Well, let me start with the bad news since it's good to get that out of the way. My daughter is three weeks old and I found out that I'm going to be joining the ranks of the unemployed today.
The good news is that I get to spend a ton more time working on AN to make it the best site it can be. That means more interviews, more posts, just more labor-intensive stuff.
The other good news is that we recently signed up a prominent former ESPN columnist to run one of our blogs for the company we're starting. And I know you all know who he is. I'll get something up about it very soon.
So, while I'm really scared right now having to provide for my wife and baby girl, I'm excited about possibly making this site and the sites like it my career. The Oakland A's and baseball are my passion. So I look at this as an opportunity. An opportunity to spend more quality time with all of you.
0 recs | 91 comments
Sorry to hear that, man
But I'm pretty confident that someone with your talent and creativity will find a place to make it happen soon.Tony - February 10, 2005
It's their loss. . .
And I hope you can find something you like. I guess in the greater scheme of things, this time with Maya is literally once in a lifetime, so I'm sure you'll enjoy this increased time with her. Best wishes.CSR - February 10, 2005
Good luck Blez
You've certainly got all our support.TempletonPeck - February 10, 2005
Wow...
That must be so stressful. I can't imagine.You are a great mind, and a good heart. Something is bound to work out.
I'll light a candle for you.
Kimmaline - February 10, 2005
Exactly my sentiments...
...there always place for bright, creative people in this world.I became unemployed (for the only time in my adult life) from a job I hated when we were expecting our first, and it freaked me out a little, but I then landed the best job I've ever had and have been here almost 10 years. Sometimes the worst things turn into the best. This is your calling, Blez. Give Billy Beane a jingle and see if he can rustle up something for you in the front office. The worst that can happen is that he'll say "No", but he might reccommend you to someone else. You never know unless you try...
McFood - February 10, 2005
Blessing in Disguise (possibly)
Blez,THat is a total bummer for the short term, but I think all of us on this site are fully confident that you will be able to find a more meaningful job that you can pour your entire heart into, sooner rather than later.
As such, the upcoming free time you will have will give you the opportunity to explore all the options that starting this wonderful website has opened up to you and all of us as well.
THere is no doubt in my mind that someone that is familiar with your work on this site will give you the opportunity of a lifetime!
Taj Adib - February 10, 2005
blez
im really sorry to hear that . Im confident you will get a great job soon, good luck. No matter what happens you have my respect.bballfanr33 - February 10, 2005
I'll keep my fingers crossed
If your work on this site is any indication, your future path (be it working for yourself or for someone else) will be a huge success. You really have a talent at this, so hang in there and don't forget to believe in yourself! I will be sending out good vibes for the Blez family. (OK, that sounds totally lame, but I can't think of another way to phrase it)batgirl - February 10, 2005
I second McFood
Blez: Give Billy a call, am willing to bet he would point you in the right direction, and you would be nearer your first love the A's. He might be able to get you started with the River Cats, and work your way to the big leagues.robertmelvin - February 10, 2005
Hey, sorry to hear that news, blez
But you're way too talented to keep down for long.jrbh - February 10, 2005
Been there, done that
It sucks, and it's horribly stressful, but remember now more than ever your family is there for you. I don't doubt for a moment that you'll bounce back and land a new job soon. I'm also inclined to agree with McFood... quality organizations are always looking for talent and maybe this is an opportunity for you to get into a field you really love.grover - February 10, 2005
Very sorry to hear it
It's going to be tough and stressful; no way around that. You have my sympathy.But you are obviously very smart, creative and energetic. I know you will find a great new way to earn a living. I just hope it will be one that fits well with continuing to work on AN.
I would think you should be able to get a lot of jobs with a resume that says nothing more than: "I did athleticsnation.com. Just look at it."
matthias
matthias - February 10, 2005
Sorry
but this is a great opportunity for you! I promise you. We're standing behind you, too.BillybUcko - February 10, 2005
good luck Blez!
