Interviews
2006 Baseball King of the Jungle
Ray Heffley | Bellingham, Washington
2006 was a memorable year for FJ Baseball, and it was especially memorable for 2006 Champion Ray Heffley. Ray took a few minutes to tell us about himself and his amazing Championship.
FJ: Well first off, Congratulations, you had a great season. Tell us the basics about Ray Heffley.
RH: I'm 51 years old and live in Bellingham, Washington where I work as a facilities manager for a manufacturing firm. In my spare time, when I'm not doing fantasy sports, I'm walking the dogs, doing yardwork, or beating a couple of my friends in video golf.
FJ: How long have you been playing fantasy sports, and how did you get started?
RH: Nearly 30 years, My first fantasy league was a touchdown only league where I mopped up on a bunch of grade school teachers with Dan Fouts and John Jefferson.
FJ: What is the story behind the "Silver Sluggers" franchise, aka your team names?
RH: I chose the silversluggers as a play on my hair color and that it signifies being the Best!
FJ: Who are your favorite players?
RH: My favorite player alltime is Gale Sayers in football, and Ken Griffey Jr. in baseball.
FJ: How much time do you normally spend preparing for your fantasy teams each week?
RH: Not alot, usually during the week is when I work on my teams.
FJ: What were the key highlights that helped you become the King of The Jungle this season?
RH: Jose Reyes walking, stealing 2nd & 3rd, scoring on a groundout. Jose Reyes hitting for the cycle. Getting solid pitching in the middle rounds of the draft.
FJ:What strategies did you have going into this season, and did you stick with them?
RH: I wanted a fast strong team that could steal a base as well as swat it out at any time. Not really, most of those guys were gone before I had a chance to pick so I just went with the best athlete available strategy.
FJ: Where do you like about The Fantasy Jungle baseball contest?
RH: I enjoy the tough competition the Jungle provides, as well as how the contests are structured.
FJ: When did you start feeling that you had a realistic chance to win the whole thing?
RH: The Sluggers were strong all season so I felt barring any major injuries that once the playoffs began, I stood a pretty good chance.
FJ: How did you prepare for the national finals part of the contest? Tell us what your game plan was going into that part of the contest that was different than the regular season?
RH: I made sure that I was backed up at every position and then going into the 1st round losing J Isringhausen to injury, I chose to abandon my closer strategy & go with starters only.
FJ: We have a unique format that differs from a lot of other contests. What is your favorite thing about Fantasy Jungle baseball?
RH: It would have to be Power Scheduling.
FJ: What would you like to say to the rest of your fellow contestants in regards to the season?
RH: Awesome season, seems like my team was battling all season in a tough league and then to pull it off in the playoffs, Wahoo Pop The Bubbly!
FJ: Do your friends and family think you are nuts for playing fantasy, or do they understand it?
RH: It helps to bring home the big bucks now and then!
FJ: What other interests do you have outside fantasy sports?
RH: Biking, hiking, skiing, gardening, curling.
FJ: What advice would you give to anyone that considers playing in this particular contest next season?
RH: That you can draft in any position and field a championship team.
FJ: What advice would you give to anyone considering playing in the Fantasy Jungle?
RH: That if they are looking for top competition they've come to the right place.
FJ: Lastly, and the most fun question, how do you plan on spending your prize winnings?
RH: Upgraded my ride to a 2007 Outback!