Getting to know you, getting to know all about you....

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? A tie - 1. My first A's game where Matt Stairs hit two home runs and we beat the Twins, 2. Being in the bleachers for that 17-inning marathon against LA.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Joe Blanton - I'm pudgy, but a good guy, and I enjoy a good time (responsibly).
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? A ballgame, naturally.
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? No.
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? I think the inner dork has already been released. I'm an avid sports fan... and now a journalist. We're all dorks.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Party
   Frank Thomas= DAMN!
   Fremont= further away from me than Oakland
   Abraham Lincoln= Emancipation Proclamation
   SF Giants= AARP
   Mustard= Not a fan
   $7 beer= In a year and a half!
   Roses= If I feel the time is right
   Taco Bell= yuck!

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?  I can't pick just one so I'll share my top two.  1989 when the A's swept the SF Giants.  It was semi bitter sweet because of the earth quake but it's the only World Series victory I've been alive for.  Also, being at the 20th victory in a row was just AWESOME.  The electricity in the crowd was just like a playoff game.  When Hatteberg hit the game winning HR the place just ERUPTED.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  I wish I could say I'm most like Nick Swisher because he just has that infectious personality but unfortunately I can't.  I guess the Athletic I'd say I'm most like is Dave Stewart because 99% of the time I have my "game face" on.         (
   3. What is your ideal 1st date?  It's a toss up.  If I'm in California then it's an A's game.  If I'm in Arizona then it's a Sun Devil football game!
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  Sure don't!
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? It was released a long time ago.
Word Association:
   Nick Swisher Reminds me of little league players (seems to enjoy the game more than any other professional)
   Frank Thomas= Big Hurt
   Fremont= Hopefully last resort to keeping the A's in the Bay Area
   Abraham Lincoln= Freed the slaves
   SF Giants= Favorite NL team, second favorite overall
   Mustard= Great on hot dogs
   $7 beer= The girlfriend drinks those.  I'll wait til after the game (or drink before!)
   Roses= Why are the so f&8(*n expensive around Valentines Day?
   Taco Bell= Little Dogs

Short Answer
    1. Favorite A's moment and why?
Ramon's walk off bunt as the happiest and most exciting A's playoff victory of recent memory.

    2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?
Duchscherer, because I'm a quiet person willing to help out in whatever way is necessary. And I always wanted to be a pitcher.

    3. What is your ideal 1st date?
A's game in October that goes extra innings. (no, not like that)

    4. Do you live in your mother's basement?
My family's house doesn't have a basement and my top priority is financial independence.

    5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?
My inner dork has been released. It's now currently believed to be roaming the countryside, armed and dangerous.

Word Association:
    Nick Swisher= Alt Country
    Frank Thomas= Behemoth
    Fremont= Dentist (used to be in Fremont)
    Abraham Lincoln= Top Hat
    SF Giants= Geriatrics
    Mustard= Yellow
    $7 beer= Bitter for two reasons
    Roses= Love in the kitschiest sense
    Taco Bell= Toilet

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?
Meeting the players at Coors and talking to Zito and Swisher, because it was the first time I saw them in person.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?
Swisher. I love people, I love talking to people, I have a blast at everything I do, I'm always excited about something....
   3. What is your ideal 1st date?
Baseball game. Totally. Or going out for coffee. Yum.
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?
No.
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?
I'm not a dork. At least, I'd like to think that. I have no yearning to be one.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Excited
   Frank Thomas= Badass
   Fremont= I don't want the A's to be there.
   Abraham Lincoln= Gettysberg Address
   SF Giants= Boring
   Mustard= Dijon is better
   $7 beer= Swisher
   Roses= Beauty and the Beast!
   Taco Bell= Ew

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? This year it has to be the 17 inning game! I was there for all 17 innings and I had a total blast the whole time. I spotted the guys on the dug out step and I knew at that moment we were going to win it! Favorite Moment EVER: Going to a fireworks game when I was little with my Daddy.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Well my friend informed me that my inner Nick Swisher comes out when I am drunk, She said I act just like him! Therefore she likes me a lot more when I am drunk. Not sure if I should be insulted by that or not... But I think I am more like Chavey, honest, straight forward, hard working, no BS, but I know how to have a good time when the time is right for it. And he loves Oreos, which is my favorite cookie EVER!
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Anything that is fun and active. The classic dinner and a movie is nice and all, but I like a guy who is a bit creative and adventurous for a first date, go out on a limb for me. There will be plenty of time to curl up on the couch with a good movie! ;)
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? Technically no, I live in my own room in my parents' house. But only cause I moved out to my own place and then lost my job. So I moved back to save some money and get a new job. Which I have now, so I will be moving out soon!!
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Absolutely!! I am a card carrying dork!! And damn proud of it!!

