I started this humble site in November of 2003. It started as a simple typepad blog and at the time I didn't really know how to use the typepad format so I accidentally wound up titling the blog, Athletics Nation: Baseball Country. I'm assuming not many remember those days, but we've come a long way since then. Athletics Nation has been used as the blueprint for a company called SportsBlogs Nation, which I'm proud to say is now the largest independent sports blogging network on the Web. Sort of the anti-ESPN in that the company was born from a frustrated fan who didn't feel like he was getting what he needed as an Oakland Athletics fan from the traditional media.
Still AN became my baby. Although as AN has grown into a teenager in blog years and I've had to get it ready for college, I've had to seek the help of great people like Nico and baseballgirl. Only then I found that I needed even more help because SB Nation was becoming a mammoth network with lots of bloggers and lots of things to do every day. That's when monkeyball, louismg, Taj and notsellingjeans came on board. More recently, Nico and I talked and decided we wanted a more stats focused column and that's when we brought grover, salb and devo to write Staturdays. I personally think that AN has become a lot more than just a blog. It's more of an Athletics community now with a variety of powerful voices and opinions.
But as AN has grown, I've had to step back more and more. SB Nation now has more than 180 blogs and is rapidly approaching 200 which is amazing to think about. That has meant a lot of backend support and efforts needed from me. The business side of things has kind of taken over my life although I'm now much more focused on the editorial across the network more than anything. This job has pulled me away from AN more and more and I haven't been the good blogfather than I should be. With that thought in mind, I asked Nico if he'd be willing to take over at AN as the lead blogger. He graciously agreed to do so.
Now don't think that this means that I'm leaving AN. I'm around AN more often than you'd think but I just don't have the time to comment like I used to. I don't have the time to write the posts that I used to. And this community deserves a lead blogger who is living in the community all the time not just temporarily. I trust both Nico and baseballgirl so very much. They both have such a passion for this community and it's why they were my first two choices to write on the front page (I had a very tough time making the decision to bring anyone on board) when I finally decided to make that initial change.
As many of you may have already noticed, I haven't been around the blog much basically the last four months any way (some of you would probably argue that's been for the best!). Nico has been running things since then. I just figured that it was time that people hear that it's more official now.
Ultimately, you are still going to get interviews from me (I think I have a couple coming in the next couple of weeks) and I'm not disappearing. Basically the site will be running identically as to how it's been running over the past four months.
And finally I don't know about you, but I'm incredibly fired up about the A's season this year. Not merely because the offense should be a significant upgrade over last year, but I think there's a good chance we could see some of the A's young starting pitchers soon rather than later, especially if they perform well in spring. I think it's why Billy Beane has been building such a strong relief staff. That way you try and squeeze five or maybe six decent innings out of the starters and then lean on a strength in the pen.
The reason I said all that is that there is no way in hell you're going to get rid of me around here. Not this season. No way, no how. But I hope you'll join me in welcoming Nico as the lead blogger on AN. And please give the same support for him and the rest of the front page crew led by baseballgirl. Oh and I also love the addition of 67MARQUEZ. He brings something that AN has lacked in years past and that's some deep historical perspective to AN.
Thanks for continuing to love AN. This will still be the place to be for Oakland A's fanatics throughout 2009 and for many years to come. Looking forward to seeing a bunch of you in person at the upcoming AN So Cal Day against the Angels and many more of you at AN day later in the summer at the Coliseum. LET'S GO OAK-LAND!!!!
2 recs | 107 comments
(tip of the cap)
It’s amazing what you’ve built here, Blez. Thanks for the update.
rubin sierra - February 23, 2009
Megadittoes!
GreenNGoldSooner - February 23, 2009
Thanks
for setting up this place Blez. Good luck with all the rest.
Harry2m - February 23, 2009
Stomper isn't going to change from an Elephant to a Goat, right?
mikev - February 23, 2009
The value built here is awesome Blez. I hope you can make some real money from this.
Your ambitious strategy has been very successfully executed quietly and humbly — a lesson for executives everywhere. Thanks for all you’ve done and good luck with whatever else you’re doing!
Congrats Nico!
WaddellCanseco - February 23, 2009
Thank You
for giving us a place to talk about our passions-baseball and the A’s!
