Baseball Needs Me!

I have been offered an opportunity to pursue my dream of getting back in the press box and calling the action for a baseball team for the next 6 months, and it's a path I absolutely must pursue.

And though it's only for a few months, and I'll likely be appearing on a podcast here and there between now and then, it is a bittersweet day for me (as I set forth on this adventure), so I wanted to take a few moments to talk about my two years with Pregame.

When RJ contacted me (via Twitter) two years ago to come and start a relationship with his crew and the site, I saw a site that had already begun to distance itself from the rest of the sports betting galaxy, and a place with infinite potential. Now, two years later, I see a site that is just starting to realize some of that potential. Whether it has been the stalwarts of the site, the Pros and Forum Studs that have been here since well before my arrival, or the new talent, guys that have surfaced over the past 700+ days that have taken the level of information to a brand new level, the fact that I've been able to play a role in that growth has made me incredibly proud and has enriched my every day.

As many of you know, I spent, on average, at least 10 hours a day working on handicapping and with Pregame, from the daily blogs in NBA and MLB to the short-lived weekly NFL blogs, to "Today in Sports Betting" podcasts (that existed on a 7 days per week schedule for nearly a year before backing down to 5-6 shows/week), to moderating the forums, to helping with all audio-related issues, to the PregameNow twitter feed, to organizing and helping host live chats, the list goes on and on, and I only hope that while I'm gone, that same level of dedication will continue in everyone else that calls Pregame their home. I truly think it will, and we're seeing it already.

I must say, I am confident. About what? Many things! SIG has started his own NASCAR podcast; Tony and Tara are providing a level of analysis on Entertainment events that no betting forum has seen before; Brandon is powering ahead with Pregame News. And maybe most of all, RJ has already taken the steps to ensure that my little baby, "Today in Sports Betting," will continue to be produced DAILY (with rotating hosts that include RJ himself, Johnny Detroit, Mike, Gill, and others), and all the hard work that Mike and I put into creating that show and pioneering the daily betting podcast won't go to waste. On the contrary, the show can keep growing even while I'm away, so don't throw away that iPhone app because the knowledge is just going to keep flowing.

I love seeing guys stepping up and putting their touches on the community, and I love that it sets the bar extremely high for anyone that follows. I love the friendships I've built with the regulars during previous baseball seasons, the diehards that never take a day off. I love the NBA faithful that learn together, with me, every damn day. I love the regional expertise that grows in the forum every season. I love the podcast listeners that contact me by email, by twitter, in the forum, wherever, just to say they listened to the show on a treadmill. I love my fellow Pros, that have wished me nothing but good fortune from day one, and some of whom I talk to on a daily basis. Pregame is an amazing place, and if people can't see it, sometimes it just requires stepping back and looking at what we've all helped create and shape.

As you can all understand, I don't feel it's right or fair to put anything less than my entire heart into my work, and for the baseball season, that heart will be doing play by play. For the next couple weeks, I will continue to load my NBA plays into the system for subscribers, but this week will likely be my final week of daily packages.

To my long term subscribers - thank you one thousand times over! I know you'll find the right capper here at Pregame that treats your business the same way I did. Stick to what we've learned together, and you'll continue to slowly build that bankroll and have fun along the way. You can bet I'll be watching from afar, keeping tabs on a community that has become my home.

So, what more can I say besides "thank you", from the bottom of that aforementioned heart, to everyone that has made my time here so precious and enjoyable, and, because "goodbye" is way too strong a word......

...see you all in the Fall!

Love (yes, "LOVE"),

Dan Bebe

You will be missed this season. 

Love you buddy

This is just terrific Dan. I know that this is super cool news for you...Good Luck My Man....

 CONGRATS on the baseball gig my friend, I will be in touch. 

Hate to see ya go, Dan.  Good luck in the booth.  You were one of the first guys I really interacted with on a high volume.  Your effort to be available and help everyone is I'm sure unmatched in this industry. 

Sac, Greg, GF -- you guys have always been mentors and friends. Thanks for everything!

Thrilled and excited for you and this opportunity.  There is no way anyone should ever pass up on their dream!  Pregame is losing a major asset and I simply want to wish you luck in your new endeavor.....no way it's goodbye as I will definitely be in touch!

All the best!

Jared

Thanks LC! You know where you can still find me :)

Lloyd Christmas

Hate to see ya go, Dan.  Good luck in the booth.  You were one of the first guys I really interacted with on a high volume.  Your effort to be available and help everyone is I'm sure unmatched in this industry. 

When you truly care for another person, nothing can be best of us unless it's best for you. I sincerely wish you absolutely nothing but the very best young man. You're a good one buddy.

 

Be sure to live up to the high standards of Broadcasting set by our favorite announcer: Tommy Heinsohn

(the NBA forum is officially on life-support)

 

Congrats!!