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Wonderful! Love that man!
   Frank Thomas= Freaking HUGE!!
   Fremont= Grew up there, live there currently, nothing wrong with Fremont!
   Abraham Lincoln= Our 16th president, um, Woo!
   SF Giants= Bleck! Don't get me started, it doesn't end well!
   Mustard= It is ok, I prefer Ketchup though. Or Honey Mustard! Yum!
   $7 beer= $7 is fine if it is good beer, or a lot! But for the runt things they sell at the Mac, no thanks!
   Roses= I love White Roses!! Or roses that are many different colors!  Roses are my favorite flower, which really isn't saying much since I am not a flowers and candy kind of girl. I prefer gifts that won't die or be eaten! But Roses are always good!
   Taco Bell= Honestly, I don't eat fast food unless it is 2am and I am drunk! I had Jack in the Box the other night and it was the first time I touched any fast food in 3 years!

Turn Offs: Smoking, cheaters, lying.

Turn Ons: Big Truck, High Socks, Pirates, Men with Dogs and Big Happy Smiles!!

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? 1990, Game 4 of the ALDS, Roger Clemens getting tossed for swearing at Mike Gallego. My dad took me to the game, and we were sitting in the old bleachers, and he sent me up to get him a soda and I had a clear shot of the TV screen as they were replaying what Clemens said. I've been a very good lip reader ever since.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Huston Street, but that's only because we both look good in a skirt
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? a nice dinner out somewhere
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? No, though a lot of my stuff from college is stored there
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Um, yeah, I probably have a small inner dork. But I try to keep it under wraps.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= nice guy
   Frank Thomas= HUGE
   Fremont= Closer than Portland or Las Vegas
   Abraham Lincoln= Tall guy, wonder if he could throw a splitter
   SF Giants= snotty fans
   Mustard= yuck yuck double yuck
   $7 beer= overpriced
   Roses= GO BEARS! ROSE BOWL ALL THE WAY BABY!
   Taco Bell= ick. I prefer Mickey D's

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?

Any memory of me as a little boy with my dad, sitting in the stands on a sunny day.

   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?

Miguel Dilone.  I have no idea why I said that.

   3. What is your ideal 1st date?

Going for a hike.

   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?

Yes.

   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?

I released my inner dork a long time ago.  Sorry, world.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Jolly
   Frank Thomas= Man crush!
   Fremont= Yuck
   Abraham Lincoln= One of the few Republicans I'd vote for.
   SF Giants= Who are they?
   Mustard= Tasty, if not overdone
   $7 beer= Sure, why not?
   Roses= Nice enough, I s'pose.
   Taco Bell= Overrated, but an efficient way to stuff my belly with calories.

1. Favorite A's moment and why? - I don't know. I don't think it has happened yet. There have been so many awesome moments, but none that stick out as THE favorite.  
   
2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? - MaEl, I guess. We're both quiet and like unicorns. :)
   
3. What is your ideal 1st date? - Making glitter projects. I'm kidding... I think.
   
4. Do you live in your mother's basement? - No.
   
5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? - My dork is out on parole.

Word Association:
Nick Swisher= PORN!
Frank Thomas= Large
Fremont= Where?
Abraham Lincoln= Mark Kotsay
SF Giants= Halloween
Mustard= Dan Johnson... or hot dogs
$7 beer= Waste
Roses= overrated
Taco Bell= school

1. Favorite A's moment and why?  Big Mac's 300th HR.  I was at the game, I think the A's won, My Dad won the mustache contest, and it was my son's first game.
   
2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  It has to be Rickey Henderson.  I played the outfield and speed was my game.  
   
3. What is your ideal 1st date?  It has been a long time, but I would say "A day at the Fair".  If your comfortable you can walk and talk, if not there are lots of distractions.  
   
