pilots

Age - 55

Marital Status:- Married

Children: 2 sons, ages 30 and 27; Matthew's married; Andrew's in the Army

Residence: Chelan, WA

Occupation: Sr. Project Manager for Concur Technologies Corp. I implement web-based corporate expense management software.

Favorite Teams: 1969 Seattle Pilots, Seattle Mariners, Seattle Seahawks, Boston Red Sox,

Favorite Player: All time: Mickey Mantle; present day - Grady Sizemore

Teams I hate: Can't work up a lot of hatred for any team but I guess if you forced me to choose I'd pick the obvious: New York Yankees

Hobbies: Golf, Gardening, Strat

Strat Background: Began playing Strat in 1969 with the 1968 Expansion set. Played in a couple of PBM leagues in the early 70's. Didn't pick it back up again until '85 when I joined GUSSOMO.

 

MIKE LEFKOW - (CONCORD GRAPE) League Member since 1980 (Board Member)

 

It's hard to believe that I'm back for my 27th season. The years have passed quickly. the history of the Grape has been pretty successful. I've had only one losing season and missed the playoffs three times. I've been to the championship series four times, with victories over North Bay and Mexicali., and losses to Georgia and whatever Ralph is calling his team this year. Polumbo moves his franchise more than Al Davis! As for my bio, I am now 50, still not married, still unloved, still wondering why the Giants couldn't get eight friggin' outs to win the World Series for the first time in my baseball memory. I have been an assistant sports editor for four years (being the lead writer and covering the San Francisco Giants and the Oakland A's for C.C. Times).... and I do miss covering and being at Spring Training....though I did cover the World Series and had the privilege of being doused with champagne in the Angels locker room after the seventh game (thank you Tim Salmon). This one very buxom lass from one of the networks told me how good I looked drenched in champagne. About two seconds later, Brad Fullmer (I think) soaked her but good. And she looked very good. But I could tell from the look in her eye that if I said anything, she was going to kill me. So I just smiled sweetly and went on my way. I've played Strat-O since college, but did not join a league until I had been out of school for about six years, when I hooked up with G.U.S.S.O.M.O.

 

Name - Mike Lefkow

GUSSOMO Team - Concord Grape

Age - 54

Marital Status:- single

Children: - none

Residence - Walnut Creek, CA

Occupation - Deputy Sports Editor, Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, Ca. Before that I spent 18 years as a beat reporter covering Stanford

(4 years), Cal (1 year), Giants (6 years), A's (7 years).

Favorite Teams - Seattle Seahawks, Seattle Sonics, Univ. of Washington Huskies. Spent too many years covering baseball to care one way or the other who wins and loses.

Favorite Player - Willie Mays. Kevin Mitchell was my favorite player to cover.

Teams I hate - None, though I do think Red Sox fans are the most obnoxious I've ever been around

Hobbies - Strat, Music

Strat Background - Started playing in 1975. Belong to two leagues.

 

JEFF FLEISCHMAN - (PINEY CREEK PALOOKAS) League Member since 1971 - Charter Member and League Commissioner

"Watch me paste 'dis pathetic palooka with a powerful,
paralyzing, perfect, pachydermous, percussion pitch."

previously....

MILE HIGH MAGGOTS

 

AURORA BOREALIS

 

SAN JOSE REPLACEMENTS

 

SAN JOSE SULTANS

 

Name - Jeff Fleischman

GUSSOMO Team - Piney Creek Palookas

Age - 54

Marital Status:- married to Robyn, 14 years

Children: - 3 (Joel, 29, Richard, 25 and Sydney, 13)

Residence - Centennial, CO

Occupation - Western Regional Sales Manager for Distributor of Consumer-related products sold to Travel Centers, Truck Stops and Convenience Stores

Favorite Teams - Los Angeles Dodgers (although born in Philadelphia, I moved to the L.A. area when I was 7 years old. The Dodgers were the team I grew up with). I also like the Lakers (despite Kobe), watch out for the the Rockies (easy to like... can I like two teams in the same division? .... and what about those Broncos!! (used to have season tickets). I'm getting excited again! Just beat those Cowboys.... yeee ha!! The Av's are OK... and Hockey is OK, but it's so darn hard to associate with the players (can't pronounce 1/2 of the guys names!), USC (even though I went to UCLA... what a traitor, I know). And, yes... I do follow Temple University. Basketball was great when I went there.... and now they actually are going to a BOWL GAME in football. Pinch me!

Favorite Players - Sandy Koufax, Wes Parker, Steve Garvey, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Happy Harriston. Uh, the ones I can't stand.... O.J. Simpson, Barry Bonds.

Teams I hate - San Francisco Giants (this "hate" developed from when I lived in So. Cal. Everyone hated the Giants. It really was a great rivalry back then... more so than now. Ahh.... how I remember the Koufax, Roseboro and Marichal fracas... as well as other events with Bobby Bonds, Bill Buckner.... The Drysdale games..... and on and on and on!).

Hobbies - Strat, Sports Officiating (Baseball Umpire and Basketball Referee) Youth, High School and College level.

Strat Background - Started playing in 1969 or 1970 (seems so long ago, I can't remember!)

 

 

LARRY D. STEINBERG - (CHICAGO MOB) League Member since 1971 and Charter Member (Board Member)

 "Who's really steering the ship.. I mean train... for the Mob?

