Bob talks, you listen..........
Here is the FNS debut of CHOKED UP with Bob Vlad
Q. So tell us right off the bat what are you more excited for, the new Yankee Stadium or the new Friday Night Softball Season?
A: Well, here's the thing - with FNS I don't think I will have to worry about paying $9 for a beer so I would have to say that the FNS season is a little past the new Yankee Stadium. I am also amped about the new FNS sponsor for 2009. A place very close to my heart.
Q. Describe the likes and dislikes of being Hideki Matt-summa's hitting guru?
A: Matt is quite the student. My coaching has molded him into quite the all-around player. What I enjoy most is that each year Matt manages to show me something I haven't seen before - whether that be in a positive way or a negative way. Perfect example, until FNS the thought of Matt playing short would have never crossed my mind. Being Matt's hitting coach is also a constant challenge. One of my main dislikes is the superstition he holds for washing his uniform. I think of it as quite disgusting.
Q. Off the topic but we need to know--tougher task, breaking out of an Iron Sheik camel clutch or convincing you to take a dive in the ocean ?
A: I think if we were dealing with the Sheik in his prime, that would be a no-brainer, definitely breaking out of the cobra clutch. It didn't take a whole lot of convincing to get me to jump into the ocean. I probably would have even done it for less money.
Q. Not many people know this but you are Richiro's running coach, how has this responsibility affected your daily life?
A: I'd be lying if I said that being Richiro's running coach has not affected my daily life. I think it has given me more of an appreciation for the other side of the game of softball (a side Matt Summa has never/will never see). In the game of softbball, most guys that hit a chopper to the shortstop where the shortstop skips the ball twice on the throw to the first baseman would be out, but not when you're dealing with Richiro.
Q. Rumors has it you will be re-capping FNS games during a weekly spot here on the site, any truth to these rumors?
A: My agent is in close talks with FNS to arrange this. We will know for sure once the season opens, so STAY TUNED!