4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  This is the main reason I answered these questions.  You see I qualify.  I lived in my mom's basement all during high school and summers during college.  
   
5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  I would have to guess it has been released.  While most would place me in the jock category, at least during school, however I played chess and taught cooking to 4-Hers.  

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= playful
   Frank Thomas= huge
   Fremont= second tier
   Abraham Lincoln= educated
   SF Giants= ho hum
   Mustard= hot dog
   $7 beer= pass
   Roses= courting
   Taco Bell= cheep food

Okay, after reading athleticsgirl24's matchmaking thread, many of us ladies (and some attached men, and I think a monkey too) wanted a chance to answer the questions....so with very minor editting, here we go!
Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?  the game in 2003 when the A's won the division.  Melhuse hits the game winner and goes bananas, then the fans sitting around the stands while they played the Mariners/Angels game on the jumbotron so we could all see if the Angels lost and we won the division (I think I have the teams right.)  Then the Mariners won, the fans went wild, and all the players came running back onto the field, shaking everyone's hands.  They brought out a microphone and players took turns jabbering, including Mark Mulder teasing us with the possibility that he might be healthy enough to pitch.  It was a really fun, memorable night.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Kotsay.  Mellow but able to get fiery when the situation calls for it.  Hard working and skilled but not too flashy.
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? A's game would be great, or maybe taking a picnic to the beach with my dogs.  You better like dogs if you're gonna hang with me!
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? no
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  The older I get, I don't believe in dorks.  Only people who are differently focused.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher=golden retriever
   Frank Thomas=crest white strips
   Fremont=close enough
   Abraham Lincoln=lincoln logs
   SF Giants=yawn
   Mustard=yum!
   $7 beer=unnecessary
   Roses=eh, I much prefer many, many other flowers.  Tulips, freesia,  Ranunculous come to mind.
   Taco Bell=not even on my radar

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?: Just one? Ok, the 20 game win streak. Pressure and fun all in one package.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?: I don't know. That's tough, someone would have to analyze and compare me.
   3. What is your ideal 1st date?: Dinner and movie/going to a club.
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?: No
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?: At least I wouldn't say I'm a dork. I was the in crowd in HS, so no.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Porn
   Frank Thomas= Huge
   Fremont= No!
   Abraham Lincoln= The guy on the penny.
   SF Giants= I plead the 5th.
   Mustard= Sandwiches.
   $7 beer= How about a screwdriver?
   Roses= 1
   Taco Bell= Chiuaua

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? Ramón's walk off bunt, how can it not be my fave with 50,000+ fans screaming along with me?
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? various, but Kotsay comes to mind since I'm left handed, (used to) play centerfield, and have practiced Pilates
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Baseball game with MVP seats
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? no, she doesn't have a basement
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Oh it's long up and running!

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= let it all hang out
   Frank Thomas= Big man
   Fremont= not a good place for the A's ballpark
   Abraham Lincoln= a president
   SF Giants= NL club in the Bay Area when I'm in the mood for NL games
   Mustard= necessary on a dog, plus sauerkraut
   $7 beer= it better be the best or else it's too much
   Roses= beautiful
   Taco Bell= ugh

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? Winning the World Series in 89.  It was just so incredible to see that squad finally win it after the 88 debacle.  No better feeling than having YOUR team be the Champ.  I was at a party full of Giants fans too which addd to the fun.

   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Probably Mark Ellis.  Doesnt make the greatest first impression, but after you get to know him, you realize everythign eh brings to the table. (Oh, and I tore my labrum also)

   3. What is your ideal 1st date?  Honestly, one that is comfortable with flowing conversation and most importantly leads to a 2nd date.

   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? No, havent lived at home since 18, just bought a house 2 years ago.

   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? It's been free for a long time when it comes to sports, fantasy sports, etc.  Just love the big 3 sports.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Envious of the fun he has.
   Frank Thomas= Not finished
   Fremont= Ugh
   Abraham Lincoln= Phenomenal
   SF Giants= Zero rings
   Mustard= Spicy
   $7 beer= Better be freaking big
   Roses= Where I live :-)
   Taco Bell= Double decker taco

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?
- I would have to say the Sept. 2, 2005 game agaisnt the yankees. We scraped them 12-0. It was my last game on my last day in Oakland before i went off to my first year of college. The 3rd deck was still open.  I had like 20 of my closest and favorite people there. Everyone was chanting "YANKEES SUCK!! YANKEES SUCK!!" The whole crowd was sooo into the game.. The guys we were sitting around offered us food and drinks and we just had a ball.  It made leaving the next morning a lot harder...
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? hmmmm... i think im a bit of everyone...  
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Going to good baseball game, walk on the beach, pretty much anything fun..
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? no?
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? i dont have an inner dork...i am one.. haha...