Sorry to read the news, especially with a new little one. But I agree with others who say this will open a new door in your life. And let BB know about your situation. From the interviews you can tell he really likes you and AN. All the best!jschreib59 - February 10, 2005
damn
to echo the others statements, we are all rooting for you to get back in the ranks of the employed soon enough...I agree, if you actually have that contact with Billy Beane, ask him if theres anywhere you could start. Don't know what kind of things you have going for you, but if theres any way you could possibly get into that business, how fun would that be?
Well, unless Billy would put you under oath not to talk...
SeanR - February 10, 2005
man.....
I am really sorry to hear this blez but things will work themselves out. Hell, if I had to subsccribe to athleticsnation if it meant you could still run it I would.Athletics fan and runner - February 10, 2005
Hang in there Blez
You're amazing and something will open up!Hegenberger Road - February 10, 2005
Network
will this be sort of like a Blogging Network? Whom else is on it besides McCovey Chron?Zonis - February 10, 2005
Re: Network
The network currently includes Blez, McCovey Chronicles, DRays Bay, Bleed Cubbie Blue, Red Reporter, and myself. There will be a new member added tomorrow (which Blez promises to write about), and more new members added frequently as the days pass.This will be a bitchin' community.
JeffS - February 10, 2005
1st Post
Been perusing this blog for a few months now. With my 1st post I'd like to give Blez a pat on the back. Things will work out for you. You've got the whole Athletic Nation standing by you.arch - February 10, 2005
Man, Blez....
I don't know what to say. My dad battling at work, too and let me tell you, the stress I see on his face is just.... horrible. He wakes up every morning though and says that whatever happens, we will get through it. Good things happen to good people, Blez. With you, I would think incredible things would happen to you because you are so damn awesome! The best of luck to you Blez... You'll get through this just fine and you know AN's got your back!!! :)As for Mr. Arch. Welcome to AN. Ready for your question? put a lot of thought into it.
Who is your favorite player and why?
P.S. Blez, that idea about contacting BB.... It's not a bad idea at all!
P.P.S. JW.... I posted this in another diary, but it's probably too old.... How many people are registered on AN? It seems like everyday someone new signs up!
GreenNGoldGirl - February 10, 2005
Harden & Kotsay
Pretty intense. Fierce competitors.arch - February 10, 2005
my heart sunk
for you blez when i read about joining the unemployment list.i really believe that you have something going here and maybe before you know it you will have all the mlb teams covered along with half the nba and nfl....then you could get a banner add for antsports.com and they could pay you big money for all the fantasy football nuts that your blogs send them for business....
just a thought for you...
peoples27 - February 10, 2005
Good luck, Blez.
I'm sure you're pretty stressed about it, but as everyone has been saying, you're so talented that I'm sure things will start looking up.Sharon - February 10, 2005
good luck blez
On a lighter note, keep the site free but: sign us up for premium pay access!$20/yr = chat with Billy Beane
$100/yr = chat with Alyssa Milano
$1000/yr = chat with Barry Zito's new girlfriend
Apricot - February 10, 2005
Hmm....
(1) Alyssa Milano has nothing to do with the Oakland Athletics anymore (THANK GOD!!!) It would be somewhat pointless and annoying to have her here. :)(2) Who would BZ's new girlfriend happen to be? 0:)
GreenNGoldGirl - February 10, 2005
me me me!
NOT to be his girlfriend......but to be the first to chat with you when you start dating him :)
Sharon - February 10, 2005
Of course!
If you don't have a BF, you can join Kimmaline, Barry and I to all the fancy parties with the hot baseball players. Maybe you'll find one for yourself.... ;) You can never go wrong with a baseball player!GreenNGoldGirl - February 10, 2005
nah...
...I have a "no dating baseball players" rule. Because...you know...that's the only thing keeping me from dating one......yep...
Sharon - February 10, 2005
*astonished*
I would never be able to keep that rule in place! I'd break it.... :) Baseball players are awesome to date... especially if you can talk baseball for 3 hours and find out it's 1 in the morning. Good times.... :)ANYWAY.... That's a commitment I respect you for... I'd never be able to do it! I actually made a bet with one of my good friends that I was going to marry a baseball player (be it Barry Zito or someone else.) She said that if that happened before our 10 year H.S. reunion, she'd give me $50. She thinks my baseball player infatuation is just a stage....
GreenNGoldGirl - February 10, 2005
who am I kidding...
