An Interview with "Through The Fence Baseball"

22G: What makes TTFB unique?

JS: What sets our writers apart is that they join in with our fans in the comment section to debate and answer questions frequently. We try to get the most passionate baseball writers that we can and then we let them write on any topic that relates to baseball. Readers want to read a little passion from time to time, not just news.

22G: Who is your target audience?

JS: Anyone who loves baseball.

22G: How long have you been writing?

JS: We started the website just recently and I had a blog up on Blogger for only a month before we launched this site. As far as my writing experience, when I was a Sports Information Director, I enjoyed sitting down and trying to create a nifty article. I was a closet writer but most of my work was seen on baseball forums and articles when I would get on and debate with others.

22G: What inspires you the most to write?

JS: Baseball. The love of the game. It’s the only place and only game I feel no stress or worries while I’m watching it. Except for when the Braves play. I watch baseball movies all the time in the winter to gear up for the seasons. Starting this website helped out as well. Not a lot of people like to just sit down for hours and talk baseball, so writing about it on the site helps release those baseball thoughts.

22G: Tell us about the connection you have with Ryan Shopshire. How did that start?

JS: Ryan came on board after I started the blog on Blogger. I was looking to branch out and Ryan had contacted me about contributing. He detailed what he wanted to write about and after reading it, well, the rest is history. He just recently launched his first post. I believe he has his family and friends following him on the blog, which is cool.

22G: I loved the article “Top Five Baseball Movies Without Kevin Costner.” Are you a movie buff?

JS: That was actually done by Zhila Aghili. He always has interesting posts. I’m getting ready to do an article on the “Top Five Baseball Movies With Kevin Costner.” I’m a fan of his movies.

22G: How do you think the Giants will do this season?

JS: They will win the division again. I don’t see anyone really threatening them.

22G: How do the Braves look this year?

JS: Solid. I saw a stat on AJC.com that the Braves have the second-best record in the NL and fourth-best in baseball since the 2009 All Star game. They have the same team, plus Dan Uggla. I think they should compete this year.

22G: Has the Brooks Conrad hate mail stopped yet?

JS: Thankfully we weren’t on the web when that happened. If so, I would have directed all the mail to him. Nah, he’s a great guy. Playing baseball all my life, I know what that feels like, just never happened to me on a stage like that. No one feels worse than him, trust me.

22G: Last question — Posey or Heyward?

JS: Am I going to piss off Giant fans here? Right now: Posey. He’s more consistent but then again, he wasn’t up for a full year. For the future, I think Heyward has much more upside. He has five-tool talent. He’ll be a star; a top-5 outfielder every year. Is that being biased? Or am I alone here?

22G: {crickets chirping}