Why it's FRED TURTLE... of course!

Chicago Mob: Manager -- Fred Turtle

 

Took over the managerial duties in 2002. I am a North American Red Eared Turtle. I was adopted by the kindly Steinberg family eleven years ago after a series of bad experiences in several foster homes. Because of that, my birth records have disappeared. I estimate my age to be in the early 20's. I love baseball, of course, mealworms, crickets and my sun lamp. My interests are television, watching people play video games, reading nature journals, digging in gravel and swimming.

I have a more aggressive managerial style than the former manager. My players better perform and give 100% all the time or it's aquarium cleaning duty, no exceptions. I welcome the opportunity to manage and expect to make the playoffs every year from now on. Some may find it odd to have a reptile for a manager, but hey, Terry Bevington and Frank Luchessi were managers, so why not me?

I thank you for your attention.

Fred Turtle

Chicgo Mob General Manager -- Larry Steinberg

A charter member of GUSSOMO, I left in 1977 but gladly returned in 1980. I was born 12/28/53; you do the math. I have been married for over 21 years. My wife, Elaine, has tolerated my Strat sickness fairly well and has even accompanied me, along with my 2 boys Sam (20) and Evan (15) to GUSSOMO get togethers in such exotic places as Kansas City, Cincinnati, Milwaukee, Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

I am a Certified Medical Technologist, specializing in immunohematology and work in the transfusion service of a mid-sized hospital on Chicago's north side. It's not as boring as it sounds. I have been a White Sox fan from birth, despite living in Cub Nation all my life. After over 40 years of incurable fandom, the boys came through and won a World Series. It is a nice feeling that perhaps all of you can enjoy some time (but not THIS year, 2006). Moved to Algonquin IL, about 35 miles NW of Chicago, in 2005 for affordability and better parking.

I handed over the reins of management to Fred Turtle and do not regret the decision. He's had some health problems recently but got the green light to manage in 2005. I consider many managers in GUSSOMO to be good friends. That is the most important thing of all.

Boring personal stuff: My five favorite movies of all time in alphabetical order 1. Dr. Strangelove 2. The Hustler 3. The Man Who Would Be King 4. North by Northwest 5. 2001

My favorite books: Watership Down by Richard Adams; The Hyperion series by Dan Simmons (particularly The Scholars Tale in book one); The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy series by the late Douglas Adams.

Favorite current TV shows: Arrested Development was cancelled, so it's "24" and the new "Dr. Who".

 

DAVID KUKAFKA - (FORT COLLINS FORCE) - League Member since 2000

My introduction to strat was in the mid 70's, when as a teen I played in the Strat-O-Matic league of Long Island. We played three 162 game seasons face to face a year. I started before I could drive and remember my parents driving me to a HoJo's every Thursday night to play with "old men" (now I guess I qualify, although I don't feel old!!)

I stopped playing in college as life took me on a road that included medical school, residency, fellowship and a few years practicing on the Navajo reservation in Arizona. I am now married and have 5 children (3 of my own and 2 of my wonderful wife's age 9-6). I am 46 and have been in Fort Collins practicing medicine and enjoying the outdoors for 12 years now.

Been in strat with gussomo for 10yrs and still can't wait to get my hands on the cards mid February every year.

Name - David Kukafka

GUSSOMO Team - Fort Collins Force

Age - 46

Marital Status - Married to Avi

Children - 5 (Danya 15, Laurel 12, Talia 10, Joshua 9, Zachary 8)

Residence - Fort Collins, Colorado

Occupation - Doctor

Favorite Teams - Mets, Rockies, Anyone playing the Yankees

Favorite Player - Tom Seaver

Teams I hate - Yankees

Hobbies - Strat, soccer,guitar

Strat Background - started in grade school, Member strat club of Long Island in the late 70’s. Re-connected in the late 90’s and playing ever since.

 

KEVIN MARTIN - (RICHMOND BANSHEES) - League Member since 1990

I'm starting my 20th season with G.U.S.S.O.M.O. as the General Manager of the Banshees and have reached the playoffs five of the eight previous seasons in the league. The team has one division title (ex-defunct Mid-Western), but has recently fallen on hard times. The team made a conscious effort last season to move to a younger lineup and build a solid nucleus (trades and drafting) - the verdict is still out on how I've done to this point.

My hobbies are talking baseball (MLB or prospects) with anyone who will listen, fresh water fishing and NASCAR. I bought a bass boat and my friends and family are surprised I have yet to rig it with satellite television in order to catch the games or the races while in the water.

I'm recently married (October '97) and my wife is still learning the nuances of baseball "Strat" ... but there still is hope! My wife refuses to try and understand the NASCAR thing, but I think different hobbies are healthy for a long-term relationship (or at least I keep telling myself that!).

I received my undergraduate degree in History and my Masters in Business Management from Virginia Tech (Go Hokies!)... the new beast in the Big East... sorry John P., but McNabb is gone as are the Orangemen). I currently work in Human Resources. I'm not warm and fuzzy - just straight to the point. The compensation part means I write executive bonus plans, short-term incentive plans and determine what people should be paid. Sounds like a powerful position, but after I have written the plans for the given year, I do other project oriented things to keep me out of trouble. The company allows me to do a lot of things that interest me that most company's wouldn't (time off/transportation and tickets for NASCAR racing events, enterance in national bass fishing tournaments, as well as international travel). That's about it other than if you trace my transaction history you will realize that there is no one on my team that is considered "untouchable."

