One of my favorite things about doing the annual Pitching Grade Challenge is virtually learning about APBA fans everywhere. Scott Miller is a great case in point. You all finally get to hear about Scott, the final winner of the Pitching Grade Challenge 7.
Here are a few questions I ran by Scott and the answers he provided.
TAB: Can you tell the readers of The APBA Blog who you are outside of the game of APBA? Who is PGC7 winner Scott Miller?
SM: I live in Lancaster, PA with my wife and three kids, ages 17, 13, and 10. The two oldest are girls, the youngest is a boy. A lot of time spent driving around the county to different activities. I work from home as a consultant helping out the Postal Service. I love watching and attending sports.
Baseball is my favorite (Cleveland Guardians) but also football, college sports, and basketball. I enjoy traveling (when there’s time), reading, movies, and spending time with the family.
TAB: You guessed all 20 pitchers correctly in the Pitchers Grade Challenge 7. Were you surprised? Do you have a secret method or strategy in guessing pitchers’ grades?
SM: I had done pretty well several years ago in the challenge, receiving honorable mention. I hadn’t done as well since then so it was a little bit of a surprise to get a perfect score this year. I don’t have a set method, mainly looking at ERA and control, and then the team they are on and the number of wins when it’s really close.
Happy to be lucky on a few that were on the fence!
Rapid Response Questions!
| Favorite sports team outside of baseball? | Penn State, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Cavaliers |
| Rule that needs to be changed (or revoked) in Major League Baseball? | I’ve learned to be alright with the extra inning runner, I just hope they never allow it in the playoffs! |
| What stat category do you keep track of or follow that others might ignore? | I’m sure it’s not ignored, but OPS is my go to stat when quickly looking at players. I like the guys that walk and hit for power. |
| Shaker, handroll or tower? | Always been a handroller. |
TAB: In what ways do you play APBA? What games do you play? And are you a solo replayer, do you participate in tournaments or league?
SM: From as early as I can remember I was helping my Dad roll the dice for his baseball games. I would play solo games and then later start playing quick mini-seasons with my cousin when we were both younger than 10. The house had most of the APBA board games, so I can remember playing solo games of football, golf, saddle racing, bowling, but it was baseball that was always my favorite. I have done a few baseball season replays with Cleveland in the computer game over the years, but mainly I’m a league person. I’ve been in the BBA (hybrid computer/board league) for 31 years now, along with 4 other family members. When I started in the BBA I was playing on the computer game, but for the last 10 years or so I’ve gone back to playing cards for the “thrill” of the dice. I’m also the commissioner of a football league, and until recently had played in a basketball league for many years.
TAB: When you play a simulation game like APBA, what do personally get out of it? Do like to see if the stats match up or is it more of “what-if” thing with you?
SM: I enjoy more of a “what-if” thing. Becoming the manager, making the moves that get the most out of the players, and hopefully improving on their real life performances. The competition against the other managers is great as well. Many BBA managers have been in the league a long time and it’s great to interact and compete with them year after year.
TAB: Finally, rumor has it that PGC7 runner-up winner Robert Hartman is in the same league as you are. Did the two of you compare notes when filling out the ballot? Were you surprised that Robert did well also?
SM: I had no idea he was entering the competition also. I’m not surprised he did well as he grew up with my Dad and knows what he’s doing when it comes to those cards!
Thanks to deserving winner Scott Miller for his time in answering these questions. Congratulations again to Scott!