Congrats to Nico and a thanks to the rest of the staff for keeping AN the sports blogger on the web!
rickey939 - February 23, 2009
It has already been a smooth transition.
Nico has taken the lead role and AN has not missed a beat. Or bleat, for that matter.
Blez, I wish you nothing but continued success and I look forward to meeting you in person in April.
Also, I think this message serves as a wonderful reminder that for all the varying personalities, we’re all on the same team. That roots for the same team.
In fact, I think we should all give ourselves a hug.
Too much, huh?
Yeah.
67MARQUEZ - February 23, 2009
golf clap
thank for creating this place. It’s great to actually be able to talk A’s baseball with fellow fans. I love it.
Oh, I haven’t been this excited for a baseball season for a long time.
Dub_TC - February 23, 2009
AN has been a godsend for NRAFs like myself
Thank you so much for starting and building it into the wonderful community it is today!
JLeverenz - February 23, 2009
+1
It’s really tough living in the boston area. Without AN, I’d probably be dead by now.
eastcoasta'sfan - February 23, 2009
+2
…or whatever the proper reinforcing response to “+1” is.
GreenNGoldSooner - February 23, 2009
Good luck
with the SB Nation management and thank you for setting up a great site and finding such crew who can carry on making this a best sports community on the web.
elcroata - February 23, 2009
I found AN during October 2004
it’s fascinating to see it grow, change, and also remain the same in many ways.
OaklandSi - February 23, 2009
Hey, cool.
That’s the same month I found AN. User profiles say you preceded me by 11 days. Our UIDs are only 39 apart.
Anyone else still here from the class of October 04?
iglew - February 23, 2009
09/04
Can’t believe it’s been almost 5 years. Well done, Blez.
Colorado Fan - February 23, 2009
11/04
time flies!
batgirl - February 23, 2009
I think I started lurking around the end of the 04 season
but didn’t actually sign up until March 05.
gigglingone - February 23, 2009
November instead of October, but around that time period
I lurked for a while before that. I don’t remember exactly when I started reading AN, but I remember what brought me to the site – an interview Blez did with ESPN’s Oakland fantasy baseball correspondent John Gizzi. I was desperate for anything to read that was A’s related at the time and Gizzi was one of the few places I knew to get some kind of A’s information/analysis (as flimsy as it was), but reading his notes paid off far more than I could have ever expected.
Without double checking my comments, I believe the Hudson/Mulder trades were the events that finally got me to register a screen name and comment.
JLeverenz - February 23, 2009
I began with the Kendall trade
but was also looking for information about the Hudson trade rumors when I found AN.
OaklandSi - February 23, 2009
I can't remember the exact month, but that's about when I started lurking.
Class of ‘04. When’s the reunion?
Rocktopus - February 23, 2009
In the dark days and weeks following the 2003
Boston fiasco, I don’t remember the exact happening or date but I began to search the web in my grief and stumbled either upon AN or something else Blez had worked out…..and it was my life line. Not sure if I really was vetted in 03 or early 04.
ak_A - February 23, 2009
Thanks Blez
As a A’s fan what I love about this site is I don’t have to deal with other team fans. I remember being on a AOL message board and having to deal with a bunch of smack talk by yank, redsox, and ranger fans. Thank God we have this site to talk about the only importain team the A’s. If I want to hear the redsox/yank smack talk I can go to espn.
Arcman - February 23, 2009
Nico as lead blogger?
WE’RE ALL GONNA DIE!!!!
(Someday)
But seriously, it makes sense overall. You have more than just AN to focus on now. As they say in sports when faced with the issue of trying to figure out how to distribute enough playing time to all the players who really deserve it, this is a good problem.
Flashfire - February 23, 2009
But I won't be surprised...
…if someday we wake up to find this has become Sheep Nation.
Flashfire - February 23, 2009
Goats you nOOb
grover - February 23, 2009
He likes sheep too!
Flashfire - February 23, 2009
But he'd re-name the site after his main love
grover - February 23, 2009
Are ewe sure?
Flashfire - February 23, 2009
The love he can actually attain
He’s never getting a pony.
grover - February 23, 2009
Next thing you'll say...
…is Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny aren’t real.
Way to stomp on a guy’s hopes!