 

 RALPH POLUMBO - (ALBANY INTERNATIONALS) - League Member since 1977 , Board Member

Ralph is the father of two league member (John and Will) which gives him extra incentives to "stay on top." Current record holder of the "Al Davis" record for most franchise location changes... 6. Also among league leaders annually in traded players

Major life goals include:

" Stick around long enough to play against grand-son Jackson and grand-daughter Madeline.

" 10 GUSSOMO Championships (may have to resort to the 'Ted Williams' treatment to achieve that one!).

" Visit all ML ballparks with wife and fellow baseball fan, Alice.

Was introduced to Strat-o-Matic in graduate school (1974) by former manager and good guy, Dave Hendricks. Still have the logs of old-timer replays with wife Alice who went above and beyond to satisfy a pent-up fascination with the game until I discovered PBM. Have enjoyed growing old and older with many of the current managers. The newer and younger guys probably wouldn't believe that this aging bunch actually came together one year at a Detroit get together to beat a local softball team on its home turf!

Always try to keep one 'bad boy' on the team for 'attitude'. Milton Bradley is the latest to fill that role, and he's doing a fantastic job!

 

Ralph also holds the record for the best W-L record ever in G.U.S.S.O.M.O. by guiding his team to a 127 - 35 record last season (1998). "Guiding his team" is a pretty accurate statement given the pitching staff Ralph orchestrated. Let's see, with Roger Clemens, Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez and David Cone, Ralph had to use every ounce of his superior managing skills (sic) to gain the strategic "edge" over his opponents.

Ralph is partially responsible for the West Virginia rule, winning a G.U.S.S.O.M.O. title thru John Henry Johnson's six playoff saves.

G.M. preference is to blend old-timers and futures around left-handed power and then trade useful future hall of famers to the Commisioner until he can reach the playoffs one damn time!

Drafted Paul Molitor as my first "future" pick in 1979, and intend to stay in the league until I draft his son.

Other vital stats: Bat RH, slo-pitch softball equivalent of aged Cal Ripken at SS, proclivity for loud Hawaiian shirts, and can whine with the best during Face to Face Strat

 

Your Name- Ralph Polumbo

GUSSOMO Team - Albany Internationals (for now)

Age - : 12/31/51

Marital Status:-very married

Children: - 2 John and Will

Residence - Schenectady, New York (for now)

Occupation - Head of HR for Albany International Corp (for now)

Favorite Teams - Minnesota Twins, Philly Eagles, Penn State

Favorite Player - Clete Boyer, Mickey Mantle, Omar Vizquel, Wade Boggs

Teams I hate - None really, although Red Sox fans test my resolve

Hobbies - Strato (duh); squash (for now); bothering my wife

Strat Background - Introduced to game by Dave Hendricks in 1975. Played at home with Alice until discovering Gussomo in 1979. Gave up trying to find a better game in the '90's (although the boys and I enjoyed Microleague baseball for a time!)

DAVE "PEACH" TAYLOR - (GEORGIA CRACKERS) - League Member Since 1980

They call me "The Peach" after the man from my home state of Georgia, Ty Cobb... and me and my team, the Crackers have been around this league since 1980 when I took over a team in mid season. That was a long time ago and if ya don't think so, my first draft pick was Joe Charboneau. You may not remember Joe... and in fact, you may not have been born when Joe played for the lowly Cleveland Indians. Also, there are former Cracker players who are now major league managers.

For the personal stuff, I'm was a County tax appraiser, now retired and fishing with Kevin Martin. I am married to a high school physics teacher (a Presidential award winning teacher) and we have a fine young son who is a sophomore at Georgia State University majoring in computer science. I'm a graduate of the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!!) and a Braves fan since they won the World Series in 1957 (Mathews, Aaron, Spahn and Burdette... and a good trivia question is who played 2nd base?). I won't get any more personal than that.

In closing, there have been so many great players who have played for my Crackers over the years... some who have never played for another G.U.S.S.O.M.O. team and I wish I could name them all. Recently I had to waive a Cracker player who retired from the big leagues and he was one of my all time favorites... so if ya would please take a bow...(nope, not Joe Charboneau)... but rather, Brett Butler. His number is now retired and can be seen on the Centerfield wall in Crackerland Park. Thanks for all the memories. Time to go.... so.... PLAY BALL!!!!!!!!!!

 

Name - William D. Taylor (The "Peach')

GUSSOMO Team - Georgia Crackers

Age - Sixty "Damn" One++

Marital Status:- Yes (Gidge)

Children - One adult son

Residence - Own just one (Albany, Georgia)

Occupation - Unemployed (actually, retired)

Favorite Teams - Georgia Bulldogs and Atlanta Braves

Favorite Player - John Smoltz

Teams I hate - Friggin; Giants and damn Yankees

Hobbies - Fishing

Strat Background - Started in 1980

 

JOHN POLUMBO - (MISSISSIPPI BIG ORANGE) - League Member since 1994

 

Hi everyone! I'm 21 years old and graduated from Syracuse University where I majored in Broadcast Journalism. One day I hope to follow in the footsteps of the school's famous alumni such as Bob Costas, Marv Albert (only his footsteps... not underwear), Dick Stockton (good looking wife) and Sean McDonough (is he the real Lucky Charm leprechaun). Hey... we all can dream!

