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About Jon
Thank You For Not ...

1) using profanity or any euphemisms for profanity
2) personally attacking other commenters
3) baiting other commenters
4) arguing for the sake of arguing
5) discussing politics
6) using hyperbole when something less will suffice
7) using sarcasm in a way that can be misinterpreted negatively
8) making the same point over and over again
9) typing "no-hitter" or "perfect game" to describe either in progress
10) being annoyed by the existence of this list
11) commenting under the obvious influence
12) claiming your opinion isn't allowed when it's just being disagreed with

'That's Why They Call Me the Bison'
2008-03-25 22:03
by Jon Weisman

Tonight, myself and some others got an e-mail from a Ron Stilanovich promoting a series of videos called "Hardball Made Easy." I put them on my long-term To Do list, until I caught wind that one of the videos showed Matt Kemp acknowledging the "Bison" nickname that Dodger Thoughts commenters bestowed upon him on May 29, 2006.

Little did I realize that the videos would actually be a riot. Get ready for baseball's next Internet sensation.

Comments (99)
Show/Hide Comments 1-50
2008-03-25 22:19:12
1.   natepurcell
Wait, we need some background info on this Ron Stilanovich and why he is sending everyone links to these videos.
2008-03-25 22:20:31
2.   Jon Weisman
1 - I have inquired.
2008-03-25 22:20:37
3.   trainwreck
One of the best promotion campaigns ever.
2008-03-25 22:23:41
4.   underdog
That. Is. Awesome.

Not just the Bison thing, but the "packrat/Gary C/Bushrat/packbush/Gary Rat/Aaaah" routine.

So Don Sutton said he was like a buffalo, but DodgerThoughts came up with Bison. So we get royalties, right? (D4P and Disabled List get the most from said royalties.)

2008-03-25 22:26:07
5.   Bob Timmermann
If I only had asserted my intellectual property rights to Bison, I would have more to retire on than reselling a pile of "Ghame Over" shirts.
2008-03-25 22:27:24
6.   bigcpa
The whole thing baffles. Is he selling this stuff? What's he paying for the appearances? Where is Ethier's episode?
2008-03-25 22:28:12
7.   ibleedbloo
Speaking of shirts, has anyone received their Dodger Thoughts shirts yet? I'm still waiting.
2008-03-25 22:28:18
8.   Indiana Jon
Kemp with an aluminum bat? Interesting.
2008-03-25 22:29:50
9.   Bob Timmermann
6
It's a series of ads for Easton bats.

You can find a link to all of them here:
http://www.youtube.com/user/ScrappyRon1

2008-03-25 22:30:09
10.   Indiana Jon
6 Click on "a series of videos" above to find Ethier's video.
2008-03-25 22:30:19
11.   Dodgers49
Shining start in desert

>> PHOENIX - Diamonds finally are being carved into a triangle-shaped piece of property some 30 miles west of downtown, a sign that the final phase of the Dodgers' move west is shaping up some 50 years after it began. <<

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_8687071

2008-03-25 22:31:06
12.   Indiana Jon
I guess 9 explains 8 .
2008-03-25 22:36:18
13.   Inside Baseball
That was truly awesome!
2008-03-25 22:36:48
14.   underdog
Btw, with a little investigation and my keen eye, I deduced that those videos were filmed at Corona Del Mar High School.

How'd I figure that out you ask?

We'll be right back after this commercial with the answer.

2008-03-25 22:37:42
15.   Greg Brock
Ethier's video is laugh out loud.
2008-03-25 22:38:44
16.   Brendan
7

I have not yet received a Dodger Thoughts shirt. I was going to email Jon but he has been a bit busy lately. I also thought that maybe they were not supposed to go out until Opening Day but maybe I am imagining that.