Flashfire - February 23, 2009
Wait... who?
grover - February 23, 2009
hey, love the one you're with
OaklandSi - February 23, 2009
Hey Blez you!
I have been contributing and lurking since 05 under a variety of names, but the one constant has always been your witty contributions to our great blog. I am proud to be part of this community and I am sure I echo the sentiment of others here by saying your timely wit will be missed. Don’t be a stranger, and yes, we are going to have an awesome season!
OptimistPrime - February 23, 2009
Wow
Thanks Blez. AN, IMO, is the most enjoyable blog on the net. It’s a great vibe, naysayers included, analyzing the Game quite similarly to how Billy, Forst, and the real group dissect. Maybe all we are missing is a scouting department. The transition was seamless, and proves that your business/management instincts are capable.
greenpaddedgloves - February 23, 2009
Well, when back end support grows too demanding
there are few better positioned to help than Nico.
Congrats all around.
FreeSeatUpgrade - February 23, 2009
This is a very... versatile comment
Rec’d
grover - February 23, 2009
You're a good and kind man,
and provided incredibly honest and earnest direction for us. You deserve your success—you make it easy to root for you, Blez, and I will miss having your regular voice here.
Leopold Bloom - February 23, 2009
< cancels “fire blez now” campaign >
xbhaskarx - February 23, 2009
Fire Nico now!
iglew - February 23, 2009
AN has become part of my daily routine
I can’t imagine not having Athletics Nation to look forward every day so thank yo very much, Blez. I wish you continued success in all of your endeavors and I’m sure AN is in good hands……….or is it hooves?
mrod - February 23, 2009
Thanks Blez
I hope you’re making a lot of money for your accomplishments.
CarGon's Jock - February 23, 2009
Okay then
Thanks for the update, good luck with all the SBN work, please don’t be a stranger, and rock on Nico.
lurkerD - February 23, 2009
Blez, Shmez, we ALL know the readership, and quality of this
site improved when I joined. :P. Seriously. Thanks to Blez,and all the other front page staff. Makes me realize why, I never will be on the front page, not enought knowledge, or talent.
theblackpearl - February 23, 2009
" or grit...."
:x
mrod - February 23, 2009
Thanks
Blez,
I’ve been on since the beginning, and read your blogs on other sites before that. I remain a loyal reader, though only rarely do I comment. And I appreciate and will continue to appreciate all your hard work in creating the great AN. I wear my shirt with pride – though often to quizzicle looks here in Chicago :-)
Long live AN!
gorickeygo - February 23, 2009
from another lurker
I still like to complain about A’s media to anyone who will listen, but things have come a long way. This place has filled a void in my soul; I’m very pleased with what SB Nation has become, and proud to be a member of the blog that started it all.
Goodbye, and thanks for all the fish!
whomeverwiz - February 23, 2009
I know this is mainly an AN post
But as another SBN site’s editor I have to say the success of the company is staggering and I can’t wait to see where it goes in the future.
Congrats Blez and best of luck in your future endeavors.
iamawesomer - February 23, 2009
Blez, thanks for everything.
I discovered AN in 2006 (through the ESPN forums, actually). What a breath of fresh air. I never looked back. Every one of us is so grateful for the amazing community here, and all of the frontpage writers are top-notch, the best in SBNation.
We’ll see you around, Blez.
danmerqury - February 23, 2009
Thanks, Blez! You have built a great thing here!
I am PSYCHED for AN Day at the Coli! When is it so I can block the time out? Also, where is the Countdown to Opening Day (in Anaheim! Yikes!) Here it is! 42 Days 8 Hours 4 Minutes! Go A’s!
A'sfansince1970 - February 23, 2009
Time to let amateurs apply to fill in the gaps
I suggest myself.
Thanks Blez, you are the man. AN taught me the virtue of blogging and has made me a true elitist baseball fan.
ChadGod - February 23, 2009
Thanks Blez
Don’t be a stranger around here, k?
gigglingone - February 23, 2009
Thanks Blez.
I’ve been around for a while but I don’t post very often. Like some have said before, AN has become a part of my daily routine. I look forward to continuing that.
Here’s to a great ’09 season.
Boonee - February 23, 2009
Blez iz awesome.