 

My G.U.S.S.O.M.O. story begins 8 years ago when Jeff asked me to take over a struggling franchise and become the first "second generation" owner in league history. You see, my father has been a league member for 20 years and is arguably the most successful owner in league history. When I took the franchise, it had been through three owners in two years and was the worst collection of washed-up veterans, no-name back-ups, and never-will-be rookies that I had ever seen. The year before I assumed ownership, the team had an outstanding 42-118 record! Only two players remain from that glorious franchise (Pat Meares and Chili Davis). Since then, the team has been between 50 and 80 wins per season and won a franchise best 78 games in 1997. I don't pretend to be the Pat Gillick of league GM's and my family loves to tease me about how much I turn over my roster,... but beware.... the Big Orange will rise eventually.

 

I live at SU with two great roommates, one from Maine and one from Texas. Neither one has heard of or played Strat, but a new source of game strategy and drafting advise is appreciated. Other than Strat, I run my own television show about SU sports and my own talk radio show that airs after coverage of each basketball, football and lacrosse game here. If I don't make broadcasting as on-air talent, I will likely become a producer. I also supervise and officiate intramural sports at Syracuse. My other interests are college baskeball (major junkie), building my movie collection, and doing as much traveling as possible. I am a rabid Detroit Tigers fan, probably coming from my 6 years of living in the Wolverine state (1989 - 1995), have been to 17 major league ballparks, and seen every team play in person (Los Angeles, San Diego and Tampa Bay).

 

I have been fortunate enough to witness two of the greatest sporting events of the 90's in person! In 1993, I sat in RF at game 6 of the World Series at the Skydome in Toronto. Can you say.... Joe Carter? In 1994, I was in the wrong endzone for Colorado v. Michigan football. Can you say Kordell Stewart? I've seen more games at Tiger Stadium than I can count.

 

My highlight in Strat has to be beating my father 11-7 in the '96 season series with a real inferior team..... although, winning $50 bucks a a tournament last year is a close second.. Now that my younger brother has joined the league, I look forward to beating him in Strat for years to come... and also starting a G.U.S.S.O.M.O. - Polumbo dynasty. See you on the field......

 

 WILL POLUMBO - (MICHIGAN MAD DOGS) - League Member since 1996

It's hard to believe I've been in this league for over a decade, but here we are! I took over a team while I was in high school in 1998, and since then, I've gone to college, moved multiple times, gotten married, bought a house, and am now expecting my first child. The one thing that's outlasted just about everything else in my life has been GUSSOMO.

 

My wife Adrienne and I have been married since late 2006. She doesn't understand my Strat-o-matic obsession, but she likes coming to the annual get-togethers, knows all but the most obscure members of my team, and even helps out a little bit with the draft. In other words, she's the perfect wife.

 

We currently reside in Michigan, although a move to the Charlotte, North Carolina area is in the works as well for 2010. However, wherever we move, we will remain loyal Wolverine fans!

 We are excited to let everyone know that we got the biggest surprise of our lives yesterday, February 13, 2010 at 7:15 PM, when Adrienne delivered a baby BOY!! We went in expecting a beautiful baby girl, and instead got a perfect little boy, in a story that we're sure will embarrass him for years! Maximus Ralph Polumbo is 7 pounds, 12 ounces, 22 inches long, and perfectly healthy.

Name - Will Polumbo

GUSSOMO Team - Michigan Mad Dogs

Age - 26

Marital Status - Married since October 2006

Children - One, our son... Maximus Ralph Polumbo

Residence - Farmington, Michigan

Occupation - Product Manager at Chicago Pneumatic Tool Company

Favorite Teams - The Detroit Tigers

Favorite Player - Anyone on my Gussomo team

Teams I hate - The Yankees. It's just so easy.

Hobbies - Strat-o-Matic, of course!

Strat Background - I started in Gussomo by running my dad's drafts, then managed Earl Brock's team and Dave Taylor's team for a year during their respective hiatuses before getting my own team when I was 17. The ace of my first pitching staff was Darren Oliver, and my first draft pick was Jaret Wright.

 

 NICK ROMANO - (ITALIAN STALLIONS) - League Member since 1977

Nick is the owner, manager and fan of the Italian Stallions - named after the famous Rocky Balboa, "king of the underdogs."

I live in St. McGwire (Louis), where every male is tattoed with a # 25 on his back. I am married to a lovely lady that puts up with the fact that our anniversary usually falls on draft day. I have three kids (two at home... one that pushes the mouse when "Big Mac" bats).

 

I started playing SOM in 1965 when I was 13 - been doing it ever since. Lots of solitare leagues... two play-by-mail leagues. Been in G.U.S.S.O.M.O. much longer than seems possible. I've had one championship in 25 plus years. (I should be due again in 2009).

 

The best part of this league is the friends I have made. Good guys, good friends. It has been 25 years well spent!

