Who's on First?
Volume 3 - Mike Marston - Knoxville Hillcats
with John Murphy
John Murphy: I would like to welcome Mike Marston, owner of the Knoxville Hillcats. Ok...my first question...you’ve left the league after owning St. Louis, came back, left the league after owning Houston, and finally landed in Knoxville....what about MLIB keeps you coming back?
Mike Marston: Well that’s a good question I guess its the kid in me I love the game of baseball and the idea of owning your own team really turns me own in a manner of speaking . But I may add I have found a home in Knoxville
John Murphy: I know what you mean
Mike Marston: (laugh)
John Murphy: As a veteran, which would you rather have in a 5 season stretch, a WS championship and 4 mediocre/poor seasons or 5 above average seasons with 3-4 playoff berths, a couple playoff series wins, and a league pennant but no WS ring?
Mike Marston: The ring it gives you credibility no one ever remembers who finished second.
John Murphy: Even if it is known as a fluke or a mirror to the Florida marlins of '98?
Mike Marston: I guess in that situation I would choose the other way, Florida was a one hit wonder
John Murphy: How does it feel to have Mrs. Marston in the league with you? Do you two ever argue about trades or series?
Mike Marston: Well we are not allowed to trade League rules
Mike Marston: But yes when it comes to other issues involving MLIB it can get interesting. Her thing is pitching and I love the hitting but I know with out the pitching you can forget it
John Murphy: How does it feel to be tossed in with Rogo this time around?
Mike Marston: Well I like it in a way I love a challenge and boy, do I have one, Rogo is the man. I really respect him I consider him a friend, not my competition. That could be a downfall on my part but oh well
John Murphy: Its hard to do...I know I have the same problem in my division with New Jersey
Mike Marston: yes it is
John Murphy: What real, MLB player do you admire the most and why....can be past or present
Mike Marston: Greg Maddux, He is in my mind the best student of the game. He will sit in a dugout day before he pitches and seems like he is studying every move a hitter makes
John Murphy: Is Rogo there, whispering in your ear?
Mike Marston: lol nope
John Murphy: ok...Ill end with some word association
John Murphy: contract cutting?
Mike Marston: difficult decision
John Murphy: trading aces?
Mike Marston: If it will help lets do it
John Murphy: deep bench?
Mike Marston: very nice to have. Oh, Rogo! lol
John Murphy: 2003 WS Prediction?
Mike Marston: Well I'm going to really go off the deep end it will be Highlanders in the NL and Texas in the AL with Texas winning it all
John Murphy: Thanks again to Mike Marston and good luck.
Mike Marston: No problem
John Murphy: My next interview will be in two weeks, back to the normal schedule. This is the old lefthander rounding third and heading for home. God bless and good night!