Posted April 20, 200520 yr Len Kasper who is now the voice of the Chicago Cubs took some time to answer questions for the Marlins fans he entertained for years. 10 Questions with Len Kasper MarlinsBaseball.com: What do you miss about the Marlins? Len Kasper: I miss the people I worked with the most, although I've made a bunch of great new friends with the Cubs. It was just a great atmosphere in which to work. But again, I'm having a blast with the Cubs, so I'm very fortunate. MB.com: What is the major difference between calling games for the Marlins and for WGN? LK: Interesting question. Probably the most obvious is working in Chicago vs. South Florida. Lots of days games at Wrigley and the weather always a factor (not just, "When is it going to rain?"). MB.com: What is the most difficult thing about being a play by play guy? LK: I think the daily preparation is pretty intense, but I enjoy it because I love the work and the game of baseball. Staying on top of the action and always anticipating what might happen. It's a great challenge every night and I try to get a little better every day I work. MB.com: Who were your heroes growing up? LK: As a broadcaster, Ernie Harwell, no doubt. His partner Paul Carey was terrific and I also watched George Kell and Al Kaline a lot. But Ernie has always been at the top of the list. MB.com: What got you into broadcasting? LK: Well, I wanted to be Ernie Harwell! MB.com: What advice would you have for kids that want to broadcast someday? LK: First off, do it because you LOVE it, not because you think you can make a lot of money doing it. It's not easy to break in because so many people want to do it. Stick with it because many people get out of it because it's hard to make a good living in some situations. And you cannot replace experience. It takes time to become comfortable doing it at a high level. MB.com: What was your most embarassing mistake you have ever made on the air? LK: Oh, I'm sure I've made more than I can remember. I called a HR in Detroit last year when the ball was caught. Luckily I corrected it just before we went to commercial. I'm human, but I don't like to make mistakes like that. MB.com: How friendly are you with the players and do you feel it's necessary to keep your distance to maintain objectivity? LK: I don't think too much about it other than when I'm at the park, I always spend time in the clubhouse and/or around the batting cage just to get a sense of what's going on that day and if I have questions, I always ask the players to get their thoughts. MB.com: Out of all players you have seen this year so far, who is going to surprise us, either this year or very soon. LK: I keep seeing glimpses of greatness from Corey Patterson, and if he becomes consistent, he will be a star. MB.com (User Question by fishywishy): Your rock and roll past is well known amongst the Len fanatics. What are your favorite bands and what do you listen to now? I know that's two questions but too bad. LK: Well, I'd say I'm digging The Hives for sure. Still haven't seen them live, which I need to do. The Figgs put out an album every 6 months or so it seems, so I always check them out. Still waiting for Tommy Keene's new release. He's a guy who NEVER got the credit he deserved for being one of the most amazing power pop singer-songwriters ever. And a great guy from what I've gathered in limited conversations with him. If you ever get a chance to check out any Tommy Keene music, do it, you won't be disappointed.
April 20, 200520 yr first of all *throws poo at Len for being the Cubs guy now* second of all thanks for doing 10 Qs all the Len-Heads are gonna go nuts!
April 20, 200520 yr Len was pretty good :thumbdown Waltz is the worst ever :thumbup Joe Angel was the best ever
April 20, 200520 yr i can't believe len said "power pop" that's so hot. i'm gonna listen to big star and badfinger in tribute now.
April 20, 200520 yr Yay for Len....we miss you terribly....I would have liked to seen more questions about his time as Marlins broadcaster but still good nonetheless.
April 20, 200520 yr Miss you Len, but I wish you all the success in the world. P.S. just don't curse yourself by saying "Cubs" and "Champs" in the same sentence or anything... :shifty
April 20, 200520 yr Nice interview. Len's a class act; it's easy to see why he's missed. And "10 Questions" is one heck of a feature. Keep 'em coming, Admin!
April 20, 200520 yr Thank you very much for participating, Len. We all miss your play by play very much. Good luck in Chicago. :thumbup
April 21, 200520 yr len with some interseting insight. regarding corey patterson, if he learns to bring it everyday he goes 30-30 easily. miss ya len.
April 22, 200520 yr Just saw this now. Thanks for looking out for us, Admin. I still am not even nearly comfortable with this Waltz character yet.
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