 

Your Name - Nick Romano

GUSSOMO Team - Itallian Stallions

Age - 55

Marital Status:-Married

Children: 3 Nicole - 30, Angela - 8, Tony 15

Residence - Hazelwood, MO. -- suburb of St. Louis

Occupation - Supervisor - Ameren Corp.. - Electric Utility

Favorite Teams - Kansas City Chiefs, Corpus Christi 'Cudas

Favorite Player - Hank Aaron, Len Dawson, Mark McGwire

Teams I hate - Oakland Raiders, Denver, Broncos

Hobbies - Reading...Mystery, Science Fiction

Strat Background - Statred in 1963 when I was 11 -- been playing since

 

DON SPRAGUE - (WRIGLEY RAIDERS) - League Member since 2001

I have been a fan of Strat-O-Matic since the early 1960's when I switched from APBA to the real baseball game! During my 58 years I have played in two PBM leagues. I retired from the game in the early 1990's due to business commitments, however, I continued to enjoy the review of stats for each player looking to the day when I could manage again. I am looking forward to being a member of "Gussomo" and getting to know the league and managers plus making a trade or two!!

 

I retired in July of 2001 after 38 years with AT&T and Lucent Technologies. I love the Cubs and enjoy playing golf! I am married with two boys and a dog named Wrigley! If you want to "Wheel and Deal" call or email me anytime!

Your Name - Don Sprague (Alias "Captain Morgan" from the ESPN1 Club)

GUSSOMO Team - Wrigley Raiders

Age - 64

Marital Status - Married

Children - Jason 29 and Michael 26 and Wrigley (4) the Wonder Dog of Geneva

Residence - Geneva, Illinois

Occupation - Retired from AT&T and now manage the Cisco, Alcatel-Lucent, Tyco and Wireless accounts for ADEX plus attend most week day games at Wrigley so you can see how much I work.

Favorite Teams - Cubbies, Bears, Bulls and the University of Illinois Fighting Illini…..Favorite all time team-The 1969 Cubbies in which Jenkins started 42 games and completed 23 games and Billy Hands started 41 games and completed 18…both pitched over 300 innings….maybe this had something to do with their collapse that season in September? Also, same year that Lou Pinella was Rookie of the year for KC

Favorite Player - Ron Santo, Fergie Jenkins, Ryne Sandberg, The Vulture, A-Rod and Mickey Mantle…..starting to appreciate Alfonso Soriano more each day. Favorite Managers Leo “The Lip” Durocher, Billy Martin and along came Lou (Pinella). Most underrated centerfielder (fielding only) I ever saw play-Jimmy Landis (yes of that other team in Chicago)

First Home Run I saw at Wrigley Field - 1952 Del Ennis of the Philadelphia Phillies

Best Cub Trade of all Time - Getting from St. Louis Ernie Broglio, Bobby Shantz and Doug Clemens for Jack Spring, Paul Toth and a throw in outfielder Lou Brock.

Favorite Cub Name - John Boccabella

Teams I hate - The other team in Chicago and St. Louis Cardinals isn’t that enough

Hobbies - Golf, Strat and Baseball season ticket holder at the Best Baseball Park in the League-Wrigley Field. Plus drink a little Miller Lite!

Strat Background - Played APBA until 1965 than fell in love with Strat

Best Part of GUSSOMO - The many trade offers from Ralph for A-Rod……now Jeff and Jason send an offer about ever other month.

 

ANDY ROSENBERG - (BUSTER'S BATTALIONS) - League Member since 2001

 My first experience with Strat-O-Matic was in the mid-60's, and I recall having to choose between Willie Mays and his 52 dingers (virtually unheard of back then) and Sandy Koufax, who I think had a walk at 5-4 and 5-5 buried amongst the K's. Say Hey, guess who I took? A few years later, sleep-away college, and hippiedom beckoned, and the game got shelved. Years later, while visiting a friend at his brother's house(prior to going to the Vet to see the Phils lose to the Cubbies), I noticed the familiar red box sitting on his kitchen table. "Boy, I used to love that game", I blurted out, and my spirits rose when he replied, "We have a league, and an opening if you're interested". Now, I spend much too much time pouring over the morning boxscores, getting pissed off when the shutout my pitcher hurled was an 8-hitter with 4 walks. In "real life", I am 49 years old, quite fond of my dog, and have initiated my nephews (ages 17 & 14) into the game. When I am not taking my dog out,enjoying Bob Dylan or thinking about baseball, I sell Bakery equipment. I look forward to being a member of Gussomo, and hope to become an "old-timer" in the league. If you're ever in or around Philadelphia, please come by.

 

Name - Andy Rosenberg

GUSSOMO Team - Buster's Battallions

Age - :54

Marital Status: - single

Children - no

Residence - Philadelphia, PA

Occupation - retired, formerly sold industrial bakery equipment for 28 years

Favorite Teams - World Champion Philadelphia Phillies

Favorite Player - Utley

Teams I hate - Royals

Hobbies - dogs, music

Strat Background - first played 1965-68, have been playing since 1989 in my 2nd round of addiction

 

RYAN FIDLER - (MEMPHIS RAMPAGE) - League Member since 2009

Strat Background - Started playing in the late 90s when my dad decided to venture into computer leagues after years of playing the board version. I ended up taking over a team of my own in SiBL so I could help him with the computer aspects of the game. I've since also joined NABL, BEST, Winterstrat, and the local board league (Tater League). I have one World Series victory and that came in Winterstrat with a rookie named Albert Pujols leading the way

 

Name - Ryan Fidler

GUSSOMO Team - Memphis Rampage

Age - 25

Marital Status:- single

Children: - none

Residence - Washington, IN

Occupation - College Student (1 more year) and part time Walmart associate. Should graduate with an accounting degree from the University of Southern Indiana next spring and then move on to becoming a CPA and possibly a CMA as well

Favorite Teams - Chicago Cubs, San Antonio Spurs, and Indiana University basketball

Favorite Players - Currently Aramis Ramirez, Tim Duncan, and Eli Manning. Though I grew up with Andre Dawson, Ryne Sandberg, and Rick Sutcliffe from baseball and David Robinson and some guy named Jordan in basketball.