I’m looking forward to my 4-year ANniversary this summer. I love you, AN. [group hug]
whiteshoes40 - February 23, 2009
Thank you Blez,
and congratulations on your success. I know it will be ongoing and I look forward to watching that happen.
Congrats Nico! You’ve earned and deserve this recognition.
It’s a win-win!
lynnzgal - February 23, 2009
+ 1, couldn't agree more!
still bills kingdom - February 23, 2009
Personally
I’ve become a much smarter fan of the game since joining AN. If I hadn’t joined up I’d still look at batting average and wins/losses as the most telling stats of any player. I wouldn’t factor in defense as much as I do now when evaluating a player. I might have even liked DFA last year [shudders]. Thank you to all who make it possible on a daily basis for all of us to find the most intellectual content available on our favorite team.
Helloooo 1st - February 23, 2009
Blez4prez
One of the better user names in AN history…there may have been spaces
Blez, I really appreciate this site, always have, I think I always will…good luck with SBN, best wishes for its continued growth. As for AN, no luck is needed; I don’t think you could have really envisioned AN growing to this level back in the first couple years. I can only imagine where it will be in five more years. Thanks for everything, and, as always, Go A’s.
Cutthemullet - February 23, 2009
Congratulations
I was looking for David Feldman, and I found you and AN.
It is a wonderful relationship and has lead to many virtual as well as several very real
relationships.
Not to mention it has often been the first place I found out A’s news! And I, too, have
learned lots about baseball and A’s baseball in particular.
Blez, you are always here in spirit..whether you post daily or not.
and, Nico, you better behave yourself in a matter befitting a blogfather…or else :) !
or are you a “step-blogfather”? or uncle or what?!
You do a great job and I know AN is in very good hands with you, BBG and the rest of the gang..
Thanks, Blez, for all your hard work and to all of AN for being one of my favorite places.
LongTimeFan - February 23, 2009
Thanks Blez.
I appreciate you taking time to let us know what’s up with you and AN. It shows you haven’t forgotten about the little people.
Rocktopus - February 23, 2009
Thanks to you all
Being a lifelong A’s fan, living in North Carolina, this is one of the only places I have been able to come to, to find new stories on my beloved A’s. My goal is to fly out to Oakland this summer and see a game at the Coliseum. While I watch all 4 games shown on TV here, and watch the rest on MLB.TV, I keep up the best I can. The closest the A’s come to me is when they play Baltimore, and I try to make it to see those games. Congrats to Nico on becoming the new blogfather, and to the new addition of 67MARQUEZ. I have to be honest, I noticed Blex had posted less and less, but things have transitioned smoothly. Thanks for giving the out of town fan a home!
RJ2549 - February 23, 2009
congrats!
I don’t recall any snarky comments from you, ever, Blez, as you were taking care of your baby, and I’m hoping the same goes for Nico, who, while I love the posts and information (and passion) would be better served without the holier-than-thou snark that sometimes emanates forth…
I’ve been here a long time, and I’m not going away anytime soon – I trust the site’s in good hands, and I look forward to being a member / fan for a long time.
catfish hunter - February 23, 2009
The world would not be the same without AN
Thanks Blez
micdog2001 - February 23, 2009
QOTM
LongTimeFan - February 23, 2009
Nice column, Blez!
Gave me a chance to think about the several years i spent reading AN before moving out to this neck of the woods. Best of luck – the SBN is really a titanic achievement and the team you are leaving behind is terrific (the bloggers, that is – wish i shared your optimism about these guys in the baseball suits….)
Hot Cup Joe - February 23, 2009
Thanks for all of your work Blez!
phastphill - February 23, 2009
Thanks, Blez!
I’m looking forward to your next interviews! And congratulations, Nico — North Berkeley rules AN!
Englishmajor - February 23, 2009
NB!
Represent!
Wait. Um…
Nevermind.
Leopold Bloom - February 23, 2009
You've built an amazing blog and community here at AN, Blez
and it’s one that I rely on and enjoy an amazing amount as an NRAF for the last decade. So my eternal thanks for all you’ve done here.
I’m sure that one of the hardest things to do when you’ve invested so much passion and energy into this kind of project is to be able to step back a little and let others take on more responsibility. You’ve done that with real grace, and you’ve shown great judgment in your choices about the front page. And take it from me — you couldn’t find a better person for this new role than Nico.
Congrats, Nico!