Yes, I would date a baseball player. But he'd have to pass a long list of requirements...he'd have to have a nice OBP, obviously. It would be nice if he was smart, funny, and charming. But thats all secondary to OBP.:)
Sharon - February 10, 2005
OBP.....
of course! We don't want too many free swingers dating A's fans.... Billy has taught us well. The only thing is... well.... Billy says you don't "sell jeans" when it comes to finding good baseball players. It certainly doesn't matter to me if my guy can work those jeans! :)GreenNGoldGirl - February 10, 2005
I have nothing against jeans...
...but I wouldn't mind if the guy modeled something like a towel instead.And that's as far as I'm going to go with that :)
I blame my R-ratedness on Jennifer. As usual.
Sharon - February 10, 2005
ME??
How?Jennifer - February 11, 2005
Haven't you learned by now?
It's always your fault :)Sharon - February 11, 2005
"It's always your fault."
Mom? Is that you?:)
Sharon, that was eerily familiar to something my Mom says. The only thing it was missing was a "bitch" in there somewhere.
Jennifer - February 11, 2005
damn!
My cover is blown!Sharon - February 11, 2005
How 'bout passing a blood test?
Baseball players could be packing around more diseases than that monkey in Outbreak with all the... um... "strange" they probably get. My only requirement is a clean bill of health. :)Jennifer - February 11, 2005
Hang in there, Blez!
That's such a bummer man, and I'm really sorry to hear this.Not breaking any new ground with this, but I think you're going also find it to be a blessing in disguise!
I wouldn't be surprised to hear in the future of some fantastic opportunity that comes your way, or, some sort of dream job!
You've got way too much talent, and creativity, and obviously, a helluva lot of passion - you can't keep a good man down!
Ben
catfish hunter - February 10, 2005
Yes, Good Luck Blez
One day at a time.I am remote in Kansas City for work related training. Wear my A's hat once in a while and get positive comments. (they don't have much faith in their team)
Friendly town and not a bad place either. Even saw George Brett outside his restaraunt yesterday.
ak_A - February 10, 2005
Sithlords
Master Blez, you must resist the temptations of the Darkside.It's certainly tough, but just try and stay positive and remember what's meant to be will be.
Finding a new job is tough, and I'm still looking.
There is one thing that I know for sure, and I have to believe it to maintain my sanity. What happened to me was because I was in the wrong place, and I will end up in a better place than before.
I have also learned that the process takes alot longer than I had imagined. I had first thought that with the advent of the internet and all the available resources, things would happen fast. Wrong. It seems with all the availability, companies are overwhelmed with apps and it takes quite awhile. I'm am still waiting for a final yes/no from a company I interviewed with in early Dec, and even though it's been about 10 weeks, I am assured by them I am still a candidate...crazy.
Just remember to stay positive. Good things happen to good people eventually, and we all know you are one of the best.
It's only the next Jedi trial, and soon we will restore balance to the Universe.
May the Force be with you my friend.
Force - February 10, 2005
References??
You can have hundreds attesting to your hard work and dedication. Best of luck to you -- stuff like this happens for a reason, and usually for the better.Bobblehead - February 10, 2005
I meant........
Always for the better.Bobblehead - February 10, 2005
Bad News
Best wishes in your near future, Blez. You'll do well, I think, as you keep your head up about this.Let us know how we can help. There's only this public forum to keep in touch with you.
Dan_Honolulu - February 10, 2005
Best of luck
Just echoing what everyone else is saying here...you're too good to be kept down long.salb918 - February 10, 2005
You're starting a company right?
Well, then the end of your job is a good thing . . . right?Anyway, my job ended last April when my brand new baby daughter was two months old. My wife went back to work after maternity leave and I've been taking care of my little girl since. I've started looking again once the new year arrived.
It will all work out for both of us. Enjoy the time with Maya. I've loved my time.
Dwayne Murphy - February 10, 2005
I'd say best of luck...
But you're too talented and passionate to even need it, Blez. Good luck with the sure-to-be-awesome new business.As for the "former ESPN columnist"...could it be Sickels? That would rock.