Teams I hate - Yankees, Red Sox, Cardinals, Celtics, Lakers, Patriots

Hobbies - Strat, Video Games, watching MMA

 

JASON DUBE - (FENWAY FAITHFUL) - League Member since 2002

I was introduced to Strat-o-Matic by my Father,who I have been in numerous leagues with. It started in 1987 when my dad and I would replay the 86 season head to head. It took me 26 games to gain my first victory, and oh what a glorious victory it was. A ninth inning homerun by Johhnie Ray. It was a great moment until I was caught off guard by the biggest tirade I have ever seen an adult man have. I was shocked, what was a 12 year old boy to do, I had never heard so many "F words" come out of my Father's mouth. So I did what any 12 year old boy would do, I swore back at him telling him how much of a @$$hole he was being and that he was acting younger than me. That sadly to say was the last of our head to head games for several years. I was hooked though and immediatley started playing solitaire. Until I met a teammate on my highschool baseball team by the name of Jason Kip.(manager of the Sin City franchise) We have been in a number of different leagues together since, and have stayed best of friends til this day.

My other hobbies include playing golf or atleast attempting to. Can't seem to consistently shoot under 90, have only done it once an 88, I'm proud to say. I also enjoy playing video games and laugh if you may I am an enormous wrestling fan, but everything has been a distant second to my beloved strat.

I have a beautiful wife who I have been married to for an astounding two and a half years. By far the best two and a half years of my life. We have two sons, the oldest being Austin(he is a bull mastiff),the younger of the two is Fenway(he is an Akita). Thay are the center of our universe for now, until we decide to have children. Oh by the way, I have a red headed step child, my wife's cat. I just call him Retard, it fits perfectly. I'm sure I'd spend a couple of lonely nights in my guest house if my wife were to read that.

Last but not least the thing I dread most......WORK. Just kidding..... I am a pit boss at a Las Vegas resort. On an everyday basis, I get to watch peoples dreams go up in smoke, along with their saving and checking accounts. It really is a great job but it has it's down sides, like seeing somebody come in and blow their mortgage payment on a Blackjack Table.....then watching them act like the biggest, make that second biggest @$$hole I've seen since 1987

 

Name- Jason Dube

GUSSOMO Team - FenwayFaithful

Age - 32:

Marital Status - Married (7 years)

Children - One (Cam, 20 months)

Residence- Las Vegas, NV

Occupation - Las Vegas Casino Pit Boss

Favorite Teams - BoSox, Pats, Celtics, Bruins and B.C.

Favorite Player: Of all time Larry Bird, Cam Neely(my son was named after him), Tom Brady, Dwight Evans, favorite current player is Big Papi, Jason Varitek and love watching Coco roam CF.

Teams I hate:Yankees, Lakers, Colts, 49ers, Canadiens and Dodgers.

Hobbies: Golf, softball, bowling, fantasy football and anything I can do with my son.

Strat Background:Started in 1985 playing the 78' season. Have been playing ever since. Currently in 2 leagues.

 

JASON KIP - (SIN CITY BOUNTY HUNTERS) - League Member since 2001

My name is Jason Kip.I live in Las Vegas, Nevada.Hence the name Sin City. I am a floor supervisor (pit boss) at the Gold Coast Casino.I have lived in Las Vegas since 1985.After high school I spent 4 years in the Air Force pretty much traveling the world.I started playing stratomatic in 1987 when my best friend Jason Dube (manager of the Fenway Faithful) introduced the game to me.I have been married to my wife Karin since 1998 and my only child Amanda "Panda" was born later that same year.

 

Name - Jason Kip

GUSSOMO Team - Sin City Bounty Hunters (2004 GUSSOMO champions)

Age - 35

Marital Status:- Married

Children - 2 girls (Amanda 8, Samantha 2)

Residence - Las Vegas

Occupation - Pit Boss

Favorite Teams - Oakland A's,Denver Broncos,Utah Jazz

Favorite Player - Reggie Jackson

Teams I hate - Oakland Raiders

Hobbies - Star Wars collection, Strat-o-Matic

Strat Background - Got into Stratomatic in 1987 when my friend Jason Dube introduced it to me. Have ordered some version of the game every year since. Even when I was in the military overseas, I have played strat in Cuba, Saudi Arabia and Spain.

 

JEFF WADKOWSKI - (GOTHAM CITY BATMEN) - League Member since 2003, League Administrator and Statistician (Board Member)

 

I was born in Pittsburgh but grew up in Anaheim and am a big Angels fan. But the Cubs are favorite my team. I have been married for 13 years and have two children. My daughter is 12 and my son is 10. I lived in Las Vegas for nine years (now Iowa) and have been a pit boss the last five years. I've been playing Strat since 2000. It is the best game I've ever played.