Nick - February 23, 2009
Thanks for all the love folks
But you aren’t getting rid of me that easily ;-) I’ll be around here quite a bit. You aren’t going to have all kinds of fun this year without me!
Seriously though, thank you all from the bottom of my heart. As much as AN has changed over the years, it’s when I hear things like this that reinforce all the hours I’ve put into bringing all sports fans great communities were worth every single moment.
Tyler Bleszinski - February 23, 2009
Fine then. We take it all back.
mikev - February 23, 2009
No taksie backsies!
Tyler Bleszinski - February 23, 2009
Thanks so much Blez,
I was a lurker for a few years before I decided to join up and flaunt my ignorance. Now I am an AN addict and neglect my family regularly to participate in this community. I’m always amazed at how childish other blogsites are compared to AN. You started something great, and you deserve as much success as you can stand.
somebodyelse - February 23, 2009
Awesome
I laughed at this….then I realized some could accuse me of the same, and I laughed some more….
gigglingone - February 23, 2009
Right?
Projects being neglected as we speak. Btw, sent you a little something, something. So look out for that.
lynnzgal - February 23, 2009
Thanks for the supportive comments, all. A few things I thought I'd directly address:
What will change?
If you haven’t noticed much different about AN these last five months, that’s your answer: Not much. Really the only decision I have made that readers would notice was the choice of 67MARQUEZ to fill an available front-page slot. As for "blog presence," prior to October 1st Blez was busy enough that he wasn’t a large day-to-day presence on the site and since October 1st he hasn’t been totally absent (while I never had a life and continue not to,) so not much has shifted there. Blez will still conduct awesome interviews and I will still complain about Bobby Crosby. And philosophically, Blez and I are very similar in our approaches to balancing free speech with community respect.
Is this still "Blez’ living room"?
As far as I’m concerned, yes. My goal is not to put some individual footprint on AN, but rather to honor Blez, as the site’s founder, by continuing to facilitate the blend of passion and compassion that Blez has created: a community that laughs and cries together, and insists on respecting one another, bonded by the shared obsession that is A’s baseball.
What changes DO I hope to see in the coming months?
1. I would like to continue to make AN a more and more welcoming place, specifically encouraging lurkers, and new users, to participate in discussions without fear of having their ideas criticized or minimized. The joy of AN is in participating and in feeling like part of the community, and I hope more and more readers will let us know when they’re "in the room."
2. I would like to continue to give the members of AN chances to socialize and connect with each other and with the community, through events like fANfest, Chez Nico, and So Cal AN Day, and through Community Service projects like the ones scheduled for Oakland and Berkeley on Saturday, April 4th.
3. I would like a pony. Still.
Everyone who helps to manage the site, everyone who writes for AN, everyone who comments, and everyone who reads, is part of what makes this community great, so thanks, each and every one of you, for being part of this extraordinary community that gathers 24/7 in Blez’ living room.
Nico - February 23, 2009
And now I have tears,
but its all good!
lynnzgal - February 23, 2009
Beautifully said, Nico.
Bravo.
And thanks again for thinking of me. I feel like we should hold hands or something.
67MARQUEZ - February 23, 2009
Sounds good, 67MARQUEZ
I’m currently holding the left hand of a neighborhood leper. Just let me know whose hand you’re holding and we’re set.
Nico - February 23, 2009
So why don't we start our very own "Pony Day!"??????
mrod - February 23, 2009
YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All I need is a pony and a day and I’m ready for it.
Nico - February 23, 2009
That'd be awesome.
And every day, I could ask you if you’re feeling a little horse.
oblique - February 23, 2009
Gotta love the peaceful transition of power...
FormerHuntsvilleStar - February 23, 2009
When, I got to the part about Nico ...
I remembered Alexander Haig during the Reagan years on national TV…“I am in charge here.”
ak_A - February 23, 2009
Have to ask,
Does Nico get a pay raise?
somebodyelse - February 23, 2009
Long-time Lurker
I’ve enjoyed lurking for nearly four years on this site. It’s not easy being a total die-hard A’s fan in southern West Virginia, I’m a rare breed. Here at AN, though, I truly feel at home. Thanks guys and keep up the good work! :) Kudos!
bluelightrain84 - February 23, 2009
Nice to hear from you, bluelightrain84 -
Go A’s in West Virginia!