2008-03-25 22:41:32
17.   sporky
7 I got mine on Saturday. I wonder if different styles (i.e. youth, unisex L/S etc) are printed and mailed out in separate batches.
2008-03-25 22:42:16
18.   KG16
14 - Greg Brock says that Palo Verde High also is the Sea Kings. Though I was thinking CDM also
2008-03-25 22:42:35
19.   Jon Weisman
16 - I haven't heard the shirts were delivered yet.
2008-03-25 22:43:33
20.   Brendan
Great ad campaign by easton. kemp calls himself the Bison. damn that is beautiful.
2008-03-25 22:44:26
21.   El Lay Dave
My DT-shirt arrived late last week, Thursday, maybe Friday. It's all a blur.
2008-03-25 22:44:35
22.   Brendan
19

Ok that is what I thought.

2008-03-25 22:45:27
23.   underdog
18 Ah, is there more than one? Silly me.

Btw, this is off subject, sort of, but I am now beginning to draft out - at long last - a baseball-themed screenplay. Perhaps when it is more fleshed out I can pitch it to y'all. If anyone wants to be on underdog's baseball movie feedback list, email me at underdog8 at gmail dot com.

This is in addition to trying to sell the WWII script, and writing a satire of a Sci-Fi Channel movie. And working and stuff. So this may not actually be completed til Matt Kemp's son is playing in the majors, but it's started at least.

2008-03-25 22:45:27
24.   ibleedbloo
16 Good to know. Just wanted to make sure I wasn't the only one.
2008-03-25 22:46:47
25.   jasonungar07
The Gary C...that's just genius. I knew exactly what it meant. I see the teeth now.
2008-03-25 22:47:11
26.   El Lay Dave
Totally OT: D.B. Cooper's parachute possibly found
http://tinyurl.com/384w4c

But if Cooper landed near Amboy and stashed the money bag there, there's no way it could have naturally reached the Washougal. "If this is D.B. Cooper's parachute, the money could not have arrived at its discovery location by natural means," [FBI agent Larry] Carr said. "That whole theory is out the window."

2008-03-25 22:48:38
27.   trainwreck
23
I like how you spelled out your email address.
2008-03-25 22:48:50
28.   Brendan
24

You'll Never Walk Alone... (in not having your Dodger Thoughts t-shirt)

2008-03-25 22:49:02
29.   Xeifrank
are you guys wearing your DT shirts to the Coliseum game so we can recognize you?
vr, Xei
2008-03-25 22:50:19
30.   Bob Timmermann
I will go to the game in my usual garb: dressed like a member of the Pope's Swiss Guards.
2008-03-25 22:51:42
31.   Greg Brock
26 New York did a wonderful piece on Cooper awhile back. You'd really enjoy it.

http://nymag.com/news/features/39593/

2008-03-25 22:51:42
32.   KG16
23 - I'd be interested, but I've already got four or five projects on my plate, on top of the day time gig.
2008-03-25 22:51:46
33.   Xeifrank
DT should have a booth at the Fan Fest this saturday. Jon could do a book signing. Bob could hand out picture puzzles. And perhaps some movie or TV trivia for the kids?
vr, Xei
2008-03-25 22:55:02
34.   Greg Brock
23 I only listen to pitches if the movie is something-meets-something.

The Natural meets Sophie's Choice, perhaps?

2008-03-25 22:58:19
35.   Bob Timmermann
35
The Piano meets Major League would intrigue me more.
2008-03-25 22:59:51
36.   Kevin Lewis
I have been in an online support queue for AT&T for the past hour. I have been at the #2 spot for 10 minutes, and I am tempted to give up. They have broken my will
2008-03-25 23:00:08
37.   MC Safety
Am I the only one that thought it would have been hilarious for a trash can to have been blocking home plate in that Matt Kemp video?

"I am the Bison, I hate trash cans. I hate Jeff Ke-...you can't make me say that!"

2008-03-25 23:00:30
38.   El Lay Dave
31 Thanks, I will read it. I just love how it irks the FBI that they simply cannot close this one case - the only open airplane hijacking case - although it really is highly likely that he simply didn't survive the escape.
2008-03-25 23:02:04
39.   El Lay Dave
35 Field of Dreams meets Pulp Fiction. Lord only knows what goes on in those cornfields.
2008-03-25 23:02:21
40.   Dodgers49
Veteran reliever Seanez released

http://tinyurl.com/2zpc9t

2008-03-25 23:03:04
41.   trainwreck
I like the Jackie Earle Haley combination.

