Seems Like Yesterday

When I started SmallBall Footy I never had the thought I’d be able to play against the greatest players in the game. I was very fortunate to find myself in a league that was filled with them. Now that I am here, I have now had the privilage of introducing the greats of the game to a whole new generation of SmallBall trainers. I hope to be able to bring you a whole new level of appreciationg for a game these great trainers have dedicated themselves to for such a long time with great success.

The idea for this interview started with a simple quote –

“It seems like yesterday, but in fact it was 5 long years ago, when my good friend Chuck introduced me to a fledgling game called "Smallball Football." It was an exciting time when there were over 300 competing football teams in the pros and leagues were so abundant, a person had to sit back and think carefully about which ones he or she wished to join. Greek Wizard's Smallball Forums were the hub for all that was Smallball but just as popular was the "Smallball College Leagues." A thriving venture with both baseball and football contained under one roof. A venture where you could not help but trip over all the greats of the game. It was the place to be.”

When I read this quote, I knew that there was a disconnect that had taken place and we needed to reconnect with what was then and what is now. I pm’d the man who made this quote a few questions and hope you will enjoy what he said. So without further adiue, I bring to you the man who made this quote. I hope you enjoy my short interview with Barbarian.

JtB - When and why did you start SBFB?

Barbarian - In April 2004, my long time friend Chuck (Steel Dog) invited me by way of asking me to help him out in administration his Scottish & Irish Leagues. Once I had viewed what Smallball Football is all about, my reaction was, "You got to be kidding me," followed by roars of laughter but I bit and here I am almost 5 years later still plodding away. I retired from the game December 31st but I have been lured back mostly on an organizational basis although I play weekend league games and the pros only. Now I am considering cutting back to one team only, just in the pros, mainly due to the hardline position my wife is taking. Wife vs Smallball and me in the middle!!!! Any bets on who will win that battle?

JtB - What has been your greatest accomplishment in SBFB?

Barbarian - Getting past my initial reaction! Actually, my greatest accomplishment, as far as I am concerned, and that is all that matters, is that I had the priviledge of being Steel Dog's partner running the Scottish & Irish leagues, for 30 seasons, through Smallball good times and bad times. No other Smallball Football League can come close to the 5 year 30 season record we achieved there.

Jtb - Why do you think you have had so much success in SBFB?

Barbarian - If you are looking for me to pat myself on the back, then you have come to the wrong place. I have had the privilege to know and change ideas, thoughts, etc., with some of the greats of the game like Master Moody, Fluffymatt, Tim's Dodgers, Solipsta, Rolandolen, to name a few, and from it, I listened and learned. Truth be told however, to me, the best of the best, an unknown to many, was Steel Dog. He taught me this game and provided me a training program and a 3 part theory on how to win. The results I have achieved have been due to his guidance. The league I am involved with has managers who in total have over 70 PL 1 titles, which include 62 of the last 73. I know many of them, like myself, took to heart the SD guidance, training & theory.

JtB - What would you like to say to the new person thinking of trying SBFB?

Barbarian - Believe it or not, I would not say much. I think a few pieces of simple insight and advice would surffice for a long dialogue which more often than naught leads to confusion. Simply advise him/her that success and glory cannot be achieved over night and that it will take dedication and time to be able to consistantly compete at a high level. The road will be frustrating at times but one must never give up.

JtB - Do you have anything else you'd like to add?

Barbarian - The road back to the glory days of Smallball Football is probably an unattainable dream but it does not mean it cannot grow significantly and establish new standards. The current problems are many but I will only comment on a couple.

Viable and efficient organization is vital if things are to move forward. To many, the Commish is expected to solve everything. I say, leave him alone. He has provided us with a product as well as continual updates of it and it is up to us, the participants, to make it grow in popularity. We, the participants, basically split off into two groups. 1/ Organizers and 2/ Players.

For those of us who really enjoy the game and have the sincere hope it will flourish, big league and pro league games are not the answer. We require leagues which can only be realized through dedicated organizers such as Bryce with his NHL and Gerald with his K~10 or John the Baptist with his K~12. These guys are dedicated to affording everyone with a well conceived efficiently organized venue to participate in, not like the many who have come, set something up and then disappeared into the sunset. We need more individuals to step up and be as dedicated as Bryce, Gerald & John.

One thing which is sorely lacking is one individual, dedicated solely to Smallball Football who can chart, plan and organize the future of Smallball Football, at its central gathering place, currently the Smallball Forums. The individual would have to be willing to roll up his/her sleeves and get to work, with a basic motto of, "less talk, more action."

There is only so much which can be done externally to promote and sell the game. A major way to increase the interest is through word of mouth, so talk up the game with friends etc., and peak their interest so they will at least give it a try.

Let the journey begin ~ END

I want to thank Barbarian for taking his time to answer these questions. He has a heart for this game and is one of the people who understand what it takes to be succesful. I hope that as you learn more and more about the best trainers of SBFB it will peak your interest in this game. Please give SBFB a try and take these great trainer’s advise to heart. I look forward to bringing more to you in the near future.

JtB