Vic @ Athletics Nation - February 10, 2005
re: Sickels
That's who I thought.It would be awesome.
Sharon - February 10, 2005
Sickels
Pretty sure that's who it is, considering when he wrote his final Down on the Farm he said he was going to be doing a blog.brewersandathletics - February 11, 2005
Blez
The job does not make the man (or woman). It is who you are as person and what relationships you have built that will be what you want to be remembered for.You'll land on your feet.
Morada Mudshark - February 10, 2005
Sorry
Blez, hang in there. It's obvious that you have talent and someone should hire you!oaklandbbfan - February 10, 2005
Good luck Blez
Best of Luck Blez ... remember this -- tough times never last, tough people do --you'll make itny1asfan - February 10, 2005
AN is now poised...
to dominate the blogosphere. This shit will be publicly traded before you know it. In all seriousness, good luck with whatever opportunity you choose to pursue.Cutthemullet - February 10, 2005
and of course...
quality time with Maya is the best fallback...everCutthemullet - February 10, 2005
Good Luck Blez
There's nothing I can say differently that hasn't been said yet in this blog, but you seem very talented and creative, and we are all sure you will be back on your feet in no time.TroyNeelorBust - February 10, 2005
Just adding to the
show of support--hang in there, Blez. Baseball is the cure for all that ails...and P/C's report next week...Nico - February 10, 2005
It's so obvious...
Just when this site is taking off you get ousted from your current job. It's a sign, Blez, that you are on to something hot here. I think you and your family are going to be just fine. I will continue to support your efforts here. Best of luck.haleakalu - February 10, 2005
That stinks
Best of luck Blez, you'll kick ass in whatever job you do next.On the other hand, some of my happiest time in the last 5 years came when I was unemployed...
nickolai - February 10, 2005
Bummer
Let us know who let you go. I smell a boycott!!! They will rue the day!Seriously, hang in there, man. You will surely land on your feet, probably better off in the long run. Good luck!
WayOutInLF14 - February 10, 2005
Wait a minute...
...didn't John Sickels recently leave ESPN?HE DID!
And he went to www.minorleagueball.com.
types in the URL in Firefox
notices the great similarities between the layout of AN and the layout of Minor League Ball
sees that the first link is to AN
also sees that the advertisement box is for the Oakland A's
Blez, it's hard to keep a secret when you have a big fat advertisement on ESPN.com, in Sickel's very last column. =P
I'm sorry to hear that you're unemployed, but I'm happy to see that you're turning lemons into lemonade. If your business plan includes things like original posters (IN BEANE WE TRUST), t-shirts, etc. on top of donations and advertisements, then I think you'll find yourself with more than enough revenue. Webcomic artists who do nothing more than sell mugs and advertising space have been able to make a living. You provide a quality product. I'm sure you'll do fine.
Inquisitor - February 10, 2005
hah, good detective work!
xbhaskarx - February 11, 2005
Hope Everthing Works Out
Sometimes shit happens, but in the end it all works out for the better. God luck.I don't want to be repetative,with all the other clichés, but I am just trying to show that there are people thinking of you.
sam @ Athletics Nation - February 10, 2005
I'm with everybody else
Lots of luck Blez, although you won't need it! Someone as talented as you will always land on your feet. It's a mixed blessing being able to be with Maya daily. I had that same opportunity when my daughter Maude was born and I was in grad school. On to bigger and better things! Only one more week til pitchers and catchers! Woo Hoo! GO A'S!A'sfansince1970 - February 10, 2005
good luck, blez!
like everyone else, i have confidence things will work out for the best.sec119 - February 10, 2005
Thanks everyone
for all the well wishes. AN is the best community on the net. Truly. You're all class acts.I honestly think everything happens for a reason, and that reason is so I can spend a ton more time with my wife and Maya, and time building this community even better.
I'm working on many different things now, folks. More interviews are coming...probably not for a month or two, but good stuff is on its way.
Tyler Bleszinski - February 10, 2005
Entrepreneurship
It's the only way to go. Here's some quotes for you...The link between my experience as an entrepreneur and that of a politician is all in one word: freedom.
- Silvio Berlusconi
I wanted to be an editor or a journalist, I wasn't really interested in being an entrepreneur, but I soon found I had to become an entrepreneur in order to keep my magazine going.