Bad News Bears meets Little Children.

2008-03-25 23:04:10
42.   MC Safety
28 A Liverpool reference on DT? Please tell me you are not a Poo fan.
2008-03-25 23:05:30
43.   Greg Brock
38 If Cooper died, it's a bigger disappointment than finding out Mark Feldt was Deepthroat.

I always hoped it was Buchanan. I kinda hoped he was DB Cooper, too.

2008-03-25 23:06:17
44.   Greg Brock
42 Hey, I'm a Liverpool supporter too. Knock that off.
2008-03-25 23:08:04
45.   El Lay Dave
40 Also in there:
Moreover, the Dodgers have privately expressed concern that Garciaparra's injury could take more time to heal than previously thought.

Followed by what is likely (I hope) a bogus Marcus Giles rumor.

2008-03-25 23:10:40
46.   Kevin Lewis
The opening line from the AT&T support person

"Hello Kevin Lewis! :)"

2008-03-25 23:14:35
47.   Dodgers49
>> If Myers is not guaranteed a roster spot by Thursday, he can escape from his contract and become a free agent. <<

http://tinyurl.com/ynth4l

2008-03-25 23:15:10
48.   silverwidow
40 Releasing Seanez was a good move. Surprising, but good.
2008-03-25 23:17:29
49.   MC Safety
44 Ah, that's too bad. Gunners supporter myself. These next couple of weeks should be something.
2008-03-25 23:23:16
50.   Dodgers49
Dodgers want to keep Kershaw fresh

>> Could Kershaw, like Chamberlain, be used in relief to avoid overuse of his young arm?

"Clayton's got the overpowering fastball and can cross your eyes with the curveball," said Torre. "How we decide to use him depends on what our forecast is for what's best for him. You can draw similarities to [Chamberlain]. At this point, I think his future [role] is pretty open."

Torre said he expected Kershaw to start this season at Double-A Jacksonville, where he ended last year after dominating in Class A. <<

http://tinyurl.com/2cjorb

Show/Hide Comments 51-100
2008-03-25 23:34:43
51.   underdog
23 Makes it more spam proof for any bots searching around these parts. But thanks, you're now on The Feedback List.

39 I was pitching it more as Field of Dreams meets Children of the Corn, but I like where you're going.

I've also jotted down Eight Men Out meets 8 1/2 but haven't worked that one out yet. And Bull Durham meets the Hills Have Eyes. Well, this is a good start - thanks people!

2008-03-25 23:36:16
52.   Greg Brock
I was thinking Eight Men out Meets 8 1/2.

That's amazing.

2008-03-25 23:36:40
53.   underdog
I better do this one quickly before those morons behind Meet the Spartans and Epic Movie and all that garbage do "Sports Movie" and all hope for more baseball movies die with it.
2008-03-25 23:37:13
54.   El Lay Dave
Bull Durham meets Rocky Horror.

Releasing Seanez rather than holding on to him as proven veteran depth doesn't feel like a Colletti-type move, does it? Or am I just imagining things?

2008-03-25 23:38:59
55.   underdog
53 I guess I could do a Spartan sports movie called ".300"

52 Deranged minds think alike...

What about Bang the Drum Slowly meets The Tin Drum? That would be doubly depressing!

2008-03-25 23:44:16
56.   sporky
55 .300! lol!
2008-03-25 23:46:26
57.   GMac In The 909
15 "It only feels like you are getting blind; you're not."

This guy is how I imagine Old Yeller coaches from the third base box.