Age - : 43

Marital Status:- 15 years

Children - Two Children 11 and 13

Residence - Asbury Iowa

Occupation: - Shift Manager

Favorite Teams - Cubs, Steelers Lakers, Devils

Favorite Player - Ryan Sandberg and Nolan Ryan

Teams I hate - Cowboys, Celtics, Cardinals, White Sox

Hobbies - Fantasy Baseball and Football and my kids

Strat Background: - I've been playing strat since 2000 currently in 2 leagues

 

BOB FIDLER - (INDIANAPOLIS CLOWNS) - League Member since 2003

 

I have been playing Strat since the mid 70’s and still play in a 10 team board league in my southern Indiana town of Washington. I love to talk trade and baseball and can be contacted via phone or via Aol IM crewdaddy2000. I am looking forward to trying to rebuild this team into a contender and hopefully a future champion. I have won championships in my board league and took my team in the B.E.S.T. to the world series. I have contended in other leagues also. My background consist of the following computer leagues: Wistl, BEST, Winterbb, Blizzard, GMBL, SiBL and NABL. I am looking forward to playing games via netplay as this is the future of the computer game. I am looking forward to being in this league and hoping to make and have new friends for along time.

 

Your Name - Bob Fidler GUSSOMO Team - Indianapolis Clowns

Age - : 46

Marital Status:- Married to Debbie have been married since January 21, 1984

Children - 1 son Nolan Ryan

Residence - Washington Indiana

Occupation - Produce Lead Associate for Wal-Mart in my home town

Favorite Teams - St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers, Indiana Pacers, San Antonio Spurs, Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Indianapolis Colts

Favorite Player - Albert Pujols at this moment also Scott Rolen as his home town of Jasper is only 24 miles from Washington, past yrs: Mark McGwire, Lou Brock, Roberto Clemente, Todd Zeile, Nolan Ryan and Don Mattingly. Football: Peyton Manning, Roger Staubach, Otis Taylor, Lenny Dawson, Curly Culp, Ed Too Tall Jones. Basketball: Dr. J, Lew Alcindor, Reggie Miller and Tim Duncan

Teams I hate - There are teams I don’t really care for but don’t really hate just like to watch sports,

Hobbies - Strat, Golf and going to baseball games

Strat Background - Started playing the board game in 1977 and joined a board league in town named the Ozone league and won 1 championship in it before it folded and in 1987 I got into the other board league (Tater League) in town and have won 2 championships in 4 appearances in the World Series. I play in one netplay only league NABL and have been the WS in it also but didn’t win, BEST is another league I am in I made to the WS also and we played it live in Cincy where we were having our live draft for the next season and I lost that one also. I am also in Sibl, WinterStrat, GMBL, GUSSOMO and the CBA a league I joined in the end of its 2005 season and in my first full season in 2006 I won 100 games and won the World Series and the highlights can be seen at http://cba-bb.net/ this is another great league web site just like the Gussomo one.

 

LAWRENCE GREEN - (ANTIOCH COAL MINERS) - League Member since 2005

 

Name - Lawrence Green

Team - Antioch Coal Miners

Age - 49

Marital Status - Married to Monica

Residence - Live in Antioch, CA

Occupation - Retiring effective 8/2/2010

Preoccupation - Eli Green, born 3/23/2009

Favorite Teams - Giants, Cubs, White Sox, A's, 49er's, Bears, Warriors & Bulls

Favorite Players - Willie Mays & Juan Marichal

Team I hate - None anymore

Hobbies - Strat, Jogging, Reading, Movies - Seeing games at MLB parks. At one time, I had seen a game at every park, but, havent's seen some of the newer ones; Cincinnati, St. Louis, Philadelphia, Washington & both New Yorks.

Strat Background - GUSSOMO is my 1st Strat league of any kind. Otherwise, I have another baseball team "Chicago Orphans" in USFBL. I have a draft football team "Chicago Bears" in the SSFA, stock "49er' team in the USFFL and The "Bills" in a Stock Retro League, SSRFL. I have two Basketball teams, "Houston" in USFBKL and "Chicago" in SNDL. I have one hockey team, "Oakland Seals" in the USFHL.

 

 

LAURENZ "LARRY" BYK - (ARIZONA DESERT RATS) - League Member since 2007

 

My name is Laurenz "Larry" Byk (pronounced bick). I'm 55 years old and live in Dewey, Arizona. I am married to a wonderful lady named Patti, who supports my Strat habit. I am a self-employed industrial engineer that works about 6 months out of the year. I either work at home or at the clients facility. I am typically on the road about 12 weeks out of the year. I travel throughout the US and Canada. Strat became a part of life for me in 1971. In 1974 I started a face-to-face league. The league is still in existence today and has as its members some nationally-known players. The league is located in the Chicago area.

 

I currently participate in 3 leagues, with GUSSOMO being one of my favorites. I enjoy the annual get togethers and the opportunity to meet the other managers.

 

Name - Larry Byk

GUSSOMO Team - Arizona Desert Rats

Age - 55

Marital Status:-Married (Patti)

Children: 5 between us (3 are married, 1 has 2 children, all are out of the house)

Residence - Dewey, AZ -- 90 miles north & west of Phoenix (4970 ft elev.)