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Unscripted
   Frank Thomas= King Kong!
   Fremont= bleh...
   Abraham Lincoln= Mark Kotsay commercial
   SF Giants= Halloween
   Mustard= $1 hotdogs
   $7 beer= vodka in a waterbottle
   Roses= are red
   Taco Bell= bad times

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? 2003 division clinch (see batgirl's & OaklandSi's absolutely perfect descriptions, which are much better than the 93 paragraphs of incoherent blither that I'd put here if I tried describing it myself)
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Mark Ellis, because contrary to how loud you might think I am online, I'm actually very reserved and I thrive "under the radar"
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? "1st date"? What the hell is that? {checks memory chip}
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? Not yet
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? My dork was never restrained to begin with

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Jiminy Christmas!
   Frank Thomas= Costco
   Fremont= right over there {points}
   Abraham Lincoln= Breakfast At Kotsay's
   SF Giants= meh
   Mustard= Band Camp
   $7 beer= better than $10 margaritas
   Roses= thorns
   Taco Bell= urp

1. Favorite A's moment and why? From recent times... For sheer joy: Ramon's bunt. For awe: Huddy's 2-hitter v Pedro. For sharing with AN: Kendall's Tag (immortal threads).
   
2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Jason Kendall, because I will give 100% effort, do small things well, do all the important things badly, accept my large salary with a straight face, and even though I do not excel in any way, I am responsible for a surprising number of memorable and weird events.  
   
3. What is your ideal 1st date? Any place where two people can talk. I can't stand dates at concerts, bars or any place else that's about posture and not connection.
   
4. Do you live in your mother's basement? No, but she may be living with me soon enough...
   
5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Dorks do not yearn to be free. We are too busy thinking about something detailed and wonky.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= the perfect public athlete (pre-party article)
   Frank Thomas= big bright green smiley gimpy homer machine
   Fremont= BART landmark until Warm Springs gets theirs
   Abraham Lincoln= If she were a president, she would be BABEraham Lincoln
   SF Giants= good for the local economy
   Mustard= great with seeds
   $7 beer= you've got to be kidding me
   Roses= annoyingly thorny; how about some nice California Poppies?
   Taco Bell= Double Decker Taco is engineering brilliance; due to old ad campaign, my friend dubbed it "The Shakeem"

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? Ooh, toss up.  Miggy's walk-off homer for win No. 18 in a row (or the 20).  Dave Stewart's no-hitter in '90.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Pfft...I probably hardly like any pro athlete.
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Ballgame!
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? Don't think my wife would appreciate that, so no.
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Been free as a bird for some time now.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher=Exuberant
   Frank Thomas=Big
   Fremont=Dog's name?
   Abraham Lincoln=Five dollars
   SF Giants=Orange
   Mustard=Hot dog
   $7 beer=Yuck
   Roses=Sweet
   Taco Bell=Good to go!

Married 2.5 years.  pic of me and my lady

Short Answer
1. Favorite A's moment and why?

This is kinda weird... Miggy in anguish in the dugout after the 2003 playoff collapse.  I hate that moment, but watching a player in the exact same state I was in really brought me closer to the team.  I realize that moment is when my deep love of the team became clear.  Kind of like the dude in "City Slickers" said (see Dork answer)... that was my best and worst moment as an A's fan.

2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?

Heh, no idea.  I went to Auburn at the same time as Huddy.  Don't think I'm much like him, though... I grew up between Atlanta and Honolulu and am not much of a country boy.

3. What is your ideal 1st date?

Just sitting somewhere and talking, maybe at a little cafe or something.  That was the first date with my wife.

4. Do you live in your mother's basement?

Nope.  Just bought a 90 year-old fixer-upper in midtown Atlanta.  Anybody seen "Money Pit"?  bah.

5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?

