May 24, 2440 – 9:00 PM
⚾ Local & Sports Reporters (on-field interviews)
- “Mr. Marmaduke, you looked like you were having as much fun as the kids out there. What’s it mean to see the Freehold ballparks full again?”
- It was great to see them packed to capacity. Everyone thought I was out of my mind when I added so much extra seating during the last upgrade.
- “The V’ren youngsters picked up baseball fast. Any plans to add them to regular league play?”
- Absolutely. These weren’t just one off additions, these are kids that joined the teams because they wanted to play. While I had a blast doing play by play I will I could have seen some of the other teams.
- “You called these fields your ‘crown jewel.’ What do they represent to you personally?”
- I love baseball. I always have. For me these fields represent something tangible where kids can compete in a sport that doesn’t require you to have special gear, commit years to physical conditioning, or have parents who are rich. You go out and compete with one another as a team.
- “We noticed you called the game yourself. Is that the coach in you, or just a proud fan moment?”
- I enjoy calling games and normally call a few per year when I have time. Sometimes I am umpire. Most years I coach little league and play in the local bar league, but I had to pass on that when I saw how much work it was going to take helping the V’ren settle in. My teams understand, though I understand not all the fans who were in the league betting pool appreciate my departure since my team has now lost three in a row two of them in complete shutouts.
- “You slipped easily between English and V’ren during your remarks—does that come naturally now?”
- More and more easily the more I am using it
- “Do you think tonight’s exhibition could become an annual event?”
- I hope not. Next year I don’t want anyone thinking that mixed teams are anything special. I hope they are fully integrated.
- “You mentioned seven of eleven Freeholders love the game—does that mean we’ll see a council league next season?”
- I was referring the eleven freeholders that have come before me, not the Texas or Montana freeholds.
- “Who taught you to throw your first pitch?”
- One of our little league coaches. His name was Bill Coolie and in his day had been a pitcher for both the Dodgers and the Mets then a coach with the Cubbies. He finally retired here with his daughter and son and law who were farming for my father.
- “A lot of people saw tonight as more than a ballgame—it looked like a unity rally. Was that intentional?”
- People will always see what they want. I saw kids having fun and my new neighbors starting to feel like they are really part of the community, because their own kids were on the field.
- “You’ve talked before about rebuilding community through small things. How does a local sports night fit into national recovery?”
- My nation is not need of recovery. If you mean the old United States, it is dead and gone and should stay that way.
Early American Press-Junket Q&A
- “Some critics say the Freehold looks insular. What would you say to them after an evening like this?”
- That I am surprised they know such big words
- “You thanked the V’ren families in both languages. Do you see sports as a bridge between species?”
- I see it as a bridge among people.
- “How do you balance being a regional leader with being, frankly, the local guy who still knows half the kids by name?”
- Part of being a leader is knowing what is important to people and that includes knowing their names
- “The world watched a High Lord sing ‘Take Me Out to the Ballgame.’ Is that diplomacy or nostalgia?”
- It’s baseball
- “You were teasing about your knees—how are you holding up after such a full schedule?”
- I know they aren’t immortal, but I have fine doctors.
- “People noticed you’ve got reporters here from as far as Tokyo and Rio. What do you hope they take away from Missouri tonight?”
- That we brew good beer, know how to dress a hotdog, and that this place is like no other in the world.
- What was the planning process like for tonight’s exhibition? Who first suggested putting V’ren youth on the roster?
- A few of the coaches had the idea to ask if any of the v’ren kids wanted to join the teams. A few hundred did. We picked the teams with the best integrations from across the league to participate tonight, but there are many more out there working hard. – Frank Riddle
- How did the logistics team manage translation, scheduling, and safety for mixed-species teams on such short notice?
- We are very good at our jobs and as project managers with Matt we are used to handling new tasks on the fly. – Gloria Riddle
- What stood out to you about the V’ren players’ style of play or athletic instincts?
- I noticed they played with heart. I also noticed among my players v’ren kids of the same age also have slightly arms and legs, or at least the ones on both teams I coach. That changes the dynamic of coaching since a power hitter or a fast runner with an extra inch of leg or arm should be placed differently in the rotation. It is not really an advantage to the players or teams, just a coaching decision. – Coach Larry
- Several Freehold families volunteered gear and field time. How did community participation shape tonight’s success?
- It means everything that the community wanted them to be able to participate. – Angelina Reyes
- Was Lord Marmaduke’s decision to call the play-by-play planned, or did it just happen in the moment?
- We finalized plans for this yesterday. When we presented it to him he said he wanted to call a game. As you might have noticed, he is very good at it. When his knees finally go, that is where we are going to stick him and leave him. – Dave Roxas
- L’tani’s what was your impression of the event from the booth?
- I was great to see so many people having fun, especially so many V’ren.
- How does this evening fit into the broader cultural-exchange calendar—are there other mixed events planned this summer?
- Games are live streamed five nights a week and have been for 20 years. What changed tonight was we made it a special event and included more teams with sone exhibition play. Freehold Baseball is alive and well. Angelina Reyes
- What were the biggest surprises—good or bad—during the night’s operations or broadcast?
- Baseball is always full of surprises. What surprised me was how many of the urikos were V’ren. Pointy green ears are kind of cute with the flowerpot hat- Floyd Reyes
- Finally, what does the Freehold leadership hope the public takes away from this first joint community sports night?
- That we are more alike than we ar different – K’rem T’all
