Episode 206 Discussion (Len Kasper Interview)

CubscastLou

Just wanted to let everyone know that we just recorded an interview of Len Kasper, the Cubs TV play-by-play announcer.

We're planning on putting up either the entire interview or at least the first half (it lasts about 45-50 minutes) as part of Thursday's new episode.

Len was great, we're looking forward to putting this out there for you all to hear...

Update:

Here's a link to episode #206

In Thursday October 12th's episode, which features an Interview with Len Kasper, Cubs Play-By-Play Man, the topics were:

* Personnel and front office changes
* Thoughts on Girardi, Brenly, Bochy as the new Cubs manager
* What worked and what didn’t for the 2006 team
* Work Ethic and Guys That Just Love the Game
* What Cubs fans can look forward to in 2007
* Funny broadcasting moments including key the 7th inning stretch renditions
* and more...

Please post your thoughts on this episode (or anything else) to the message board, or feel free to e-mail us at hosts@cubscast.com. You are also welcome to call the Cubscast call-in line at 773-828-4396 to voice your thoughts.

We'll be back on Monday with an announcement of the Postcard Photo Contest winner along with the usual commentary and sad attempt at humor along with a few other bits of Cubs news and notes.

Until then...

Go Cubs!
_________________
Lou
http://cubscast.com

ninly · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:37 am Post subject:

This is fantastic news! I understand you guys might need a break after what you've put yourselves through this season, but I've been in Cubscast withdrawal since #205, and this sounds like a fantastic way to break the fast.

Post the whole thing!

CrankyShoulder · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 10:47 am Post subject:

Why didnt you warn us so you can get some listener questions? Way to look out for your audience...

(i'm semi joking, but you may have been able to squeeze some good questions in there for us. after all, we made you guys the celebrities that you are!)

CubscastLou · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:33 pm Post subject:

You want the truth, huh? Well, we weren't sure if and when this was going to happen, and the worst thing ever would be building everyone's expectations up and then not being able to come through with the interview.

I assure you, in the future when we know that it's going to happen, we will definitely ask for question suggestions.

We need all the help we can get!
_________________
Lou
http://cubscast.com

CubscastSneetch · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 12:40 pm Post subject:

i second what lou said, cranky. We actually had many conversations about taking listener questions, but we've had several amazing interviews fall through at the last minute before... and if that happened after we took listener questions, we'd feel bad.

Kasper is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet, but as you can imagine he's pretty busy so we didn't want to lose the interview after we promised to ask him your questions.

it's been a nice little break, but we're looking forward to getting things moving again and doing new epsidodes. Thanks for hanging out during our mini off-season!
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"Now it feels weird as hell to lose a game'' -Cliff Floyd

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Prior4Pres22 · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:04 pm Post subject:

cranky is just being cranky lol!! he must be seeing priors doc. and not getting it fixed.

CrankyShoulder · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:11 pm Post subject:

Hopefully the cubscast guys know that I didnt mean anything negative by saying that. I probably wouldnt even have a question to contribute but there are a few interesting topics out here once in a while so I'm sure someone wouldve had something interesting to say.

Anyway, as a fan from back when you guys started then I want to congratulate you guys on scoring an interview like this. I remember last year you guys were trying to get in touch with them but were considered "nobodies" so its great that in only 2 seasons you've managed to get recognized to some degree. If Len liked you guys then he'll probably give you a plug during the regular season and maybe give you guys an interview on the Len and Bob podcast. (Then we can see what you guys look like too)

LeeisMVP · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:12 pm Post subject: Re: Len Kasper Interview

CubscastSneetch · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 2:37 pm Post subject:

thanks guys-- and no, cranky, no offense from your question at all.... i could tell that it wasn't a slam, and it's a fair question. Next time we have a rock solid interview we'll take questions beforehand, its a great idea.

I wasn't part of the Len interview, but am listening to it now was we prepare it for tomorrows show, and i think you guys are really going to like it. He's very conversational and digs pretty deep.
_________________
"Now it feels weird as hell to lose a game'' -Cliff Floyd

http://chicagosportscasts.com
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Maddux31Braves · Posted: Wed Oct 11, 2006 6:39 pm Post subject:

Sounds very cool and exciting. Great job guys!
_________________
Changed back for Lou

Whohangs · Rookie Joined: 12 May 2006 Posts: 6

Fantastic Cubscast, probably the best one of the year. I've liked Len from the beginning and I now have even more respect for Len after listening to this Cubscast.

I sometimes get the feeling he doesn't speak out during telecasts. Most likely because he's paid to be the play-by-play guy and not the analyst and also because his "New School" or stats-based approach may conflict with Brenley's "Old School" thinking. After listening to this Cubscast, it's obvious that Len has more of a stats-based view of baseball. Definitely a fresh voice, especially in an organization like the Chicago Cubs.

neverbesocial · Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 1:49 pm Post subject:

That was a great interview. It seemed like Lou and Sheps had to just give Len the nod's and he was off to the races. That dude really likes to talk. I also noticed that he seemed to really open up to you guys.

I was really impressed when he said he wants to stay with the Cubs forever. That's a really bold statement to say, but I think he is really embracing this team and I gotta give him props for that.

Again, great interview. Maybe he can come on the cast more often Smile

_________________
"do they still play the blues in chicago?"

Nate · Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 3:40 pm Post subject:

I'll add my voice to the chorus here. Well done guys.

But best ever? Best ever has to be the episode in which Lou called Rich Hill "well endowed". I had to rewind that a couple times to make sure I was hearing it right.

But this interview was pretty high up there. Wink

Jonny D · Heckler Joined: 07 Aug 2006 Posts: 43 Location: Normal, IL

I have a whole new respect for Len Kasper now.

As i've said before, it has taken me 320 plus games to grow accustomed to Len and Bob, but now I can't think of a game without them. I really liked Chip and Steve, but I like Stone better on radio 670 now anyways.

Plus, I like Len better than Chip.

Hearing Len say he likes to think he's a little 'hip' was gold though.

I really hope he stays around for a long time, and it was nice to hear his thoughts on baseball aside from just the pains of play-by-play for the 2005-6 Chicago Cubs.

He's a smart guy, and I am happy you guys got him to do an interview.

Now I have only one question: Once Sneetch is manager in 2007, will he still remember his cubscast roots and agree to interviews?

neverbesocial · Posted: Thu Oct 12, 2006 11:00 pm Post subject:

I just found out something that makes Len Kasper even cooler...

Did you know he was in a 'power-pop' band? How cool is that?
_________________
"do they still play the blues in chicago?"

zliu87 · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 6:31 am Post subject:

great interview, it's great to hear about the cubs from all the way in Toronto, ON.

CubscastSneetch · Posted: Fri Oct 13, 2006 9:59 am Post subject:

Roger · Posted: Sat Oct 14, 2006 4:13 pm Post subject:

Indentured Cervix

now that's funny.... Laughing

Sheps · CSN Host Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 297

Thanks for all the kind words on the interview guys. I think the key was the lack of Sneetchness in it. Wink

Also, I have ordered an old copy of Kasper's band's CD, we'll give you a full report when it arrives.

Sheps · CSN Host Joined: 13 Feb 2006 Posts: 297

Speak of the devil, the CD has just arrived. I've yet to play, but Len is on Bass/Vocals. Here is the song list:

Aeroplane Fantasy
In the Loop
Eventually
She Knows
How Long
Goin' Home
Jack Lord's Dead
God.Com
Silent Treatment
The Way It Goes
Nobody Wants to Steal My Baby
Situation
Turn the Page
Water Street
Not What It Seemed
Does Your Mother Know

More to come...