2008-03-25 23:48:21
58.   Dan Cooper
26 Hmmmm.
2008-03-25 23:55:14
59.   trainwreck
53
They already did that. I think it was called "The Comebacks."
2008-03-26 00:02:51
60.   bhsportsguy
I'm watching "Black Magic" and they are at the part when Earl Monroe joins the Knicks and they just won their last title 35 years ago.

Unless you are in your early 40's, you have no memory of those teams.

2008-03-26 00:09:07
61.   bhsportsguy
Oh, and the videos, very funny.

Matt "They call me The Bison" Kemp.

The other thing I noticed is that I really don't know these guys in terms of Kemp's and Ethier's voices, it seems strange to me but I guess we really don't hear them that much.

2008-03-26 00:26:54
62.   eekrock
44 - so I guess things could get testy here when the Gunners play 'pool in 3 straight games. Can't wait.

also, color me still waiting for my DT shirt, but I also figure Jon has a few important things on his plate at this point.

anyone going Thursday night to the triple a stadium in Ana-crime?

2008-03-26 00:31:05
63.   Greg Brock
62 Just promise me the same stellar defense you displayed against Drogba. ;-)

I like Aresenal as well. Night all.

2008-03-26 00:35:35
64.   eekrock
63 only if Maschereno can keep his calm like he did against the Devils. :-)

All due respect to Torres, though. I wanted him to come our way a few years back.

Goo'night.

2008-03-26 00:56:33
65.   Eric Enders
60 I just got done watching the first installment and boy, was that outstanding. Now they're moving into the early seventies, which is a time period that's less interesting to me. But those first two hours are must see TV for sure.
2008-03-26 01:05:53
66.   overkill94
That Matt Kemp one is just fantastic. I knew he was aware that the nickname existed, but who knew it would make it this far? Will any of these ever make it on TV or anything or are these just some more viral videos?
2008-03-26 03:50:57
67.   Wayne Wei-siang Hsieh
That Matt Kemp video is AWESOME.
2008-03-26 04:57:13
68.   Ken Noe
Semi-interesting Gurnick read. It doesn't look like JP will be the starter, and the China trip/return to AZ was probably a bad idea, Torre still has too many questions about his pen.

http://tinyurl.com/3db5wv

2008-03-26 05:40:13
69.   TheDictator
Quote of the day:

"But I don't want to be a catcher!"

2008-03-26 06:02:10
70.   Sushirabbit
Videos=Awesome (just to pile on). Thanks for sharing.

I picked up Abreu in a fantasy league where I missed the draft and needed a SS. Hope that works out for me and the Dodgers.

2008-03-26 06:04:13
71.   JWilder
OT question. Does anyone know if the Coliseum game will be on the Extra Innings package? I am a bit surprised ESPN isn't carrying it.
2008-03-26 06:11:16
72.   JWilder
I found the answer to my own question. When I went to order it, I was told I couldn't order it until the 31st. Oh well.
2008-03-26 06:54:38
73.   Bob Timmermann
Extra Innings just handles regular season games.
2008-03-26 06:57:04
74.   tjshere
Anyone catch the Minotaur interview on the post game show after yesterdays game? His poise and maturity is amazing. Had I not known who it was in advance I never in a million years would have dreamed I was listening to a 20 year old.
2008-03-26 07:36:18
75.   Disabled List
That video just made my day. I totally forgot that I had anything to do with the "Bison" thing.

I'm beaming like a proud parent right now.

2008-03-26 08:10:32
76.   cargill06
seanez released
2008-03-26 08:15:48
77.   ToyCannon
Ouch-Maybe Andrew should have bet the under on the Angels.
http://www.baseball-injury-report.com/
2008-03-26 08:22:42
78.   cargill06
77 man shields, lackey, and escobar it could be a rough year. lucky they're in such a bad divsion. hear anything about bills?
2008-03-26 08:27:37
79.   Daniel Zappala
I am really bummed that injuries are already playing a big part of the Angel and Dodger seasons.
2008-03-26 08:34:01
80.   ToyCannon
Just continuing the trend after dealing with the Clippers this season and actually even the Lakers when you consider Bynum.
2008-03-26 08:36:09
81.   MC Safety
63 Drogba was offside on the one, that was completely bogus.
2008-03-26 08:38:21
82.   KingKopitar
50 The Clayton Rules?

