PIT Ownership

[Rangers GM (Stephen)]

Hello all,

You may have noticed in recent weeks that Pittsburgh's 2024 roster has not yet been submitted for checking.


TJ is willing for me to share with you that his father is dying of terminal prostate cancer and that he is taking time away from work (and his hobbies) to assist his parents during this time.

As our league is entirely male, he wanted me to convey these words from his father: "I ignored visiting the doctor for too long and it wasn’t caught early. Don’t make the mistake I did." That’s the message he gave to TJ and his brothers when he told them his diagnosis. Acting like John Wayne took years off his life.

I am sure everyone will join me in sending their best wishes to TJ and his family. 


Personally, I have just turned 40. The NHS guidance here doesn't automatically recommend prostate checks at my age, but more and more I am hearing personal accounts where people recommend checking sooner rather than later.
I don't know what it is like in the US, but here in the UK you can buy an over-the-counter blood test for about $20 which can provide an early indicator of prostate problems, and I have taken this test. I will continue to do so periodically until I am called in for a more invasive check-up.

Perhaps this post could be the trigger you need to make that appointment that you've been putting off, or research how you might best protect yourself in the future from this terrible illness?


The comparatively insignificant part of this post is to share that TJ will be inviting a co-GM to the league to help with the running of the Pirates for the foreseeable future. I anticipate that they will join the league shortly, and I trust that everyone will make them welcome.

Thank you for your time.

Stephen

[Marlins GM (Dan)]

Thanks for passing this along, Stephen. That's just awful news for TJ, I pray for his dad and his family.

I just turned 50 in September, and met with my doctor about getting checked. I had a prostate exam a few years ago for an unrelated issue, but figure I am due for the 'age 50' exam soon. My grandfather died of prostate cancer so it's not something that I want to f' around with. I'll plan to have my exam before Christmas - happy holidays to me lol!

Take care, all.

Dan

[Red Sox GM (Nick)]

So sorry to hear that, TJ. Family always first. And I appreciate the message shared by Stephen. I work with someone also going through the same cancer. Do not take your health for granted.

[Athletics GM (Daniel)]

Sending good thoughts out to you and yours, TJ. I, like most stubborn men, haven’t put a lot of effort into maintaining my health over the last decade or so but I’ve been trying to change that now that I’m easing my way into my 30s. This will certainly go in the “You see? This is a good idea.” bucket that will help keep me accountable in making time to take care of myself for the sake of those around me.

[Astros GM (Adam)]

My heart goes out to TJ and his family as well. Those reminders are much appreciated as well. At 44 and overweight, I needed that message.

I know our acquaintance is very slight and only via a silly pastime, but it brings a warm smile to my face knowing that someone cares enough to share their very personal experience and good advice. Also, that friends across the country and world are all hoping the best for you and your family, TJ.

[Yankees GM (Ramesh)]

That is awful to hear. Thoughts and prayers are with tJ and his family during this unbelievably difficult time. Thanks for sharing Stephen.

[Rangers GM (Stephen)]

Hi all,

It's been a few weeks, but I wanted to bump this in case anyone has been putting it off or had forgotten they meant to do something.

Stephen

[Pirates GM (TJ)]

I want to thank everyone for their kind words, and their patience.

My father lost his battle three weeks ago, and I've been swamped trying to take care of things on my mom's behalf. It became apparent last fall that she has progressive dementia, and that my dad had been covering for her the last few years. He was fully bedridden (in a rented hospital bed in the living room) his final six months and a lot of things were left undone because he didn't have the physical capacity for them, and she only intermittently has the mental capacity.

Perhaps most frustrating is the fact that despite 14 months notice that he was terminal, my father never got around to completing his will. Just as the John Wayne syndrome convinced him he didn't need to see doctors until his PSA levels were over 3,000 (for comparison 10 is considered a dangerous test result, not 10k, just 10), that same attitude led him to continue putting off his will until it was too late.

(My own most recent test was at 0.6, and I have another test scheduled for next month.)

In the spirit that "learning from your mistakes is good, but learning from other people's mistakes is even better", please take the time to complete (and keep updated) your will. I've had mine for years and updated it again online a few months ago. Cost less than $50 and a couple hours of my time. Don't leave loved ones behind who don't know if you wanted to be buried or cremated, who don't know if you wanted services to be held. And don't consign your assets to the local probate courts to decide their fate.

I'll step off my soapbox, but if my words helped even one of you, it was worth it.


I'm slowly re-engaging with baseball again. I've been setting lineups in my two leagues these first few weeks, but doing little beyond obvious sit-start decisions. I'm planning on posting the Pirates first trade block of the season later today. I would ask that you cc my AGM, Sean, on any trade discussions as I have no way of knowing when I'll get stuck for a couple days jumping through a million logistical hoops for my mom and I don't want anyone to feel ignored. But the unexpectedly-competitive Pirates are reopening for business.

Finally, I'll take a moment to publicly thank Sean for his assistance with the Mibble Pirates. He was sort of blackmailed into the job. In addition to being a fine human, he's the commissioner of FBL, a league some folks here have participated in, a league where I won the FBL World Series last year. I was open with him about the offseason requirements of Mibble being substantially greater for me than those in FBL (where my team is essentially set and forget for two more years of competitive window), and had expressed that if I left Mibble this offseason I would also be leaving FBL and simply retiring from fantasy baseball after 40 years of playing. He didn't want FBL to lose me, and volunteered to take a thankless gig here. While I have thanked him repeatedly in private, he deserves the public praise as well. Any league would be lucky to have Sean in it... And yes, I'd have said all those nice things even if he hadn't wound up signing key pieces that have put us over .500 in the early going.

Thanks to everyone who helps make this league great. I had no idea that joining a NL roto league with my dad in the mid 80s would turn into a four decade hobby, but I have been grateful for the memories made here.

[Cubs GM (Dave)]

Prayers for you and your family sir.