- Richard Branson
Most new jobs won't come from our biggest employers. They will come from our smallest. We've got to do everything we can to make entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
- Ross Perot
Nobody talks of entrepreneurship as survival, but that's exactly what it is and what nurtures creative thinking.
- Anita Roddick
My son is now an "entrepreneur." That's what you're called when you don't have a job.
- Ted Turner
Go Get 'Em, Blez!
Colorado Fan - February 10, 2005
Sorry
Sorry to hear you lost your job but like you said, everything happens for a reason. Maybe losing your job means that something bigger and better is coming your way soon! Best of luck to you. Thanks so much for creating this awesome site!- Judy
gotgreen - February 10, 2005
Everything I want to say...
...everybody else pretty much also said.So keep your chin up, and be glad that little Maya has a full time dad for awhile.
Mrs. Blez is still gainfully employed, right?
secret ASian man - February 10, 2005
minorleagueball.com
grand opening tomorrow, yet another great online diversion...I like what I'm seeing, BlezCutthemullet - February 10, 2005
i can help
i've got 20 dollars in my bank account but i'll give you 10 to stay unemployed and keep this sight up. i love it and i love you blez.jpbergma - February 11, 2005
Not much to add
to what everyone else has said. The timing stinks, not that there's ever a good time for involuntary unemployment.But you're a resourceful guy, with a lot of talent and people skills. You're starting a business, and you've got the best team Web site going.
Everything will work out. And in the meantime, you'll get to spend more time with Maya.
bear88 - February 11, 2005
Congratulations
I know I'm in the minority in our material society, but as a lifelong bohemian, I just can't perceive leaving one's job as bad news at all.I haven't had a regular day job since 1998, and I hope I never will again. (Never collected unemployment either.) No "blessing in disguise" from me, just plain blessing.
So I trust you'll know I'm sincere when I offer you no condolences but only congratulations.
iglew - February 11, 2005
now you got to
do what you really love to do, and try to find a way to make money on it! I believe you will be successful in what you choose to pursue.But you know what?! You already have a wonderful job of being a Dad which there is no quiting or firing!
monteverdi - February 11, 2005
I'm kind of late in getting here,
but I'm truly sorry to hear about this, Blez. As a college student, I can't say I've had much experience of my own when it comes to suddenly becoming unemployed, but I can't imagine how shocking and difficult it must be. Please know that you, Mrs. Blez, and Maya are all in my thoughts, although you should also know that I too have to believe that a man of your talents, skills, and vision will absolutely emerge from this and do so with smashing success.As for the increase in quality time with all of us here, I have to say that's pretty damn cool as well. Seeing as how this is already the best, most enjoyable blog that I know of, I kind of find it difficult to see how it could get any better. But that said, I'm absolutely enthused about seeing what you manage to do with it. :-)
Take care, Blez, I wish you and your family all the best.
Wes7 - February 11, 2005
Hang tough
Not sure what your background is but you can write and I imagine you can speak fairly well so I am confident it won't take long.Besides, you are the creative force behind a very successful blog tracking the best managed most impressive sports organization in the entire world. That counts for something.
Good luck (and throw in a small margin for yourself on the tee shirts - you deserve it).
Sashulia - February 11, 2005
It is!
It's Sickels! Hooray for Blez! You recruited this guy, this is amazing. Oh, and for proof, Blez posted something over there!Sorry to hear about you losing your job though. Sometimes things like this turn your life for the better. (spend more time with Maya and AN for a month or so, then contact Billy beane about being an "intern" to Mychael Urban and becoming another A's beat writer. Then you can work for the Sac Bee man!)
Anyways, with you 100 %
PS: Why doesn't MinorLeagueBall work on internet explorer?
ohad - February 11, 2005
You do lead an eventful life, don't you?
I'd worry about some people put in your situation, but I'm not worried about you. You will do fine.You know, your abilities would fit in beautifully in the A's marketing arm somewhere. Tech skills, people skills, writing ability, profound commitment to the product--what's not to like? That said, I don't think I can follow others in urging you to explore something with the team. I would think that Athletics Nation, and the company you're building from the AN model, have to remain independent of any team's business structure, and I'm not sure you could manage to be both inside and outside.