Occupation - Self-employed Industrial Engineering Consultant

Favorite Teams - Minnesota Vikings, Chicago White Sox, Dallas Stars (Minnesota North Stars), Milwaukee Bucks

Favorite Players - Any Chicago White Sox and any Minnesota Viking

Teams I hate - Green Bay Packers, Cubs

Hobbies - Hiking, Home Remodeling, Strat, Brewing Beer and Wine

Strat Background - Started in 1971.

 

TONY ROMANO - (MISSOURI MUSTANGS) - League Member since 2007

 

EVAN STEINBERG - (McHENRY COUNTY CYBERMEN) - League Member since 2008

Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Mata ahoo Hima de
Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto
Himitsu wo Shiri tai

I was born 4/19/91. My father has been with G.U.S.S.O.M.O. for what seems like an eternity so i decided to see what this was all about. I would watch my Dad play his games on the computer and ask him boatloads of questions. Reluctantly he would answer and once in a while he would ask me for advice. Now, starting my second year as a manager I am hoping that I will have a better year than my first. I like all kinds of sports, but my favorite is lacrosse. I can't wait for the season to start... and good luck to all.

 

Name - Evan Steinberg

GUSSOMO Team - McHenry County Cybermen

Age - 17

Marital Status:- Do I have a girlfiend yet?

Children: Don't give my parents a heart attack

Residence - Algonquin, Illinois

Occupation - Student

Favorite Teams -

Favorite Players -

Teams I hate -

Hobbies - Lacrosse

Strat Background -

 

BOB MORELLI - (LONG ISLAND HOUNDS) - League Member since 2009

Occupation - I have been with National Grid (formely Keyspan,Originally when I Started Lilco) the gas and electric company of Long Island for 21 years. I have been with the Collections Dept for the past 12 years.

Age - 43

Married for 16 yrs

Children - One Daughter 6 yrs old Name Tess.

Residance - Selden, Suffolk County Long Island

Favorite Team - New York Mets

Favorite Players - Keith Hernandez Most intense player I ever saw; Lenny Dykstra "Nails" - Just played hard all the time; Doug Flynn - not a household name, but when I was younger, I was amazed at how good he was defensively... plus the Mets were so bad that he and Hendu "Can do" where the only players to root for; Todd Hundley had monster years; Dr. K - Dwight Gooden.... Shea Stadium always rocked when he pitched. The most memorable moment I saw was when he pitched and gave up 2 hits and a walk to load the bases and then struck out the side. Probably my Favorite player of all time is Mike Piazza. I never saw Piazza not run hard. Every ground ball, no matter the score or a sure DP, he always busted it unlike most superstars of his genaration.

Team I hate - No doubt about it.... the evil empire... NY Yankees

Hobbies - Golf,Strat

Strat Backround - I started playing in a face to face league about 20 yrs ago. When that League ended, I started playing in Computer leagues. My most memorable moment was winning 3 straight championships in a 20 team league.

My biggest dissapointment was my first Computer league (which I still belong to) losing in extra innings of game 7 of the World Series on a base hit by Jim Thome. Still no World Series Championships in that league.

ANDREW PHELPS - (CAROLINA CATFISH) - League Member since 2009

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Noteworthy, former Manager...

 

JIM CRISCIONE - (MEXICALI VATOS) - League Member since 1973

 

"My association with G.U.S.S.O.M.O. dates back to the early '70's when a sarcastic, swaggering teenager ventured from his plush abode in the loneliest place on earth, Downey, California, for the express purpose of challenging a fellow honky to a one-on-one basketball game. This future Castrol salesman became instantly enamored with slam dunking on a court whose rim "towered" nine feet, seven inches above his awkward footsteps. Our dear Commissioner, whose spirt combines the personalities of Groucho Marx, Richard Nixon, Al Capone and Joan of Arc, quickly became a close and dear friend. I came to share many memorable experiences with this paragon of virtue: consistently beating his ass at whiffleball with a stupendous knuckeball, assisting him in saving his precious supply of gasoline by placing a pan underneath his Fiat to catch the leaking fuel, policing nearly every golfing fairway after his slices, hooks and shanks would invariably mutilate innocent shrubbery and last, but not least, providing a boost (by keeping a close lookout for the local federalies) as he scaled the podiums at Dodger Stadium in a despereate attempt to pencil in Rick Auerbach's name as a "write in" vote on 27 "poster sized" All Star ballots located throughout Dodger Stadium. Despite all of this, our friendship has endured to this day. (Does Jeff get a chance to write his "chapter about Mr. Criscione??")

 

As to myself, I am a 42 year old divorce lawyer, practicing in Orange, California (second lonliest place on earth). During my long G.U.S.S.O.M.O. tenure, I have been blessed with only one league championship. I am a rabid Detroit Tiger fan, dating back to 1966. I used to even be the President of the Detroit Fan Club of America! My other interests include touring Civil War Battlefields,listening to Beatles records (White Album, Abbey Road and Revolver as my favs) and trading away anyone of value that I ever drafted in this blasted league.. My team is located in the Mexicali Vato's... and we play in the Vato Village (you have to see it to believe it!). The organization was named in honor of our team spirit, on and our on and off the field banditry. A literal translation of Vato is "criminal like dudes."