What is everyone's opinion on Kershaw throwing from the 'pen for a while? It seems like a bad idea, but I can't quite figure out why.

2008-03-26 08:42:29
83.   Kevin Lewis
Is it depressing that I am now on hold with AT&T customer support over the phone? They are awesome!
2008-03-26 08:46:17
84.   Eric Stephen
82
Assuming Kershaw becomes real and can join the Dodgers sooner by pitching in the pen, I'm all for it, for two reasons:

1) It keeps his IP down (he pitched only 122 IP in 2007, his first full season)
2) He can help the club sooner

2008-03-26 08:47:12
85.   MC Safety
82 It seems to work well. You can get the guy some meaningful innings against big league bats, and keep his innings down.
2008-03-26 08:48:20
86.   fanerman
83 AT&T is good,
AT&T is great,
We surrender our will
As of this date
2008-03-26 08:51:02
87.   regfairfield
85 Possibly, but I bet Twins wish they hadn't burned 3 years of Johan's service time by having him be the swing man.
2008-03-26 08:51:21
88.   Penarol1916
82. Because he still needs to refine his change-up and control. This will be easier to do in the minors, where the results don't matter so that he can continue to experiment. As a reliever in the majors, he will rely on his already strong pitches because he will not have a leash with which to refine his weaker areas and will find it much harder to grow as a pitcher.
2008-03-26 08:53:57
89.   regfairfield
Plus, if he's pitching in the pen, he'll never build up his innings to the point where he can be a starter.
2008-03-26 09:02:39
90.   MC Safety
85 He didn't get drafted in the rule 5 though, he got drafted in the big boy draft.
2008-03-26 09:11:16
91.   overkill94
I could see a path similar to Billingsley's where they call him up mid-season to start but then have him stay in the pen at the start of 2009 to keep his innings down. This all hinges on the Dodgers having a decent-enough 5th starter that they can afford this luxury however.
2008-03-26 09:13:09
92.   Eric Stephen
87
I'm thinking more of burning 3 months of service time for Kershaw. If he gets called up in June or so, the club can essentially have him this year for free (well, the pro-rated MLB minimum) and preserve 3 full years of club control + 3 arb years (vs. 2 & 4 arb years).
2008-03-26 09:14:56
93.   Eric Stephen
89
He can spot start for the big club too.
2008-03-26 09:19:51
94.   CodyS
91 that's prob. best for CK & the team. He needs some dev. time in the minors, and needs to start some games early this year to build endurance. At the same time, the Dodgers would probably like to rely on him late in the season and in the postseason. And they would like to do all this without his total innings exceeding about 160 (minor + major + post-season). He has to work out of the bullpen for a good part of the season for all these goals to be met.
2008-03-26 09:36:52
95.   Jacob L
That clip was quite possibly the best thing I've ever seen. Right on the edge between intentional and unintentional comedy. Trading on the cultural cache developed over the years by Tom Emanski and Fred McGriff. "But I don't want to be a catcher . . ." The Bison.

And to top it all off, the Bison is crushing batting practice pitches at my alma mater, Palos Verdes High School. Let me confirm, from the speculation further up, that's PV. The ballfield is right next to the tennis courts where Sampras went, like, 486-1 in his high school career, and where I went 0-5 in team tryouts.

2008-03-26 09:37:50
96.   MollyKnight
Hey! We need a nickname for Loney!
2008-03-26 09:40:37
97.   fanerman
96 The best anybody came up with was "Crazy Eyes." It's a work in progress =/.
2008-03-26 09:44:11
98.   Jon Weisman
NPUT
2008-03-26 09:45:52
99.   underdog
I keep thinking Loney should be named after a tall bird of some kind, like "The Blue Heron."

Should we have an "Animal House"-like ceremony wherein we bestow animal names on all the other players?

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