Good luck, however you choose to address your situation. Your decision-making track record has been pretty darn good to this point, so far as I can see.
I'm looking forward to the Sickels addition. I'm not really looking forward to paying for content, if this is headed in that direction, but I'll keep an open mind. I'm certainly curious to see your business plan unfold.
Once again, good luck.
Faust - February 11, 2005
i'm a "glass half full" type of guy...
...so everything will work out for ya blez...it appears you're too smart of a guy to sit around and feel sorry for you're self...and hey, it could always be worse, a really good ny yankee blogger's apartment recently burned down to the ground and he lost everything except the clothes on his back! his blogees (is that right?!?) rallied around him-we'ii do the same here.you'ii be fine.
bigelephant - February 11, 2005
everything will work out.
good luck blez!it sucks when this stuff happens but it always opens new doors.
TorontoAsFan - February 11, 2005
Sometimes a blow like losing a job
opens up the door to a tremendous opportunity. This may well be the case for you right now. I am looking forward to how you use the time to support your family by doing something you really love.Best wishes
OaklandSi - February 11, 2005
Changes for the Best
You will always be more successful when your passion is your work. Good Luck!Mission1929 - February 11, 2005
Sorry Blez
Just to echo everyone else, I have no doubt that you'll land on your feet in no time. Companies would be stupid not to take advantage of your previous employer's big mistake. Also, it sounds like you're the type of person who could really be successful putting something together where you can be your own boss. Good luck man.babittfan - February 11, 2005
Good luck Blez
dubsea - February 11, 2005
It happened to me too...
I was laid off when my son was a month old. While it was nervewraking it was also a great opportunity to spend time with him, his mom, and all the visitors. And eventually I found the right thing to do.D Fords Cousin - February 11, 2005
Emerging from Lurkerville . . .
to chime in with "Hang in there, good luck, and keep up the amazing work."I've been an A's fan for my whole life, but I only recently discovered this tremendous site (and it's interesting, courteous and witty regular posters).
It's said that God gives you only as much as you can handle, so you must be able to overcome this setback. Keep your chin up.
EddieVegas_NRAF - February 11, 2005
Blez
I'm sure the unemployement will be temporary.You'll come out ahead in this deal. Best of luck to you, we all support you.
Masaryk - February 11, 2005
Hang in there!
I've been let go only once, and I was really down on myself for a few weeks, and I didn't have the new family you have. Anyway, it's a cliché, but I found a much, MUCH better job and now view the whole episode as a blessing. Best of luck to you and your family.dusty - February 11, 2005
A dream may come true with this oportunity
Blez, I'm a newbie here on Athletic Nation and with computers for that matter. But, from what I can tell about the Nation so far. Is that everyone, and I mean everyone is pasionate about the A's. And you bring them all together. You do a great service for many people. I have four children and all are special but it's true about the first. The whole experience is something to remember and enjoy. Time goes so fast!!!! I don't even know you Blez but I can tell you are a good man. Someday I wish to meet you, and thank you in person for bringing so much happiness to my life. Best Wishes in a difficult time...Mike Heath - February 11, 2005
Keep The Faith!
Blez - Like Arch above, this is my first post. I'm sorry to hear about your unemployment, but hang in there. You've got a great thing going here, so hopefully this will bring you the security that you and your family need. Good luck. As for AN, I've been reading daily now for since January and love the community you've brought together. Looking forward to the new year, so thanks again for making this so cool!bklee - February 11, 2005
More bad news
Oh great. Now Blez will have more time to make this an even better site. Just what my work productivity needed. Everyday I come into work and say "Today will be different. No AN, there's too much to do." And everyday I get sucked in. At the current rate, I'll be joining you in the jobless ranks by Opening Day.On a serious note though: I know it will work out for the best for you, Blez. You're too talented for it not to.
peanut gallery - February 11, 2005
Blez
What kind of work do (sorry) did you do? I would be happy to help you find an opportunity. I also can help you make money from the an site without changing a thing.eastbayrider - February 13, 2005
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Athletics Nation to post a comment.