Nico - February 23, 2009
So true.
ESPN doesn’t recognize that there are baseball teams other than Boston or NY. You are among friends here.
somebodyelse - February 23, 2009
This was supposed to be a response to bluelightrain84.
somebodyelse - February 23, 2009
It occurs to me,
that while Blez mentioned her several times, not enough love has been given to baseballgirl. Let me just say, my bbgf, you are also awesome. I loved meeting you at fANfest, and I appreciate your posts so much. You hold your own amidst the testosterone, and that ain’t easy.
lynnzgal - February 23, 2009
baseballgirl is one of my favorite human beings on this planet
Seriously I think the world of her and I can honestly say that there aren’t enough good things to say about her.
Tyler Bleszinski - February 23, 2009
Amen.
She embodies the baseball fan I want to be when I grow up.
lynnzgal - February 23, 2009
Good Times
While I don’t post very frequently I lurk numerous times a week and have been a member since early 2005 (though I had a different username before the most recent face-lift that occurred on the site.)
If we are going to get sentimental, I miss the impetuous rantings of Oaktoon.
smellofgrass - February 23, 2009
Then you must have loved
foolshgame’s 3am outburst a few nights ago. He really let ’er rip.
iglew - February 24, 2009
Oaktoon's still around, just under a couple different names over the last year
First it was madmongoose. Now it’s windyfelix.
Flashfire - February 24, 2009
i for one, hail our new overlord Sir Nico the Great!
but seriously, Nico’s wit is truly something that brings a nice laugh to a day, or a season where your favorite team seemingly inexplicably traded away a star pitcher for 3 “who?’s”.
I read on another site somewhere that SB Nation got some VC funding to go forward. Good luck with that! but wary the hand of a Angel (financial and baseball). They can get greedy too much, too often…
And Blez – no going native on us down there in Orange County… Stick your head in once in awhile to get a nice breeze of A-ness. (ok, don’t pronounce that aloud, could come out wrong…)
rollierollieOxenfree - February 23, 2009
Just what we need ... three more veteran 1Bs.
If we’re going to trade we should try to get I don’t give a damn.
iglew - February 24, 2009
Blez...
Thanks for the creation of this blog. You are leaving it in good hands. Nico has a passion for the blog and I know that’s why you picked him. He couldn’t ask for a better helpmate than baseball girl. I am glad that you let us know that you have officially turned over the reins to Nico and BBG…I respect you very much for that.
IM4Oakgal - February 23, 2009
Thanks for the update
and don’t be a stranger, Blez! You’ve got so much to be proud of in AN and SB.
oblique - February 23, 2009
My thanks too Blez
I have read AN every day for the last five years. It was your interviews that first brought me to the site. This is easily my favorite site for sports. I hope you’ll find time now and then to visit the threads.
Since1972 - February 24, 2009
Thanks for all the hard work
I’ve been reading this site for years and have only recently signed in so I could join the fun. I just want to say how much I appreciate the work you folks have done.
sirbed - February 24, 2009
Woo hoo! Thanks for signing in, hope to keep hearing from you...
Nico - February 24, 2009
Thanks Blez but Braden says it's The Neekster!
Thanks Blez for starting AN and the source interviews which brought me to AN in the first place. Neek-Knack has been the driving force of the site for some time now so we seem to be in good hands as scary as that is…joking Neeker Beeker. Thanks to all the other regular contributors of AN, even those not listed as managers, editors and authors. Thanks for all the Athletics related info, humorous and well thought out content and effort everyone applies to make the blog work on a daily basis.
Ovale Fan - February 24, 2009
xbhaskarx - February 24, 2009
Baaaaaaaawesome!
Nico - February 24, 2009
Thanks, much appreciated work, Blez & Nico
I am in the ranks of mostly lurker, sometime poster.
This site remains the best place to get A’s news and it’s great to read so many intelligent posts, and funny, even snarky comments.
Giggling is definitely healthful.
Keep up the great work Nico.
geogrman - February 24, 2009
Thanks, georgman
Just to clarify, giggling is healthful but gigglingone…not so much.
Nico - February 24, 2009
of course Nico is only acting Don
until Maya can type.
Apricot - February 25, 2009
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