I have a degree in Applied Math, minor in Computer Science and work as a software developer.  There is no inner to my dork.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= pretty cool
   Frank Thomas= gigantor
   Fremont= somewhere i've heard of
   Abraham Lincon= mmm, history
   SF Giants= no real opinion
   Mustard= mmmm
   $7 beer= two beers?  one giant beer?
   Roses= stone
   Taco Bell= poor stomach

  1. Favorite A's moment and why?  When Campy and Reggie homered in the third inning of Game 7 of the 1973 World Series, and I knew we were gonna be the champs again.  
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  Billy Beane, in that my unrealized expectations from youth have since been trumped by success in other fields.
   3. What is your ideal 1st date?  Road Trip!
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  No.  I love my Mom, my Dad, and each and every one of the 3,000 miles between our houses.
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  My inner dork is on an occasional supervised work-release program.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher=Irrepressible
   Frank Thomas=Gynormous
   Fremont=Fool and his money...
   Abraham Lincoln=depressed visionary
   SF Giants=Nice house, no one's home
   Mustard=Modern day ambrosia
   $7 beer=$6.50 more than the parking lot variety
   Roses=I'm a freesia man
   Taco Bell=Not the run for the border they'd have you believe

1. Favorite A's moment and why?  
I have three.  1) My dad taking me to watch Rickey tie the stolen base record.  2) Being in the upper deck with 55,000 of my closest friends when Scott Hatteberg made me believe in magic again.  3) Just one day earlier, lying on my bed and listening to the radio as Eric Chavez and Miguel Tejada executed a double steal against the Royals.

2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  
Terrence Long - I  have a lot of natural ability but I don't work hard enough to make the most of it.  This is the aspect of myself that I would like to change.

3. What is your ideal 1st date?  
A game of Ping Pong while sharing SAT scores.  (It's how I met my wife.)

4. Do you live in your mother's basement?
I moved out when I was 18 and haven't looked back.

5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?
My dork was imprisoned, released, and subsequently elected president of the state of me.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher = Pavement ("Darling don't you go and cut your hair...")
   Frank Thomas = Fearsome
   Fremont = Boring nights wasted in the mosque.
   Abraham Lincoln = John F Kennedy
   SF Giants = 1989
   Mustard = Honey
   $7 beer = Too much!
   Roses = Mums
   Taco Bell = Encina

And to think I was actually looking forward to that...

Jessica, age 19.

Short Answer
1. Favorite A's moment and why?
One of the top ones has to be Ramon's walk-off bunt. Field level seats to my first (and only) playoff game, extra innings, walk-off dramatics... simply amazing.

2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?
I don't know. Maybe Mark Ellis-- he's about my height, I played second base in high school (although I wasn't nearly as good as he is), and I'm definitely the quiet unassuming type.

3. What is your ideal 1st date?
Hmm. Something simple. An A's game wouldn't be half bad.

4. Do you live in your mother's basement?
Of course not. We don't have a basement.

5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?
Considering I wanted to write an essay, and in the other diary I kept twitching compulsively when I saw "yurning" (and other typos), I'd say my inner dork was released long ago and is on the other side of the world by now.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher = Flippin' awesome.
   Frank Thomas = Very. Large. Man.
   Fremont = Not good for the A's.
   Abraham Lincoln = Civil War.
   SF Giants = Old and gimpy.
   Mustard = No thanks.
   $7 beer = But mommy, I can't have any beer.
   Roses = Purty flowers.
   Taco Bell = Yo quiero Taco Bell. (But not really, I just remember the slogan.)

Name: Kenny
Age: 24

Short Answer:

1. Favorite A's moment and why?
Scott Hatteberg's walk off to win the twentieth game of "The Streak."  I still remember where I sat (front row, plaza bleachers, dead center), who I went with (my fraternity brothers) and what I ate (a big dog topped with mountains of condiments and two cans of Coors Light I snuck into the stadium).  I was glad to witness history in the
making.  It had its ups and most definitely its downs and in the end, something magical happened.

2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?
Dennis Eckersley.  The Eck proves that it is possible for people who are raised in Fremont to do great things.  He is also the only one of
the three players I liked from the 1989 team who did not use steroids.  Also, I never felt such a sense of community as a person from Fremont
until the day the Eck's jersey was retired last year.  I remember riding on BART with a guy who went to Kennedy High who highlight of his entire career as a baseball player was breaking up a no hitter against Eckersley, in high school.  A coworker's dad went to Washington with the Eck and claims to know him.  His speech for both the jersey retirement and the Hall of Fame induction are examples of humility and class, a real breath of fresh air when compared to a certain steroid abuser across the bay.  Plus, I've never heard the
word "Fremont" mentioned so many times in a speech before.  Although Fremont is as boring as hell, the Eck made me proud to be from Fremont.

3. What is your ideal 1st date?
The most important thing is good food.  I am convinced that you can't have a bad time eating good food.  The food need not be expensive, it
just needs to be good.  That good food can either be running up a $150 bill at Va de Vi eating pan-Asian fusion tapas or a burger and fries
at In-n-out or Val's.  The second most important thing is doing something out of the ordinary, save the movie for a later date.  If you want to sit down and watch something, do something more exotic
than a movie, like the symphony, plays, opera, jazz club, art house cinema, something.  That or an A's game followed up by drinking at The Alley, an awesome piano bar in Oakland.

4. Do you live in your mother's basement?
No, but I do live with my parents in a room that is not a basement.  Long story short, my dad's getting up there in years and the health is starting to decline.  Although my mom enjoyed being an empty nester she decided the ask me to move back to help her care for my dad.  I reluctantly agreed but I do believe I made the right decision.  The not paying rent thing is pretty cool, too.

5. Do you feel you have an inner dork "yurning" to be free, or has that dork already been released?
Did I mention that I have an affinity for the arts?  Rest assured that I am no culture snob, I'm always down to drink a six pack of bad American macrobrews and watch the ballgame.

Word Association:

Nick Swisher= Jack Black
Frank Thomas= home run
Fremont= boring as hell, but its home
Abraham Lincoln= "Four score and seven years ago..."
SF Giants= 1989
Mustard= good, Dijon Mustard, better; Brown Deli Mustard, best
$7 beer= It's all about the $10 huge Corona, ounce for ounce the
cheapest beer and best value in the Coliseum
Roses= cliche, or it's a signal you really screwed up
Taco Bell= the Panda Express of Mexican food.

into the mic....This dude freaking sucks

1. Favorite A's moment and why? Tim Hudson and Isringhausen pitching a shutout against the Rangers to earn a playoff by 1/2 a game, ah ever since then it's been a joy
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Gene Tenace, I really don't know why as I like to talk a lot but like Gene I back it up with some walks and Hr's, (supporting points).
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Dinner at Denny's, it worked
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? No
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? Yes, I watch West Wing and believe that Martin Sheen desrved an emmy.

Last game of the 2000 regular season. Win and they're in. Huddy on the mound. Nervous tension through all the scoreless innings. Papa's "...and this joint (pause) is off the hook!" call.

Hudson (see above). Overall warrior mentality yet humble off the field, no to mention a great find in the sixth round of the draft.

Neighborhood restaurant followed by live music with no awkward silences or obvious signs that there will not be a second date.

No, but my checkbook wants me to.

My friends would say no, but my browser would suggest otherwise.

Swisher = moderation
Thomas = presence
Fremont = please see: Stein, Gertrude
Lincoln = Jefferson Davis
Giants = Hoodwinkers Inc.
Mustard = Guldens
$7 beer = margin
Roses = Pasadena
Taco Bell = Eric Schlosser

of a Mad Fly Hunnie?  'Cause that's me.  Right here.  Brang it.

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why?  Clinching the division, 2003.  I was there, and it was my first date with my girlfriend.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  Kielty.  Nerdy, goofy, silly and (hopefully) talented are all words that can describe both of us.  
   3. What is your ideal 1st date?  See #1 :-)
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  Heck no.
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  That dork is out and proud.  Sometimes, though, it goes into hiding, as I try occasionally to hang with the cool kids, before realizing that it's not worth it and just makes me miserable, since the people who are really going to be my close friends LOVE THE DORK!!

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher=my hero
   Frank Thomas=huge and nice
   Fremont=scary (my hometown)
   Abraham Lincoln=gangly
   SF Giants=grrrrrrrrrrrr....
   Mustard=mmm.  Needs to be the gourmet stuff tho.
   $7 beer=better frickin' be worth it.
   Roses=overrated
   Taco Bell=Oh so good, and oh so baaad.

1. Favorite A's moment and why?  Just for kicks I'll say the '88 World Series Game 1, just because it is seared so permanently into my brain, and it's been long enough so that it doesn't hurt anymore to remember.  The Canseco Grand Slam in the beginning was so awesome ... Stew pitched just well enough to hang on ... was Belcher pitching for LA?  And then the ninth inning of course, which ended with me storming downstairs and blustering to my mom, "Can I BURN my A's sweatshirt?"  And what the hell was Mike Davis, my favorite player in previous years (he was kind of Ruben Sierra before there was Ruben Sierra), doing drawing a walk against his former team to set up the fatal moment?
   
2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  Mark Mulder--We both have had lots of ups and downs ... also he seems kind of aloof, and I'm afraid I tend to be that as well.
   
3. What is your ideal 1st date?  Due to an earthquake or something I get trapped in a closet for hours with a pretty girl.  Then she has no choice other than to get to know me.
   
4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  No, but I wouldn't rule it out in the future.
   
5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  Sometimes I feel that I have an inner cool person yearning to be free, but that's probably wishful thinking.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= goatee
   Frank Thomas= tight end out of Auburn
   Fremont= BART
   Abraham Lincoln= Ken Burns documentary, starring that historian Shelbey Foote
   SF Giants=*KNBR
   *Mustard=*Catsup
   $7 beer=*popcorn at the movies
   *Roses=*remember, your girlfriend likes yellow ones
   *Taco Bell=*UCLA On-Campus eatery

Not too old to have some fun!

Sam 43

   1. Favorite A's moment and why?  I dont't have one favorite moments.  In fact ,the moments seems to run together, but I do have some favorite games.  Mine is the 16-0 laugher over the Giants from last year when the Gnats outfilders were bumbling and the A's were totally dominant.  That was a sweet afternoon.

   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why?  I'm most like Adam Melhuse because I'm a team guy, don't complain but get the job done when asked.  Plus, he sounds smart in interviews which makes me think he and I are similar.

   3. What is your ideal 1st date?  dinner at a nice ethnic restaurant, challenging conversation while walking along a moonlit beach and after dinner cocktails while listening to smooth jazz at home.  Whatever follows naturally from that as well.

   4. Do you live in your mother's basement?  NO

   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork  yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released?  Dork already released.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher=fun loving
   Frank Thomas=misunderstood he-man
   Fremont=no there there
   Abraham Lincoln=greatest Pres
   SF Giants=yuck
   Mustard=the best fat free condiment
   $7 beer=not touching my lips
   Roses=best romantic gift
   Taco Bell=cheap carbs

Short Answer
   1. Favorite A's moment and why? Either seeing Mulder pitch a CG shoutout over the Dodgers in 2002, or seeing the bash brothers hit back to back homers in 1989.
   2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? MAybe Zito, since I'm kinda weird and spacy.
   3. What is your ideal 1st date? Cocktails followed by dinner and wine, a nice stroll and then a short kiss. Longer kiss the second date.
   4. Do you live in your mother's basement? Nope
   5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? It was released long ago. I'm a baseball and music dork.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= funny
   Frank Thomas= hurt
   Fremont= everbody knows this is nowhere
   Abraham Lincoln= great president
   SF Giants= I've always rooted for them
   Mustard= great on hot dogs
   $7 beer= too pricey
   Roses= are red my love violets are blue
   Taco Bell= one of the best fast food options

Short Answer

1. Favorite A's moment and why?  It's kinda hard to pick one but I guess my most recent one is being at the game when Chavy, Thomas, and Bradley hit the back-to-back homers.
   
2. Which A's player (past or present) are you most like and why? Huston street, the kid's only a few years younger than me.
   
3. What is your ideal 1st date? Anything fun, like a baseball game. But I'm okay with laying out at the park and just talk about random stuff the whole time.
   
4. Do you live in your mother's basement? She doesn't have one. No.
   
5. Do you feel you have an inner dork yearning to be free, or has that dork already been released? When I'm out partying with my friends it can get a little crazy.

Word Association:
   Nick Swisher= Walnut Creek
   Frank Thomas= Huge
   Fremont= Huh, who?
   Abraham Lincoln= Breakfast
   SF Giants= Noah Lowry
   Mustard= Yellow
   $7 beer= Champagne's better
   Roses= I hate them
   Taco Bell= Gross